This article tries to explain in the simplest terms how to edit your profile, and use the social networking features of our web site, as well as explaining what is allowed, and what isn't.  First, a small definition of what "Social Networking" is.

From Wikipedia: A social network service focuses on building online communities of people who share interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others. Most social network services are web based and provide a variety of ways for users to interact, such as e-mail and instant messaging services, (via publicized "friendships").

So, the first step is creating a profile .  You don't have to use this profile for social networking, and simply use it to identify yourself in interacting with this web site. But social networking does make it a lot more fun and interesting.

When you join this web site, you should fill in as much "optional" information during this process, since it makes it easier, and is automatically inserted into your profile.  You can always change that information, and we'll get to that later. First, let's look at the structure of every profile.

Your profile address is http://gayfll.com/YOURUSERNAME. Example: http://gayfll.com/chief is Dennis' profile!

Figure 1: Profile Structure

FIGURE 1: PROFILE STRUCTURE

 Area #1 (RED) highlights the options of what you can do with the current profile you're viewing.  If you're viewing your own profile, you can edit info, upload a main image, message someone, or manage your "connections".  Connections are like a buddy system, part of the social networking structure which we'll explain later.

Area #2 (ORANGE) is the main part of your profile, which is self explanitory.

Area #3  (GREEN) Is the Tabbed Menu.  This is where all the features in interaction are.  People can see your stuff, and you can see everyone elses stuff.  Use this menu to select what you want to see.

Area #4 (BLUE) is the content of the current tab selected in section 3.

 From this point on, we will reference this explaination as "FIG1:sec#", where "#" = the area number.

Figure 2: Top Menu

FIGURE 2: TOP MENU

As you can see in this graphic, when viewing another's profile, the top menu changes. (FIG1:sec1) This allows you to interact with this person, as well as go back to your own profile and make changes.  

EDIT is only available to administrators when viewing other's profiles, but available to you when you view your own profile. When available, you can update the information in your profile, or update/upload a main image.
VIEW takes you back to your profile.
MESSAGES allows you to send this person an email OR a private instant message on the web site. (The prefered way if you want to retain your privacy!)
CONNECTIONS allows you to "connect" or become friends with this profile. If they approve, your identity will show on their Connections list, and vic versa.  This is a way to make friends, show others your friends, and find others with similar interests as you.
MODERATION is available to administrators only.

Figure 3: Log In

FIGURE 3: LOG IN

When you log into your account on the left side of any page, the log in form will turn into your information center.  It displays your main image, whether you have any messages, and options available only to members, such as the chat room, and writing a blog entry to your own personal blog.  It also tell you who else is on the web site, and if anyone is in the chat room. If you create a blog entry, it's viewable in your profile, under the Blog tab. (FIG1:sec3)

Figure 4: Your Blog

FIGURE 4: YOUR BLOG

When you enter a blog entry, it's listed in your profile under the blog tab in your profile, with the latest blog entry first.  Your blog is yours to express yourself however you feel, express your ideas.  As long as it's along the lines of our Terms Of Service , we're a-OK with it! Everything on our site is moderated for EVERYONE'S enjoyment. Flaming, attacking, or posting anything X-rated is not permitted. We do not condone hostile behavior, especially against our own community, and it's members.

Figure 5: Connections

FIGURE 5: CONNECTIONS

Connections are publically displayed buddy lists.  Everyone has one.  When you request a connection with someone, they must approve it.  Once approved, then you're friend's profile will be on your list, and you will be on your firiend's list.  When someone asks you to "connect", you must approve or deny the request. In other words, "Connections" is just another way of saying "Buddies".  This is no way any kind of computer network connection!

The concept of having a publically displayed buddy list is part of social networking.  You may see people on your friend's list that has similar interests as your friend AND you, so you can try to connect with them as well.   Your list can grow quite fast!  It's also a great way to show people who you like, for example, creating a connection with a profile associated with your local favorite bar or other business.

Figure 6: Profile Gallery

FIGURE 6: PROFILE GALLERY

Every profile comes with an 8-image / 1-Megabyte profile gallery.  Adding a picture is easy, and self explanitory.  Special arrangements can be made with partners and sponsors for larger gallery quotas! 

Please note: This is a moderated feature.  ALL IMAGES are subject to approval, NO NUDES or COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS permitted. 

Figure 7: Ratings and Comments

FIGURE 7: RATINGS AND COMMENTS

All members can rate profiles, and make public comments, or even send little public notes!  Members can also respond to any comment, either publically, or by email.

Figure 8: The Member List

FIGURE 8: THE MEMBER LIST

Now you will see the importance of creating an accurate profile.  Our member list can be sorted based on the information you enter in your profile.  Sorting the member list is as easy as selecting a sort option in the upper right hand corner of the list. When everyone enters accurate info, people find each other easily!  And isn't that the point?

Now you have the basics, go at it and have fun!  And welcome to the Gayborhood!