The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Community => Announcements => Topic started by: Dan on May 13, 2011, 02:21:27 pm
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We're working hard on the next version of the TAS website at the moment, and soon (measured in weeks!) we'll be looking for a few folk (~20) to have a look around the site, test it, and give us some feedback. You can spend as much or as little time as you want testing, all we ask is that you're honest and patient!
If you're interested please reply in this thread. I won't reply to you all, but if you get you name down here you we'll send an invite.
Thank you in advance to anyone who volunteers. :bouquet:
(SallyintNorth and Sudanpan, you're already on the list. :) )
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Yep I will have a look round it for you, love to be nosey :)
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Me too, Dan, looking for new ideas for my own one anyway ;)
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Happy to help too.
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I can help. :)
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Me too :wave:
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me
have done a fair bit of web testing for various things its good fun poking buttons and seeing if they do what there supposed to etc.
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I would be happy to have a look at this.
Simon
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I would love to
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Count me in if you need me - Clare
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and me... I'll do the "Idiots' Guide" as I'm not that techy when it comes to ICT ;D
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And me!
I'd love to do it!
McR :wave:
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I am interested as well and would like to help.
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Love to help
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Dan,
If you need anyone else you can count me in
Sally
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Och, just send it live, Dan, and we'll ALL test it! ::) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Me to
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Happy to help if I can. Good luck with it all.
Liz
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Happy to help Dan if needed.
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Thanks everyone, that's great. :)
I'll be in touch in due course with details.
We have enough volunteers now, so this topic has been locked.
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All of those who kindly volunteered to test the new site should have received an email with some information - if you haven't, or if there are any other willing testers, please holler.
Thanks,
Dan
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Happy to help if you need any more testers.
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Happy to help if you need any more testers.
Have PM'd you, thanks Anna. :)
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I'll help too if you need anyone else Dan :wave:
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I'll help too if you need anyone else Dan :wave:
Ta, PM sent. :)
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Would be interested in giving it a go :wave:
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Would be interested in giving it a go :wave:
PM sent. :)
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wondered if it will have a like button some posts i like and would love to hve as like button that i could click like on facebook
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wondered if it will have a like button some posts i like and would love to hve as like button that i could click like on facebook
Every single page on the new site has a button to share on Facebook, including all forum posts. :)
Would a Like button be useful as well? Not being a big Facebook user I don't really know the difference between Share and Like... :o
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Happy to give any help I can.
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if someones writes a good post and you think its great funny etc you press like saves you writing a similar post i like it lol ::)
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Need any more opinions or have you plenty now? ;) I'd gladly have a look if you're still wanting feedback..
I'm not keen to link to FB personally, so hope what I say can remain within the TAS community even if someone else FB's a thread I have commented on or started? Sorry, not techie enough about FB to know what you're suggesting tho link is definitely not the same as like :)
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dont agree with the fb hook up. fb's a pain and is too open.
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dont agree with the fb hook up. fb's a pain and is too open.
There's no automatic Facebook integration, it's a simple button that lets members share any page on Facebook (i.e. link to it).
I'm not a big user of it myself, but lots of people love it and want to use it to share.
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dont agree with the fb hook up. fb's a pain and is too open.
I agree. I feel rather sheltered here. I have a business page on facebook and yet I come here to ask for advice & share details about that business. I certainly wouldn't want that shared on facebook.
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I too have misgivings.
I'll expand a little, mainly for Dan's benefit to understand where we're coming from.
My Facebook settings are secure verging on paranoid, so if I shared something from here it would be visible only to my very small number of FB friends, all of whom are my actual real life friends and whom I know personally.
However a lot of people (a) accept any and all 'friend requests' and therefore have literally hundreds of FB friends and (b) don't set their security to limit the visibility of things they post and share to their 'friends only' anyway.
The upshot of which is, this charmed and charming environment we have here, where for the most part the only people that find us and read our posts are people who've typed something like 'curing bacon' or 'muck boots' or 'wannabe smallholder' into a search engine, will change.
The type of person who sends everyone they come across on Facebook a 'friend request' will arrive here in droves.
