how do i change a non-link into a link?

Unless there is an http:// in the front - AND the person is Level 2 or above - it won't be blue on here. If the link has only the www. part, it won't work with copy & paste, either. It has to have the http:// in the front.

I've actually seen people post links that began with C:/ in front, which means they copied it from a link to something on their HARD DRIVE, which, of course, won't work.

You have to copy (NOT CUT) the URL address from the URL address box of a browser window and them paste it. There's invisible code that may turn that URL address into an active hyperlink when a level 2 or above account posts it into a YA question or answer. Typing out the whole URL address, with the "http/:" SOMETIMES works, but not if you leave out the additional coding that you maybe cannot see. COPY, DO NOT CUT.