FAQ and How to use the forums

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Torbin

Staff member
Community Team
Welcome to the forums! Forums are a great way to share ideas, learn, and connect with others who share your interests. This guide will walk you through the basics of using a forum and understanding the unwritten rules of forum etiquette.
Forum Rules

How to use the forums
What Are Forums?

Forums are online communities where people post messages on specific topics. These discussions are organized into:
- Categories**: Broad subjects (e.g., "Gaming", "Bugs").
- Threads: Individual discussions on a topic (e.g., "Tips for Beginners").
- Posts: Individual contributions to a thread.
Getting Started
Step 1: Register an Account

Most forums require you to create an account to participate:
- Find the “Sign Up” or “Register” button.
- Fill out the form with your email, username, and password.
- Confirm your email through a verification link.
Step 2: Explore
- Look through categories to find topics that interest you.
- Read a few threads to get a sense of the community and discussion style.
Step 3: Read the Rules
Every forum has its own set of rules. They might be listed as:
- “Forum Rules” or “Code of Conduct.”
- A sticky post at the top of each category.
Make sure you’re familiar with these before posting.
How to Participate
Starting a Thread

1. Navigate to the category that matches your topic.
2. Click "New Thread" or "Create Post."
3. Write a clear title that summarizes your topic.
Compose your post:
- Be specific and provide context for your question or discussion.
- Keep it concise but informative.
Click “Submit” to post.
Replying to a Thread

1. Open a thread you’d like to contribute to.
2. Scroll to the bottom and find the reply box.
3. Type your response:
- Address the topic or previous posts.
- Be polite and constructive.
4. Hit “Reply” or “Post.”
Liking or Reacting
- Use the forum's “Like” or “React” buttons to appreciate helpful or interesting posts.
Using Search
- Before posting a new question, use the forum's search bar to see if your topic has already been discussed.
Forum Etiquette (Netiquette)
Be Respectful

- Avoid offensive language or personal attacks.
- Respect differing opinions, even if you disagree.
Stay on Topic
- Ensure your posts align with the thread’s discussion.
- If you want to discuss something new, start a new thread.
Don’t Spam

- Avoid posting the same message multiple times.
- Don’t promote products or services unless explicitly allowed.
Use Clear Language
- Write clearly and check for typos.
- Avoid typing in ALL CAPS, which is considered shouting.
Acknowledge Others
- If you’re responding to someone, use their username (e.g., “@User123”) to clarify who you're addressing.
- If you’re sharing information from elsewhere, credit the source.
Handling Challenges
Dealing with Conflicts

- Stay calm if you encounter disagreements.
- Focus on the topic, not the person.
- Use private messages for personal disputes, but only if both parties are comfortable.
Reporting Issues
- If someone is violating the rules, use the forum’s “Report” feature to alert moderators.
Tips for Success
- Be Patient: Responses may take time.
- Be Helpful**: Share your knowledge with others.
- Learn the Culture**: Each forum has its unique tone; adapt to it.

FAQ
How can I Direct or Private Message someone on these forums?
Click their name in any post, and it will open a small pop-up. Inside the pop-up, click "Start a Conversation" and type your message. It will show up in their mail within seconds.

How can I see when I have a Direct or Private Message?
In the upper right corner of the forums, next to your forum name, you will see an envelope icon. If you have a message, there will be a little red number next to it. Simply click the icon, then the message you wish to read.

Why should I search before reporting a bug which affects me?
We use the voting system to gauge how many people are affected by a particular bug. When more than one thread is posted about the same issue, the voting is split and we cannot get an accurate count of people affected. It is important to search before reporting, and upvoting if you find the issue which is affecting you.

Why should I Upvote bug reports?
It is a great tool for us to gauge how many players are affected by the same bug. With this system, we can see what issues that our player-base deem more important or less important. If it affects you, please upvote it.

What are Filters and how can I use them?
At the top of each forum section, in the right corner is a Filter button. You can sort all threads in that forum section by oldest, newest, title, replies, views, and first post reaction score for multiple timespans. Within the Bug Report section, you can also search by votes and prefixes.

Are there rules I need to follow on these forums?
Yes. You may find the complete forum guidelines HERE. Also, located in some of the forums, there will be additional guidelines in a sticky post at the top of the section explaining its proper use. Violation of the posted guidelines can result in warnings issued to your forum account. If too many warnings have been accumulated, a suspension or a permanent forum ban will be issued on the account. Warnings are cumulative until they expire off the account.

How do I get a hold of Customer Service for a payment or account problem?
You can send a ticket at help.mtgo.com and Customer Service will respond to your ticket as soon as they come upon it in the queue. You can also access this link by pressing the Help button located in the top section of this forum, or on the homepage. Please remember that all tickets are responded to on a first come, first served process.

When should I send a ticket to Customer Service instead of posting on the forums?
A ticket to Customer service should be made for any issue that involves personal or sensitive data.
Such as, but not limited to:
Payment issues - Payment not processing, charge not going through, payment page is down.
Redemption issues - Unable to redeem, error on redemption.
Account issues - Cannot login, forgot my security question, password not resetting, unable to change my email on the account.
Ban Appeal - Appealing a sanction to in-game account only.

How can I check the status of a ticket I've sent into Customer Service?
Head to help.mtgo.com and log into the account you've sent your ticket from. You can also access this link by pressing the Help button located in the top section of this forum, or on the homepage. On this page, you will see a section titled "My Activities". All your ticket statuses can be found there. Please remember that all tickets are responded to on a first come, first served process.

I have a make a Bug Report, what do I do?
Head over to the Bug Report Forum and check if it's been reported. If not, please create a new thread with as much information as you can provide about the issue. If you do find a ticket about the issue, Upvote it to show you are having the issue as well. Our development team keeps a close eye on the Bug Report section. Be sure to check the stickied guide to ensure you follow the forum rules.

There is an Exploit, do I report it in the Bug Report forum?
Please review the post on How to report an exploit and follow the steps there. Exploits should never be posted in a public thread, nor in the bug report section. Posting them publicly might encourage those who were unaware of them previously to try them.

How can I report another users post/thread here on the forum?
Within the offending post, you will see the word "Report" in the lower left corner. Click that, and it will take you to a short form. Please give the reason you are reporting the post, then press confirm. The report will be reviewed by the staff and appropriate measures taken if needed.

Can I appeal a warning, suspension or ban to by forum account?
Of course! If you feel a sanction to your account was unjustified, you are welcome to direct message a Community Team member and explain why you feel it is unjustified, or to ask for clarification. While we strive to be as close to perfect as possible, we are only human and mistakes can be made. Please note that posting a grievance to a sanction on the public forums is not permitted and can result in further sanctions.

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to participating in forums confidently and respectfully. Enjoy your time in the community!
 
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