Well, that may not cause any problems at all and may well result in lots of perfectly acceptable new members we wouldn't have had otherwise. Or, we may find we get 'stalkers' and start to feel that we are inundated with input from people who aren't quite what they seem - and some of us may natter on the site less, or leave.
I perhaps will become even more careful about posting anything that identifies what we might have here that could be worth stealing, and anything that indicates that we may be away for a day or two...
I guess there's only one way to find out... and if, as Dan says, there are people who have requested this functionality then I guess we have to give it a go.
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i can see where you are comming from sally but if you wont travel to buy a bargain on tas then scottish thiefs are not going to travel to screw your property likewise the english thiefs wont travel to scotland unless both sets of tollies are on a screwing holiday
i am not on face book or tweeting just cant be gassed with slavering the lugs of others i can do that when i meet them in person :farmer:
it would more than lilkely be locals that would be watching your facebook and they know your movements better than you do :farmer:
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wondered if it will have a like button some posts i like and would love to hve as like button that i could click like on facebook
Every single page on the new site has a button to share on Facebook, including all forum posts. :)
Would a Like button be useful as well? Not being a big Facebook user I don't really know the difference between Share and Like... :o
I am not happy with this at all. I don't use FB and don't want to be quoted or identified on it - dinosaur maybe. Sally has put it very well.
I have only just found this discussion hidden away in 'TAS testers wanted' - I think it's something which everyone should have the opportunity to discuss.
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I perhaps will become even more careful about posting anything that identifies what we might have here that could be worth stealing, and anything that indicates that we may be away for a day or two...
A smart move. As I've said before, the thing is, it's so easy to piece together someones life/family/movements/house/land/what they own from their posts. Little by little these things add up, putting together a fairly accurate picture of someones life. Then they go and tell the world they are going to some show or other - in effect telling everyone when they are out.
I may often come across here as the big bad wolf with some of my 'heads up' comments, so don't take offence (again) folks - I'm just pointing out how things appear to the world. In a past life I used to Systems Analyse software so maybe I'm just more aware of all this.
I am not happy with this at all. I don't use FB and don't want to be quoted or identified on it - dinosaur maybe. Sally has put it very well.
I have only just found this discussion hidden away in 'TAS testers wanted' - I think it's something which everyone should have the opportunity to discuss.
Good point.
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Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to explain what it is that will appear on the new site, and why it's no different to the way the forum is set up now, then I'll respond to each point you've raised.
I understand that privacy is important, and that Facebook has a reputation for being more open than many of us would like it to be. That's one reason why I don't use it, and prefer to use forums like this.
The new TAS site has a button at the top of every page that when clicked allows a Facebook user to 'Share' that page. That means the page is shared with their Facebook friends, and a link to the page posted on Facebook.
There are also buttons for posting to Twitter, and for sharing by email, delicious, and other channels. I've attached a screen snippet of the buttons.
Any Facebook user can already do this, whether they are a member of TAS or not. This is important, we aren't opening the forum up to anything that isn't already possible and happening, just making it easier.
The additional step they may have to take at the moment is to copy the site address and then paste it into Facebook, although there are lots of Facebook plugins for browsers that make it simple as clicking a button.
Why have we put the button on? For three primary reasons:
1. It means we can easily see exactly where TAS is shared on Facebook and respond or contribute if necessary.
2. We want more people to come to TAS. If sharing on Facebook opens the forum to a wider audience we think that's a good thing. More on this below.
3. Many of the forum members are users of Facebook and want to share with their friends. We want to make it easy for them to do that.
There seems to be two main issues:
1. Privacy.
2. The possibility of TAS being inundated with new members who somehow change the nature of the forum.
dont agree with the fb hook up. fb's a pain and is too open.
As I've described above, there is no 'fb hook up' - your profile here will not be linked with any profile on Facebook, nor will anyone on Facebook be able to do anything they haven't already been able to do for years. Your opinion of Facebook is valid, but not everyone shares it.
I agree. I feel rather sheltered here. I have a business page on facebook and yet I come here to ask for advice & share details about that business. I certainly wouldn't want that shared on facebook.
