Getting Started:

 Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Membership:

1.  Must I do something to join this group?  
It is not necessary to "join" For Widows Only! at this time.
However, if you do not have a MSN passport, you will be guided through a brief process to get one.
Once you have your MSN passport, just click on "Sign In" on the Blue MSN banner.
When it says, "Sign Out," you are free to move around and contribute. You are then a "member."

2.  Should I use my own name?  
Choose whatever screen name you want for this site, your real name, a pet name or an alias.
Some use the first part of their e-mail address.
Be honest: do not pretend to be a widow if you are not.

3.  Will my personal information be kept private?  
When you fill out your preferences, you can decide just how much you want to share. 
You can choose as little as just your screen name, or you can bare your soul to all your sisters.
Providing your e-mail address is recommended; it makes it possible for managers
to send important notices directly to you.

4.  Can anyone join this group? 
This group is intended for the use of widows only.
Widowers (or single or married people) may read anything on the site, including messages or prepared pages,
but it is recommended that they join another site for full participation.
There are several sites with message boards especially for widowers,
where they can share their intimate experiences just as widows do on this site.
For recommended widower sites, see text in red on the Resources page. 

  Using the Message Boards: 

  1.  What is a Message Board?  
A message board is established by a manager for the use of members to post "threads" of topics and replies.
Look in "Contents" in the left column of each page for "Messages."
You can go to General Messages or one more specific to your age or situation.

  2.  How do I start a discussion?   
Go to the page where you think it will best be seen
by the people you want to communicate with....one of the Stages of Grief or the General Message Board.
Click on "new discussion" and then just type away!

   3.  How do I contribute to a discussion already begun by another member?   
Just click on "reply" on the message box to which you wish to respond.

    4.  What is a thread?   
A thread is a string of replies on one topic.
The name of the person who introduces the new thread sees her name at the beginning. 
Each reply goes underneath with the date and time of the posting.

     5.  What is a "page?"  
A page is a separate space with specific information on it that is established
by a manager and can be added to or edited only by another manager. 
See the Welcome page or About this Site page. 

  Need Help Using pics and sigs (pictures and signatures) ?Click here
     
  
 Using the Chat Room:  
For additional help, go to "Chat: When/Where? 
Some members are now chatting on Yahoo instead of MSN.

     1. How do I use the Chat Room?   
To use the chat room, just click on "Chat" under Contents in the left column of every page,
and you will be taken there. If you are given a message about installing
a small chat program, follow the instructions. 
The chat room will be used occasionally for community chats,
where all members are invited to attend and contribute.  It also can be used for
private conferences, and a privacy sign will be posted on the general board. 

    2. Why is no one ever there chatting?  
It works best if you attend one of the regularly scheduled Chat sessions.
See "CHAT: How/When?" in the contents list on the left. 
However, any member can invite another to chat at any time.
Unless post a privacy sign, it will be assumed that all are welcome to join in.

  Contacting a manager or consultant directly: 

     E-mail your message to this address 
 ForWidowsOnly@groups.msn.com  and your contribution will automatically
go onto the general message board AND into the managers' private e-mail. 
If you wish to e-mail a manager or consultant privately,
send to their screen name@forwidowsonly.com . 

If you have other questions, go to the general message board and ask away.
We'll always do our best to answer quickly.

Glad to have you with us!  

                            (Another great siggy by Sunny!)

From inside a dark cocoon, it's hard to believe you'll ever be a butterfly. 
                                                                        Annie