Many of you will already know some of this, but here are a few pointers for simple formatting of messages.
NOTE: when using the features for yourself, replace the words (eg, (asterix) ) with the correspoinding symbol (eg, * )
To make text bold
(asterix)Text(asterix)
Text
To make text italic
(underscore)Text(underscore)
Note: The following symbol is an underscore _
Text
To underline text
(u)Text(/u)
Note: switch the ( ) brackets to [ ] brackets
Text
To add a URL (web address) to a piece of text without pasting the URL itself
(url=http://www.nintendolife.com)Text(/url)
Note: switch the ( ) brackets to [ ] brackets
Text
To add a bullet point to an article
(asterix)(space)Text
- Text
To add a strikethrough effect
(del)]Text(del)
Note: switch the ( ) brackets to [ ] brackets
Text
To create a line break
(hyphen)(hyphen)(hyphen)
Note: The following symbol is a hyphen -
To add a YouTube video
(youtube:VIDEO ID)
Note: switch the ( ) brackets to [ ] brackets
Note: the video ID is the bold selection from the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J---aiyznGQ
Example: (youtube:J---aiyznGQ) creates the following video
Note: only add YouTube video's where necessary, and avoid using them as spam or posting them in comment sections to Nintendo Life articles. Misuse of this feature could result in bad things happening to people you love.
Basic smileys
: ) 
: | 
: ( 
; ) 
: ' ( 
: D 
: P 
: O (note: capital letter O, not the number) 
: * 
: $ 
B - ) 
0 : - ) (note: the number 0, not the letter)
" />
(further note: for an unexplained reason, sometimes garbage characters may appear in your posts, such as the ones after the angel smiley - just ignore these, since they can't be avoided)
If you have any more suggestions here, post them below.