Welcome
Welcome to MIG performance Vauxhalls, the best Vauxhall club on the planet. This thread aims to answer most common questions and problems that crop up again and again; all in one place! You may wish to add this thread to your favourites

I will try and cover some of the basic aspects of using MIG, understanding how it works and getting the most from the site.

Posting, using the site
Finding the right forum
On the www.migweb.co.uk main page, you'll see a list of all the different sections according to their subject. If you want to read or talk about a certain subject, you'll find it here. Each section has a short description underneath it to inform you of it's purpose...


Thread titles
You should make your thread titles descriptive. For example if you have a leaking radiator and want help, a bad thread title would be "Help" or "Does anybody know?". A good thread title would be "Astra Mk4 rad leaking - help needed" More info here (thanks Dan )

Some threads are marked "sticky". All this means is they will always be pinned at the top of the forum they are in until a moderator un-sticks them.

Keeping track of things
To keep track of posts you have made and threads you have started, and to view replies to them, simply click "user CP" in the top right. You'll then see a list of threads you are subscribed to. Ones in bold have had replies since your last reply, ones in normal text haven't.


Posting pictures and videos
How to post pictures in threads
Where to host videos
Thanks to Lee69 for those threads
MIG also has it's own gallery and photo uploader here

Private messaging, searching, passwords and general forum usage
All here
When using the search function be sure to select a forum from the list available. For example if you want to read about Coscast cylinder heads, aim the search at engines + transmission. If you don't, you'll get results from everywhere (ie people selling Coscast heads in the classifieds )

Polls
When you are making a new thread, you can choose to add a poll when you submit the thread. Simply choose a title, choose the number of options for the poll (and their names) and then click submit. These are useful if you want opinions on an idea (new modification perhaps?)

The rules
Link here

Classifieds
MIG runs an excellent classifieds forum for buying and selling cars, parts and pretty much anything so long as it's legal. It's one of the busiest car classified forums on the web with plenty of group buys, custom parts and hard to find items. There are rules, including rules for new users.

Frequently asked questions
What does MIG stand for?

Mike, Ian and Gareth; the original founders of MIGweb. The present site owner is Mike Warner.

Commonly used abbreviations/terms
IIRC = If I Remember Correctly
FYI = For Your Information
TBH = To Be Honest
IMO = In My Opinion
IMHO = In My Honest Opinion
AFAIK = As Far As I Know
PMSL= Piss My Self Laughing
LOL = Laugh Out Loud
ROTFL = Roll On The Floor Laughing
FTW = For The Win

Membership and username colours
As a new user your name will be "blue". You may be affectionately known as a "blue fonter" lmao by some of the paid-up club members who have red usernames. MIG staff and co-ordinators have bold green usernames (and a title). Moderators have black usernames and Admin have Grey usernames.

Avatars
Avatars are the small pictures you see under usernames. You need to become a member to have one. The maximum size of your avatar must be 80 by 80 pixels or 9.8 KB (whichever is smaller).

Picture signatures
MIG doesn't support the use of picture signatures as it makes threads untidy and hard to read.

Moderation, infractions and gagging
Quote Originally Posted by Mike Warner
MIGWeb has a number of moderators on the site whose primary objective is to moderate content of posts. Sometimes though, moderation of users is required due to breaking of the forum rules. Please be sure you are familiar with the rules.

There is an infraction and warning system in place for moderators to use. Getting a minor warning or infraction is no biggie. Sometimes warning are given purely to inform users that what they have done is against the rules for the site and not a real reprimand. Infractions are usually given for users who continue to break the rules and are usually given after a warning has been issued. The system logs warning and infractions, so all staff can see the user history. Multiple breaking of the same rule can lead to a gagging from staff.

As said above, the moderators main objective is to moderate post content. We do not wish to moderate users, but sometimes this is necessary, so please keep in mind that moderators are merely trying to keep the peace on MIGWeb.

It should be noted that private messages are private! Any notification of a warning or infraction should remain private. Starting threads discussing a warning or infraction you have been given is completely unacceptable and may result in a further infraction
See here for an idea of the structure of MIG moderation / admin.

Tips for using the site
Get involved!
To start with you can start a new thread in car talk and post up some pictures of your current car or project. Give a quick list of the spec and possibly any plans for it. This will let people get an idea of what you drive. Likewise new users are welcome to start a thread in off-topic discussions to say hello

Fill out your profile!
One of the first things you can do is click "user CP" in the top left hand corner. You'll then see a list of options on the left of your screen. Click "edit profile" so you can fill in your location and what you drive! You can also click "edit signature" to add up to 3 lines of text that can be informative, funny or whatever you like.

Use the regional forums
MIG has regional forums for most parts of the UK. This is the place to get to know your locals and discuss meets and events or just have some banter. Be sure to read up on any local events.

Text speak
Txt spk is wun of dem fings dat will get u murked on here bruv, no wat I mean? So try and make your posts understandable. Nobody demands perfect spelling or grammar, but easy to read posts are essential

Sign up!
The membership fee has been reduced from £20 per year to £15 per year. For that you get a range of discounts at a whole host of places including Vauxhall main dealer, Autovaux, Demon Tweeks, Online Autosport and many more. You also get a membership pack plus you are then able to be a part of the MIG stand at shows. The website side of things sees you gain a bigger PM box, access to the members area (inc tech articles), an avatar and more! Online membership here

Fancy a good read?
Well nothing beats the new projects & restorations forum. Here you will find threads on nearly every type of Vauxhall. Everything from subtle mods to concourse restorations to full on track/drag weapons! This is certainly the place to go for inspiration, information or just a damn good read!

I hope this guide has been helpful for the new users we have. Damn it could even teach some of the old dogs some new tricks lmao