We have a much easier way to embed Youtube, MySpace, and other media into your posts on the forum. I know some of you like using the quick reply option instead of using the full reply function, so this will make adding video much, much easier.

All you need to do is copy the link for the video into your post and the forum will now automagically turn that into an embedded video. You do not have to use the BBCODE functions anymore to make your video viewable within your posts, although that option still exists. Here's an example:

If I wanted to embed the following Youtube video link:

A couple of bugs fixed. The most noteworthy is the automatic private message is fixed when you donate points to another member. Previously it was sending a PM which appeared to be coming from me. Now, when you donate points to another member, it will automatically send that user a PM from you stating how many points you donated and why if you put a reason in the text box.

Other bug fixes are in the works and as usual, I will keep you notified.

We've been offline since yesterday morning. Our host has informed me that a hard drive failed and they have it temporarily fixed, with a permanent fix coming late Monday. So we might have a little more downtime Monday afternoon while they do the final repair.

I have a number of things to cover, so please read carefully.

POINTS
I am officially announcing our Points system. Members may obtain points in a variety of ways:

Registering on Matergravy = 100 points
Making a New Thread = 5 points
Replying to a Post = 3 points
Making a New Poll = 10 points
Voting in polls = 5 points
Sending a PM = 1 point
Replying to a PM = 1 point
Every Visit to Matergravy = 2 points

You can also earn points by playing flash games in our FunZone Arcade. It has it's own set of rules for points:

Minimum # of points in your account to play a game = 50 points
Number of points earned with any high score = 5 points
Number of points you paid to play any game = -3 points
Number of points earned by becoming a Champion = 50 points

SHOP
So what do you do with all these points? You buy stuff from our shop, of course. Currently the shop is stocked with a number of badges you can purchase to display on your profile and within your posts. You may also choose to send items to other users that you have purchased. You can also donate points to other users if you wish. Over the next few weeks, I will be adding many more items to the shop you can use to customize your profile.

I will soon be offering a lot of real world items you can purchase with your posts like discount and coupon cards, coffee mugs, and much more. Participating in the forum is key to be able to purchase any item from the shop.

ACHIEVEMENTS
The newest feature on the forum is the ability to gain achievements. And there are MANY. Achievements automatically add badges to your profile. You can then choose to show up to 2 achievements on your posts. You can currently receive up to:

* 8 different achievements by reaching certain post counts.
* 6 different achievements by starting a certain number of new threads.
* 8 different achievements by remaining active on the forum.
* 8 different achievements by accumulating a certain number of points.

And these are the KNOWN achievements. There will be a number of custom achievements available as the site grows. The criteria for receiving these achievement badges are a secret... sorry, can't spoil all the fun

So why not sign up and start participating in our growing community!

I just added some additional options to your profiles. The main and most noticeable change is the addition of Social Sites. You can now add a link to your profiles on the popular social sites like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn, Last.FM, and more. Please add your links, and any that you do add will appear on each post you make in the forum.