September 16, 1997

Instructions for Navigating COW: Conferencing on the Web

1. Start your web browser programs: Netscape, Internet Explorer, or AOL.
 
2. Navigate to http://www-personal.umich.edu/~rtanter/
 
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page, under Miscellaneous, select Go to
Conferencing on the Web.
 
4. Select umich ENTER.
 
5. Login with your uniqname and password.
 
6. Select PS-472-F97. If you are a registered member of COW, YOUR HOTLIST
should appear with PS-472-F97. If this is not listed on YOUR HOTLIST, you
will need to CHANGE HOTLIST.
 
7. PS-472-F97 COW Page will appear. This will list the topics available
for comment. You should read all topics and previous comments before
writing your own comment. Repeating arguments or ideas that have already
been discussed is not appreciated. Select the topic that you wish to read.
 
8. The topic page will be displayed. This will contain the background
information presented by one of the conference managers. Usually one or
more useful HTML links will also be available.
 
The page will also list related topics and New Activity.
 
9. You may review past conversations by selecting the number under the
Total heading. Selecting the number under New will display the
conversations you have not yet read. Select either of these numbers.
 
10. You may read the previous conversation by scrolling down the screen.
At the bottom of the page will be an empty text box, titled YOUR
RESPONSE.
 
11. You should compose your argument, research, or contribution in a word
processing program after having done some reading or research on the
subject.

Spell check and proof read the document. Once you are satisfied with your
work, use the EDIT menu to SELECT ALL. Use the EDIT Menu to COPY. Go to
the web browser, and place your cursor in the text box. Use the EDIT menu
to PASTE your work into the box.
 
12. Select the PREVIEW RESPONSE button. This will show you how your work
will be displayed to the world. Select the BACK button on your web
browser to return to your work. At this point you may make any desired
changes.
 
13. If you are satisfied with your work, select the SUBMIT RESPONSE button
at the bottom of the page. Your work will be placed on the web page. It is
unalterable at this point, so make sure that it is something of which you
will be proud. If you have inadvertently placed something on the web that
should not be there, you can hide your response. Fair witnesses have the
power to Unhide responses, so this should not be done. In summary, make
certain that your response is well written before submitting it.