First you need to REGISTER at the top of the page. To register the only thing you need to enter is your name, email and password. All the other info is optional. Then when you come in make sure you are logged in (also at the top of the page)

You have topic postings like what you see when you come to the main page. Within that you have discussion postings where people are talking about things that fit withn that very broad topic. And within that you have the individual people's messages and responses to those messages. It is like a heiarchy.

If you register then you will also be able to use the advanced features. You can choose to be notified by email when someone answers your post. You can choose to email someone or show instant messaging tools you like to use. Keep in mind that registering here has nothing to do with the rest of the site, so you'll need to register for the chat seperately. You don't need to register anywhere if you don't want to, though.

Once you get the hang of it you'll see it is a great way to have in depth conversasions with many people about specific topics. Enjoy.

For more help see the useful FAQ button at the top of the screen.