2. User Control Panel
Most of the other links on the dashboard are fairly straightforward, so this guide will explore the new
"My Account" link. This area, known as the
User Control Panel, is used to access several options dealing with customization settings. Here is what you'll see first after clicking the My Account link:
As you can see, you will be able to track your infractions (warnings) and all incoming requests such as PM Notifications, subscribed threads/forums, friend requests, and invites will be shown here. Notifications will also appear in the top right hand corner of the screen.
Additionally, the User Control Panel is the portal which you must go through to access your account customization options. These options are explained below in greater detail.
Your Profile- Edit your details: This section allows users to edit or change their password, email address, birthdate, privacy options, messenger information, and some minor personal details.
- Customize profile: You're now able to customize your profile. You currently CANNOT use CSS coding or any type of overlay within profile, but this may become an option in the future. Additional information regarding profile customization can be found here.
- Edit profile picture: In the new software you can upload a small image to be added to your profile. This does not affect the avatar that displays next to your profile comments or within your friends list.
Networking- Contacts & Friends: Clicking this link will allow you to view the users on your friends list, add or remove a friend, and view any incoming friend requests that you have pending.
To add a friend, first enter their username and click on "Add Friend". This will send a friendship request to them to accept/deny. Alternately you can click on "Add contact" to simply add them as a contact but not add them to your friends list.
- Social Groups: These are essentially the equivalent of a guild. You can choose between making your group public, which gives anyone the ability to join, or private, which allows users to join by invitation only. At the moment, all groups allow you to do is chat in a semi-private area and share pictures.
- Pictures & Albums: You can upload pictures and artwork in your own personal gallery space that will be viewable through your profile.
Settings & Options- Edit Avatar: Clicking on this will take you to where you can change your avatar base, mouth, eyes, and hair color.
- View Inventory: Another link to direct you to your inventory.
- Edit Signature: Here is where you will be able to enter your signature and upload a signature image. There is now a preview option to out your signature before you select it. Be sure it conforms to the guidelines (at max 500w x 350h pixels and 150kb).
- Edit Options: This is the main account options page that allows you to change your visibility options, opt out of mass mailings, set whether or not you'd like to be emailed when someone replies in one of your subscribed threads, set private message options, set trade notifications, default post color, thread display options, date and time, message editor, and skins (more may be available in the future).
- Edit Ignore List: Just like the friends list, you can now ignore users by adding them to your ignore list. This will hide ignored users' posts and block them from PMing you.