AL Community Guide! How-to's, tips and everything else!

[Android 18]

1. Introduction

Welcome to the AL community guide! You may be asking yourself: "Well what is the AL community guide?" Well it's a guide created to help you get the most out of using the forums. This aims to provide information on how to use the many functions that are provided, as opposed to a general introduction which the Newcomer guide provides. Anyhow, on with the guide!

AL is a site that has many cool features. The forums are one of them. There is A LOT you can actually do with them; from checking out board statistics, to changing how it looks, and even how your own posts look. This guide aims to explore the various things from the useful, to the plain cool, to even the useless that you can do all around the forums. Feel free to contribute and ask questions as this guide will only continue to expand! Also, as a tip, if there is anything specific you want to find out, hit 'Ctrl+F' and this will search through the guide for whatever you type in the box. You can use this with the name of the sections as seen in the table of contents. This will save you the trouble of having to look through an otherwise lengthy post.

• A quick note on clickable links: Links in this guide look like [This] where the square brackets indicate text that can be clicked on. This is done for the purpose of making links clearer, and distinguishable as board themes don't make it clear where a link is indicated. These text links are used to make it easier to read and format the guide.

Table Of Contents
---[First Post]---
> 1. Introduction
> 2. Admins, Moderators and Assistants
> 3. Board Features
> 4. Settings
--> 4a. Overview
--> 4b. My Messages
--> 4c. Subscriptions
--> 4d. My Settings
> 5. Navigating The Site
> 6. Forum Terminology
--> 6a. Acronyms and Abbreviations
--> 6b. Word Meanings
---[Second Post]---
> 7. Using BBCode (Such as Youtube tags)
> 8. Other Tips and Tricks
--> 8a. Adding even more colour!
--> 8b. Correctly Using BBCode
--> 8c. Posting Images
--> 8d. Spacing Text and Images
> 9. Questions and Answers ~Under Construction~
> 10. Updates and Changes
---[Third Post]---
> 11. Using the Forum
--> 11a. Forum View
--> 11b. Posting
--> 11c. Front-Page Sidebar
--> 11d. Radio
--> 11e. Chat



2. Admins, Moderators and Assistants

You will notice that around the forums there are four main usergroups. These are indicated at the bottom of the forum index by the legend. Understanding the purpose of each of these is key to getting around the forums so you know the purpose of the users that belong to that group. This section aims to explain what each of them mean:

Administrators: These are who run the entire site. They deal with technical issues, and have the ability to add, remove or change anything across the forums. Admins also have the final word on big decisions, such as bannings and site changes.

Head Moderators: Head mods are those which are in charge of their designated forum. Generally, there is one head mod for each forum. Head mods are well respected and have the final word on big decisions within their designated forum. Head moderators have the ability to move, split, and lock topics, as well as announce or sticky threads. If no available mods are online and you wish to report an issue, then it's best to contact the head mod of the forum who will deal with it when they are next online.

Moderators: Mods work alongside with head mods. Mods are there to ensure that everything in their designated forum runs smoothly. They also share the same powers that head moderators do, but limited to the forum that they are a mod of. Generally, there are multiple mods for each section. If you find an issue within a forum, then you can report it to any mod of that forum that is available.

Generally, mods and head mods are responsible for running and taking care of events and features within their forum. This guide as an example being a feature of Welcomes and Goodbyes. Moderators, head moderators and administrators are also known as staff.

Assistants: While they don't share any of the abilities that admins and mods have, assistants play an important role in making the forums run smoothly as well as helping out where needed. You will gain credits as rewards for the schemes you participate in as an assistant, and it will increase your chances of becoming a mod if you regularly help out a particular section. Anyone who is not on probation may apply to be an assistant. We also ask that you have at least 100 posts, and have been here for a minimum period of one month before you are able to apply. You can sign-up [Here]. You can see the various schemes that you can participate in as an assistant in Assistant Central.

3. Board Features

There are many boardwide features that are present on AL. All of these can be accessed from either just under the AL banner or to the upper left of the banner as shown here:



Here are explanations of what each link does: Note: AL is always changing its layout and adding new features, if you notice something is not listed here, please inform an Administrator.

Row 1 -

Facebook Connect:: If you don't want to remember your password or keep logging in with your username and password, cimply click this link and a new window will pop up that will connect you with our AnimeLeague Facebook page. In this window, you can either deny our Facebook page to have access to your basic information (any information you make public as per Facebook settings) and who you want to see that you've connected to our Facebook page (options in a drop-down menu). Once you log into Facebook, you'll be connected to your account!

