Has any one had trouble trying to join the art forum as advertised in the Artist & Illustrators magazine. I have subscribed to this magazine for many years but have only recently decided to try and join in their chat room about art. They keep saying my name is not real nor is my e-mail address and regardless how many times I tell them I am in fact real and certainly no alien they still refuses to accept me as a real person. I had better go and take a look at myself and make sure I have not changed into something from outer space. Any comments out their? Betty

Hi Betty I'm very sorry to hear you have been having trouble registering on the A&I forum. I'm sure you understand that the 'they' who have been telling you you don't exist is just an automated system; it's nothing personal! I am one of the admins there so if you could contact me telling me the username(s) and email address you have been using to register I will look into it and see if I can find out what the problem is.

Just to add, I haven't heard of anyone else encountering problems with registering as a member of the A&I forum, but if anyone is having trouble please do get in touch and I will do my best to help. (To forestall confusion, maybe I should point out that unlike the SAA forum you need first to click on 'register' and become a member. You will then be able to 'log in' to post, and of course it is only necessary to 'register' on your first visit.) I'm reluctant to 'advertise' another forum here - it would be bad manners! - but those familiar with the A&I magazine will know where to find us, or you can contact me and I will send you the address.