You go to the first globe icon saying 'GO'. Under that is 'My Space'. Then, there is an option saying 'Permissions'.

I couldn't respond to my own topic, being, "Things have changed!" to respond. because I got a pop up that said I didn't have permission to respond to a topic question that I started. I am confused!

That is my question about permissions. What is it? I still don't get it! Why was I given 'permission' to start a topic, but denied 'permission', by a pop up stating just that, to respond to the exact topic which I started?

I only wish to know about changes to the site, not to criticize. Please, understand that. I understand the avatar. I will go back to my original one, the train, with no problem or complaint. I understand that there is no more Private Topic available. I will not cry over that. Members do have the choice to post their e-mail address, if they do not object to member contact.

I have a question or so, not criticism. Yes, I have been gone for a while! I would like to understand the site, which has changed since I have last been here.

Replies can only be posted by administrators in this forum. (It's the opposite of the Awards forum which is reply only for members.) That is why you couldn't respond in your original thread. I will add that information under the forum title so that members know. As you have already discovered since your return, you are still able to both start threads and reply to topics originated by other members just as you could before.

The permissions listed in your profile are actions that are possible on the site, depending on whether you have admin, moderator, tutor, enthusiast or member status. The permissions enabled for each member have a tick by them on their list.