If you have questions about using the Akronist, uploading your content or navigating the social network, you can find answers here. However, if we missed something, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . We’ll answer your question and add it to the list.

• What is the Akronist?
• What geographic area does the Akronist cover?
• What can I do on the Akronist?
• How do I find stories from my neighborhood?
• How do I log in?
• What can I do on the Akronist without logging in?
• What kind of content are you seeking?
• Can anyone upload stories to the Akronist?
• Does the Akronist pay people for stories?
• Is there anything I cannot post on the Akronist?
• Can I upload stories anonymously?
• I’m ready to upload my story. What do I need to do?
• I need help uploading my video. Are instructions available?
• I need help uploading my photos. Are instructions available?
• I need help uploading my article. Are instructions available?
• I need help uploading my podcast. Are instructions available?
• I just uploaded something and I can’t find it. Why not?
• Will I be notified if my content is rejected? Can I resubmit it?
• Do you assign stories? I’m not sure what to write about.
• Are there any conditions, rules or terms for uploading content?
• How can I comment on videos, articles, podcasts and photos?
• Can I post comments anonymously?
• How do I create a blog?
• Where will my blog appear?
• Can I send messages to other Akronists?
• What is the Akronist social network?
• Does it cost anything to join?
• Do I have to register to join the social network?
• Is there a difference between my Akronist and social network log-ins?
• What happens if I log in using Facebook?
• What can I do on the Akronist social network?
• If I register for the social network, can I upload videos, photos, podcasts or articles to the Akronist website?
• May I create more than one social network profile?
• What information should I put on my social network profile?
• Can I invite my friends to join the Akronist social network?
• Can I control who sees my social network profile and posts?
• How can I get the word out about my events?
• How do I join and start groups?

What is the Akronist?
The Akronist is your source for hyper-local, neighborhood news, entertainment and information about greater Akron. The Akronist isn’t just another website. It’s your website – your home for local videos, photos, podcasts, written articles and blogs produced by citizen journalists using the latest digital media tools. The Akronist is a constructive place for you to engage and connect with other citizens about issues and topics that are important to you at the neighborhood level. You and your fellow community members create all of the stories and photos found on the Akronist, and you retain ownership of all your original content.

The Akronist consists of two parts – the main citizen journalism website where you upload videos, photos, articles and podcasts, and the Akronist social network. To upload content to the main citizen journalism website, you must register for workshops or contact us to get started immediately. You can participate in just the social network without going through the workshops by signing in with your Facebook user name and password. Learn about the ways you can contribute to the Akronist.

What geographic area does the Akronist cover?
The Akronist serves greater Akron. Although it currently spotlights Akron neighborhoods, its coverage area includes the cities, townships and villages in the surrounding geographic area. The Akronist is a community website, so its geographic focus will grow and change over time according to the interest and participation of our community members.

What can I do on the Akronist?
You can upload and manage original videos, photos, articles and podcasts. To participate, you must register for and complete citizen journalism workshops or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get started immediately. All original content remains the property and responsibility of the author. Anonymity is not permitted. Check here for complete terms and policies.

The Akronist social network is the place for you to start constructive conversations, engage about local issues, express your opinions, connect with community members and get the inside scoop. You can publish a blog, comment on stories, find your neighbors and friends, meet other Akronists, join and create groups, and promote local events.

How do I find stories from my neighborhood?
Go to the Akronist home page and look for the Akron neighborhood map on the right side of the page. Click on it for an interactive neighborhood map and access to the neighborhood section of the Akronist. You can also search for your neighborhood in the search box throughout the site. All videos, podcasts, photos and articles that are tagged with your neighborhood will appear.

How do I log in?
Log in at the top of the Akronist home page if you completed citizen journalism workshops or were otherwise approved to contribute content. Log in using the e-mail address you provided at registration and the password assigned to you. To make comments or start a blog, visit the social network page and log in using your Facebook username and password.

What can I do on the Akronist without logging in?
You can watch videos, listen to podcasts, read articles, browse photos and peruse our blogs. You cannot upload content, participate in the social network, comment on stories or start a blog. To upload content, register for free citizen journalism workshops or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . To comment on stories or write a blog, register for the social network here.

What kind of content are you seeking?
The Akronist is interested in stories relevant to the greater Akron area. We want original videos, podcasts, photos and articles that are locally focused and tell a good story. We want to hear about your neighborhood, interesting community groups, nonprofit organizations, people, places, events and activities.

Can anyone upload stories to the Akronist?
Yes. However, stories must be directly relevant to the greater Akron area. You cannot post anything anonymously. The Akronist reserves the right to remove individuals that post anonymously or as another person; remove suspicious or unidentifiable content; ban anything that appears to be spam; and remove content that is not relevant to the Akronist or the conversations taking place.

Does the Akronist pay people for stories?
No. The Akronist does not pay for stories at this time. However, the Akronist will be hosting story challenges and contests with incentives and prizes. Stay tuned for more details. They will be advertised throughout the site.

