Well, you asked for them, so here they are. One of the great things about ActiveRain, as quoted by one of our members Tracy Saunders in the "AR Voices Video", is that AR is the place to go if you have questions. Once again, here are the TOP FAQ's but this time for the week of March 2nd, 2009. If you know of another member who may have some of these same questions or issues, please feel free to forward them this post. I may not be able to provide this each week, but with time permitting, I will continue to do my best to put these out there. Thanks.
When I click on the "Contact Activerain" or send an email to support@activerain.com, I get back an email that tells me I sent spam. Are you getting my emails and messages and why do I get that message? I am a member! Thank you.
Yes. We are getting your email if you completed the request. Activerain gets thousands of spam attempts everyday, you can't even imagine what our programmers go through to keep our network safe and secure from spam. Spammers want us too. The email response you received regarding your contact to us is a spam protection, deterrent and confirmation email. Read it again carefully... the yellow part is important, the green part you might have missed. Please continue to use the "Contact ActiveRain" link and support@activerain email address.
How do I change my credit card information? My card is about to expire, and I'd like to update it or change it?
First, be sure you are logged into AR. Second, click on the "My Home" link in the upper right corner. Third, click on the "Billing Information" link located on your left sidebar. The "Billing Information" link is located just under the "My Home" "My Profile" and "My Blog" links. You'll see your account information there with a link to edit your account information. It's in the center of the page.
Brad, how do I sponsor Localism communities or neighborhoods? I went to Localism.com and can't figure out how to sponsor some of my areas or even see if they are available for me to sponsor? Would you please please please help me?
The most common mistake people make is that they forget to login to Localism. Just because you are logged into ActiveRain, you still have to login to Localism.com. It is a separate site. Once you login, (Quick TiP: it's the same user name and password as you have on AR) now click on the "Sponsor A Community" at the top of the page. Use the pull-downs to select a State and County, then claim your City or community (if available), then lastly, check out. Here's a post. We have also fixed the site so our members can once again use American Express.
How or where do I find my ActiveRain member number, I know I have seen it somewhere?
That's a great question, and I get this one very often. Go to your "my home" page, then scroll toward the bottom of the left hand sidebar. At the bottom, you'll see a link to "My Comments", just hover your mouse over the link (Don't Click On It) then look at the bottom of your browsers window and you'll see the YRL appear. It will be at the bottom of the screen and look something like this: https://activerain.com/action/blogs/comments/22617. Your member number is the last number in that url address, in this case 22617 is my member number.
Why won't my header load on my outside blog? I keep getting a 500 error when trying to upload my new banner?
This is another common issue but is easily corrected. While in your outside ActiveBlog, click on the "Customize" link located in the top tool bar, use the browse button to find your banner then the upload button to submit it. Notice the text along side the button that reads: (Your header image must be 960x134) This use to say "Looks best when...) but we changed it. Your header/Banner image must be the right size or you may get this error. Picnik.com is a great FREE on-line resource that allows you to resize and customize your images and photos. Here's one I created for my outside blog. The secret is 960x134 only.
Why is there no link to my name when I comment on other members posts? I see others that have links back to them?
This has to be the top question of the week. If you are not logged into Activerain while leaving comments on other members posts, you will not only lose out on the 25 points you get for each comment (up to 10 a day) but you'll also lose out on the back-link to your profile on AR. This is very common by both new and veteran members. Always look in the upper right corner of your AR screens, if the top link in the corner reads "LogOut" then you're in good shape. If it reads "Login", then I suggest you do that before commenting on posts. We've all done it. :-)
Understanding The ActiveRain Point System http://activerain.com/blogsview/598850/The-ActiveRain-Starter-Kit
How do I change my AR password?
OK...maybe this is the best question of the week, certainly the most asked. To change your AR password, go to the "My Home" link and click on your profile (EDIT) link on the left sidebar. At the top of your screen you'll see a link to [Change Password] but be sure you are logged into AR first, and that you are in the edit mode of your profile page. Then just click on the "Save Profile" button to finish and save.
How do I delete my comment or one from someone else from my post? The delete and edit buttons are gone. Help!!
