Forum Help, Rules & Info

Need help logging in or registering?
Click "login or register" and you will receive an email with a login link and also a code as an alternative. If the email is new to the forum, it will ask you to create an account. If you can't remember what email address you used to originally register, you may create a new account or use our contact form to send us your username.

You can also login using your Facebook or Google Accounts.

What is a "Conversation"?
A conversation is our forum's private messaging system, sometimes called DM (direct message) on other social media sites. It enables you to send a private mesasage to one or more forum members and it won't be seen publicly anywhere on the forum. Click the letter icon in top right to view Conversations or start a new one with one or more members.

How do I delete or edit my post?
To change the title of a thread or post content, you need to select "Edit" at the bottom of your post.
Editing is only allowed for a certain period of time after the post.
Normally, you just add on a new post to your original thread with your updated info like price change or new contact info, etc.
If there is a serious issue with a post you may use the "report post" feature or ask for a moderator's assistance.

How do I add an image to a post?
File upload size is limited - use this easy, free tool or similar to downsize your photos: TinyJPG

In the new message box, or reply box, click the 'Image icon on the menu bar that looks like a little photo, then either click to browse photos on your computer or drag and drop a photo file your computer. Or to hotlink a photo on the web, on the same image add popup click on the link tab and add the URL to an image address for an image already on the web somewhere - like "http://www.website.com/picture.jpg".

You can also attach a file and then insert into the message full size or thumbnail. To upload from your computer, underneath the message editor is a button for "Attach Files".

You can also insert images from your SoWal Media Gallery / Albums of photos you've uploaded. Just copy the code from the "Share This Media" Box.

Forum Rules
-No obscene material or cursing. No nudity or sexual comments that go too far. No posting links to obscene sites, or posting videos with cursing, sexual content, or gore and violence. SoWal.com is a family site. Basically, nothing is allowed that you wouldn't want a kid to see or read. The SoWal staff shall be the sole arbitrator of what does and what does not violate community standards.

-While debating and discussion is encouraged, we will not tolerate rudeness, insulting posts, personal attacks or purposeless inflammatory posts. Our decision is final in these matters.

-No spam - but any legitimate local business is OK in the appropriate forum, along with a local who has a business elsewhere, or a long-time member promoting something.

-Do not simply post a link to an article or just a link to another site. Tell us what your purpose is, what you think, why you are posting, whether you are trying to spur an action, simply inform, or start a conversation, etc. Otherwise it is considered spam and may be deleted.

-If someone is honestly trying to sell something in the Real Estate or Marketplace forums, or promoting a business, do not editorialize or post harsh comments about their offering. Start a new thread if you want to editorialize.

-No giving moderators a hard time. They are working for the benefit of the whole community and should be given respect.

-No trolls or trolling. If you do not feed trolls, they vanish.

-No cross posting, which means no starting the same thread in multiple forums.

-Off-topic thread go in the SoWal Lounge forum - politics, jokes, movies, general chatter, etc.

-While these rules cover most common situations, they cannot anticipate everything. We reserve the right to take any actions we deem appropriate to ensure these forums are not disrupted or abused in any way.

-We reserve the right to remove offensive posts without notice.

-Regarding negative posts about a local businesses, we get very few of those and our policy is to suspend negative posts that will damage a business until there is corroboration, or at least until the business is able to respond with their side of the story. The important thing to remember is that mistakes are made by all businesses and they should have a chance to handle problems privately. Using SoWal.com to vent anger or to try to "get back" at a business is not allowed. If you're not willing to picket a business, or stand outside with a bullhorn broadcasting your grievance then it probably shouldn't be posted on SoWal.com.

-Politics, religion, and other contentious topics are OK in the lounge, as long as you are respectful. Resorting to personal attacks or name calling will not be tolerated.

-The SoWal Forum is meant to be a place where folks who love SoWal Beaches can share and bond. It is a place to foster community in a positive manner. No community is perfect and we want to be able to discuss real issues, but without being rude or disrespectful. Short critical posts (drive-by posting) is not allowed. If you don't like something tell us what needs to be done to improve the situation. Be part of the solution, not the problem.