All your frequently asked questions answered.

What is Rowdii?

Rowdii.com is the world's first social search engine. The site automatically generates a discussion forum and linked sites facility for every website in the world. Users can also private message each other. The web-based version can be accessed from the homepage or you can download our handy Firefox browser add-on.

Can I do normal web searches with Rowdii?

Yes. Rowdii can do normal web searches just like any other search engine. If you type in a generic search term such as 'ipod' into the search box, Rowdii will conduct a normal search for the most popular sites related to ipod. On the other hand, if you type in a specific domain name into the search field such as 'apple.com', Rowdii immediately displays the apple.com website along with its related forum in a portion of your browser. By clicking on the 'Detailed Search' button from the Rowdii menu bar, you can also futher refine your search.

How do I add my comments to a particular website?

To post a comment you must first register. To add a comment using the web-based version, simply type in the domain name of the website you wish to post a comment about, into the search field on any Rowdii page. Once the site is displayed with its related discussion forum, press the 'start discussion' thread and a message typing box will appear. Enter your message or attach files here, then press the 'submit' button. Your message will then automatically be added to the list of threads related to that website. If you’re using the plug-in, simply press the first icon in your browser’s navigation area and the forum will instantly display for the website you are viewing.

Why should I register to use Rowdii?

You can conduct web searches and view all messages on all web sites without registering to use Rowdii. However, if you'd like to add a comment, report a comment, rate a comment, share files, add links or send another Rowdii user a private message, you'll need to become a registered member.

How do I download the Rowdii add-on for Firefox?

You can access the Rowdii Firefox add-on by visiting the Rowdii home page. Simply click on the download link in the bottom right corner and you will be taken to our download area. The add-on is designed to work with Firefox Version 3.0 or later and is compatible with both Mac and PC computers.

Can I adjust the screen space allocated to the forum?

Yes. Simply place your curser on the silver slide bar and hold down your mouse button. This will allow you to grab the bar and adjust the amount of space allocated to the web page or its related forum.

What does the 'Linked sites' function do?

The 'Linked sites' functionality allows you to add interesting web links related to the website you are viewing. For example, if you're viewing a mountain bike website, you may like to add a web link for a mountain bike club. Once a link has been added, other Rowdii users can rate the helpfulness of the link. The most popular links will rise to the top of the list. Please note that links added to the underlying website that are completely unrelated will be deleted. If you have the Rowdii Firefox Add On installed, the Linked Sites will dynamically update as you surf the web.

If I close a forum for a website, can I bring it back up?

With the web-based version, simply press the back arrow in the left corner of your browser. This will reverse the close function and bring the forum back up. If you have the Firefox Add On installed, you can open and close a forum at any time for the website you are viewing by clicking on the Rowdii icon built into the browser.

Why does each message have a star rating system at the bottom?

By allowing all Rowdii users to rate the quality of individual comments, we can provide a star rating for each user. This rating can help you assess the value of each user's comments. A user that consistently posts helpful and insightful comments, will have a higher average star rating than those that post unconstructive comments. You can check an individual user's star rating as well as their total message history by clicking on their user name within any discussion thread. Note that users cannot rate their own messages.

How do I complain about offensive posts?

If you read a message that you find offensive or that you feel the Rowdii moderators should be made aware of, simply press the 'Report' button in the bottom left hand corner of the message. We will endeavor to check the content as quickly as possible. To allow us to respond appropriately, please highlight your reasons for flagging the comment in the field provided.

What should I do if I come across spam?

We don't like ads for fake Viagra either. If you find anything like this, we encourage you to report it by hitting the 'Report' button at the bottom of the message. This will flag the message for removal by our moderators. The faster spam is identified, the sooner it will be removed for the benefit of all Rowdii users.

What is Private Messaging?

Private messaging allows you to talk to other Rowdii users directly and privately. You can send any Rowdii user a private message by clicking on their user name and hitting the Private Messaging button in the top right corner of their profile page. Once you send this message, the user will receive an email notification informing them that a message is waiting in their inbox. For complete confidentiality, your email details always remain hidden from the other user

How do I add information to my profile?

You can add information to your profile page or change the information in your profile page at any time. Simply click on the edit button within your profile page. You must be logged in first to do this.

Rowdii is not displaying correctly. What should I do?

Rowdii is optimised for use with the latest web browsers. Older browser versions may display graphics incorrectly or even limit the operation of certain functionality. To ensure you enjoy the best user experience, we would encourage you to download the latest version of your web browser. Rowdii recommends using Firefox 3.

Why have words in some messages been blanked out?

Certain words deemed to be offensive by Rowdii management will automatically be blanked out by our system. If you see a word that displays with a series of asterisk's within it, you'll know that offensive language has been used and removed from the post.

What is email notification?

When you post a message in any discussion forum or click on the ‘Notify Me’ button at the bottom of each message, you will be sent an email notification every time another message is added to that thread. This functionality is to designed to keep you updated on the threads you’re interested in.

Can I notify a friend about a discussion?

Yes. If you find a discussion that you know a friend would be interested in, simply click on the ‘Email to a Friend' link at the bottom of the relevant message. You can then add your friends name and email. We will then email them a link to the relevant thread. We only sent this message once and we do not use this email at any other time for any other purpose.