Understanding and using RTI India Portal

[karira]

Abhijeet,
1. Once you log into the site with your user name and password, you will
get the "Homepage".
2. On the extreme right side set of panels, the second panel says
"site navigation"
3. Click on the "Forum" link available there
4. A new page will open which gives different sections like:
Announcements & Discussions
RTI Act, Circulars and Decisions
RTI Support
RTI Community Lounge
etc. etc. etc.
5. Each section is further divided into sub-sections.
6. Some of the "sub-sections" have a "lock" symbol next to them
on the left hand side.
Members are not allowed to post in those sub-sections.
7. You can post in any other section/sub-section
8. Let's say that you want help in asking for a RTI Querry
(ask for any help regarding RTI ) then the correct sub-section would
be Ask for RTI Query
If you want help in framing a RTI application, then the relevant sub-
section would be Ask for Framing an RTI Question
If you want to put up any news about a event related to RTI (like
a training course on RTI , etc..) it would be in Events & Discussion .
Each sub-section has a small description below it, so you can decide
where to post.
9. Click on the particular sub-section where you want to post, and
a new page will appear.
On that page you will see a list of "threads" in that subsection.
10. If you want to start a new thread, then click on the button
on the top left hand side.
A new page will open with a "editor" and you can type out your
message and hit the submit button.
If you want to "preview" your message, then hit the "preview
post" button and you will get a preview of your post as it will appear
on the forum.
Once you have made any corrections, you can again hit the "submit"
button and your thread will immediately appear on the sub-section.
The "editor" allows you to use various fonts, block letters, colours,
upload images, etc......Just play around with it and you will learn
quickly.
Once your thread is posted, the rules of the forum allow you to
"edit" your thread within the next 2 (two) minutes. During this time
a "Edit" logo will appear below your post and if you click on it, the
"editor" opens once again and you can edit your post.
11. If you want to "post" a reply or something else in a existing thread,
at the bottom of the thread a small white box appears for "quick reply"
or you can click on "go advanced" and open a full "editor" to type
your reply. Once again follow the steps above.(Just like you have
already done in this thread)

Debashis,

Kushal, generally looks at the new messages and decides if it needs to be shifted or split up or merged or "moderated" ,etc. If you make any mistake, just send a pm to Kushal and he will do the needful.

For deciding on which section/subsection you can post a particular news item look at the small description given below each subsection on the "forums" page.
In particular, for your "first appeal against Land & Land Reforms dept....", first decide why do you want to post ? The answer will indicate to you the relevnt section where you should post. For example, if it is for help in drafting the first appeal or getting suggestions from members to improve the draft you have made , then the relevant section will be http://www.rtiindia.org/forum/ask-rti-query.html.

Try to use PM and email facility only if you have something to discuss or comment which you do not want everyone to read.
I really do not know, if in this forum, PM's and emails are "moderated" and "seen" by Kushal or other moderators. In some other "forums" they are.
So, if there is something very very private to discuss, just get the other members email id and email him directly from your yahoo, hotmail, gmail or your own email client like outlook/eudora etc. That way it does not pass through this forum at all.

I am sure that both of you know many of the things stated above, but since many new members might not have that much knowledge about using a forum, I have given a detailed explanation, since I was on the job anyways.

Always remember that this is a "Public Forum" and what you post can be seen by anyone (even by guests who do not register) and remains for ever.

Spend some time "browsing" around various sections, subsections, threads etc and you will get the hang of it. Also, explore the many buttons and links available on various pages (even the small tiny ones which many members/guests do not notice). Some of the posts/comments/replies AND dogfights/catfights are "very interesting" and if nothing else, you will have a good laugh.

If you want to "thank" me for all this effort, click on the button which appears below this post on the bottom right hand corner (it appears on every post on this forum).

If you want to quote someone elses post in your reply, then click on the button also appearing on the bottom of every post.
can be used for "multi-quotes"
If you want to "report" some post to Kushal or other moderators click on the button on the top right hand corner.
Clicking on will add to the posters "reputation".

[kushal]

I am copying the thread of Karira regarding usage of RTI India Portal. It has very nicely summed up how to find, post and use RTI India Portal. Thanks you very much Karira.

[ganpat1956]

Kushal,

I suggest that Karira's post on how to use the portal and navigate around should be sent to every new member as soon as he registers. It will definitely help them a lot and enable them to understand our work faster besides easy familiarisation and active participation.

[kushal]

Yes, I am planning to make it an FAQ entry, and also the introductory mail. The post is superb

[karira]

Kushal & Ganpat,
Many thanks for your encouragement.
Can you please wait for a week or so (this week I am fully "loaded").

1. The above was written on the basis that it is a one to one reply and
worded accordingly.
If it is to be sent to every new member or in the FAQ, I think it should
be more formal in approach.
What do you feel ?
2. I would like to do a comprehensive step by step "guide".
In fact, while writing it, I realised that even I missed out on
many things like: Dig this post, etc....
I also discovered the "permalink" . Normally, when I was pointing
out a particular post in my replies, I was reffering to it as post #X in
thread so and so ! Permalink is much easier.
So, besides the guide , I feel there should be a "glossary" for
new members, so that they can use the forum effectively.
This will especially help the elder members who are not so familiar with
"forums" etc.
3. Kushal, can you please tell me if you have a issue with server space.
Because, when I am doing the step by step guide, I would like to paste
"Screen Shots" in the write up for easy explanation and as a "visual
guide".
Although this will make it easier to understand and "match" the words
with the "screen shots", it will also become "heavy" on the space.

Please let me have your views so that I can proceed accordingly.

Once I have the draft, I will circulate to you both and other senior members for comments/suggestions/corrections and then we all can discuss and finalise before posting.

But, please give me some time for this, to do a proper job.

Thanks once again.

[kushal]

There are no issues with the space of server as of now, you can go ahead with any number of screen shots. I can even create a flash video once things are crystallized.

Glossary of terms is even a better idea.

There are even more things with the posts and portal which can be added for advanced usage at the later stage.

[crusader]

glossary of RTI Act is a great idea. I see that kushal has already started that

[opsharma]

Many thanks Karira,excellent work indeed,even I am beginning to comprehend it.Genuinely ,thanks once again.

[narayanvarma]

I am unable to post very attractive sticker and cover of the new booklet published by us. would any one help? I CAN MAIL TO ANYONE WHO SENDS POSTAL ADDRESS.He/She can then post it at GALLERY.

[Abhinav Bohare]

No doubt at all, with such creative ideas and evolutions, RTI would be an Adult within a year of its life span.

Sept 28th , 2007, RTIindia.org's 1st anniversary should be celebrated with all such ideas and innovation absolutely adopted.

And Above that those who have made it possible should be fully appreciated and rewarded.

What else but every one is pumped up...Hope this is not alike 20-20 World cup

Abhinav
...32 yrs infant in 1 yrs matured rtiindia.org