Welcome to the NAWCC Community Center!
WHAT IS THE NAWCC COMMUNITY?
The NAWCC Community is an interconnected array of software that gives members new options for online social interaction.
It's really quite easy to use and is packed with useful features.
The NAWCC Community allows members to:
- Introduce yourself to fellow members: Maintain a personal profile to share contact and personal information with friends;
- Keep track of other members: Develop and maintain a personal contact list of friends and fellow members, and send messages back-and-forth with them at your convenience;
- Find fellow members: Locate and identify other members with similar interests, geographical location, chapter membership, or horological affiliations;
- Talk to fellow members: Easily, safely, and securely send messages and emails to fellow members without revealing your email address in the process;
- Have online discussions with fellow members: Communicate within your personal group or groups via email or in a message board-type environment;
- Keep abreast of Chapters and activities: Maintain free websites for Chapters and horological events such as Regionals;
- Trade information and swap useful materials with fellow members: Share files within groups or with fellow members, and store files such as pictures, graphics, digital newletters, and other media in online digital libraries for the use of fellow members;
- Find out what's happening: Keep track of NAWCC events with our new searchable Event Calendar;
- Share your thoughts: Maintain a "Blog" (Web Log), which is basically an online diary or journal;
- Define your terms: Use a handy, ever-expanding Horological Glossary of industry terms. Add new terms to it, as desired.
It's all in one place. And it's easy to use. Let's get started!
LOGGING IN TO NAWCC MEMBER SERVICES
In order to use the NAWCC Community Center, you must first be able to login as a member.
Although you may be an NAWCC member, you will first need to activate your online user account (if you haven't already).
First, go to http://community.nawcc.org and click the "Member Login" button in the top right corner of the page.
This will open the NAWCC Log on page.
Q: What is my community login information?
You
will need to log in using your email address and NAWCC account
password.
If you've already activated your online account, enter the email address you gave us in the top entry box and your password in the lower box. Then click "Log On." That should log you in.
If you HAVEN'T already activated your online account, do the following:
Click the link that says "Not a Member yet? Join the NAWCC!" Even if you are already an NAWCC member, this will enable you to activate your online account.
First, you need to see if we already have you listed in our database.
Enter the email address you gave us when you joined the NAWCC (or your current email address) and click "Proceed."
Fill out the required information and follow the instructions.
If you've lost your password or aren't sure if you have one, click the link that says "I forgot my password! Please send me a new one."
On the next page, enter the email address you think is on file with your NAWCC member account. Then follow the instructions to set up your account.
The Community Home Page is similar to the regular NAWCC website home page, except all of the menu bars are in shades of pale green and it is formatted with different options.
After you log in for the first time, the first thing you want to do is set your Profile Preferences. This is how you tell the NAWCC who you are, and it will enable your friends to find you.
From the Community Home page, click the My Network link on the long green menu bar at the top.
This will take you directly to your Profile pages. This is your own personal "control center," where you keep track of your own information, your contact lists, your groups, and your blogs.
Once there, the first thing you want to do is check your profile information. Is it correct? If not, you can edit it easily.
Q: How do I update my contact information?
In each editable section there is a link that says "edit contact information" or just "edit." By clicking on these links, you can edit the individual sections, add or delete personal information, or select the horological topics in which you are interested.
Don't worry! This information can be strictly controlled by you. You get to decide who can see each item.
If you'd like, click on "Edit Picture" under the photo frame. This will open a dialogue enabling you to upload a picture file from your own computer. Be careful. Don't upload one too large. Think of these as "yearbook pictures." That type of headshot is most appropriate for your profile picture.
Q: My picture won’t upload. What’s wrong?
The
dimensions of the image must be no larger than 600 pixels wide by 600
pixels high. The file size (kilobytes, megabytes, etc.) does not
matter. You can check the dimensions in programs like Photoshop,
Microsoft Paint, and Microsoft Photo Editor. The image must also be
saved in a .jpg, .gif, or .bmp format.
Q: What if I don’t have a good photo of myself?
Have
fun with it. The images enhance the atmosphere of the Community, so
feel free to include any image that reflects your personality. Make sure that the image you include is neither offensive to anyone nor
protected by copyright, if you have not obtained permission from its
owner or copyright holder.
If you don't have one handy, relax. You can always go
back and edit all of this in the future, whenever you like, and add a
picture then. If you aren't comfortable uploading a picture, that's
fine too. It is your preference.
