This message board is described as a great place for practice posting. Are we that stupid, I take offense to that.
Sure. Now post something with some code and a signature in subscript with an embedded link. See if you get it right first time.
picmr
True, you can just use Preview to see what it’s going to look like and to check to be sure the links make, but there’s just one problem with that–your signature doesn’t show up in Preview. If you’re going to have a sig line with lots of links and tiny print, etc. you need to practice post it first (or at least, you ought to).
No insult is intended, 'kay? Chill.
If you want more privacy for your practice posts, look for an old ATMB thread with a title like “Practice Post–Ignore This”, then nobody will bother to open it and read it, even if they see it at the top of the list. The regs all know that somebody bumping an old thread titled “Ignore This” really is just trying something out and there’s probably nothing to see.
OTOH, there is a very tiny percentage of us who like to hang out in ATMB and help newbies, so if you’re practicing your sig line in an “Ignore This” thread, and it just won’t make, you can sometimes post a “Help! Why won’t this make?” right after the offending post, and usually a state trooper like Louie or JimB will stop by and help you out.
Also, Tuba reads all these threads (don’t you, dear?), so sometimes she’ll give you an assist (but then she requires chocolate, so keep some handy).
I work without bribes . . . I’m just so darn appreciative when tribute comes my way. 
your humble TubaDiva
No comment.
(ouch!) Hey, I was only kidding! Displaying the sardonic and ironic wit that is the hallmark of the SDMB. 
Someone come in posing as baseball great Ken Griffey Jr. Yeah, right. Are we that stupid? I’m offended.
Another reason to use a practice post, is when you don’t have an immediate use for a trick, but want to try it anyway-- See my thread a few weeks ago about the horizontal rule, for instance. Of course, I could also have replied to someone else’s thread, previewed, and then closed without submitting, but that seems a bit roundabout.
And someone posing as a Greek titan… Now that really stretches credibility…
Thanks, DDG. But I think Chronos has taken over most of the patrol work around here. I think I’m getting moved to a desk job. He’s quick and seldom needs any follow-up.
And, TubaDivaDarlin’, you are very appreciated in here by us troopers.
Jim
This isn’t true. If you click on “Show Signature” you will see the whole thing. Mine shows the smiley and blue link.
What doesn’t show up is the “Post subject line”, where a lot of people get caught in the Quote Bug.