It depends on whether you use the Rich Text Editor or HTML tab when posting. This FAQ entry (http://www.livejournal.com/support/faqbrowse.bml?faqid=75) has instructions for both.
I find it much easier to use the HTML editor and put links in manually; I gather that the Rich Text Editor lj-cut feature may sometimes not work too well.
(Actually, I prefer to use a program called Semagic (http://semagic.sourceforge.net/index.html) for posting, which has many lovely buttons for those sorts of things. It's for Windows, though; if you use something else, I don't know if there are any similar programs available.)
It's pretty awesome. I've used it for years - I can manage from LJ if I need to, for example when I'm not posting from my own computer, but it just makes everything so much easier!
Yes, I can manage for a short, quick post. But if I need to post to a community (as a Mod, I post to several), I deifinitely want Segmagic. I can't agree with you more. It's been a sanity saver.
River, when you have a spare moment can you tell me what I'm doing wrong with segmagic? I can't seem to make it work. It loaded just fine on my PC, but when I click on it, nothing happens.
However, through segmagic, I discovered LJArchive, which is the epitome of cool! Now I know what Droxy means everytime she tells me to archive something!
Are you a Mac or Windows user? I'm not sure how to do things on a MAC, only Windows. I might need to send you the file separately so that it loads correctly.
Sorry babe (apologies to Jules for hyjacking your entry!).
I have windows. I downloaded segmagic with no problem, it launched, and I could see it, and the icon appeared on my desktop, but when I click on the icon, nothing happens.
Oh, no! It's great, I promise. The dialog's a little choppy, that's all. I had to go back and skim the Voldemort chapter to remember what'd happened before.
When you are on the posting page, at the top are a bunch of "buttons" for various things to use in changing things like indentations, size and color of the text, etc. Count in the ninth button from the right. Hover your cursor over it and it will tell you that it's for the LJ cut. Highlight the text that you want under the cut, then click on that button. A window will appear. Type in the phrase you wish to appear in parentheses that people will click on to read your text, such as "Yoo-hoo, this way to the smut!" then click on the OK button (at least I think it says OK), and that's it.
Get Semagic (like Kribu suggested) - it makes posting TONS easier. I find it hard to post with cuts if I'm just using LJ's format for posting. Semagic gives you lots of options as well.
i used semagic with my old pc and laptop for years - does everything you need it to: cuts, user names, links etc. With the mac, I have to use phoenix, which is ok, but not nearly as user-friendly as semagic.
I'd never HEARD of Segmagic until this point - thanks, Jules for bringing up this topic - I've downloaded it and I'm getting ready to start using it for my postings, after I've figured it out a little bit.
I use Semagic, too. When I first set up my LJ I didn't know squat about HTML. I've actually learned more about it by seeing what the various tools in Semagic insert as I write my post. Love Semagic!
I, too, thank you for this post - I'd never heard of semagic either - I've just downloaded the zip version that doesn't require an install - you just save the unzipped files in a folder (I don't like to clutter up my registry unnecessarily) - and tried it out with a private test post - Perfection!
I saved it to my desktop -I'll put it elsewhere later - and to use, I just opened it and clicked on the LJ icon. Easy peasy!
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Date: 2011-08-12 02:34 pm (UTC)I find it much easier to use the HTML editor and put links in manually; I gather that the Rich Text Editor lj-cut feature may sometimes not work too well.
(Actually, I prefer to use a program called Semagic (http://semagic.sourceforge.net/index.html) for posting, which has many lovely buttons for those sorts of things. It's for Windows, though; if you use something else, I don't know if there are any similar programs available.)
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Date: 2011-08-12 02:46 pm (UTC)no subject
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Date: 2011-08-12 03:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-08-12 06:13 pm (UTC)However, through segmagic, I discovered LJArchive, which is the epitome of cool! Now I know what Droxy means everytime she tells me to archive something!
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Date: 2011-08-12 06:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-08-12 06:20 pm (UTC)I have windows. I downloaded segmagic with no problem, it launched, and I could see it, and the icon appeared on my desktop, but when I click on the icon, nothing happens.
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Date: 2011-08-12 03:02 pm (UTC)Kribu and rivertempest, I'll definitely check out Semagic on the strength of your recommendations!
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Date: 2011-08-13 02:39 am (UTC)I saved it to my desktop -I'll put it elsewhere later - and to use, I just opened it and clicked on the LJ icon. Easy peasy!