Site Registration

Do I have to register to use this site?

No registration is required to view site pages.

Why should I Register?

Registration is required to enable you to use the interactive features that make ExplorOz so unique, and is free. When you "Register", you will be given a Profile for using the site which means you will have a LogOn identity. This makes using the site very user friendly and enables you to customise how you'd like to use our services.

Once you are registered you should always use your logon identity when visiting the site - this will enable you to post in the Forum, download/upload plot and waypoint files from PointPlace, provide updates to various sections of the site, enter feedback to articles and Trek Notes and perform other upload/download functions in all the interactive areas of the ExplorOz website (eg. Road Conditions, Trek Fuel). All these functions are unavailable to unregistered users.

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How do I Register?

Click the Register button found in the top right of the page. It should look like this:

You will be directed to a page where you can setup the Free Visitor Registration. Simply enter your Name and Email Address into the box provided. Once you have submitted your details, you will immediately receive an email with the subject "Welcome to ExplorOz". This will come from info@exploroz.com . To complete the registration process you must click the link provided within this email. Once you have validated, you will be given a Visitor Profile, which is your LogOn identity.

Why didn't I receive the Welcome to ExplorOz email?

There are numerous reasons why the email our system is sending you has not reached your inbox. Please consider the possibilities below. Possibly you:

• incorrectly typed your email address


• have a full mailbox


• have a spam filter with sensitive settings

If the most likely reason is that you incorrectly typed your email address, then simply register again using the correct email address. Otherwise, look for the stray mail in your system.

The Validation Link doesn't work?

The validation link is very long. It would appear that your email program cannot handle links to very long urls. Even if the link is not working, you should still be able to see this long url, so simply copy it and paste it into the address bar of your web browser.

 Managing Registered Profiles

How do I use the site both from home and work?

There are few options.

• If you only need to "view" the site from another computer, there is no need to be logged on with a Registered Profile.


• If you wish to use the interactive features from different computers, you can setup your Profile to always auto-logon at one (this is achieved by ticking the ‘Auto Logon’ checkbox), and when using the other computer you can manually logon. This enables you to keep the one Registered Profile, however system emails can only go to one (1) nominated email account.


• If you need to split your usage across 2 different email accounts and want to control them differently then you will need to setup 2 different Profiles and customise each one with your preferences. eg. only receive newsletters to one Profile.

Note - you can have multiple Visitor Profiles, but only 1 Member Profile. Members may like to also have Visitor Profiles. Advertisers (Customers) may also have a Member Profile and/or Visitor Profiles. Managing multiple profiles is only recommended for people with a good degree of computer competence.

How do I change my screen name?

Changing your screen name can only be done by members. If you are a member, you need to be logged in and go to 'My Home' and then 'My Profile'. You can edit your profile and fields such as your screen name and after you have made the change, you then click the update button on the bottom of the screen. Registered visitors do not have the ability to to this without deleting their current profile and re-registering.

Please note that ExplorOz only accepts unique screen names and the system will automatically check if there is a screen name already registered under the name you may wish to use.

How do I change/cancel my email address for receiving newsletters?

• If you have an old or current newsletter addressed to you, then simply use the link at the bottom of it that states ‘To remove or change your email address - click here’.


• If you don't have an old newsletter addressed to you but do have a Registered Profile then:

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For Members:

If you are a member and you wish to change your email address in your visitor profile or you wish to make any other profile changes, click the 'My Home' button on the blue bar, then click 'My Profile' and change your email address here. You can change any part of your profile from here, including email address, phone numbers, mailing address etc.

• If you do not have a Registered Profile enabling you to edit your profile, simply Register again with your new email address.


• Use the Newsletters box found in the left site margin (scroll down below the Pick this Place Competition box) and type in your Name and your NEW email address and click the ‘Subscribe’ button.

I keep getting emails sent to my old email address how do I remove it?