This is a moderated forum, so unlike Facebook we do exercise quite a lot of control when things are posted that we don't think should be, or when members don't behave in the spirit of the forum. That will not change. But it is an open forum - anyone can come here and read what's posted without registering. We will add a members' only forum on the new site, but the subject boards will remain public and open.
My Facebook settings are secure verging on paranoid, so if I shared something from here it would be visible only to my very small number of FB friends, all of whom are my actual real life friends and whom I know personally.
However a lot of people (a) accept any and all 'friend requests' and therefore have literally hundreds of FB friends and (b) don't set their security to limit the visibility of things they post and share to their 'friends only' anyway.
The upshot of which is, this charmed and charming environment we have here, where for the most part the only people that find us and read our posts are people who've typed something like 'curing bacon' or 'muck boots' or 'wannabe smallholder' into a search engine, will change.
The type of person who sends everyone they come across on Facebook a 'friend request' will arrive here in droves.
Well, that may not cause any problems at all and may well result in lots of perfectly acceptable new members we wouldn't have had otherwise.
That's what we're hoping and expecting. People who are interested in the subject matter will arrive, have a look around, and hopefully register and contribute.
I don't subscribe to the idea that droves of people will come here and register just because it's here. If they do register and don't behave, they will be removed. I delete dozens of accounts on here every day - as I said above this is a moderated forum, and will remain so. We may need some more moderators, and have some volunteers already.
Or, we may find we get 'stalkers' and start to feel that we are inundated with input from people who aren't quite what they seem - and some of us may natter on the site less, or leave.
Sorry Sally, that's scaremongering. The forum is already open to every internet user in the world, and the idea that making it easier to share on Facebook somehow suddenly changes the nature of the members we have here is simply not true.
I perhaps will become even more careful about posting anything that identifies what we might have here that could be worth stealing, and anything that indicates that we may be away for a day or two...
You should already exercise this self-censorship, regardless of whether it's a members-only forum or public. Adding a Facebook share button does not alter this.
I am not happy with this at all. I don't use FB and don't want to be quoted or identified on it - dinosaur maybe. Sally has put it very well.
Hopefully the description I've given of what exactly it is that we're adding will allay these fears. Nothing has changed about what people can see or share, or who can be identified by what they do here.
I have only just found this discussion hidden away in 'TAS testers wanted' - I think it's something which everyone should have the opportunity to discuss.
Describing it as "hidden away" seems to suggest that we're trying to keep something from you, and I hope that's not what you think. Everyone does have the opportunity to discuss it, here, where it's no more hidden away than any post on the forum.
To summarise:
There's clearly some strong feelings about Facebook, but as I've said above we're not doing anything to make the forum less secure.
The only effect that this button can have is to send more people to the forums. We think that's a good thing. We already get a lot of visitors here, and deal with those who aren't welcome accordingly.
Thanks,
Dan
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Oh dear, here I go again making myself popular.....
More 'hits' on a website = more advertising revenue. Linking to Facebook, Twitter etc = more hits.
Where's a big wooden stirring spoon smiley when you need one.....
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More 'hits' on a website = more advertising revenue. Linking to Facebook, Twitter etc = more hits.
Your problem is WHAT exactly?
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More 'hits' on a website = more advertising revenue. Linking to Facebook, Twitter etc = more hits.
Your problem is WHAT exactly?
No no rosemary - YOUR problem is what exactly? I say it as I see it.
Why do you take offence at so many of my posts?
PS: I'd better point out that my post only mentions something that some folks don't know. Why rosemary would make the 'what's your problem' comment is undeserved and uncalled for.
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More 'hits' on a website = more advertising revenue. Linking to Facebook, Twitter etc = more hits.
I'm not sure what your point is either.
The website generates a small amount of money from advertising. That amount is likely to increase if we have more visitors.
As is the amount of time spent keeping the site spam-free, and running smoothly.
As is the cost of running a fairly beefy webserver - it's being upgraded next week, costing an extra £80 per month.
I've spent my spare time for the past two years developing the new site.
You're suggesting we do this for the money?!
Where's a big wooden stirring spoon smiley when you need one.....
Do you have an issue with advertising? Would you rather we moved to a subscription model where members paid an annual fee? Would you rather we didn't do it at all?