Once the information is correct and you are satisfied, go to the side bar menu on the left side of the page and click on "Preferences."
This opens a page that enables you to set how your information is used.
Q: How do I control what information is shown in My Profile?
Under “My Profile,” click the “Preferences” link in
the left navigation bar. This will let you control what information is
visible to whom. We recommend selecting the “authenticated” option,
which will make your profile visible only to people with login access.
After you’ve made changes, click the “Save” button at the bottom of the page.
Be careful about that last one. If you select "No" to "Allow community members to contact me" and "No" to "I would like to be included in the member directory and community rosters," then no one will be able to see you OR contact you. You will not be able to communicate with anyone.
If in doubt, leave all of these controls in their default settings until you have reason to adjust them.
Under the choice you made to the above statement, you can select who can see each item of information in your profile. The options are:
- My Contacts - Only people whom you add to your personal contact list
- Members Only - All logged-in NAWCC members
- Public - Anyone who visits the website (the general public)
- Nobody - No one can ever see this item except for the Community Administrators.
We advise you to keep your more sensitive information (address, phone number, email, etc) set at a level no less than Members Only.
When you are satisfied with your settings, click the SAVE button at the bottom of the page to save your choices.
Q: How do I find other members?
Click the “My Network” link found in the main navigation bar at the top of the site, and then “Find Contact” in the left-hand navigation section. Find Contact lets you search for other members based on:
- Name
- Email address
- Location
- Group membership (Chapter membership, etc.)
- Horological areas of interest
Q: How do I add contacts to my contact list?
There are several ways to add contacts to your list. When you perform a search in the Directory, you will see an “Add as contact” link next to each person in your search results. Just click this link to send a contact request. If you click through and view someone’s profile, you can click the contact request link to the right of his or her profile picture. Clicking any of your “Networks” links, either from your profile or under “My Communities,” will yield a similar list.
Q: Why should I add contacts to my contact list?
Creating this virtual address book makes it easy to send your contacts messages through the system to stay in touch or ask questions. In addition, when you view another member’s profile, you’ll be able to see any contacts you have in common. Your contact list makes it easy to send invitations if you create a community, and you can also choose to let only your contacts view and/or comment on your blog.
Resource Libraries - Displays a list of active Resource Libraries. Click on the name of the Resource Library to view its contents. (NOTE: some Resource Libraries are public; others are private or visible to members only.)
Using the check boxes at the top of the page, select from the following categories:
- Community Libraries
- NAWCC Discussion Group Attachment Libraries
-
Empty Libraries (libraries that are currently empty of documents)
Q: How are the libraries populated?
Your
resource libraries are populated in two ways. (1) You can upload documents
directly by using the “Add Document” link found in the left navigation bar.
(2) When you include an attachment in a forum post, the system
automatically places it in the library and sends a link to it to all
subscribers. This link makes the attachments easier to find and eliminates blocked attachments because
of file size or type, or because of a user's email settings.
Q: Can I download documents?
Absolutely.
That’s why they are being shared. However, please note all of these
documents have been submitted by your peers and have not been reviewed
by us. You must evaluate and bear all risks associated with the use of
any content, including any reliance on the accuracy, completeness, or
usefulness of such content.
Add Document - This is the upload page, which enables users to create documents and
upload files within those documents in a library of the user's choice.
Q: How do I upload a document?
From the Online Libraries page, click the “Add Document”
link in the left navigation bar. There are three steps in uploading a document; each step must be completed before you can move
on to the next. Step 1: First, choose a title for your document;
include a description (if you’d like) and select the library where it will reside; then hit “Save.” Step 2: This allows you to browse for and upload your file. Step 3: If you wish, add tags or keywords to your
document so it is more easily searchable. (See the next section for more details).
Q: What kind of documents can I upload?
The
system supports literally dozens of file types: PDFs, PowerPoint,
Excel, Word, images, and even video. However, copyright-protected documents are prohibited.
STEP-BY-STEP LIBRARY UPLOADING INSTRUCTIONS
To successfully create a Document and upload files to it, complete three separate
steps:
STEP 1: Describe Your Document
Enter a title for your document.
Enter a brief description of your document.
Select the Resource Library where you want your document to reside.
Click SAVE. The page will save that information and reload.
STEP 2: Upload Your File (or files)
Select the file on your computer you want to include in this document.
If you want to upload the file under a simpler name, rename it by using the File Name box (optional).
Click the UPLOAD button.
(NOTE: to include more than one file in your document, repeat step 2 as many times as needed.)
