You have several options in reading the board. You can browse most of the forums and even post to most topics, without registering or creating a profile. Some features of the board are available only to registered users: things like email notifications to replies, daily or weekly digests, and tracking of recent new posts (My Space).

You can add an avatar, a small image that represents you. We prefer that it only be a picture of yourself, so other users can actually see who they are talking with, but it can be other images as well. On The Knothole, the avatar will only be seen in the profile. As an example, click on my name next to this message, and select ‘View User Profile’ from the popup.

To use these features, simply register on the board and log on when you visit. You don’t need to provide any more information than you want to be available. See our Privacy Policy regarding this information. Your information is protected, and will not be shared or released. And you have control over what information others can see when they view your profile.

So please register, especially if you are a regular reader or contributer. It helps us build our community.