You've sung this song before:
I get the impression you hope to sell this website in due course?
I dunno - just my twopenneth.
But never responded when asked why you thought that.
If you've got something to say, say it. Otherwise you are just stirring. ::)
Dan
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Do I have to be making a point? I'm just explaining to some folks how these things work, why is that a problem for you.
Why would you consider it 'stirring' to point something out?
Where's a big wooden stirring spoon smiley when you need one.....
Re my quote above - it's called a sense of humour Dan - didn't your wife rosemary once tell me to get one? I didn't get too upset at that although it was rude, as was her 'French pee in holes' post (that one was both rude and racist, but I digress).
You've sung this song before:
I get the impression you hope to sell this website in due course?
I dunno - just my twopenneth.
But never responded when asked why you thought that.
If you've got something to say, say it. Otherwise you are just stirring. ::)
Dan
Actually you did respond. Are we not allowed to ask a simple question? This forum would have few posts if we didn't.
And I am 'saying it' isn't that why you are so offended? Although I can't see why.
To sum up, I'm knowledgeable, kind and very helpful on this forum. I take the time and effort to try and help folks who need my help. And for this I get Sh*t thrown at me. Thanks.
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Why would you consider it 'stirring' to point something out?
Re my quote above - it's called a sense of humour Dan - didn't your wife rosemary once tell me to get one? I didn't get too upset at that although it was rude, as was her 'French pee in holes' post (that one was both rude and racist, but I digress).
You've sung this song before:
I get the impression you hope to sell this website in due course?
I dunno - just my twopenneth.
But never responded when asked why you thought that.
If you've got something to say, say it. Otherwise you are just stirring. ::)
Dan
Firstly, it was you that pointed out you were stirring it. As my old ma used to say, it's not what you say, it's the way that it's said.
Secondly, you DO have a long memory and bear a grudge. As I recall, I apologised for that particular comment (If I didn't, I certainly should have).
Thirdly, it was YOU who did not respond when Dan asked you why you expressed the thought that we were "going to sell the website in due course" (Just your twopenneth though)
Finally, yes, you are helpful, kind and just the sort of member we all appreciate on TAS - I just don't get the snide remarks about the website.
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even if it is sold, in the words of the anti nowhere league
'so what'
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We couldn't sell it - I'd miss all these robust exchanges of view ;D
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Do I have to be making a point? I'm just explaining to some folks how these things work, why is that a problem for you.
It's puzzling because this is a thread about testing the new website, and out of nowhere you introduced the subject of advertising.
The implication was we are adding a Facebook button to the website to make money. Or did it just pop into your head to explain to us all how the world of advertising works?
Why would you consider it 'stirring' to point something out?
Err, because you said it was.
Re my quote above - it's called a sense of humour Dan - didn't your wife rosemary once tell me to get one? I didn't get too upset at that although it was rude, as was her 'French pee in holes' post (that one was both rude and racist, but I digress).
I've no idea about that, Rosemary is big enough to look after herself.
Actually you did respond. Are we not allowed to ask a simple question? This forum would have few posts if we didn't.
Err, it was you who didn't respond. Just like here, you introduced a topic that had nothing to do with the discussion at hand, but could be read as implying other motives for us improving the website than just liking to help people.
And I am 'saying it' isn't that why you are so offended? Although I can't see why.
I'm not offended in the least. I just can't work out why you've popped up twice in threads about the development of the website, introduced subjects and then backed away from them.
To sum up, I'm knowledgeable, kind and very helpful on this forum. I take the time and effort to try and help folks who need my help.
You are, and it's very much appreciated.
And for this I get Sh*t thrown at me. Thanks.
No one's throwing sh*t at you.
You brought up a subject, I responded. If you want us to have a discussion about advertising let's have that discussion. If not, why bring it up? ???
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This is very tiresome, however you guys clearly get upset if I don't reply so in response:
Firstly, re the wooden spoon joke - I suspected you might not want me to mention hits = revenue (and I have been proved so right), hence my making light of it with a gag. At the end of the day this website is a business. Not everyone knows how websites are run with regard to getting the money in, is it really such a big deal for me to say. Yes it did just 'pop into my head' to mention it, is that a problem too. And at what point did I say I wanted a discussion about advertising (yawn). None. It was a comment.
