I think the hardest thing for me to learn when I first started computing was that there were very few things I could do that couldn't be undone somehow. I didn't always know how to un-do them (and I still don't!), but it's the possibilities that keep me workin' at it.

My biggest frustration is when you've worked to put together a well worded and clever post only to fall victim to a computer hiccup and have it disappear right before your eyes. I have two tricks to help with that. One thing you can do is compose your post offline, in your word processing program. When you're ready to post it, just copy it and paste it into the StoryTrax text block. There's probably a "copy" command in the toolbar of your word processor, or use the keyboard shortcut keys. To use the shortcuts, while in your word processor, first hit CTRL+a (that is, hold down the Control key then hit the letter "a" -- this selects all your text). Next, hit CTRL+c. Your text is now on your clipboard, that little floating memory area that allows you to store stuff temporarily. Now, open the StoryTrax site and navigate to the spot where you want to put your text. Fill in the title, then move the cursor down to the blank text box and hit CTRL+v. Your text will be inserted in the box. (I always think of the "v" as that little carat you use when you're writing by hand and want to go back and insert a word or phrase into a line you've already written.) Look it over, make any last minute revisions, then hit "preview" or "post." And don't worry -- if something happens and your text doesn't get posted, you've still got the backup copy back where you left it in your word processor. By the way, this works in reverse, too, if you want to move text from the StoryTrax site to your word processor.

The other way to save your text is to use that clipboard feature. Compose your post in the text box on the StoryTrax site. Just before you "preview" or "post" it, hit CTRL+a to select all your text in the box, then CTRL+c to copy it onto your clipboard. If there's an electronic hiccup when you try to post it, just use CTRL+v to paste your text back into the box. The only drawback with this method is that you only have a temporary copy of your text, not a more permanent one like you can have using your word processor.

(BTW, the duplicate post you mentioned has been removed by that always watchful StoryTrax team. Please don't hesitate to send a note to info@storytrax.com if you ever have problems using the site.)

Keep at it, Pam, you're stories and comments are great!

Thanks for posting!  I know it can be frustrating, but you are choosing to participate in the newest wave of communication.  Perhaps our grandparents felt the same way about the telephone?  As author of the piece on old time department stores, I truly appreciated your comments, and they were good enough to be posted twice!  I think if you go to that posting and click "edit" on one of your entries, it will come up for changes.  Perhaps at that point you can just delete all of the information and it will go away.  Not sure of this, but it is worth a try.  I agree with Jess . . . keep on keeping on!  Anne H.