To delete a comment of either yours, or someone else on your post, just hover your mouse over the comment by you or the other member, and in the lower portion of the comment window you'll see 3 options magically appear. They are red links and say edit, delete, and report a concern. After 24 hours, you no longer have the ability to edit your comments, but they can still be deleted or reported.
If I post my listing or Virtual tour into an AR Group, is that the only place it will be visible? How can I have it on my Blog and in the groups too without duplicating it for each group. This could take me hours which I don't have. Can you direct me to the answer on this great network?
Fantastic question that many of us long-timers forget about and take for granted. You should create your posts on YOUR Blog always, then simply add them to the groups they pertain to. While in the edit mode of a new Blog post, you'll have the option to put a check mark in the boxes of those groups in which you've joined. (you have to join those groups before the check box option will appear) That's the beauty, you can have your Blog post on your blog, and then added in up to 5 different groups through-out the "rain."
Be sure to read group descriptions, then be careful not to add non-relative content to those groups. Some groups around AR have been known to hijack another members post. lol~ I won't mention any names like Club Chaos...oops.. did I say that out loud? :-O
How can I change my user name on ActiveRain? Will that affect my Blog any? Also, I want to change my status from Real Estate Sales person to Real Estate Agent and I can't find anywhere to do that? Is there a post you can direct me to where I can find the answers?
I saved the best question for last. Only AR admin or staff can change your user name or category. I will change yours from Salesperson to Real Estate Agent for you, but in regards to your user name, it won't hurt if you have only written 1 or 2 posts on your Blog. However, if you have written 50, 100, or 300, then I would seriously reconsider. Here's how your Blog is affected by your user-name. My AR blog is http://activerain.com/blogs/activebrad and has 300+ posts attached to it. If I change my user-name now, what would happen? Eventually the crawlers and spiders will figure it all out and re-index it, but do I, or you really want to do that? Here's a post you might find interesting...
I hope this has been helpful, it sure took me long enough to complete this. lol~ It will hopefully save some members time in trying to find these answers in the future. Be a good neighbor, share this with others, "Pay It Forward" when ever you can, and as often as you can. That's really the ActiveRain Style & Way. :-)
Other Related Articles, Groups, and Blogs:
Help / FAQ Group ActiveRain Guide More Tutorials
Week In Review - Top 10 ActiveRain FAQ's - Volume I
Week In Review - Top 10 ActiveRain FAQ's - Volume II
Week In Review - Top 10 ActiveRain FAQ's - Volume III
Week In Review - Top 10 ActiveRain FAQ's - Volume IV
Thank you Brad. .this is good info
Brad, I really like this question and answer format and that you include 10 at a time. It's not too overwhelming.
Thanks Brad - This is good information. Have a great week.
I have bookmarked this one. I need all the information I can get. Thank you
I think I've been here long enough to figure all this out by now...I'm sure you'll be getting lots of phone calls from new members looking for extra help.
Brad,
I love all your helpful tips! It sure saves me time and energy! I was one that was not logging into localism! Thank you so much and Happy Monday!
Hi Brad, excellent FAQ's especially for new members or for members not wanting to investigate and figure out the answers - hope this cuts down on your emails. Just wondering but is there a time frame to wait on answers/tickets sent and what if you don't remember your ticket number - how can you retrieve that info? (this is a true scenario for me) Thanks for always teaching us Brad - making our days and times here that much more productive! ~Anne Marie
"How or where do I find my ActiveRain member number, I know I have seen it somewhere?"
Yes you can hover but it's also in your comments link on the top if you click on your comments.
http://activerain.com/action/blogs/comments/XXXX
Member numbers that brings back memories of an early point manipulation scam on ActiveRain, the post Matt posted showing the manipulatiion with the member numbers.... those were the days
Signed,
member 2372
Thanks Brad, I was wondering about the user name too. And if I start an outside blog does it start from scratch or keep me in it?
Thanks brad... as always, excellent information... answer for questions I didn't know I had, yet
Brad - Awesome ! Thanks for the update. It is great to just come here and get lots of answers and tips ! I appreciate this weekly series that you are doing.
