I am a member and am glad I joined. I do, however have a few questions that I have no idea about.

On the right side of a post, some have a black box, some have a green box and others have many green boxes. What is this "code" all about?

As I said I am a member, but see many posts that are not from members. Before I joined, I tried to post, but was told that I had to join. Why do some people have to join to post while others seem to post all the time without being members?

Just a couple of questions I do not undrestand, so if anyone could explain, I would appreciate it.

The green boxes represent your reputaiton. A black box seems to mean that you have the reputation function disabled on your profile. You gain reputation from other members who feel you deserve it, usually for a particularly insightful/useful/interesting/funny or generally good post.

As far as posting, last I checked it was free to post for anyone except on certain sub-forums like the XL forum team member's area and such. Maybe it changed. One of the moderators should pipe in soon and shed more light.

The black box on the right hand side is your reputation dissabled in your case, if you go to user cp (At top) then options (on left) you will be able to enable it and other things you want to change etc. folks can then leave rep points on your posts by clicking the scales above the right side of your post if they want. Not sure why you couldn't post before you joined. Hope this is making scence...

Zen is right, you have your reputation disabled. You can go to User CP and then to Options and turn it on if you so desire. Just be sure to click on save (at the bottom). Anybody can post as long as the have a user name (which is free), but Team Members (paid) get more benefits (i.e. Super-Off topic, downloads, more PMs, signature differences, contests).

I am a member and am glad I joined. I do, however have a few questions that I have no idea about.

On the right side of a post, some have a black box, some have a green box and others have many green boxes. What is this "code" all about?

As I said I am a member, but see many posts that are not from members. Before I joined, I tried to post, but was told that I had to join. Why do some people have to join to post while others seem to post all the time without being members?

Just a couple of questions I do not undrestand, so if anyone could explain, I would appreciate it.

The boxes represent reputation, black boxes mean that the reputation system
is turned off, you can change this by going into user cp. Green boxes represent reputation given by other members. To give rep you just need to click on the scales on the top right and this will let you give rep. EG if you liked a particular post, or found one helpful etc

You do not have to Join the XLForum team membership to post you just need to register, however I notice you have joined the team member area and your support is very much appreciated...:clap

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Yeah I always checked out the site and could not post or use any of the search functions. I would have a screen come up to say I could not access this or that area without joining.

Bottom line is I joined and I can now access everything. I am proud to belong to this forum exclusively for the XL, instead of a footnote on any other HD forum.

Oh yeah, thanks for explaining the :boxes".