This list was originally composed by Chile and I have just updated and added to it.
PETE’S POND F.A.Q.
Here is a list of the most commonly asked questions about Pete's Pond. It will help orient you if you are brand new here and remind you of great information if you are a long-term “Pondie”.
How do I post a question, sighting, or comment?
Look through the thread titles to find one that matches what you want to post. Once you open a thread, click on “Reply” to post something. Change the Subject line in your post, type your message and click post. You can also click on quote which will put their post in your reply so everyone knows to what you were replying to.
Threads...
There are several thread “stuck” at the top of the page. Some are for reference...
Bird Sound Identification
Weather - Pete's Pond
Fixed Weather Maps
Elephant ID
Southern African Birds Checklist
Southern African Mammals Checklist
There are two chat threads to discuss what is happening at the pond. This thread is to discuss what we see at the pond and also where Afke (our cam operator) posts and chats with us.
Sightings and Sounds from Pete's Pond 2007-08
Here we discuss the pond, but also many other cams. Its a place to chill out, relax, make friends.
Sights, Sounds, and General Chat
Post all technical questions and problems here. If you have a problem with your feed, or want to know how to capture a screen print, go to the Technical thread. Please take the time to read through past answers before posting your question, or use the Search function to see if it has already been answered.
Technical Updates/Viewing Issues
Bill's Tech Corner
Mac User's Support Group
How do I search for information on the forum?
Use the Search function in the National Geographic’s Discussion Communities banner at the top of the page. For example, type in the word “oxpeckers” to see all previous posts in the entire forum. The list of posts will come up along with the beginning couple of lines from each one. Choose the ones that look like they will answer your questions.
How do I find posts from the Hide or NGM Staff?
Afke
John Kondis
Pete Le Roux
Paul Grober
The Hide
Alisha
Esther
Pete's Pond Volunteer
Lisa NGS Wildcam Manager
Mary NGS Community Advisor
Torre NGS Wildcam Program Manager
I’m having problems with Real Player. Help!
Check the Technical Thread for help. Scroll through the pages as your question or problem has probably been addressed already. If you can’t find an answer, post for help.
How long will the wildcam be running at Pete’s Pond?
National Geographic staff working with Pete are experimenting this year with keeping the cam up year round to the cheers, whoops, and joy of us pondies.
Is the camera ever manned?
Yes, Afke, our resident cam operator, generally mans the camera from sunrise until around midnight Pete’s Pond time. She is so dedicated, she will even get up in the middle of the night to show us animals at the pond and has been know to spend her “off” time at the pond. We are extremely grateful for her dedication and hope she knows how much she is appreciated.
How can I find out about other cameras or websites of interest?
Links
Other Sites/ Cams of Interest
I get a black screen when taking a screen capture...
1. Open RealPlayer and click the Tools menu, then Preferences.
2. In the Category panel, click Hardware.
3. In the Video Card Compatibility section, move the slider all the way to the left to 'Most reliable', which disables optimized video and overlays.
4. Click OK.
5. Restart RealPlayer.
This usually solves the problem but if not try these Instructions
How to post pics on the forum using...
Tinypic
Photobucket
A Wonderful Christmas Story by H. Palmer.
The Lioness, The Lamb and the Stork
Other threads of interest
Kid's Thread ...Lots of fun stories, games and projects for young kids.
Photo Thread ...Pictures taken by Pondies on trips/vacations/etc.
Scrapbook Thread ...Pages and Montages by Shar and others
Pete's Pond Roll Call ...Add your name to the list (it’s all in fun)
Funny Moments at Pete's Pond ...A few funny moments we have shared
Animal ID Questions ...A good reference thread
Wildcam and Africam Funny Caption Pics
Video and Screenshots 2006/2007
Holiday Cooking
Other forums for Pondies...
On occasion, this forum goes down for maintenance or other reasons and these have been set up to help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms that come with being unable to post. ;-)
Blogger's Cafe ...message board set up for Pete's Pond watchers
Wild Pondies ...forum set up by pondies
Wildcam Pondies ...A gathering place for all Pondies
And finally...
Thank You ...a place to express our thanks to NG, PP Staff, Volunteers, and Pondies
Donate to Wildcam ...Where we can now donate directly to the wildcam program