Thanks for the info, great format; please try to keep it going for us "newbies"!
If I can get it to work I think I just found the answer to my Localism problem. thanks
While this was very helpful to me, but i am still in the dark about choosing a domain name for the outside blog... every possible name chosen comes up with: "You haven't claimed your custom domain name yet"
Also, i am double-billed for have 2 outside blogs.... one that never came up because i messed up so badly and the current one which has no domain name. Whatever help you can give will be so appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Love this new weekly format. I'm joining the FAQ and Help groups now so I can find the answers when I need them.
This post will live forever! (Just be sure to revise any answers that change along the way.) Great post, Brad, and answers that many of us were looking for and afraid to ask.
Active Brad, you're a good man! And as always, a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Thanks for taking the time to enlighten us, again.
thanks for taking the time to pull all these questions together. It is so helpful to have everything in one place. I can't begin to count all the useful information I get from Active rain.
Thanks again Brad... I've been going nuts trying to find the screen to change my category, and now I know it's not me! I'll contact admin...
B-Rad ! - Excellent and generous as always.
Very good answers and reminders to some common, everyday questios.
Cheers !
Sheldon
Thanks for the good info. When I first joined AR, I had to find out about the commenting the hard way.
Diane Rice wrote: i am still in the dark about choosing a domain name for the outside blog... every possible name chosen comes up with: "You haven't claimed your custom domain name yet"
My Outside blog tells me that too. I know I have though over and over. I used my domain name I bought for the original Outside blogs that were free.
Wow...this is a terrific resource! Thanks for the blog. No matter how long I have been on Active Rain --- I learn something new each and every day. And, that is what I love about Active Rain. Thank you.
Barb - thanks, I wasn't sure if 10 was too much or not enough. As long as the post started getting< I was thinking 10 might be too much.
Neal - whats funny is...it's like when you go to buy a new car, you know, the one you never see until you own one and are driving it down the road, then you see them everywhere.
I think there was suppose to be an analogy there... LOL~
Brandi - you've made this post worth the time and effort it took to create it, thank you, and I'm glad it helped you out. I hope it will help others too.
Thanks Brad! I like the new look of AR and appreciate all the info!
Thanks for the info. I had wondered about changing your log in name.
"Just wondering but is there a time frame to wait on answers/tickets sent and what if you don't remember your ticket number - how can you retrieve that info?"
Anne Marie - the time frame is a pretty simple one... it's as soon as one of the staff can get to it! :-))
Seriously though, We do try to keep the ticket responses to within 24-72 hours, but we find it a bit more challenging to do so based on the sheer volume of tickets we can receive at any given time. Right now I think we may have some in there from the mid to end Feb. We have a couple folks working on them now.
The way to get your ticket # is by using the email response that many think is accusing them of spam. By clicking on the link, it will take you to the ticket box where you will find your reference or ticket number. It will look like this:
(this form is for new inquiries only, click here to post follow-up for a previously submitted question)
Unfortunately, most people delete these emails we send them, then they put in yet another ticket asking why they got the email we sent them? Hence making more tickets, putting us further behind etc. etc. It can be a vicious circle... lol~ We do try our best, and know that there is always room for improvement.
Brad thanks for the info ...I learn something new every time you do this...peace zane
Hi Brad
Your post was very helpful, thanks.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Brad, Thank you for all the wonderful information and help. I do think the browser I'm using is not allowing me to access some of these new features so I'll try another and have also had problems with the contact button...I did click back on the email I was sent about spam but it kept saying Error. Maybe these will work better under another browser. Thanks again!
As always, you have been very helpful, Brad. Some of these things I have just taken for granted that everyone would know. But, obviously, they don't. And, I've been known to ask one or two of these questions myself. Thanks.
Maureen - good point, most questions asked about the member number are just "How do I find it?" The URL to the their own comments isn't really of much use. Most members just want to use the number to create a "Subscribe To Me" button on their Blog posts. :-)
Brady - you can start a new outside Blog from scratch, or have all your posts brought over upon creation. Posts can be added to the outside blogs in the same manner they are added to AR groups. It's a simple check mark in a box to add or remove them from outside Blogs.