Logon to the profile using the email address in question and then you can simply change the email address or delete the entire registration and start again. If you are still having problems, you can use the feedback section of our website and submit a ‘Request’ for us to remove it for you.

 Membership

What's the difference between a Member and a Visitor?

To become a Member is optional, and costs $40/yr with a $20 joining fee. To become a Visitor is free and is automatic upon Registration.

Why should I consider being a Member?

Membership is designed to be particularly useful and cost-effective for people that:

• use the site frequently and would benefit from a personalised shortcuts page containing thumbnails of all site updates (including new Forum posts, Trader ads etc)


• buy from our Shop and would like to generate a discount every time they buy for future purchases


• use PointPlace to upload or download maps and plots


• place ads for sale in the Trader


• would use the rewards card


• would like to use a private facility similar to IM called Member Messages that removes the need for either party to disclose private information in the public area.


• would like a place on the internet to publish trip photos


• would like a place on the internet to publish a page with details and photos of your vehicle and trailer/van (Rig Pic)


• would like a place on the internet to upload, share and download utility files and helpful documents


• would like to feel that they are contributing financially to keep ExplorOz operating


• would like to feel a part of a community of like-minded people who enjoy using the ExplorOz website to share ideas and information


• would like a place on the internet to coordinate a group of people together for a trip or gathering anywhere in Australia

For more information about Membership and a full list of benefits Click to go to About Membership.

How do I become a Member?

All payments for Membership are handled through our Shop. Membership consists of a laminated membership card being mailed to your address and we use our e-commerce system to make the payment transaction. Click here to go directly to the Membership item in our shop.

How do I renew my Membership?

There are 2 options:

• 28 days prior to the expiry date of your Membership, our system will send you an email with a tax invoice for the $30 renewal fee. This email will contain payment options, including a link for secure payment online. If you misplace the invoice, you can view and print off another copy from your Member Home Page. At any time, you can check your expiry date by clicking on the "My Home" button from the blue bar.


• Select the "Member Renewal" item from the Shop and make your payment using our standard payment options. Click here to go directly to the Membership item in our shop.

I've just paid for Membership but my PointPlace credits aren't there

Please refer to the section on PointPlace and PlotSwap.

 Trader

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I am a manufacturer/retailer - can I have Trader Ads?

This depends. Dealer Listings are designed for manufacturers and/or retailers that have only 1 product line of identical units. With a Dealer Listing you can sell your products in the Trader for a 3 month period at $49.95. If you have more than 1 product line you will need to buy additional Dealer Listings. All other options for Trader Ads are for private sellers only.

Is there a limit on the size of photos I can put in my Display Ad?

Generally no, although when you upload a photo to your advert, our system will only accept jpg or gif files. You may call our office if you experience any problems with the uploading of your photo or you can send an email containing the new photo to trader@exploroz.com along with sufficient information to enable us to locate and update your ad.

I've paid for the Display Ad but my photo isn't showing?

There are 2 possible reasons for this:

• perhaps there has been a payment problem and your Ad has not been accepted - call our office. (08) 9403 3737 Western Standard Time.


• perhaps your photo file was corrupt or was an incorrect file format. Only jpg or gif images will be accepted by the upload system.

How do I edit my Trader Ad?

You can edit information such as the price and description of your Trader ad by clicking the ‘Edit Listing’ button. Simply find your ad on the Trader page, by selecting the category your ad is in and then scrolling down the page until you see your ad. A new and quicker way to find your Trader ad is to type in the ad ID that was sent to you in the ‘Find by ID:’ text box, click ‘Go’, then scroll down and click the ‘Edit Listing’ button. This button will only be shown to the person whose profile matches the profile of the person who originally setup the ad. If you don't see the ‘Edit Listing’ button, then you will need to logon using the correct profile.

How do I change the photo in my Trader Ad?

Same as above to edit the listing and then click the browse button in the Main Image section to upload a new header photo. Those with a Dealer or Premium Listing can upload and change up to 7 photos by clicking the browse button and locating the image on your computer. You can also send an email containing the new photo to trader@exploroz.com along with sufficient information to enable us to locate and update your ad.

