How to post to the forum | Flat Chat Forum

HOW TO POST (print this out if you need something to refer to).
There are many different ways of getting your words on to these pages: you can start your own topic, reply to someone else's or "quote and reply" (my least favourite option).
First LOG IN. You only have to register once but you have to log in for a session whenever you want to do more than just read posts.
NEW TOPIC: If you have a brand new topic you want to raise, have a look at the general forum area that you think it's most about - common property, parking, renting etc etc - and click on ADD A NEW TOPIC which is near the top right of the window. If you're not sure where to place your posting, stick it in the WELCOME area and I'll find a new home for it.
PLEASE DON'T POST IN THIS AREA - POSTS CAN GET LOST IN HERE!
REPLY: You can add your twocentsworth to any discussion by clicking on the REPLY button at the bottom of the topic window (just after the last entry). This is the best way to get involved.
QUOTE AND REPLY: This is one to use when someone has written something specific that you want to respond to. Why do I dislike it? Because unless it's used properly, already visible postings get repeated and repeated in their entirety - not only that, they are in big blocks of blue. So please, if you use this, edit out everything in the quoted area apart from the sentence that either has your blood boiling or with which you wholeheartedly agree. Please!
EDITING: You can go back and edit your posting at any time (after you have logged in again). A misspelling or a too-harsh word can be fixed up very easily so don't worry about leaving a permanent stain anywhere. However, you can't re-edit once someone has replied.
CUTTING AND PASTING: Many posters prefer to write their posting on a word processor first , then cut and paste it into the page (as I am doing right now). It's much better if you do this in a 'text-only' format (such as Microsoft Wordpad, which comes free with most PC software). The reason for this is that the software on this Forum doesn't handle some more sophisticated word processors all that well and you end up with strange coding in the middle of sentences. Or you could just cut and paste from your normal software and then tidy it up in edit. Your call.
A WORD OF WARNING: You probably don't want to be identified, please make sure you remove anything that might identify you or your building, even indirectly (such as its specific size, age and location). A 132 unit building in Kings Cross Rd built in 2001 would be immediately recognisable to the people who live in it. A modern 100-plus unit block in Darlinghurst less so.
Likewise, please avoid using the names of individuals, companies or strata professionals with whom you are in dispute as that might open us up to being sued. In fact, even if you want to identify yourself or your company, I would strongly advise against it if you are making a complaint. Your name and a specific set of circumstances could lead to the person or company you are complaining about being identified and, however strongly you feel, it's unfair on them and, most importantly, it's unfair on me, Give yourself a short, snappy name and you can keep coming back here to help other people with their problems.
Also, if you are living outside of NSW please make that clear in your postings. Strata law differs to an incredible degree from State to state so what applies in NSW may very well not be the case where you are. However, we do have professionals who know about the law elsewhere and who read this so do ask your question, wherever you are from.
And finally, try to keep personal abuse to a minimum. I am the only idiot, cretin or (insert rude word here) on this forum, everyone else, to quote Humphrey Bogart, may merely be misinformed. - JimmyT.