Chris and Steph - thanks, I am glad to hear this is helpful for you guys. It's been very helpful for me as well.
Ken - I'll continue to keep these up, at least I'll try. Hard to keep up with so many members sometimes. :-)
Vanessa - Very cool. I'll be expecting your call today if you can't get it work.
Rice Property Mgmt. - choosing a domain name can be the hardest process in setting up an outside blog. Though 40 billion site names are taken, there are still 40 billion left available. Make sure when using AR to check for domain names that you are only entering the url, no caps, no spaces, no www, no http://, no symbols etc. and don't forget to include the .com at the end. Example: homesold.com then click on the link in #2. Check Availability. If it's available, you can claim it. Hard part is coming up with a domain name you love that IS available.
Vanessa - how funny, you called as I was commenting to you here... LOL~ It was nice talking to you and I'm glad we got your header to work on your outside blog.
Diane Rice - I went in and credited back your account for the double billing on your outside blogs. It's all taken care of now. You can confirm by clicking on the "Billing Information" link in this post or from your "My Home" page. The next step is to select that domain name, call me if you need some help with that. :-)
Brad - This is terrifc. What a great resource. Many thanks.
Hey Big Brad - Thanks for info.
I guess my question is what is our reasonable response time expectation once we submit a question????? I'm going on 18 hours and still no response plus there is no telephone number to call, etc. so as you know speed and timing is everything unless our expectations are set.
Cheers
Hey Brad, thanks great info as always and I do have an agent in my office who accidentially listed her occupation as Mortgage and she is a realtor so i will follow up with a call! Thanks!!!
Thanks a bunch Brad. I needed help with Localism. Didn't know how to get the banner to work as well. Thanks so much for all you do! You're the Top Dog!
Thanks Brad ... as always you are so helpful!
Hey Fred - it's only 20 minutes if you comment on my Blog! :-))))
AH Brad you are the greatest. I am going to forward this post to the office, since most of the agents are just starting to really get this great network.
Wow, I'm member 4775 from a long time ago! Good explanations to help old and new members get more out of the Rain.
Brad, I have a question regarding your post Here's a post you might find interesting... about usernames. My user name is gaujot...should I change it to rebecca gaujot ??
Dear Brad, I have been able to select the Localism option when I post a blog, and have not pre-registered a blog with Localism first. It seems to be working.
Also, any answer to the question about why some of us have lost AR points last week. I am down about 500 points I spent a week accumulating, and still have not heard anything back from tech support, although I sent them a request directly. I have a feeling they are very busy, right?
Thanks Brad.
http://www.PoconoLandAndHomes.com
Great question and answers...I didn't even think of my member number as being something I may actually want to know! Thanks!
I can only imagine how many questions you see from over 138K members. :)
Amazingly, you guys are on top of all of it.
As usual, you're a fountain of info. Gosh, all the things I didn't know I didn't know. This is a definite bookmark.
Carole - it may very well be your browser. Try Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome etc. and see if they make a difference...
Russell - call anytime, if you get VM, leave a message and I'll call you back asap. Of course if you leave a comment like you did, it more likely I'll respond quicker. lol~ Look forward to hearing from you. :-)
Rebecca - that's totally your call, but that's why I mentioned it here, and wrote that post way back when... You have to weigh out the options and just do what works best for you. I will never be Brad Andersohn on Activerain, I will always just be activebrad. Your name does still show up in the search engines on AR and on google.
Renee - the points hamsters and their wheels were corrected last week. If one of them is sleeping on the job, we're going to replace them with Guinea pigs. I hear they can get the job done and faster... LOL~ Seriously, this was corrected last week. Feel free to put in a ticket if you're still having an issue. There's a link in this post above. :-)
back in a bit, gotta go have a chat with some hamsters... haha
Thank you for the great information. I really can not wait to be able to do some referring to other agents in other states. I would love to help your customer here in Pensacola Florida. Please contact me at www.BarbAndDawn.com
Dawn Bridges Brown
Brad,
The delete or edit feature has had me stumped for sometime. Thank-you for sharing that with me!