Notifications: This area will turn a different color when you have some requests or PMs awaiting your attention; a number of notifications will appear as well. Click the drop-down arrow to see how many of what requests you have waiting for you and click to be directed to a window where you can approve, deny, or answer the request/PM. Clicking the drop-down arrow when you don't have any notifications will give you an option to go to your Inbox.

Friends: Clicking this will give you the following options:

• View Friends: Simply, see what friends you already have added to your AL account.
• Add/Invite Friends: Clicking this will give you three additional options. These options will allow you to add people on certain social network services or even messenger services (MSN, AIM, Beebo, Tumblr, Facebook, etc.). With this option you will need to log into your account, so be prepared to provide the e-mail or userID you use for those sites as well as your password. Keep in mind that NONE of that information will be stored or shared. The second options allows you to update a contact file (if you don't have one already, you'll see instructions on how to make one) and find some of the friends on your contact file who are already here. The last option simply allows you to type in your friends e-mail addresses and we'll send an invite that way.
• Search Members: Clicking this option will take you to a window where you can search our memberlist for people you know are already on this site and just need to add them to your friends list.
• Friendliest Members: Clicking this option will take you to a page where you can see who has the most friends in their friend list on the site. The stats page will give you the top 50.

Messages: Straight-forward; clicking this will take you to your Inbox.

Edit Profile: This option will take you to a new window where you can edit any/all information on your page. The options you will initially see are options for your e-mail, country of residence, hobbies, age, etc. You can find other information for more advanced settings to the left. More information on what these options do are available in Part 3 of this guide.

Settings: Clicking this will take you to an area wher eyou can see all of your Subscribed Threads. Mainly, those that have new posts you haven't seen. In the lower right corner of this area, you will see an option to view all Subscribed threads. Information on how to subscribe to a thread are detailed in Part 3. To the left of this window, you will also find the advanced setting for editing your profile and account.

Logout: Clicking this will log you out of your account. This is useful for increased security, as well as if multiple people use your computer and access AL. When you go to log back in, your name and password may automatically be remembered if you chose for you internet browser to do so. Logging in as hidden will not show that you're online to other members, but will automatically log you out after a set time period of inactivity. If you do not click the "Remember Me" option below the Username input box, you will also be logged out automatically after 15 or so minutes of inactivity.

Row 2 -

Main: Simply takes you to the forums' Index page.

Website: Gives you the following options -

• Frontpage: This area is where you can find all of the articles our writers create for the front page. You will also find announcements on AL-run events both on the forums and off the forums, so keep an eye out for this area! If you're interested in becoming a writer, please go [Here] to find the scheme, find out what it will entail and sign-up to become an assistant.
• IRC: This is ALs IRC Chatroom where you can chat with many of our members about virtually anything. While we do have a chat feature located at the bottom of the index page, they are not mutually exclusive.
• Contact Us: Clicking this will open up a request to use an e-mail program on your computer. Once you select a program, an e-mail will be sent to ALs e-mail account and you should receive a response within 48 hours.
• Affiliate With Us:All of our Affiliates are listed on the left of the Frontpage. This link will take you to an article on the Frontpage with instructions on how you can become a partner and/or sponsor of AnimeLeague.
• Link to Us Similar to the "Affiliate with Us" page, this link will take you to a Frontpage article where you can find banners to place on your website. If you link to us, we can place a link on our website for you as well.
• Join our Staff: We have four levels of staff: Admin, Hmod, Mod and Assistant. This link will take you to a page where you can apply for one of those positions (or may contain links where you can do so) and where you can also sign-up to become a Crew member for our Events. So if you attend Alcon, LAC, and other such events that AL hosts and would like to be apart of our Crew, this is the place to do it!
• Staff List: A simple list of all our Admins, Hmods, Mods, Assistants and Events Crew.

