Frequently Asked Questions

Locked topics are set this way by either the forum moderator or forum administrator. You cannot reply to locked topics and any poll contained inside is automatically ended. Topics may be locked for many reasons.

Moderators are individuals (or groups of individuals) whose job it is to look after the running of the forums from day to day. They have the power to edit or delete posts and lock, unlock, move, delete and split topics in the forum they moderate. Generally moderators are there to prevent people going off-topic or posting abusive or offensive material.

We are sorry to hear that. The email form feature of this forum includes safeguards to try to track users who send such posts. You should email the forum administrator with a full copy of the email you received and it is very important this include the headers (these list details of the user that sent the email). They can then take action.

Easy -- click the relevant button on either the forum or topic screens. You may need to register before you can post a message.

The most likely reasons for this are: you entered an incorrect username or password (check the email you were sent when you first registered) or the administrator has deleted your account for some reason. If it is the latter case then perhaps you did not post anything? It is usual for forums to periodically remove users who have not posted anything so as to reduce the size of the database. Try registering again and get involved in discussions.

Check that you are entering the correct username and password. If you were sent an email then follow the instructions; if you did not receive the email then check that your email address is valid. One reason activation is used is to reduce the possibility of rogue users abusing the forum anonymously. If you are sure the email address you used is valid then try contacting the administrator.

Each time you make a contribution to the How To Practice community you get awarded points.

When you register for an account you get your first point. Thereafter you get points every time you make a post, comment, vote, blog entry, invite or pretty much anything else.

As you earn more points you will climb the rankings and eventually gain access to resources reserved for those that have made a contribution to the community.  Read more . . .

When looking around the HTP website you will notice that members have small 'star' pictures next to their username and picture. These stars indicate the members contribution to the How To Practice community.

For every contribution members receive points. As members receive more points they achieve higher rankings.

Here is a list of rankings along with the number of points needed for each:

There are also a few other ranks used for special members such as admins, moderators and super users.

In general you cannot directly change the wording of any rank (ranks appear below your username in topics and on your profile depending on the style used). Most forums use ranks to indicate the number of posts you have made and to identify certain users. For example, moderators and administrators may have a special rank. Please do not abuse the forum by posting unnecessarily just to increase your rank -- you will probably find the moderator or administrator will simply lower your post count.

Multiple accounts are not generally permitted. If you need to have multiple accounts, please email contact us explaining why. HTP reserves the right to delete multiple accounts without explanation - all posts relating to the multiple account will be lost and the original account may be suspended.

HTP does not usually permit username changes. You are therefore advised to choose wisely. If you have a good reason why you should contact us about changing it.   Read more . . .

It is explicitly not our Policy to monitor Private Messages (PMs) between site members. However our Private Message system should not be automatically assumed to be private. It is a condition of use of the Private Message system that you consent to such access being monitored by authorised HTP Staff in the following exceptional circumstances:  Read more . . .

• Investigations into alleged or suspected unlawful behaviour, criminal or civil action and for the purpose of grievances.
• Where required by regulatory or investigatory bodies empowered to request such monitoring.

We do allow you to use your own avatars on this site. However you should be respectful of other users and adhere to the following guidelines:

• Maximum image size is 85x85 pixels
• Maximum file size is 30k
• Should not contain links
• Does not contain offensive or inappropriate content
• Animations are OK so long as they are not annoying or overly distracting

Please ensure that any signature you use on this site conforms to the following guidelines:

• No more than 3 lines
• Only 2 links per signature
• No blatant advertising - links to your site are fine but no ads
• No animations
• Does not contain links to inappropriate websites
• Follows all other forum rules

You can use your blog to tell us anything you like about your music, practice or anything else for that matter.

From the community area select 'Post a new blog':

If you are a registered user on the site you will be taken to the 'Create blog entry page' First enter a title for your blog post:

Next, in the body area, write your post. There are a few options for you to change the text, colours and add smiley's etc.  Read more . . .

Creating an account on HTP is free and enables you, amongst other things, to access the files in our downloads section.

If you have an existing Facebook account you can now connect to HTP using that account. There is no need to create a new username or password.

1.

The process is very simple. Around our site you will see Facebook buttons that look like this:

These are found on our login forms.  Read more . . .

Administrators are people assigned the highest level of control over the entire site. These people can control all facets of the site operation which include setting permissions, banning users, creating usergroups or moderators, etc. They also have full moderator capabilities in all the forums.

If you keep receiving unwanted private messages from someone, inform the forum administrator -- they have the power to prevent a user from sending private messages at all.

We have provided the features we feel would be of most benefit to our users. Whilst we are always developing new features it isn't always possible to include everything.

If there is a feature you would particularly like to see please contact us and we will consider it for inclusion.

There may be two images below a username when viewing posts. The first is an image associated with your rank; generally these take the form of stars or blocks indicating how many posts you have made or your status on the forums. Below this may be a larger image known as an avatar; this is generally unique or personal to each user. You can change your avatar via the My Account link.

All your settings (if you are registered) are stored in the database. To alter them click the My Account link (generally shown on the left of pages but this may not be the case). This will allow you to change all your settings.

Don't panic! While your password cannot be retrieved it can be reset. To do this go to the login page and click I've forgotten my password. Follow the instructions and you should be back online in no time.

Have you registered? Seriously, you must register in order to log in. Have you been banned from the forum? (A message will be displayed if you have.) If so, you should contact the webmaster or forum administrator to find out why. If you have registered and are not banned and you still cannot log in then check and double-check your username and password. Usually this is the problem; if not, contact the forum administrator -- they may have incorrect configuration settings for the forum.

We do not allow users to change their username themselves. Users should think carefully before choosing. If you are really unhappy with your current name or have any personal or security reasons why you wish to change please contact us and we will assist.