Q. What is the Red Brick Times?
A. This is a "web log" (aka "blog"), a system that allows invited users to dynamically post text and links to a shared web page. It's also possible to start a discussion thread from any post. The site is hosted at jaguarpc with Blogger powering the posting function and dotcomments as a discussion engine.

Q. Who might join and use this blog?
A. The intended users are the now far flung members the "1885 Schoolhouse Gang", a bunch of misfits (c'mon, you know you were) who inhabited or habituated a one room red brick structure in Northeastern Ohio, hence the name. To become a member you must have a strong connection to this group and ask for an invitation, which will be generated from Blogger. This invitation will make it much easier for you to sign up there and join the right blog.

Q. What is the domain 7393.org?
A. 7393 is (and I shouldn't have to tell any prospective members this) the house number of the red brick structure mentioned above. Clever, no? The process of internet domain registration has changed a lot recently. There are now many ICANN licensed registrars instead of just one resulting in price competition. I was able to get this domain at $25 for two years.

Q. How did this come about?
A. I have been kicking the idea around ever since reading several Cc'ed emails from members of the Schoolhouse gang concerning Lenore's death. They were very well written and, at least by me, highly appreciated. My first impulse was to reply to the address' myself but I don't like to mass email people. Because I'm a 'puter tech by trade I decided to create a blog instead. Unlike email a blog is a group effort and can become very lively the more the group posts and discusses on it. It's my hope that the community this is intended for will find it useful and enjoyable.

Q. What can I post here?
A. The sky's the limit sweetmeat. Post a topic that you think others might want to discuss, a link to an interesting site, your weird dream from last night. Maybe we can talk Ralph into posting a weekly poem. Maybe Ray will start a gardening thread. Wouldn't it be great if people who had old pictures scanned them and posted links here? Maybe we could write a separate page on the site for photos. How about Solstice news/maps etc.? Out of towners could, if they wish, give the rest of us notice that they'll be in town. Nice. Remember though, whatever you post is there for everyone to see.

Q. Is this blog child friendly?
A. I really have no idea how this might develop, but knowing the group as well as I do I confess to high (but not necessarily child friendly) hopes.

Q. Can two or more people sharing one computer post as individuals?
A. Sure. Your identity is determined by your Blogger user name and password. There is a Blogger option you can select so it recognizes you every time you go there. If two people share one computer do not select this option, sign in manually each time. If you (whoops) already selected that option and are seen as someone else click on the "Sign Out" link in Blogger then sign in as yourself. If you are sharing a computer at work do not select the option or anyone who sits there will appear as you. Again, if you already did just manually "Sign Out". That kills the cookie.

Q. How does the spiffy new Search feature work?
A. It searches the 7393 domain, not the internet at large, and works with the usual operators. To search for a single word just enter that word; for a phrase enclose the phrase in quotes (Ex: "red meat"); include terms with a plus sign  and exclude terms with a minus sign (Ex: +red -meat).