Forum: Gives you the following options -

• My Subscribed Threads: Takes you to a list of all the threads you have subscribed to. Depending on your settings, this could be threads you've posted in, or manually subscribed to. More details on how to subscribe to threads given in Part 3.
• Index Page: The main forum page of AL where all Forums and their respective staff are viewable.
• Awards: This is where you can find all the available awards on the forums. Some are section or board-wide awards that you earn when you participate in that certain event. Others are awards that have been suggested by users to be recommended and requested by users. You can contact the Community Administrator via PM with your.
• Search: An option available to you for searching the forums. You can use this feature to search for anything on our forums.
• Calendar: Our Calendar may contain the details of events currently being held or will in the future. When viewing those events (by clicking on them), you may RSVP to that event so the person running the Event knows how many people plan to participate and can notify you of any delays or changes in the event. Also, you can find a list of every person having a Birthday that day, month, or months ahead.
• Forum Statistics: Mainly used for staffing purposes, this area can be utilized if you want to know who has the most friends, who has the least, who has left the most visitor messages, how many people have posted in a section (and how many posts within that week), etc.
• Memberlist: A list of every member on our forum with the newest members listed first and the oldest members (those who have been here longer) at the end. You can filter the results of the Member List using the legend at the top or using the "Search Members" feature in the upper right corner.
• Active Topics: A list of all the topics that have been posted in recently. All topics are listed in order of newer/more recent posts first. This list contains all the topics posted in the last week.
• Latest Posts Live: This is a list of all the individual posts made recently. It does update itself, so there's no need to refresh the page. You can also filter the posts shown in this list by clicking the "Subscribed Threads Only" box in the upper left corner.

Arcade: Our gaming area for all of our members, currently visible to everyone. If you find that our collection is lacking in some way, you're more than welcome to send your game suggestions to our Arcade Admin [Yami].

Triple Triad: Triple Triad is a Trading Card System that, as of May 2nd, 2012, only has the Final Fantasy TCG (Trading Card Game). Clicking this tab will take you to your stats for any and all games that we have. Under the Index banner, you will find links to purchase decks (using your credits), go to the Battle Arena and find our Rules for the TCG. Please let [Yami] know if there are any issues with the game.

Credits: Gives you the following options -

• Shop Items: A list of all the items we have in our shop. Using the menu on the left-hand side of the screen, you can navigate through the various items we have that you can purchase with your AL Credits. Please contact a Community Administrator with any issues and suggestions for new items.
• Manage Credits: If you're wanting to donate credits or just see your recent credit activity, you can do so in this menu.
• Ranks & Special Items and Shop & Credits Guide: These options take you to the same place where many of your questions on Credits, ways to spend credits, ways to earn credits and the different items that AREN'T available in the shop can be found. Questions or issues on credits and anything mentioned in that thread can be posted there. You will receive a response within 48 hours of your post.

Guides: Gives you the following options -

• FAQ: A compilation of nearly every question you may have about AnimeLeague and how to use its features. It is the longer and FAR more detailed guide than this one. This guide contains all of the features and information that are used more often by our members.
• Beginner's Guide: A short (10 Step) Guide to getting started on AnimeLeague. If you are a new member, it is recommended that you look through this thread first. This thread also links to the guide you are reading right now.
• Radio Guide: A guide on how to listen and become an AL DJ. You will also find information on our current DJs so you can determine when your favorite DJ will be on air or when the next DJ is scheduled to go on.
• How to Join Staff: If you are interested in becoming an Assistant, this link will take you to the thread where you can find out what being an Assistant entails, the process required and the schemes/sections you can help as an assistant.
• Rules: All of our 10 boardwide rules on AL. Please be sure to read these first if you are a new member. Additional rules can be found in each section at the top of the forum. By registering you are agreeing to these rules and all other rules made available to you.
• Information Central: A thread where you can find information on our Bannings and Probation procedures, what each Ban means, which Admins to contact in certain situations and information on our Credit system (it's the same thread as the "Ranks & Special Items" and "Shop & Credits Guide" thread).

Groups: Gives you the following options -

• Join a Clan: Clans are small groups of individuals who share the same hobby, fandom or interests. These groups have their own forums nestled away in ClanNation (Click the "View ClanNation" option to see all these clans and their forums). This link will take you to a place where you can sign-up for the clans, but won't take you to their forums.
• Join a Social Group: Social groups are smaller than clans and can be made for virtually everything - as long as it follows our forum-wide rules. Just like clans, anyone can make and join a social group. Unlike clans, there's no limit to how many you can be apart of.
• View Active Groups: Since nearly anyone can make a social group - even if there is one already made for that specific interest or fandom - some might not be as active as others. This option will allow you to see the most active groups ranked so that groups with messages posted recently are shown first.
• View ClanNation: Takes you to the Clan hub of our forum. Here you can see all the forums for each of the clans and can go into our CN Community forum to learn how to create your own clan, chat with CN members in the Chat topic and learn more about each clan by browsing their clan topic.

