I so often read posts that say "I can't make a blue clicky, so I can't refer you to [whatever]".

I had the same problem for a while, but finally figured out what I was doing wrong. Many months later, I realize that I might as well share:

My recurring problem was that I'd make a link, then test it, and get a "page not found," with a message to the effect that the computer was looking for my link *within mudcat.org,* and (of course) not finding it.

That would happen because I was not using the *complete* web address. For example, if you try to make a clickable link for "www.frets.com," the Mudcat LinkMaker will create a link that results in a failed search within the Mudcat site for the referenced page, exactly as described above. That won't happen when you supply a complete URL, such as "http://www.frets.com."

To capture a complete URL that will work in the LinkMaker, call up the page in question (using a new browser window will be easiest) and highlight the actual full address, which usually starts out with "http://." Hit {Ctrl}/{C} to copy, or use the mouse to select File / Copy.

Then paste the copied address into the appropriate line of the LinkMaker (using {Ctrl}/{V} or File / Paste). If desired, type in text at the other line -- this is optional. If no alternative text is provided, the link will display the actual address.

Finally, the LinkMaker will create a line of HTML code containing the desired address and also the alternate text, if any. Highlight and copy this entire line and paste it into your message.

The pasted-in code will look like a lot of gobbledegook in the window in which you type your message, but if you hit {Preview}, you'll see the link appear within your message exactly as it will appear on the forum, underlined in blue without the extra coding characters.

If this is NOT the problem for some of you (which I'm sure will be the case), provide details and ask for help. Somebody (maybe me, maybe someone else) will probably be able to provide the answer.

I want more of you to be able to provide working links!