So you are a new member and want to learn your way around Fluther? Well, no problem. First, if you haven’t already, check out these links:

• What is Fluther?
• Fluther Guidelines
• Fluther Scoring System
• Chatroom for Fluther support

Q. Can I comment on a specific answer?

Fluther doesn't have a way to comment on a particular quip like Answerbag does. If you want to say something off-topic in a question, make sure you whisper it (surround the line with a double dash, --like this--).

We use the @username convention to reply to a response in a question. It you type the @ symbol you will get a drop down with a list of names. It looks like this:



Q. My question was removed! What gives! (or: What makes a great Fluther question?)

More details in your questions means it's much less likely to be moderated.

• If your question is a legitimate query for a solution, like "Why is my bike tire always going flat?", or "How long should it take for my xbox to return back from service?", or "Which is a better name for my new business?", it will most likely stay.
• If your question more open-ended, like "Is there any other cookie as good as a chocolate chip cookie?", it may be moderated. In general, if your question inspires thoughtful discussion, and/or is particularly creative, and shows effort (so make sure you add details and give examples!), it won't get moderated.
• If your question is an attempt to connect with people, like "Where is everyone from?" or "How old is everyone?", it will probably be moderated — they're better suited for the chatroom.

Take a look at this list of great questions to get an idea.

Q. How does moderation work?

We have a team of volunteer moderators who are members just like you. They are notified when other members flag content, and may decide to moderate that content. For questions, if it doesn't fit in with the guidelines of the site, or is similar to a lot of recently-asked questions, it may get pushed back to editing. The user who asked the question will be notified via email about the reasons for removal, and then the user has the opportunity to respond. If there's indecision about whether a question should be moderated, the moderation team will discuss it.

Q. Why was my question removed and these other, similar ones weren't?

Sometimes the moderation team misses a question. Sometimes a question that doesn't look like it will breed thoughtful discussion does, and it stays. We're also a little more lenient with new users as they get acclimated to the culture.

Q. When I respond to someone in this manner, do they automatically get notified of it with a PM?

If that user is still following the thread, the new quip will show up in his/her "Activity for You." This happens whenever there is a new quip, not only when someone responds to them.

Q. How do I leave a message or check if I have messages?

The fluther “inbox” system is called “comments”. In the top right hand corner (when you are signed in), click on “comments for you” to see all messages users have left for you. When you send someone a “private comment”, only they can see it (think “inbox”), when you “uncheck private comment”, anyone who visits that person’s profile can see your message (think “compliment”). To send someone a comment, go to their profile page (to know how, see below) and you will see a “leave a comment” text box that you can type in on their page.

Q. How do I add people to “your fluther”? What is “your fluther”?

“Your fluther” is like the “faves/friend’s system.” To add someone to your fluther, simply go to their profile page, and click on “add to your fluther” right next to their username. By adding someone to your fluther, you will be able to follow their activity (like faves).

Q. How do I search for people on Fluther?

You can search for anyone on Fluther if you know their username. Use the search box on the top right hand corner to type in the username and search for a person. For example, a search for “boxing” shows this:



Also, if you know someone’s username on fluther, you can go their profile straight. Just type in their username after http://www.fluther.com/. So Ivan’s profile page would be http://www.fluther.com/Ivan/

Q. How do I know when there is new activity in a Q I answered?

Simple. Check the “Activity for you” in the top right user control panel. It’s right under “Comments for you”. When there’s a number next to activity for you, it means someone has said something on that thread since you last checked it. Also, if you want to find a recent Q you commented on, you can still click on “Activity for you” and see the Qs listed underneath (those are the ones you are following).



Q. How do I change my picture/avatar?

Click on “My account” in the top right user control panel. It’s right under “Activity for you”. Once you do that you can change your password/email/picture under Account settings and also do stuff with your profile under the Profile settings.

Q. How do I watch a Q without having to leave a comment on the thread?

Right under the Question, there is a “Follow this question” option. Click on it. Tadah.

Q. How many questions can I ask?

You can ask as many questions as you please. However, to encourage thoughtful questions, we currently have a 3 questions per 12 hour limit.

Q. How do I link to a site on a thread?

Fluther uses Textile language for such things. If you check the markup section of the faq, it’s all explained already :)

Q. What is lurve?

See this.

Q. Does it have any value?

Lurve does not have any commercial value. It just means that you are respected and thanked for your witty and informative Qs/As etc. Fluther has a strong sense of community, and we like the idea of helping people just for the sake of helping.

Q. Can I curse on Fluther? What’s the etiquette?

Cursing is allowed. But personal attacks aren’t. So you can say things like “I have so much fucking work to do today” but not stuff like “PnL, you are such a bitch.”

Q. How do I know if the Q I want to ask on Fluther has been asked previously?

Well first off, thank you for wanting to do that. Second, it’s the same way as searching for a username on Fluther. Use the search box on the main page with main words from your Q and see what results come up. For example, if you want to ask something related to the Olympics, search “olympics” and check out the results before you post a duplicate Q.

Q. Where can I chat with fellow answerbaggers?

We have a chatroom where you can chat with other users on the site.

Q. Why Fluther?

Real time answers, 24/7 moderators, easy to reach founders, community, the real Q is why not?

Q. What do I do if I have a Q that isn’t answered here?

Psh. That’s impossible. This FAQ is perfect. But if SOMEHOW you are not convinced, here’s what you need to do depending on what your Q is. If you have a Q about how to do something on the site, PM me or any of the site moderators. If you have general feedback/suggestions to improve the site, use the contact link. Thanks, and enjoy Fluthering!

- PnL