Gallery: Gives you the following options -

• Add Album: Pretty straight-forward, simply adding another album for any pictures you wish to upload. You may want to have an album for each occasion (like different Conventions you've been to), different dates, different cosplays, etc.
• View All Photos: A place where you can view all of the photos uploaded by our members.
• View All Albums: A place where you can view all of the albums our members have created for their photos.
• My Albums: An area where you can view all of the albums you have created.

4. Settings

The Settings page is where you can make a wide range of changes to your profile, as well as changes that affect the entire forum. You can make changes to your avatar, your signature, your account e-mail among others. This is a key aspect of your experience with using the forum, but understanding it can take some time. Here is an explanation of the different sections of settings and what they do:


4a. Overview

When you enter the new window, you should see all of your subscribed threads taking up the middle and right-hand side of your window. This area will show all the threads you've subscribed to that have new posts in them. If you would like to see all of your subscribed threads - new posts or not - then scroll down a bit to find the "View all Subscribed Threads".

To the left of your screen you will see:

>> My Messages: Shows you links to your Inbox, Sent Items, to Send New Message, Track Messages and Edit Folders. This doesn't include any folders you've added yourself (will explain below).

>> My Subscriptions: Shows you Subscriptions, List Subscriptions and Edit Folders options.

>> My Settings: Shows you different options you can do for you Profile, Account, Networking, Miscellaneous, and Blog. All of these will be explained below, in detail, as well.

4b. My Messages

>> Inbox: This is where you can check up on your private messages. Your inbox is messages you have received from other people. A closed envelope with a green arrow in a circle on the envelope beside a message indicates that you have replied to that message. A blue, open envelope next to the message means it's unread; and a closed white envelope means you have read the message. To delete message, check the white boxes in the right beside the message/s you wish to delete. The scroll down until you see a "Selected Messages (#)" drop-down box. The # will indicate how many messages you've selected. In the drop-down menu, you should see "Delete" - click that, then hit "Proceed".

>> Sent Messages: This shows messages that you have sent, they do not indicate if the recipient has read the messages or not. Some messages may not be automatically sent here if you have "Don't save a copy of sent messages" option selected in your General Settings area (General Settings -> Messaging and Notifications area -> Sent Private Messages can be found right above Visitor Messages),

>> Send New Message: This allows you to send a message to any member on the forum. You can send a message to up to five people at a time. Moderators and administrators have the ability to send the same message to more than five people, as well as to all members of usergroups and clans.

>> Track Messages: Since the "Sent Folder" does not show you if the recipient has read your messages or not, you can choose to click the "Request a read receipt for this message" below the text box when you click "Advanced" when replying. This means that when the recipient receives your message, they can click "yes" to confirm they've received your message. Also, the recipients may also select "Cancel" to not notify you that they have received it. In this area, you will see how many of your sent messages have confirmed receipts and how many have unconfirmed sent messages.

>> Edit Folders: Here, you can add or delete any existing folders - or even change the name of them to whatever you want. "Inbox" and "Sent" folders are default, so you won't be able to change details about those. However, you can add a "Saved" folder for important information you want to keep as well as folders for your friends messages. Keep in mind that you will have to move the messages manually to these folders, since they will automatically go into your Inbox.

To create a folder, go to the "Add New Folders" area of the Edit Folders window and type in the name of one, two or even three new folders you want to add. Once you've named them, click "Save Changes" in the lower right hand side. You will find that your folders show up after your sent folder.


4c. My Subscriptions

>> Subscriptions & List Subscriptions: These are typically threads that you've created or have manually or automatically subscribed to (see 4d on automatic subscriptions). Clicking this will take you to the "List Subscriptions" you see below this option. It will take you to the new window with all of your current subscriptions. You will be able to see if there has been a new post, who the post was made by and when they made that post. By clicking "" next to the day and time last posted in, it will take you to the new post made by that user.

>> Edit Folders: Provides you with the same abilities as the "Edit Folders" option in your Messages. However, "Subscriptions" are not an automatic folder, so you may change the name to that folder and add new ways anyway you like. Creating new folders is done exactly like with making new message folders. To edit the current name, look under "Your Folders", you should see the current name of your Subscription folder. Simply highlight the text and type in a new name. Once you've selected the name, click "Save Changes" in the lower right (only use the first "Save Changes" so that it will save the name change).

4d. My Settings

>> Edit Profile: This is where you can fill in and edit information about yourself which is publicly viewable to everyone else. (The exception to this is your date of birth, but your age is shown). It is recommended you fill in as much information as you can so that people can get an at-a-glance overview about you, but it isn't necessary. Your custom title is a caption that appears underneath your name on every post you make, this is made by default depending on your post count, rank bar or status on AL (assistant, moderator, head moderator and admin). We have what is called a "Status" on VBulletin that you can go ahead and edit to be your Custom Title - it functions the same as it did on the old forums, however, you must edit it by going to "My Profile" (at the top of the screen) and clicking the edit button below your avatar.

