Using the Macon County board as an example: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=board&r=rw&p=localities.northam.usa.states.georgia.counties.macon 1. Log In (far right side of screen) "Log in" is not necessary. However, I usually do this for a couple of reasons. a. Once you have logged in the first time, and created a "profile"...on my computer anyway, then all I have to do is "click" on my "log-in name" which comes up on the second screen....after you first clicked "log in". b. If I ever changed my e-mail address, I can easily change it on EVERY single message I ever posted, by "editing" my profile c. It saves me typing my name and e-mail if I plan to answer more than one message. d. You can create a "Favorites Board List"...see below 2) This is all in one straight line across the top....and shows you exactly "where" you are. Boards > Localities > North America > United States > States > Georgia > Counties > Macon If you clicked on any of the above, you could reach other boards quickly. 3) Macon (3539) This tells you there are 3539 queries posted on the Macon County Boards! (Very active board!) 4) Messages posted to this board also appear in the "[email protected]" mailing list. This lets you know that all the postings are also going to come through the County Mailing List. I like this system. Some County managers do not. It has to be a mutual decision between the County Mailing List Manager and the County Board Manager. When the messages come to the list, there is a clickable line, so you can immediately go to the Board and post your reply. 5) List Messages| Post New Message Click here to post 6)| Add Board To Favorites * l like this feature. But, you do need to be logged in to be able to use it. Essentially, it will just add the Macon County Board to your "list of favorites". Every time you log in, then you'll see right by YOUR NAME (which shows up once you've logged in)... "my favorites". Click on this, and you'll get a listing of those boards you like to visit. This will take you quickly between surname boards, county boards, etc. 7)| Add Board To Notifications If you want to be notified every time a new message is posted on this board, click here. Again, you need to be logged in. IF you weren't a member of the County Mailing List, OR if your County mailing List is not "gatewayed".... then you might want to do this. I don't think you get the "whole message" though...just an announcement. (I've not used this feature, so I'm not sure) 8)| Links & Announcements This tells you the Board Manager and gives the e-mail address. Macon County is one that I'm just holding temporarily until Millie and Margie can take it back But....go to my Taylor county Board. http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=board&r=rw&p=localities.northam.usa.states.georgia.counties.taylor CLICK on "links and Announcements"....and you'll see the possibilities for this "new box". The Manager of the Board can create any sort of informational help they want to. And also announce "new files", etc. Lots of possibilities. Hope this will help you explore and use the Boards.... I still consider them the best method of reaching people with your messages. Ancestry.com has pledged that these Boards will always remain in the "free" section so nobody will ever have to pay for what you have posted there. If you have personal questions, I'll be glad to work with you... Virginia Crilley