When you go to send a reply, under the Additional Options area is an option “Automatically Parse Links in Text.” I think I know what “to parse” means but I don’t understand this option. What does it do? Should I be using it? 
Thank you.
When you have a link typed out in your text, like www.straightdope.com for example, if you have “Automatically parse links in text” checked, the board software will automatically add URL tags around the link, and the link will turn into www.straightdope.com like so.
If you don’t have it checked, then it remains plain text, like www.straightdope.com.
All it means is that when the box is checked, hyperlinks are actual links, like this: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/newreply.php?do=postreply&t=743804
It just means that if you post a link, the board software will recognize it as such and automatically surround it with the tags and make it into a clickable link. It’s checked by default, so you don’t have to do anything. Sometimes posters will uncheck it in certain circumstances, like if they want to post a link that may not be safe for work.
Wow. Double ninja’d.
Um, every link engineer_comp_geek typed in turned into a link, even his last one which he clearly intended to be plain text. I think viglink is overriding anything “automatically parse links in text” is doing.
Yeah I think that’s what happened. Kinda makes his post funny.
yup vigilink is automatically adding in links 
Pfft. I forgot about viglink. It looks right on my computer, but then I’m running a script blocker so I don’t see viglink links.
Technically viglink isn’t overriding the checkbox, it’s adding in the links after the fact. The post, as stored in the SDMB, does not contain the links.
You can opt out here. I just did so and the links in engineer_comp_geek’s post disappeared when I refreshed the page.
You can opt out of VigLink. I’m not going to link to it, but you can Google “VigLink remove.” Yeah, it puts a cookie on your computer and probably tracks your info, anyway, but you won’t see non-parsed links become clickable and you won’t go through other redirects on your way to an off-Dope webpage.
Curses! Ninja’d again!
Personally, I prefer blocking it to opting out, for the sake of principle. Plus, you aren’t safe if you aren’t running an adblock or script block here.
This viglink (must be short for vigilante linker) seems to be a pain in the ass. There was a thread here in ATMB about it just a few weeks ago.
I use the ultimate script blocker: I run my browser with JavaScript completely disabled except when I know that I actually need it. IMHO this massive improves my browsing experience.
Thank you, everybody, for the explanation.
I would be happier if I hadn’t read Engineer_comp_geek 's post.
I had to clean my glasses 
It burns when I pee.