>> Edit Profile Picture: This lets you upload another image that will take the place of their avatar when you click to see their profile.

>> Edit Avatar: Your avatar is an icon that appears below your name on every post you make, as well as on your profile and in the arcade. You can chose to have your avatar hosted on the forum, or you can provide a link to an image provided from elsewhere (See section 7c). "Upload from Computer" and "Link off-site" are two options for using your own avatar. It is recommended you link off-site to avoid errors. You do not need to modify the avatar dimensions, the forum will automatically detect the dimensions of the image for you. Modifying this may result in what looks like a squished image. If you don't have your own, you can scroll down a little bit more to see ALs pre-defined avatars. We currently have 120 avatars from you to choose from. Below the first 10 avatars, you will see page numbers that you can browse through to see all 120. When you find something you like, select the round button besides the file name and hit "Save Changes".

>> Edit Signature: This is where you can modify your forum signature. Your signature is automatically attached to every post you create. Everything you can do to regular posts (See section 6) can be applied to the signature. Modifying the signature will also affect all past posts you have made, as well as future ones you create. Although, if you have recently added a signature after making some posts around the boards, your new signature will not be added to those previous posts. If you want your signature to show up, you must go to those posts, select "Edit Post", then "Go Advanced". You should see "Show your Signature" in the Additional Options area under the text box. Check the box and scroll down to select "Save changes".

There is a size limit for signatures however, in which they can be no bigger than 800 pixels in width, and 300 pixels in height. For more information on content that is allowed in signatures, as well as what the limit looks like, see [Here]. You can disable forum signatures in 'General Settings' (General Settings -> Thread Display Options).

>> Edit Profile Privacy: Here you can change who can see every part of your profile: what groups your in, your statuses, your contact info, profile picture, etc. If you don't want the default of "Everyone" to see certain things, simply click the appropriate drown-down menu and select the status they must have to view your stuff.

>> Edit E-mail & Password: Pretty straight forward. If you ever want to change your password or change your e-mail address, you can do so here. Be sure to select "Save Changes" once you finish.

>> General Settings: Here you can select many settings for your forum experience. If you want to hide from regular members, assistants and moderators you can do so here by selecting "Invisible Mode On". You can select how your subscriptions are set-up, how you want to receive notification of who has posted in your subscribed threads, who can PM you, how you want to be notified you've received a PM, where your sent messages go, etc. There are a TON of features available, so read through this area and select the permissions you want for your forum experience.

>> Edit Connections: This area allows you to connect Facebook to AnimeLeague. To connect, simply click on "Connect with Facebook". Once you do, the blue facebook "Connect" button that shows up in the upper right of the AL Banner will be replaced with your facebook image. Around the forums, you may also find "Like this thread" at the top of the threads you're reading. Like other sites, you will also see how many of your facebook friends have liked that thread as well.

>> Clan Groups: Just like in the Clans option at the top of the forum (explained in section 3), this will show you all of the active clans we have on our forums, as well as your own. You can also request to join clans through this feature.

>> Edit Ignore List: Here you can search users you do not want to contact you, PM you or anything of that nature. Simply search their username and select "Okay".

>> Edit Arcade Settings: Allows you to customize how you want to be contacted when your high score has been beaten, how you wish to accept challenges, etc.

>> Friends & Connections: Takes you to the same place "Friends & Contacts" did from the Community drop-down menu explained in section 3. Here you can add people to your friend list by scrolling all the way down to the "Add a Member to Your List" area and click "Add Friend" - which will then send them a friend request of sorts so that you will show up on their friend list as well.

In the upper right corner, above all of your current friends on AL, you will find a search area that will allow you to find a friend on your list - if you have multiple pages. You may want to do this for quick access to send them a PM, leave them a visitor message or even to delete them off your friends list. Deleting a friend off your list is easy. You'll see little checked boxes in the upper left corner of each friends' avatar. Unchecking this box and clicking "Save Changes" will remove those with unchecked boxes from your friend list.

>> Event Reminders: When I explained the Calendar in section 3, I told you there was an option to view details about events posted. What I didn't mention was that, at the bottom of the event message, there is an option to be reminded of that event if you're interested in attending or taking part. Once you click that option, all event reminders will show up here for you!