Q: I have several related documents. Do I have to post them individually?
No.
You can post related documents together, and we encourage you to do so.
Follow steps 1 and 2 to upload your first file. Then, rather than
saving, perform step 2 again to upload another file. Continue that
process until all of your related files are uploaded.
When you have uploaded all the files you want to include in the document, move on to step 3.
STEP 3: Add Tags/Keywords to Your Document
Users may easily search for your document with these tags or keywords. Use the appropriate check boxes or type in your choice of keywords.
Tags
are another way of organizing and searching for documents. You can help
others find the file you uploaded by including tags.
We have given you a few sets to choose from, but you may also add your
own. Other members may also add tags to your document to enhance this search feature. This feature is helpful because the name of
the same policy or procedure often varies between practices.
(STEP 4: Transfer ownership to another person - OPTIONAL! If you wish to grant the ability to edit, add files, or delete your document to another user, simply enter his or her email address and click TRANSFER. Do not do this unless you really want to completely surrender your own rights over the Document.)
Q: Can someone else edit or delete my file?
As
the owner of the document, only you or a system administrator can
delete your document. To delete the document, click the red
“X” that appears when you view the document details.
You can also transfer ownership of a document to another user (as described above), giving THEM the exclusive ability to edit or delete the document.
When your files are uploaded and you are ready to place your Document into the Library you've chosen, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the CONTINUE button. This should take you to the Document you've created, with the uploaded file(s) within it.
Search Library - Displays a search form for locating specific documents or categories of documents and files.
Q: Can I search for specific file types?
Yes. When in the Resource Library area, select “Advanced Search” from the left navigation bar. This search will let you specify file type: PowerPoint, Excel, image, video, etc.
Q: On what other properties can I search?
The
"advanced search" option finds documents based on keywords
within a document title or description or even within its content. You
can also specify which libraries you’d like to search, by which author,
date posted, tags, and more.
My Favorites - Displays a list of the Library documents you have viewed most frequently
My Documents - Displays a list of Library documents
NAWCC GROUPS (Discussion Forums)
To be a part of group communications, you must join/subscribe to the group!
Q: How do I join/subscribe to a group?
Under “NAWCC Groups”, click the “My Subscriptions” link in the left navigation bar. Here, you will see a list of available communities. Select one of the delivery options (Real Time, Digest, PDA, or No Email) for any groups you wish to join and then click the “Save” button at the bottom of the page. You will get a red message confirming that your subscription options have been successfully updated. This can take around 30 seconds if you change your settings for several groups at the same time.
NOTE: Only the communities available to you will appear on your list. Since NAWCC Chapters maintain member rosters and dues, unless you are listed in our database as a member of a specific chapter, the software will not know you are a member and that chapter's community resources will not be visible to you.
Q: What options are available for email delivery?
At the top of the “My Subscriptions” page within NAWCC Groups, there is an option for “Text” or "HTML." By default, this is set to “HTML”, and we encourage you to leave it set to this if your e-mail client can support it. However, if you are having problems viewing the HTML version or if it takes too long to open, please switch to the text version.
Under each group, you have the following delivery options:
-
Real time: sends an email every time a new message is posted
-
Daily Digest: sends one email to you each morning, consolidating all of the posts from the previous day
-
PDA: sends real-time text versions of the posts, which are compatible with Blackberries and most other handheld devices. This option also allows you to reply without logging in to a Web browser, but it does NOT allow you to include attachments with your post.
-
No Email: you may be part of the group without having emails sent to you. You can still post and read messages from others on the integrated online discussion board.
MESSAGE TIPS AND TRICKS
Each message includes a built-in control panel, either on the lefthand side of the message (when viewing in "message board" or "digest" mode) or on the righthand side (when viewing the message as an email or in "search" mode).
The control panel is always the same, no matter where it appears.
How you choose to send your message determines where it goes and how it will display:
If you want to reply to a "thread," go to the post you want to answer and click "Reply to eGroup." All subscribers of that group will receive the message displayed as part of a message "thread" of connected messages.
If you want to send a PRIVATE response to the author of a post, go to that post and select "Reply to Sender." The original poster will receive your message, but no one else can see your communication.
If you want to start a brand new topic, select "Post Message," which will start a whole new message thread.
If a user selects "Post Message" from the top post on the stack in "message board" or "digest" mode, it will break the previous thread and create a new thread. This step removes the new post from the old thread.
