Email shortcode question

Greetings, I want to add the affiliate or user's first name in the automated emails that go out after sign up.

I found a code in the Email section - however when I include this in the saved templates - it does not change it to the person's name - rather it keeps the code as I listed it:
%user.name_f%

So what do I need to do please?
Thank you,
D'vorah

I have it in my email that lets affiliates know when they make a sale and to new customers when they purchase.

The email I'm seeing this in is the copy of the email that aMember sends me, when an affiliate sale is made.
Should that be filled with the affiliates name or show the placeholder text that I received in the email?

Also... HOW do I add placeholder text to an email where I want to provide affiliates
THEIR affiliate link to a SPECIFIC product rather than their general affiliate link.

The only option available in the email placeholder menu is:
%user.aff_link%

Thank you very much,
D'vorah

Perfect - this is exactly what I needed. Thank you VERY much,
D'vorah