The Terms:

Pin – A pin is a photo that is added to Pinterest. Pins can be added from any source on the web or you can upload your own images. Pins always link back to the original source, so whether it’s from a website, or one of your own, others will be able to see its origin.

Board – Boards are where your pins are located. Each individual board is a set of pins on any topics you identify. You create the names for each of your boards and can add an unlimited number of pins.

Repin – For those of you familiar with Twitter, a repin is similar to a retweet. It allows you to add any image you find to one of your own boards and share with your followers. If you see an image you like from another user, simply hover over the pin and press the repin button.

Like – You also have the option to “like” a pin. When you “like” an image it is added to the Likes section of your profile, but is not added to one of your boards or shared with your followers.

How To:

Create an account – Currently Pinterest is invite-only. You do have an option to request an invite from Pinterest or if you know someone who already has an account they can send you an invite. Once you receive your invitation, you register your account by connecting through your Facebook or Twitter account.

Follow someone – When you are looking at a user’s profile you’d like to follow, you have the option to follow just one of their boards by clicking the “follow” button placed at the bottom of the board. Or if you’d like to follow everything a user pins, click the “follow all” button under their profile picture. 

Add “Pin It” browser bookmark – Adding the “Pin It” button to your bookmarks makes it easier to pin images you see while surfing the web. Once added simply click the button and choose the image you’d like to pin. Follow the detailed instructions and video on Pinterest’s Goodies page.

Mention a Pinterest user – If you want to make sure a Pinterest user you follow sees one of your pins you have the ability to mention them in the comment section. You do this by entering the @ symbol followed by his/her name.

Comment – You can comment on a pin both in thumbnail and full-size views. To comment in thumbnail view, hover over the pin, click the comment button, type in your comment and click the comment button. To comment while in full-size view, comment in the box below the image. In this view you are able to mention another Pinterest user in your comment.

Use the search bar – The search bar is located in the top left corner of the page and is an easy way to help you find specific ideas. Once you enter your topic and search, Pinterest displays nearly limitless pins. You also have the option, located in the top left corner of the page, to then choose to search user’s boards with your topic name. There is also an option for people, if you’re looking to find another user.

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