Always be aware of the post to which you want to respond, and make sure you respond in the proper way to achieve your intended results.
ATTACHING FILES TO eGROUP MESSAGES
When you attach a file to a message in an eGroup, the file is automatically stored in the file library for that eGroup. To
find it later, you can use either the Online Libraries link
on the top menu bar and locate that library or return to the message to which the file is attached and click on the file icon embedded in the message.
Q: I’d prefer to have certain forums go to a different email address. Is this possible?
You may use different email addresses for different forums. For example, you could have one forum go to your personal email and others go to your work email. On the “My Subscriptions” page within NAWCC Groups, under each group to which you’ve subscribed, you’ll see “subscribed as [email address]. Change.”
Click the “change” link, enter a different email address, click “OK,” and click “Save” at the bottom to confirm the change. If you change your main email address in your profile or with National, it will update all of the forums that used your former email address. Those forums that use a different email address will remain the same.
Q: How do I leave a group?
Under “NAWCC Groups” click the “My Subscriptions” link in the left navigation bar. Here, you will see a list of available groups and those to which you’ve subscribed. Select “Not Subscribed” to the right of the group you wish to leave and click the “Save” button at the bottom of the page. A red message will confirm that your subscription options have been successfully updated. This process can take several seconds if you change your settings for several groups at the same time.
Q: What are “Networks”?
These are networking groups that are automatically created on the basis of demographic information in your profile. They help you locate other members who live in your city or state, share your interests, have the same job title, and more.
Q: How do I respond to others’ posts?
From a received email or the online discussion board, click either the “Reply to eGroup” link to send your message to all users subscribed to the forum or the “Reply to Sender” link to send your message only to the sender. We recommend replying only to the sender if you wish to engage him or her privately or if all you want to add is a comment like “me, too.”
Q: How do I start a new discussion thread?
In an email (HTML version) from a particular discussion forum, use the “Post Message” link. You can also use the “Post Message” link found in the left navigation bar under “NAWCC Groups.” We recommend bookmarking or adding this link to your favorites list in your Web browser for easy access.
Q: I’m having trouble viewing the HTML e-mail messages. How do I fix this?
If images are not appearing, it is likely that your email client (the program you use to read email on your computer) is set to suppress images. You will need to change your security or viewing options. If you would rather receive text-based email, go to the “My Subscriptions” page and select the “Text” format option near the top of the page. Be sure to hit “Save” at the bottom of the page once you’ve made this change.
Q: Why do I have to post messages and reply to them through the website?
There are many features in the NAWCC Community Center that are made possible because of the Web interface:
-
When you send an attachment through this new system, it automatically places it in that group’s library and sends a link to members.
-
Auto responses like "out of office" won't clutter up this new system.
-
Since the system automatically adds your signature, there are no more anonymous postings. The "transparency" of the group (being able to see who is posting info) is an important feature.
Q: Can I edit or delete my posts after they are sent?
Not really. Since the Community eGroups send messages via email, once a post is sent, it's sent. If you try to edit it and resend the same message, it will re-send the whole thing, and there will be two copies of your post mailed to the group. Etc.
If you post something and want it removed or edited, simply contact an Administrator and ask for it to be removed.
Q: Can I search for postings across all the forums?
Yes. Click “Advanced Search” in the left navigation bar. This will let you search keywords in the posts, search all or specific forums, and select the date range in which you’d like to search.
Q: How do I see a listing of all of the posts to my discussion forum?
Go to “NAWCC Groups” and click on the name of the eGroup you’d like to see and it will take you to the forum digest – a listing of the most recent postings. At the top right of this page are links to view messages posted in the last 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days. If you see an interesting post, click “View Thread” in the navigation bar, which will take you to the entire thread. “Show original message” at the bottom of all of the posts in a thread will display the original message that started that discussion. The “Author’s Messages” link will show you all of the posts that a particular member has contributed to the forum.
Q: All emails now come from the same email address. How can I sort them into different folders in my inbox?
If you have rules set up on your computer to sort emails to different folders based on the email address, you should be able to easily change those rules to look for the forum abbreviation or acronym that appears in the subject line.
Q: How do I change the information appearing in the signature block?
We have set a default signature, but if you want to change the information or the order in which it appears, click the “My Signature” link within "NAWCC Groups." Then add, delete, or reorganize the fields in your signature. Please note that the content of these fields is from your profile, so if you want to change the information itself, remember to make the change in your profile, either by using the "edit" link on your profile page or by visiting: