This topic exists to help you understand how to use the Bluescape Community as a new community member.
Navigation
Menu Option
One way to navigate the Bluescape Community is through the 
menu option, located at the top-right of the header. Click on the icon to view all options, from the latest discussions, new topics, unread discussions, tags, badges, and more!
Member Button
From the member button 
, you can check notifications (
), access bookmarked posts (
), view and send personal messages (
), or set member preferences (
).
Searching Existing Topics
The community search engine functions much like any browser search engine. Type in a specific keyword or phrase, and related topics will populate in a dropdown menu.
There are two places to search for content in the community:
-
In the top-right corner of the toolbar, click on the Search Icon.
-
Or, in the community’s main banner, click on the Search Bar and enter your keywords.
A populated list of topics related to your keywords will appear in the dropdown menu. Choose a topic in the list or click More to receive the full list of related topics.
Categories
Categories and subcategories allow you to narrow down the area of interest you’re looking to find more information. Skim, read, or search for topics relevant to each category or subcategory.
Topics
You can view a list of the latest topics, unread topics, and unseen topics from the homepage. You can also view topics relevant to specific categories and subcategories by scrolling past the category titles until you arrive at the topic list.
See a topic you’d like to read? Click on the topic title.
Not finding what you’re looking for? Try a search for topics in the banner search bar or by using the 
(Search) icon.
You can also create a new topic in the community to start a discussion. Click on the 
(New Topic) icon.
There are additional actions you can perform when you finish reading a topic:
- Click the
to show a topic some love - Share a link
to the topic - Bookmark a topic
to read later -
to an individual’s post -
to the topic to continue the discussion
Replying
Keep up the conversation, ask a follow-up question, or thank a community member for sharing. You can reply to original topics or replies on the thread. When you click the editor panel opens. Type your response and click Reply.
You can also choose the type of reply you’d like to respond with; New Reply as a linked topic, New Message, or Reply to the topic.
| Reply options | |
|---|---|
| Reply to topic | By default, your reply is public once published. Meaning any website visitor can read your post |
| New Message | This sends a personal message (PM) to the original author of the post; however, you can add other community members or groups into the PM. |
| Reply as a linked topic | Create a new topic that is related as your post doesn’t distract or detract from the current discussion. Remaining connected to the original topic helps provide context. |
Note: Reply options depend on your trust level in the community.
Mentioning Members and Groups
You can mention a member or group in your replies by typing “@” followed by their username or group name. The individual member or all group members will receive a notification.
Tags
Use tags to narrow down a list of topics to a specific tag (for example, tips-and-tricks). All topics attached to a particular tag populates in a list, making it easy to find specific information related to your search.
Tip: When you create a New Topic, browse the optional tags list. This helps other community members find your topic based on its relevance to what they’re looking for.
Emails and Notifications Preferences
You can set your member notifications for categories, subcategories, specific members, and topics you wish to follow closely.
Emails Preferences
You may customize what types of community activity emails you receive and how often you receive them.
Notifications Preferences
Set notifications to subscribe to categories, subcategories, specific members, and topics you wish to follow closely. You can choose from 5 notification levels:
| Notification options | |
|---|---|
| Watching | You will automatically watch all topics in the category and be notified of every new post on every new topic. A count of new replies will be shown. |
| Tracking | You will automatically track all topics in this category and be notified if someone mentions your @name or replies to you. A count of new replies will be shown. |
| Watching First Post | You’ll be notified of new topics in this category but not replies to the topics. |
| Normal | You’ll be notified of new topics in this category but not replies to the topics. |
| Muted | You will never be notified of new topics in the category, and they will not appear in the “Latest” tab on the homepage. |
You can also set notification preferences for topics that interest you by clicking the 
icon in categories, subcategories, or at the bottom of a topic.
Where to Next?
Not what you were looking for? Reply below or Search the community and discover more Bluescape.