>> Attachments: This window allows you to see any and all attachments you've posted anywhere on the forums. To post attachments, simply select "Manage Attachments" when you're in the Advanced reply reply box (just click "Advanced" to get there). A pop-up window will appear with options to allow you to upload files and images from your computer (click browse to find) and images from other websites (simply place the URL of the image in there). Once you've uploaded your attachments, select the appropriate "Upload" button.

>> Blog: Clicking "Blog" will take you to the Blogs area discussed above in section 3.


5. Navigating the site

Navigating AL is rather simple. There are many symbols and signs that make getting around AL an easier experience, but getting used to them can take time. One of the first things you may notice is a '+' sign (This may be different depending on your AL scheme) next to each forum and topic. At the very bottom of the forums and sub-forums there is an icon legend which may look something like this:



New posts means that there are new posts within the thread since you last visited. No new posts means the opposite. A topic that is locked you can't post in, unless you are a moderator or admin.

There can be many sub-forums within a forum. For a quick way of navigating back to the forum list, click the banner or click 'Forum' underneath it. You can also quickly navigate to the main forum if you're in a sub-forum. For example, if you've gone into Assistant Central to check out scheme's, and want to head back into community central to sign up as an assistant, then you can click on that section below the banner. A paper clip to the right of the topic () indicates there are attachments within it, expect possible long load times on a slow connection. Holding your mouse over the paper clip will tell you how many attachments are in the section.


6. Terminology

There is a lot of different terminology used across AL. Some of then may appear obvious, others not so. There are a lot of acronyms, abbreviations and not-quite-so common words used across the boards. This section aims to list all of which are used around AL. If there is any that you'd like to see added, then mention it in a reply and it will be added here.


6a. Acronyms and Abbreviations

There are many acronyms and abbreviations used to describe various aspects of the site. Some of these are very commonly used, others not so much. The acronyms and abbreviations included here are specifically for forum terms and those exclusive to AL. Commonly used words in instant messaging and texting for example, aren't included. Below is a list compiled of commonly used acronyms and abbreviations across AL:

AC: Assistant Central Admin: Administrator AL: AnimeLeague ALJ: AnimeLeague Journals ATTN: Attention Ava/Avi: Avatar A&M: Anime and Manga BBCode: Bulletin Board Code BCC: Blind Carbon Copy CL: Crazy League CN: Clannation CNC: Clannation Community

Con: Convention CS: Cityscape DB: Dropbox EZ: Entertainment Zone EH: ]Entrance Hall GFX: Graphics GD: General Discussion Img: Image IRL: In Real Life ITT: In This Thread LAC: London Anime Convention L&W: Literature & Writing MEC: Meetups, Events & Clubs MCA: Manga & Comic Artists Mod: Moderator

Px: Pixels RB: Ramblings RP: Roleplay Sig/Siggy: Signature VG: Video Gaming YT: Youtube

6b. Word Meanings

There are many words, from the common to the unconventional, that are used throughout AL. Below is a list of words that may not be understood clearly:

Avatar: An image which is used to represent yourself.
Clan: A clan on AL is a sub-forum in which groups of people interact with each other for various reasons, such as roleplaying, of which the clan is based on.
Fanbar: A variation of the userbar, a fanbar is similar in tradition but has a specific focus on which the user is a fan of. These may look like 'AnimeLeague fan' for example.
Forum: A section which is primarily focused around a subject where users can discuss and chat with each other. Usually a website (Such as AL) contains more than one forum to provide variety and attract a larger base of people.
Message Board: Another term for forum.
Probation: A period of time where a user is monitored and has limited access of the forums. This is issued when a user makes more than few rule breakages.
Rankbar: Not to be confused with the userbar or fanbar, a rankbar is a small bar that appears below the username which shows the rank of the user.

• Note: Although AL uses rankbars, these are not used to show someones status on the forums and are purely trivial. Rankbars can be brought from the shop using credits. For more information about the shop, see [This thread].

Signature: A signature on forums is something that will be automatically attached to every post you make. It's as if signing every post you make with your 'Signature'.
Spacer: This is literally an empty image. This is one method of spacing images and text apart from each other. For more information on using spacer's, see section 7.
Sub-forum: A sub-forum is a forum within a forum. These are usually focused on a more specific subject within a broader subject.
Thread: Term used to describe a topic, in which users can post in.
Userbar: A popular item used in signatures. These vary in sizes and length, but are distinguishable for traditionally being very small in height and very wide in width.