Is there anything I cannot post on the Akronist?
The Akronist features stories that are relevant to greater Akron. We want original videos, podcasts, photos and articles created by community members, nonprofit organizations, civic groups and anyone else with a genuine interest in what happens in the greater Akron area. Do not post obscene, libelous, pornographic or illegal content. Do not post copyrighted material that does not belong to you. Some exceptions can be made if certain content is needed to tell a story. If you are not sure, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and check our other terms and conditions.

Can I upload stories anonymously?
No. You cannot post anything anonymously on the Akronist website or social network. The Akronist reserves the right to remove individuals that post anonymously or as another person; remove suspicious or unidentifiable content; ban anything that appears to be spam; and remove content that is not relevant to the Akronist or the conversations taking place.

I’m ready to upload my story. What do I need to do?
First, you need an Akronist log-in, which requires you to register for and complete citizen journalism workshops or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you think you’re ready to start uploading content immediately. Once you complete this step, log in. Visit the social network to set up your profile. Next, click the upload video, photo, article or podcast button at the top of any page to begin posting your content. To help you along the way, here are complete upload instructions.

I need help uploading my video. Are there instructions available?
Yes. Use these Upload Instructions (PDF) or click here for answers. If you still need help, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

I need help uploading my photos. Are there instructions available?
Yes. Use these Upload Instructions (PDF) or click here for answers. If you still need help, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

I need help uploading my article. Are there instructions available?
Yes. Use these Upload Instructions (PDF) or click here for answers. If you still need help, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

I need help uploading my podcast. Are there instructions available?
Yes. Use these Upload Instructions (PDF) or click here for answers. If you still need help, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

I just uploaded something and I can’t find it. Why not?
Your content will not appear live on the Akronist website automatically. All content must go through a review process before being approved for live viewing. Most content is reviewed within 48 hours of being posted.

The Akronist features stories that are relevant to greater Akron. We want original videos, podcasts, photos and articles created by community members, nonprofit organizations, civic groups and anyone else with a genuine interest in what happens in the greater Akron area. Do not post obscene, libelous, pornographic or illegal content. Do not post copyrighted material that does not belong to you. Some exceptions can be made if certain content is necessary to telling a particular story. If you are not sure, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Will I be notified if my content is rejected? Can I resubmit it?
You will be notified if your video, article, podcast or photo is returned for editing or rejected. You will be told the reason, the changes that need made, and whether or not you can resubmit the content. Some reasons for rejection might include content that is obscene, libelous, pornographic, or copyrighted without permission to reuse. Content will also be rejected if it is not relevant to the Akronist or the geographic area it serves.

Do you assign stories? I don't know what to write about.
Yes. We can assign stories to individuals who are registered as citizen journalists. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an assignment. You can also check the calendar on the Akronist home page for events and activities that need covered.

Are there any conditions, rules or terms for uploading content?
The content terms of service can be found here. You will be required to agree to certain terms of service whenever you upload or edit your content.

 
How can I comment on videos, articles, podcasts and photos?
When you register for the social network only, you won’t be able to post articles, videos, photos and podcasts to the Akronist, but you can comment on stories. Comments do not appear automatically. They go through a review and approval process, which causes a short delay. Inappropriate, unrelated and anonymous comments will not be published. You must be a member of the social network to comment on stories.

Can I post comments anonymously?
No. You cannot post anything anonymously on the Akronist website or social network. The Akronist reserves the right to remove individuals that post anonymously or as another person; remove suspicious or unidentifiable content; ban anything that appears to be spam; and remove content that is not relevant to the Akronist or the conversations taking place.

How do I create a blog?
You must be a member of the social network to create a blog. Go to the social network page and either log in or join. When you are logged in, you’ll see an area featuring member pictures. Just above this area, there are six tabs that start with Home and end with Blog. Click on the Blog tab. On the next screen, there will be three tabs on the left just under the words My Entries. Click on the Preferences tab to give your blog a title and short description. Then, create your first entry by clicking Write a New Entry, which is in a green box on the right. Remember to add category tags to make your blog more searchable.

Where will my blog appear?
Blog posts appear in the opinion section of the Akronist. Most recent blog posts are also featured at the bottom of the home page and at the bottom of most other content pages. Your blog posts will also appear on your Akronist social network profile page.

Can I send messages to other members?
Yes. You must join the social network to send messages. When you log in, go to the social network main page. You’ll see an area featuring member pictures. Just above this area, there are six tabs that start with Home and end with Blog. The Inbox tab allows you to send and receive messages. You can also visit your profile page and click on Write Message, which is just below your status text box (the one titled “Share your thoughts here…”). This will enable you to message multiple members. You can also message an individual member directly by visiting a member’s profile page and selecting Write Message at the top of his or her profile.