Hi Brad, Thanks for the peak inside AR and the tremendous talent it takes to keep all the wheels spinning !
Hi Brad, thanks for the Q&A's. Some of the "issues" i haven't run across yet or have figured out but will bookmark in the event I encounter them. thanks! KM
Hello Brad!- this post was Again Every Helpful (Bookmarked)! (Localism was a Big Question mark for me!
I still have many questions as a Newbie and have spent Dozens of hours now reading and looking up information.
What is the Best Way to get a Question Answered Fast?
example- I have written several blogs but have only posted 2.
REASON- While writing my blog, (Hours later) I went to ADD a picture--- as soon as I click on the "little green tree" (Nothing happens) -Except a "popup" from Norton that my "POPUPS were blocked..........So I reset it to "temporarily allow Popups from Active Rain" ...This is the BAD Part- It wiped out most of my blog that was being written- the content that was left (Saved ) was from several hours earlier- and the rest was Gone!
This is now happened Twice to me --- Somewhat frustrating--- as I want to continue to blog but am now afraid of losing the Time it takes me to write /format them.
Any help is Appreciated---or Point me in the Right Direction!!!!
PS. This was only ONE question of Many I have...................................
Thanks for all the wonderful information you put out there for us. Things are always changing and trying to keep up with the updates can get confusing.
Lori - the best way to get your questions answered fast is right here, or anywhere on this network. There is no question you have that has not already been asked and answered. I understand finding the answer to that question in a timely manner can be daunting at times, especially for the impatient like myself. (not that you are)
Importing pictures or images and having issues is sometimes caused by your browser, the image size, the file format and so on and so forth. If you want to give me a call, I will try to answer as many as your questions as I can and also direct you to where you can find many of the answers to questions you'll undoubtedly have in the future. My number in on my AR profile, I'll look forward to hearing from you soon. :-))
This is all good stuff Brad. Thanx for the time and effort, I'm sure all us newbies appreciate it.
Thanks Brad. You answered some things I had been wondering about.
great tips as always - thanks so much
Thanks brad , good info and now my eyes are blurry from reading and trying to comprehend all that info
Sonny - take your time learning all this stuff, and remember, it's not a sprint to the win, it's a MARATHON to the Victory! :-)
Here's proof that our email support system does in fact work great, but in this case, I'm not to sure about the response and answer I got back from our tech support department:
Re: Ticket 50340, solved
Dear Brad Andersohn,
A new message has been added to the service request #50340.
Mr. Andersohn,
Unfortunately we are going to have to cancel your account. This was a clear violation of our community guidelines.
Harlen
You can view and update your inquiry here:
Ticket 50340
Bob Stewart
ActiveRain Help Desk
@Bob - I think I liked the canned spam response better.... I hope you see this Bob! ROTFLMAO!! :-)))))
Thank you for the great info Brad. Could you please let me know how I change my email address on my profile. Thank you.
John Lavin
Awesome, thank you so much!
How do I change my AR tags?
John - just email me the email address you'd like on your profile, and we can change it for you.
Maya - go into the edit mode of your posts, you can add, change, or edit tag words there. :-)
Brad I sure appreciate you taking the time to help me out!! I think i'm on my way now! Thank you so much!
You are so on your way, just be sure to enjoy the journey!! :-)
Brad - Thanks for the "frequently asked questions"... They are very helpful! :)
I'm glad the FAQ on Localism was in this post - I was just getting ready to look for more information about that - now I don't need to!
Brad - My photo is not being posted with my replies. I am logged in. I can't figure out what I am doing wrong. Thanks for your helpful post.
Hi Donna - that was covered in FAQ week one, #6. Hope this helps...
http://activerain.com/blogsview/959045/Week-In-Review-Top-10-ActiveRain-FAQs
Brad,
Yes, it does help. Thanks!
You've answered so many of my questions with these FAQ posts, I'm ready to become a rainmaker now and dominate the real estate community in my area and on the web. Thank you.