We have some newer members here, and I've recently learned a few are not quite sure how to create a poll. Here is a step by step explanation....
Press the "New Poll" button. You will see a button up at the top of the main index screen of each forum. It says "New Poll" and it is located up at the top of the screen, inside the beige stripe, over on the far right hand side. When you push it, you will access the screen allowing you to make a poll.
You'll need to type the title of the poll into the "subject" field, and then a question in the "question" field.
Next, enter a name for each option inside the "option" fields. You can have as many options as you want. I've had polls with up to 30 different options. For example, if you were to start a poll on favorite animals, you could type "dog" inside option 1, "cat" inside option 2, "fish" inside option 3, "monkey" inside option 4, and so on. The screen will show 5 option fields by default. If you wish to add another option field, click on the
(Add Option) link. Continue doing this until you have entered all your poll options, or choices.
Next you will see a box to enter the number of days you would like the poll to run. If you want the poll to "expire" or close after a certain period of time, enter the number of days you would like the poll to be active inside this box. For example, if you would like the poll to stay open for 2 weeks, you should enter the number 14 (for 14 days) inside the box. If you wish the poll to never close, just leave the box blank.
If you want to allow members to change their vote after it has been cast, check the "allow users to change vote" box. If you leave the box unchecked, members will not be able to change their vote once they cast it. This can come in handy for some types of polls, but generally I will check this box. Other members will choose not check it. It's entirely up to you and either way you decide to set it up is fine.
Next, choose whether you want the results of the poll visible to anyone, or only to those who have voted. Most of the time I hide the results until after the member have voted. This gives members an added incentive to vote, so they can see the poll results.
Finally, post a message inside the text box. You MUST type something into the text box, otherwise you will receive an error message. Generally I will type a message telling people which choices I voted for, and then maybe ask them a question.
Press the POST button to post your poll to the forum.
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I'll be happy to help you. I think you'll find that after you've created a poll once it's quite easy and fun to do.