What is the Akronist social network?
It’s the place for you to start constructive conversations, engage about local issues, express your opinions, connect with community members and get insider news from the Akronist. You can publish a blog, discuss local issues, comment on stories, find your neighbors and friends, connect to other Akronists, join and create groups, express your opinions, and promote local events. It can be accessed here. Just like the rest of the Akronist, anonymity is not permitted and all original content remains the property and responsibility of the creator. Check here for complete terms and policies.

Does the social network cost anything to join?
No. It’s completely free to join.

Do I have to register to join the social network?
Yes. But you can register for the social network without registering to become a full Akronist contributor. To register for the social network only, sign in using your Facebook log-in.

How do I register for the social network?
There are two ways to register depending on what you’re ready to do. To gain full access to the Akronist and the social network, including the ability to upload videos, photos, articles and podcasts, register for free citizen journalism workshops or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to talk about how to start uploading content right away. If you’re not ready to register for workshops or upload content, register only for the social network using your Facebook account information. You won’t be able to upload videos, photos, articles or podcasts, but you will be able to comment on stories, publish a blog, participate in community conversations and much more.

Is there a difference between my Akronist and social network log-ins?
If you completed citizen journalism workshops or contacted us to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , your log-in is the email address you used to register for workshops and your assigned password. This log-in enables you to upload content and access the social network. But if at any time you decide to log in using the Facebook option, your existing user name, password and profile data will be replaced by your Facebook information.

If you registered for the Akronist social network only, you used your Facebook account to sign-in. Your access and options are a little more limited. The biggest difference is that you cannot post videos, photos, articles and podcasts to the Akronist, but you can comment on stories, publish a blog, participate in community conversations and much more. If you later decide to complete citizen journalism training, your log-in information will remain the same, but you will gain the ability to upload videos, photos, articles and podcasts. We recommend that all community members participate in the workshops to gain full access to the Akronist.

What happens if I log in using Facebook?
At any time you can sign in to the Akronist using your Facebook log-in information. If you completed citizen journalism workshops or contacted us directly to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , your log-in is the e-mail address you used to register for workshops and your assigned password. But if you choose to sign in through Facebook, your Facebook log-in information and profile will override your previously established Akronist log-in.

What can I do on the Akronist social network?
You can publish a blog, comment on stories, discuss local issues, find your neighbors and friends, connect to other Akronists, express your opinions, join and create groups, promote local events and more. It’s your locally focused social network, and it can be accessed here.

If I register for the social network, can I upload videos, photos, podcasts or articles to the Akronist website?
No. To gain full access to the Akronist and the social network, including the ability to upload videos, photos, articles and podcasts, you must either register for free citizen journalism workshops or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to talk about how you can start uploading content right away.

May I create more than one social network profile?
No. Each community member may create one social network profile. That profile must represent an actual person. Individuals may participate on behalf of an organization, group or business. Anonymity is not permitted regardless of the individual or situation. The Akronist reserves the right to remove profiles that are suspicious or unidentifiable, anything that appears to be spam, and content that is not relevant to the Akronist or the conversations taking place within. For more clarity, please check here for details about our content and user policies.

What information should I put on my social network profile?
We recommend that you fill out as much information as you feel comfortable disclosing. You are expected to at least provide your real name and an authentic photo of yourself. The Akronist does not permit anonymity. We reserve the right to ban users that do not disclose their identity. If you sign in with Facebook, the Akronist will pull your Facebook profile information and photo.

Can I invite my friends to join the Akronist social network?
Yes. If you’re a member of the Akronist social network, you can invite your friends from your dashboard. When you log in, go to the social network main page. You’ll see an area featuring member pictures. Just above this area, there are six tabs that start with Home and end with Blog. The Invite Friends option is located under the Friends tab.

Can I control who sees my social network profile and posts?
Yes. When you log in, go to the social network main page. You’ll see an area featuring member pictures. Just above this area, there are six tabs that start with Home and end with Blog. The Privacy options are located under the Profile tab.

How can I get the word out about my events?
You must join the social network to create and promote your events. When you log in, go to the social network main page. You’ll see an area featuring member pictures. Just above this area, there are six tabs that start with Home and end with Blog. The Event module is located under the Applications tab.

How do I join and start groups?
You must join the social network to create groups, join groups and participate in discussions. When you are logged in, you’ll see an area featuring member pictures. Just above this area, there are six tabs that start with Home and end with Blog. Click on the Profile tab. On the next screen, there are four boxes titled Points, Groups, Friends and Activities. Each has a number above it. To browse and join groups, click Groups. Summaries of all available groups will be displayed. Click the name of the group to access the full profile. Then, click on Join Group in the Group Options box on the right side of the page. To create a new group, go to your social network profile page. Just below your status text box (the one titled “Share your thoughts here…”), locate and select Start a New Group from the list. Complete the required fields and click Create Group. Edit and add to your group by selecting Groups on the Applications drop-down menu near the top of the screen. Click on the group you want to edit and select Edit from the Group Options box on the right side of the page.

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