- Do you find yourself doing repetitive typing on Gather?
- Do you routinely include links to specific articles (like your best work), into your comments, or mail messages?
- Would you like to include a signature line into all of your comments, directing members to other related work, or perhaps to an index of your best content (commonly referred to as a 'Map to your Posts')?
- Do you have a favorite comment that you would like to enter automatically, with just the push of a button or two?
Well, then this Gather Tip is for you!
Of course, you can always use copy and paste. However, this article will provide information on a faster, and easier, alternative.
Programmable Keyboards
Your keyboard may have the capability to program certain keys. This allows you to associate a word, sentence, or even paragraphs with a specific key, or key sequence. You can then assign keys to enter text for you, including hyperlinks and HTML, anywhere on Gather where you would ordinarily have to type it out manually, or paste it from another source. Refer to your computer or keyboard manuals to determine if you have this capability. Then, follow the instructions for your particular hardware.
Text Replacement Program
This is the technique that I use to create signature lines in comments (see the example below). It works incredibly well, and is quite simple to set-up and use. Basically, a small program runs on your computer in the background and does the typing for you, when you instruct it to. You assign a key, or more than one, to something you want to have typed automatically. For example, I have assigned the three characters #ex to this comment signature line:
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Not a Gather Expert? This Insider's Guide may be of help.
Each time I type #ex, the computer erases these three characters, and replaces them with the text needed to produce the signature line above, including line breaks. Thus, when typing a comment, I simply enter #ex at the end, and the computer 'magically' adds the rest (quite fun to watch too!). I have programmed 15 different signature lines, each assigned to a different key sequence.
You can use this technique to insert images, links, HTML, text, or anything you normally would need to enter manually or through copy and paste.
Note, this can also be used for any typing you may do on your computer, not just on Gather, or the internet. It also works well in MSWord, EXCEL, Outlook, etc.
These programs are also typically very small, and take up an almost negligible amount of computer resources to run.
I use the program Short Keys Lite. It is completely free, small, exceptionally easy to use, and I have been very satisfied with the results. Although, there are many other programs available online, including some that will store mouse movements, and perform tasks of great complexity. For most Gather members though, Short Keys Lite will do everything you need it to, and more.
It also has a fairly good 'getting started' guide and help files. However, if you require any additional assistance, please feel free to send me a mail message.
I am certain that you will find it as useful as I have in promoting your groups, activities, or content on Gather.
Upcoming Gather Tip: Subscribing to another members article.
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Comments: 13
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deep sigh
Can someone like me be able to do what you suggest?
Oh, 10 stars for this tip, and thank you.
In addition, as you point out, there are other applications on Gather where this could prove to be useful.
I can think of several applications on Gather where this could be of help to you, and your work.
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Want to find special articles quickly? Here's how.
All I want it for at this point in time is for html things like bold & italics. And for inserting hyperlinks in comments and emails - something which I haven't been able to nut out. Will the programme allow me to do that without first attending a university course?
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Add some l♥v to your Gather comments. Learn how here.
I use a program called REAL CLIPBOARD, Link HERE:
It's quite
clear that the system clipboard does not match the classical definition.
It is most likely a shovel, which can temporarily keep only one piece of
information, though in various formats.
Real Clipboard
is functionally much closer to the clipboard definition. It can hold many
pieces of information, which it saves from past clipboard content, and
which may be organized and maintained in large collections of text, graphics
and files for easy paste operations.
is functionally much closer to the clipboard definition. It can hold many
pieces of information, which it saves from past clipboard content, and
which may be organized and maintained in large collections of text, graphics
and files for easy paste operations.
Which some popel find annoying as it will appaear when you put your mouse at the top of the screemn but I love. It allows me to keep up to fifty (or more) bits of text AND OTHER THINGS in the buffer till I need them.
a simple text file on the desktop for perm keepers is all I use for reloadable stuff on occasion.
Thanks for that great, informative, comment!
I have used Real Clipboard, although I found it to be a bit 'buggy'. It also isn't free (except for a 30 day trial period). Another less capable program, Clipomatic, does a fairly good job, and is free. Although, I prefer using a text replacement program on Gather, as it is more seamless (and easy) to simply enter 2 or 3 extra characters while I am typing.
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Questions about Gather? Ask other members in the Gather Help Forum.
the new version if you register it costs nothing... just have to give them (some sort of info).
I have had it not copy things once in awhile, but no real errors. Of course I delete my swap and defrag about once a quarter and kill the cache too.
Thing with me is I use things repetitively short term more than ongoing so it works for me.
thanks,
L.