Secondly, why do I have to reply back again when I asked if you were going to sell the website in due course? What more was there for me to add. It was a simple question, I can't see anymore in it than that, even if you can.
even if it is sold, in the words of the anti nowhere league
'so what'
Exactly.
Thirdly the 'twopenneth' phrase seems to have really got your back up. It's pointless to even try to justify that one, it's just a saying; 'my twopenneth for what it's worth'.
Snide remarks: If you want to take my comments that way so be it. I just see how things come across on the Internet and I've merely commented on them.
Now you are saying it's off topic but you complain if I don't respond. I can't win. Threads do run off topic from time to time and this is one of them.
Pick this response off sentence by sentence too if you want, but for me I think this has been covered quite thoroughly thank you.
Time out boys and girls.
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I suspected you might not want me to mention hits = revenue (and I have been proved so right)
Please stop projecting. ::)
I keep trying to discuss hits = revenue (or advertising, same thing) and you keep avoiding the subject. Why raise it if you don't want to discuss it? ???
for me I think this has been covered quite thoroughly thank you.
You're welcome. :)
Time out boys and girls.
No problem.
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<<I have only just found this discussion hidden away in 'TAS testers wanted' - I think it's something which everyone should have the opportunity to discuss.
Describing it as "hidden away" seems to suggest that we're trying to keep something from you, and I hope that's not what you think. Everyone does have the opportunity to discuss it, here, where it's no more hidden away than any post on the forum.>>
Everyone seems a bit oversensitive today. No, that's not what I meant at all Dan, just that the subject matter has moved a bit sideways, as it does, and many people won't realise what is being discussed just by reading the subject line. I didn't look before because I didn't want to be a 'TAS tester', but when I did look I found that the subject was something I am interested in. My point is that others may be missing out too on the discussion.
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Everyone seems a bit oversensitive today. No, that's not what I meant at all Dan, just that the subject matter has moved a bit sideways, as it does, and many people won't realise what is being discussed just by reading the subject line. I didn't look before because I didn't want to be a 'TAS tester', but when I did look I found that the subject was something I am interested in. My point is that others may be missing out too on the discussion.
Sorry, you're right, need a holiday! :)
Sally has kindly added a bit to the new website thread (http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/forum/index.php?topic=1423.msg170564#msg170564) where this can be discussed.
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8) :)
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Who cares if Dan and Rosemary get paid for the site, they deserve to in my opinion! Why do some people think they have ulterior motives? Last time I looked it was a free country and people could choose what they read, looked at, listened to, shared, contributed to etc. This is a very helpful, informative, mostly friendly, and FREE resource for ANYONE to access as it is in the public domain. It is not a secret society. We must take responsibility for our own privacy and security as well as what we say to others on a public forum.
Keep up the good work Dan and Rosemary :trophy:
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Thank you to all of those who visited the test site and sent us your feedback. :bouquet:
It was very helpful indeed, quite a number of things that were broken are now fixed or in the process of being fixed. :)
The test site will remain accessible until some time on Sunday, so feel free to keep digging and sending reports.
Dan :farmer:
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I'm not a tester, but all my 'w's seem to have a bit missing - is that me or you?
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I'm not a tester, but all my 'w's seem to have a bit missing - is that me or you?
Can you elaborate please? All my 'w's look fine, but I'm not looking at your screen. :)
If you're seeing something odd please post a screen shot.
Thanks,
Dan
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Um...how do I post a screen shot? What I am seeing is the middle of the 'w' much paler than the rest of the print - not when I'm typing it, not in quotes, not in URLs, just the messages themselves. If yours is fine then presumably it's my screen which has the problem? Does anyone else see this? I will consult with my OH who might have some more ideas.
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My "w"s are fine ;D
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All my 'w's are the same as all the other characters, FW. I confess that I don't know how to take a screenshot either, though I know I used to do it when I was 'in the business'.
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There are instructions here: http://take-a-screenshot.org/
If you can include a screen shot it really helps me to understand what's happening. :)