Q: Is this place free to join?
A: Of course it is. Free to join, draw, and make new friends.

Q: What is an Oekaki?
A: An Oekaki is basically an online drawing board. Members draw pictures using the built-in drawing boards and submit them onto the front page where other members may comment about the image.

Q: How do I draw here?
A: First make sure you're registered and a member and you've read all the rules. If you're logged in you should see a "Draw" option at the top. Hover your mouse over that link and all the drawing boards will be displayed underneath.
Shi-Painter is the newest board. It has more tools and options than the other boards.
PaintBBS was commonly used before Shi-Painter and its tools are easier to understand for beginners.
OekakiBBS is...SO...old...learn the other two first. =]

Q: Can I make more than one account?
A: Yup, but we'd prefer if you stuck with only one account.

Q: How do I... Bump a picture?
A: If you want to bump your own picture, retouch, sent it, and choose "Yes" in the bump area.

Q: How do I... Safety Save?
A: Send your picture and in the dropdown list for safety save, select "Yes, save for later."
You can't begin another picture until your safety save is finished/sent though!

Q: How do I... Get Upload Access?
A: Only admins have upload access.

Q: How do I... Recieve an Archive?
A: The admins are the only ones that can archive a picture, but they have to go through this checklist:
1. Is the anatomy proper for the subject of the image?
2. Does the background compliment and incorporate the main focus of the image?
3. Are the lines clean with no colors bleeding over that distract too much from the picture?
4. Does it have good composition / not too cluttered?
5. Do you wanna have sexual activites with this amazing piece?
If you can nail all of those, you have a chance of recieving an archive. Remember, archives are the best of the best.

Q: How do I... Change my avatar?
A: Go to Admin-->Profile, and you should find an area in there that will allow you to change your avatar.

Java displays an X when drawing.
Fix: Head on over to Java.com and install the newest javascript. That usually fixes the problem. If it's still showing as a red X, make sure your computer isn't blocking all javascript from being downloaded.

Problems Retrieving Password.
Fix: When you're signed out there should be a link at the very top that says Lost Password. Click that and follow the directions.

Q: Is it safe for my child to draw here?
A: There are options that filter out certain things that children shouldn't be seeing. Every person who joins has the filters automatically on, but they can alter it in their profiles to allow adult viewing.

Q: What about curse words?
A: Since this is an advanced board, we assume the members are mature enough to handle swearing and we allow curse words to be used. However, members know not to use these words towards other members of the oekaki.