Hi! I'm writing this out to have it as a permanent reference for those of you who are avid (or new but passionate) hoopers, but might not be experienced Tribe users yet! Hope this helps you find your way around... here we go:

On the home page of the Hula Hooping Tribe, you will see the welcome message with “more…” highlighted - click this for some excellent information and links to the most Frequently Asked Questions.

Below that is the “SEARCH THIS TRIBE” box, which is an amazing tool and really really useful because it will go through ONLY the Hula Hooping related threads found in this tribe, and help you find lots of nifty information and answers to many of your questions.

Under the “search this tribe” box are a bunch of tabs labeled “all posts, topics, photos, listings, events, reviews, requests” which are all great subsections for you to explore. When you log out or go to another tribe, Tribe.net will remember which tab you were in, and keep that tab setting as you visit another tribe or return to this one. (many of us keep the “topics” tab active, as we are most interested in the discussion threads. “all posts” will show you every new thing posted to the Hula Hooping tribe, including event and class listings, photos, and the discussion threads).

At the bottom of the screen will be a "Post" button.. and depending on which tab you are in, it will give you the option of posting a topic, photo, event... you get the idea. Posts should be hooping-related, and in many cases it can be useful to use the "search this tribe" function and revive an old post instead of starting a new post on the same topic, since the old post will include a lot of valuable information already. If we continue to add information on the same topic in the same place, it will be easier for the next searcher to access quickly!

On the left-hand side of the screen are links to other tribes that share many of this tribe’s members (which I have no control over) and at the top left are pictures submitted to this tribe (which I get to browse through and choose a main photo to be featured, whee!) Oh, yeah.. and there’s a row of pictures of people, all 1200+ of us who are members of this tribe (also out of my control, but I think it is sorted by who is online, and then by alphabet)

Around the main Tribe screen are a bunch of ads, which are out of my control but since they support this wonderful, FREE forum, I don't mind them being there!

Up on the right hand corner, if you are signed in, will be your picture. If a little red star appears up there, you've got a private message waiting! On the top left hand corner, click on "my" then scroll to messages to get to your inbox. "home" will take you to your personal homepage, which will include tribes, friends, blogs, and whatever else you edit your profile settings to display each time you log in.

I hope this helps you get started! I'm in the process of creating an updated "Welcome to Hooping" post, and when it is ready I'll add a link to this thread to take you there - it will include more information about getting started hooping, keywords to use in the search box to help you in your quest for hoop knowledge, and links to other hoop groups and tribes.

Welcome to the Hula Hooping Tribe :) I'm so glad you've joined us!

X.