Everyone used them, but most don't use them effectively. There are a wealth of powerful macro commands ["tokens"] that can be a better alternative to scripts in alot of cases. {Remember, this is coming from a scripter}. Not only that, but you can mix macros and scripts for the best of both worlds.
Heres a rundown of the tokens.
\r
This is a carriage return (pressing enter).
Can be used to link multiple commands on a single line. Watch for type ahead errors, more on prevention later.
quote:
\r Exampleput %weapon in my %sheath\r take %weapon2 \r
Notice the wizard variables used, just like in scripts.
@
This is called the curser placer. Putting this in a macro will place the string onto the command line, then place the curser @ the @ 
. This one is good for repetitive phrases. Rogues, healers, and clerics can find use for this alot.
quote:
@ example, pickerwhisp @ how many and where from?
this example would place the curser right after whisp, so you can type in the recipients name.
\?
The question prompt. This is an excellent command. It brings up a dialog box, you just type in whatever you want, and all the \? in the macro are replaced with that.
quote:
example "get" ctrl-gGet \?\r put \? in my backpack\r
\p
Pause. Issues a 1 second paused. Can be placed in multiples for a longer delay.
Nice way to get around type ahead errors.
This can be used to link many commands to a single macro. I have such a macro that puts away my main weapon, gets out my skinning weapon, kneels, skins , searches, and puts back my skinning weapon, all in one line. This actually executes faster then a script i had that did this.
quote:
Ex. Stance dancing for dummiesstance off\r kill %level\r \p\p\p\p\p stance def\r
\a
Last attacked token. replaces the \a with the name of the creature you lasted attacked.
Never tested on players , someone should try it...
\x
Clears the command line. Gotta hate it when you start to say hello to yer buddy and the zombie walks in, so you end up typing
whisp kran attack zombie.
Wanna kill yer own zombie? put a \x at the beginning of the macro.
Shortcut Keys
These little buggers are handy for the lazy.
I find much use for them
Just chuck em in one of the macro keys by themselves.
{magic}
pops up the Magic Menu
{stance}
pops up the Stance menu
{injuries}
toggles the injury display between wounds/scars
{drag} shortcut to choosing "Drag/Drag Someone.." from the menu bar.
{rest}
goes into rest mode
{script}
shortcut to choosing "Scripts/Execute a Script" from the menu bar.
{record}
shortcut to choosing "Scripts/Record a Script" from the menu bar.
{=script.wiz}
this will run the script "script.wiz". The .wiz is optional
Other Macro Tips
Their are many preset macros avaibible, and some of them are pretty good. The ctrl-g example is an actual default macro .
To the right side of the function key section of the macros are little radio buttons that you can choose from normal, alt, control, etc. A neat thing about that is that all of those stay active.
What does that mean? Well, you can have a f1 macro to attack a creature, and have a alt f1 key to skin and search it, all at the same time.
That gives you 48 variations of the function key at your disposal at all times.
Use the wizard variables. %level is good for the creature, you dont have to make sperate macro assignments for each hunting area, make one and just change the variable.
Use %weapon and %shield. Its a royal pain changing 48 macros each time you upgrade your equipment.
I think thats it for this tip. Look for more in the coming weeks, insomniac and i will put our heads together and give some good stuff to think about.
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'lood reg