Recently we’ve been updating the software and configuration of the HelpMaster Pro discussion board.  Here’s a list of some of the new improvements.

1. New social bookmarking toolbar.  This toolbar allows you to quickly link any post to popular social websites such as Facebook andMySpace etc.  Simply click on the appropriate button and the post will appear inside the other web application.  Now all your friends can see what you post on a helpdesk software discussion board....(insert chirping cricket noises here...)
    
2. New avatar support.  Now you can upload an image will appear alongside your posts.   Edit your profile to set your signature, avatar and other personal details.
    
3. New points and ranking system.  This one is interesting.  Now when you use the HelpMaster Pro discussion board, you accumulate points based on your contribution.  As your points increase, you will also be labelled with a different title, reflecting your expertise and contribution to the forum.  

Here’s how the point system works.

1. You get 3 points for posting a new topic
2. You get 1 point for replying to a topic
3. You get 5 points for providing the correct answer to a topic
4. You get 2 point for awarding a correct answer (only the original poster can do this)

You’ll be able to see how many points you have via your profile, or by simply viewing a post that you’ve contributed to.  The more points you accumulate, the greater your ranking will become.

How to use the Question and Answer points system

1. When you post a question to the discussion board, use the drop-down box at the top-right of the post to indicate that the post is “Not resolved”.  This will mark the post as an unanswered question and a question mark icon will appear next to the post.
    
2. Only the author of such a post can mark one of the replies to that post as the correct answer.  Do this by clicking on the “Mark as answer” hyperlink next to the appropriate post.  When the original poster marks a post as the correct answer, the person who posted that answer will get 5 points.  The original poster will get 1 point for their effort to award a correct answer.

Any questions?  Ask away and gain a point!