Pondering the invisible user

[Jean Kelly]

How does one become an invisible user? Is it an elevated guest status, or just a lurking user of gaseous form? Why would one chose to be an invisible user and are they really invisible if we know that there are 2 of them on the board? What happens when all the users are invisible? Are they aware of the existence of other invisible users? Can I chose to become invisible at any time or do I have to apply for invisible status? Can a guest switch with an invisible user, so both in essence become invisible? Does being invisible grant access other invisible areas of the board? Just wondering.

Jean

[Steven Sweeney]

"Gaseous Users" (you know who we are) and "Invisible Users" both come from the same Chamber of The Unknowables. It is possible to hold both offices simultaneously. Indeed, it is sometimes even advisable to do so, especially if there are Ghostbusters about.

The answer lies within the "Edit Options" box in the catacombs of "Your Controls and Options" ("Above you!! Watch out!").

I would take you there myself, but I'm being summoned back into the incorporeal mists. (I have to go get groceries.)

[Jeff Fuchs]

I was an invisible user recently. I didn't change any of my settings, but I had opened my browser to this forum, and then left the computer unattended for a while.

When I returned and started browsing again, I saw that there were two names on the user list. My name wasn't there, even though I was still logged in. The census said there was one invisible user. I guess that was me. Maybe the software does that when someone is logged on, but apparently not at his computer.

When you post your work, and no one comments, you really feel invisible.

[Michele Rushworth]

At the top of this screen you'll see a choice for "Your Controls and Options". If you click on that and then choose "Edit Options" you'll be given a choice about whether to become an "Invisible User."

The instructions say:

"Selecting yes allows you to surf the forums without appearing in the 'Logged In Users' list."

Of course, as an Invisible User, you may end up going through a worm hole to a parallel universe and pop up somewhere else in the space/time continuum. If that happens, Cynthia will no longer be responsible for your whereabouts!

[Jean Kelly]

My thanks to all in clearing up this mystery. I've been stewing on this for almost 3 months now. Your pointers and direction have taken a great load off my mind. Whew! Just one more question. Can an invisible user post a reply, and is that reply visible? Are you aware of any poltergeists that post invisibly to cause mayhem and discord on the forum? How would I know that "I" have become invisible? Have I ever become invisible unawares? Jeez, this is becoming a murky mess.

I'll have to start a new painting soon so I can stop obsessing. Jeff, how did you feel while you were invisible? Michele, have you actually visited this parallel universe? Are you involved in the conspiracy with Cynthia to whisk the invisibles off? And Steven, I'm glad you're out there, I feel that you do understand my dismay over this.

Jean

[Denise Hall]

I heard about a Visible User who chanced upon becoming an Invisible User via the wall in the train station en route to Hogwarts School who ended up here instead. He is now a thriving portrait painter - known mostly for his portraits containing snowy white owls in the background.

Couldn't resist,

[Jean Kelly]

Denise, laughter is good for the soul. You made my night.

Jean