I've sold the item I advertised in the Trader. How do I remove it?

We do not allow ads for sold items to be removed immediately, rather they are flagged as sold for a period of 2 weeks and will then be removed automatically. Once the sold flag is applied, all contact details to you (email and phone) are removed.

To flag your item as sold, simply look for your ad on the page and click the Edit button. This button will only be shown to the person whose profile matches the profile of the person who originally setup the ad. If you don't see the Edit button, then you will need to logon using the correct profile.

 Forum

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What is the Code of Conduct in the Forum?

Our Forum is moderated to uphold a fairly standard netiquette to avoid upsetting others, creating havoc and to minimise post deletions.

The site Terms of Use in conjunction with the guidelines for posting (listed above the box where you enter each new post you compose) is your guide to what conduct is acceptable.
Some basic rules are:

• no self promoting by businesses


• no "trolling", which refers to people who solely communicate with others in an attempt to stir up a riot


• no "flaming", which is the term used to describe heated arguments that develop when people react emotionally to certain comments/issues. Name calling and rude comments tend to be the most common initiators of a flame war. Lifestyle and religion are typical issues that tend to result in flame wars and is just one reason why we request no "off topic" discussions. Pointless flaming only creates a hostile environment for everyone.


• Please do not post jokes, or lengthen threads with personal chatting. We also advise it is better to not respond to some posts if you cannot offer a constructive response. Note - We currently have Friday dedicated to ONE thread for jokes and this is usually titled ‘Friday Funnies’.


• Please alert us to any post if you feel it may be inappropriate by using the Alert Moderator button.

How do we moderate?

ExplorOz is internally moderated, which means that we can be consistent. Obviously there is always a grey area, and sometimes a post will be allowed to continue for a while until it gets out of hand. If you do happen to overstep the mark, you'll receive a short generic email advising your post was inappropriate and deleted. This will be issued without warning or reason and is not an indication that you are "on watch" for being a trouble-maker. If it happens a first time, learn from your mistake and move on. If it happens to you frequently, you will need to re-think what it is you are doing else you are likely to be sent a personalised warning that you could be "banned" from the site.

How can I show my Rig Pic?

This feature is for Members only.
Ric Pics must be under 50Kb in file size. You will need to use a image editing program (such as Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop) etc to resize and compress your pic to be accepted by our system.

How can I make contact with a person directly without using the Forum?

The only way this can be achieved is if both you and the person you wish to communicate with are Members - then you can use our Member Messaging system. This is particularly handy for sharing private information such as your email address or phone number without the public seeing it on the Forum. Other than that, we do not offer a service for you to communicate other than via the Forum.

I cannot reply to a post?

There are two reasons why users cannot reply to a forum post and this happens if you are not logged into the website or the forum post is archived. All forum posts become "archived" after a certain amount of time. Archiving changes the status and means that no more replies can be added.

I don't want to show my Rig page in my post signature

There is an option for members who wish to have control over who sees their Rig Page in their signature of a forum post. To access this you need to be logged in and go to 'My Home' and then 'My Profile'. Where it says ‘Rig/Profile Page’, you have four options in the drop-down box and they are:

• Visible to All Site Users


• Visible to Registered Visitors, Members & Customers


• Visible to Members and Customers


• Hidden from All

Simply select the option that best suits you.

Why am I receiving replies through my email address?

These are read-only notification emails from ExplorOz letting you know that someone has replied to your thread. Please do not reply directly to this ExplorOz email as it will not reach the intended party. Instead open the thread by clicking the link in the email and reply to the question or comment directly in the forum. You will receive post replies to your email address because the ‘Forum Responses via Email’ has been ticked in your profile and is the default setting. You need to go into your profile and un-tick the checkbox and then press the ‘Update’ button if you want to disable this feature.

Why can't I press the Thread Watch button?

