Frequently Asked Questions for Brummie.org, online community for Birmingham, UK

Brummie.org: Online Community --> Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A community resource for people living in the Birmingham area of England where local resources on jobs, housing, events and personal information can be offered and searched.

Add a Free Listing

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I post a listing?
How do I post an event?
How do I get an anonymous email address?
How can I delete a listing or event?
How often can I submit a listing?
Can I add a picture to my listing?
Can I add HTML tags or URLs to my listing?
Do you give advice on posting?
Do you give advice on job posting?
Can dealers or brokers use the listings?
Why doesn't your site use Flash screens and lots of images?
While we're asking questions, why is the site called Brummie.org?

How do I post a listing?
We have tried to make this as straightforward as possible: 1. Click the Add a Free Listing link here or at the top left of the blue panel.
2. Give your listing a relevant title.
3. Enter your listing using any of the html buttons that you like. Include an email address (or other contact details) where appropriate. (There is advice on how to use anonymous email here.)
4. Select an image from your computer if you like.
5. Enter an image description if an image is included.
6. Select a category for your listing.
7. Select the date that you would like your listing posted and removed.
8. Press the Save button.
9. Your listing will be published as soon as it has been reviewed for conformance with brummie.org policies.
How do I post an event?
We have tried to make this as straightforward as possible: 1. Click the "Submit Event" button below the Calendar here.
2. Give the event a relevant title.
3. Enter your event using any of the html buttons that you like. Include an email address (or other contact details) where appropriate. (There is advice on how to use anonymous email here.)
4. Select an image for the event from your computer if you like. You do not have to select an image, however.
5. Select the Event Type that you are posting.
6. Enter the Start Time or End Time where appropriate.
7. Select the Category that best describes your event.
8. Press the Create Event button.
9. Your event will be published as soon as it has been reviewed for conformance with brummie.org policies.
How do I get an anonymous email address?
We do not offer an anonymous email service ourselves as we do not want your private messages passing through our system at all. However, there is now a good choice of free web-based email providers that you can use. The two linked to below are well-established but there are many others:
Hushmail a free web-based service allowing you to send and receive secure email.
Yahoo! Mail a web-based free email provider (previously RocketMail).
You might also like to try this remailing service:
Sneakemail generates free 'disposable' email accounts.

How can I delete a listing or event?
Listings and events will be removed anyway on the removal date or after an event has taken place. If you wish to delete a listing or event, simply fill in the deletion form. We will check that you are the original poster and delete the listing.

How often can I submit a listing?
There are no precise rules on this but please do not submit the same listing in too many categories or post the same listing in the same category too often. This will be regarded as spamming and may upset a lot of people. Please use your common sense on this. We do not want to have to moderate more than necessary.

Can I add a picture to my listing?
We advise you to use images sparingly and to make them as small as possible so that they load quickly. You can add an image from your computer using the browse button. However, be sure that the image does not infringe anyone's Copyright.

Can I add HTML tags or URLs to my listing?
You do not need to use HTML in your listing. Text works fine. However, buttons are provided for entering simple html tags.
Do not use anything more complicated than simple <BODY> HTML.

Do you give advice on posting?
Be honest and courteous in all your listings. Use simple language where possible that cannot be misunderstood.
Make your title short and accurate.
If you do not want to be identified with a posting, use an anonymous email address and do not give any other contact details.
Read through your posting carefully to be sure that it gives all necessary information and no more.
There is no end of goodwill in Birmingham. If your listing furthers this goodwill and does not damage anyone else then it will be welcomed.

Do you give advice on job posting?
Please use a separate listing for each job.
Remember to include where the job is.
Please also indicate whether the job is permanent, part-time or temporary.

Can dealers or brokers use the listings?
In moderation, yes. But please make it clear who you are and do not post more than a few items a day.

Why doesn't the site use Flash screens and lots of images
You can post your own images but we want the site to be as quick and easy to use as possible. Images tend to slow things up. We want people to use the site because it is useful and efficient even if it isn't a work of art!

While we're asking questions, why is the site called Brummie.org?
Partly because the name was available. By the way, the Oxford English Dictionary gives Brummie as 'a local name for a native or inhabitant of Birmingham' and Brummagem, from which this is derived, as alluding to: counterfeit groats coined there in 17th c.; but, also, with later reference to plated and lacquered wares still manufactured there: Counterfeit, sham, not genuine; of the nature of a cheap and showy imitation. But the O.E.D. need not be the last word on this!