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Step One: Choosing a Name

Why not use your first name, or a name you use on other websites? I can't help you out much in this department. Some people might use the name of a character they like, or even use the name anonmyous. Choosing your name is important, as it is how others will remember you and reply. Picking something short and unique is good, but it's all up to you.

Step Two: Generating a Tripcode

Like a name, a tripcode is also something used to identify you. But a tripcode is a bit different: There's a part that only you know, and there's a part that everybody (the community, Google, and your mother) happens to see. Unless you use a special program called a Tripcode Generator, your tripcode will likely be nonsense. But if it's unique, people will be able to ascertain that it is indeed you posting your message. If you intend to post with your identity across multiple boards, you should use a simple tripcode (#password, after your name, up to 8 characters). Otherwise, you're best off using a secure tripcode, which is used by typing two pound signs before th password (##password). On the positive, this can't be cracked, but it also will change when used on different servers because of software used and unique salts for generating the password.

Step Three: Testing your Tripcode

You might find that others thought to use the same password as you for your tripcode. To avoid confusion, once you have selected a tripcode, you should search for your tripcode on Google before posting. Sites like this can generate your tripcode. After you see your generated code, search for it on Google. Is it commonly used? You should pick a new one, then. Otherwise, great! You're set for step four.

Step Four: Using your Tripcode

Now just write down or save your tripcode somewhere locally if it's not easy to remember and try posting with it! In the name field, type your name and your tripcode (for example, Archduke#letsnotg or Anonymous#world2ch). Then type out your post -- and watch out! Unlike anonymous posts, you'll have to think before you type, because all of your posts you've made can be saved and tied to you. This can be beneficial for contributing users, but if you enjoy trolling, flaming, or lying, people will catch on to your tricks and cause an end to that quickly. But it really depends on what you're looking for. If you're just a casual poster that's nice, nothing bad should happen to you. Make sure to check the name field before posting, and don't accidentally put your tripcode in the email field or subject field!

Step Five: Cap codes

After a while, if you're on a smaller board (or an excellent poster on a large one,) you may be worthy of a cap code. A capcode will change your generated tripcode to something special, like ## MOD, ## ADMIN, or anything else the administrator feels like adding. Some capcodes lead to a ban when used, such as #faggot or #merumeru on 4chan. But you shouldn't worry about this too much.

Good luck, and enjoy your career as a trip user! I look forward to our future discussions :-)