Thread Watch is ONLY available to members and customers. When a forum thread has been opened, the Thread Watch button can be pressed and this will send reply copies to not only the thread poster, but also to your email address. This can be handy when you want to follow a discussion without actually re-posting a similar question. Note - Similar to above, please do not reply directly to this ExplorOz email as it will not reach the intended party.

 Shop

I don't want to pay over the internet - how can I buy from you?

No problem! Our shop handles a range of payment options, including "call us with your credit card details" plus cheque, money order and direct deposit into our account. . Whichever payment option you check on the payment details list, a box will appear with the appropriate details.

Do you have a shopfront where I can come to pick up my order and save on postage?

No. We do not have a shopfront., nor do we have agents in other states. We only operate over the internet. Our delivery system for all shop sales is via mail order.

How long will it take to get my order delivered?

Our shop system uses delivery time schedules from the Australia Post database and provides the exact number of days for your order to reach you (based on the postcode you provide, the method of delivery you choose, and from where your goods will be shipped - some items are shipped to you from us in Western Australia, some are shipped to you from the East Coast).

Is your shop secure?

Yes - the final stage of your order is the payment screen - you have the option to pay by credit card (online or by telephone), by depositing money into our account, or by sending a cheque/money order. If you choose to pay by credit card online a payment screen with the National Australia Bank NSIPS - National Secure Internet Payment Service will be opened, but you don't access that until after you have made your selection of goods and click the Order Cart button. If we do not get confirmation from the bank that your payment was cleared, then we cannot process your order. If you experience problems using NSIPS you may call our office to make a payment using an alternative method or to quote your credit card details over the phone to one of our members of staff. In this case, there is no electronic or paper storage of your card details after successful completion of your payment transaction.

 PointPlace & PlotSwap

When will my PointPlace credits be available?

Credits will not automatically appear in your profile upon payment confirmation. Credits are manually added by staff working normal business hours during a batch process conducted in the morning - 5 days per week, Monday - Friday.

What program do I use to open .plt and .wpt files?

OziExplorer. The .plt file is a Track File, and the .wpt file is a Waypoint File. OziExplorer is the most popular brand of mapping software used in the 4WD recreation. For this reason we have customised the PlotSwap and PointPlace system to only accept and use files that are compatible with OziExplorer.

 Articles

What is the easiest way to find a list of all your Articles?

There are many ways to navigate to the article categories on ExplorOz. Some of these are listed below:

• by selecting an article category in the ‘Search by Topic’ box in the left hand column


• by hovering over or clicking ‘Topics’ in the main menu


• by hovering over the ‘Topics’ box on the home page. Hover boxes are located directly under where it says ‘ExplorOz by:’


• alternatively you can: Click here for the full list of articles

How do I make a comment about one of your articles?

Each article has an article feedback box so logged on users can submit a question, comment or feedback about the article. All comments are published in the article page, and also create a new automated forum post so like any other forum thread, this may spark conversation from others. If the ‘Visibility’ checkbox has been ticked however, the question or comment will be sent to the ExplorOz Team ONLY and not the forum.

 Advertising

How much does it cost to Advertise on this site?

All advertising is quoted to you upon request so before we can give you a cost we need to know “where” do you want your advertising to appear. The options for advertisers are almost endless but for a list of options and ad formats please go to the Advertise with Us page for links to files you can download containing more information.

Where can I view your Site Metrics and Audience Demographics?

A summary of this information is contained in our Media Kit, and there is a link to the online report from the Advertise with Us page, where you can view the latest month's Site Statistics Reports on our Stats Page.

What are the Terms of Advertising - is there a contract?

Yes - you can view our Advertising Terms agreement (pdf) from the Advertise with Us page. After you have reviewed an Advertising Proposal and discussed your options with an Advertising Consultant you will be sent an Insertion Order to confirm your booking and all terms associated with your advertising contract.

If you wish to Send Feedback please Logon Now

starter : 26 Apr 08 14:29

Seahorse : 25 Sep 07 16:49