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Help and FAQ

General questions

What is allvoices?

allvoices is global media destination that provides multiple perspectives around news and events. The website content ranges from first hand accounts, local news, global news, blogs, to user generated videos and images. We encourage people to contribute and share from anywhere around the world using cell phones and computers to create news and to participate in existing news by sharing views, articles, images and videos. allvoices provides the tools to let people on the ground create and break the news and to share their story with the rest of the world. We want the global community to share and have real discussions with the rest of the world. allvoices makes local news and events global by enabling a global community.

What are the rules for using allvoices?

Take a look at the terms of use and community conduct for details on how to use allvoices.

How much does it cost to use allvoices?

Using allvoices is absolutely free, but standard SMS charges may be charged by your carrier. For more information about SMS, see our cellphone contributions page.

How do I advertise with allvoices?

Please contact us at advertise@allvoices.com

Can I license or buy content found on allvoices?

Please read our terms of use and contact us at help@allvoices.com

What browsers are supported by allvoices?

Currently allvoices is supported on all browsers that have Javascript support enabled. Some functionality will not be available with Javascript turned off.

Sign Up and Log In

How do I sign up?

To contribute on allvoices you have to register on the site. The registration process is fairly simple. You can sign up for allvoices by going to the Login page and clicking on the "Click here to register" link. You will be asked to enter some basic information and you will then be able to sign up and start contributing to allvoices. You can also register on the event page itself, by starting to contribute, you will be automatically prompted to register before you start contributing.

Contributions are defined by the following actions - contribution or submission of breaking news (from computer or cell phone), sharing videos, news URLs, images, perspectives, asking a question, answering a question, commenting, user profile, and sharing content with a friend via email or sms. All contributions require you to create an account with allvoices. If you are contributing from a cell phone for the first time, allvoices will accept your submission without registering, but you will later need to register with allvoices.

Who can sign up for allvoices?

Please take a look at the terms of use section Ability to accept Terms of Service.

How do I confirm my email address?

Registering at allvoices requires you to confirm your email address. The confirmation consists of the following steps:

  1. Once you have registered successfully on the "Sign Up" page, we will send you a confirmation email to the address you provided us during registration.
  2. Click on the confirmation link found in the email. Alternatively you can copy and paste the link in the email onto your browser. Please make sure you get the whole link including any line breaks your email client might add to the email.
  3. You will then be directed to a confirmation page on allvoices, and you can get started contributing to allvoices.

Why does allvoices ask for my location information during registration?

The allvoices experience is centered around places and people. When you contribute to the site allvoices would like to know your location. You can also specify a different location from your default location when contributing to an event since you may be traveling outside your normal whereabouts when you witness an event.

I did not receive a confirmation email when I registered. What should I do?

Make sure you gave us the correct email address then check the spam folder, if you have one, to see if the email from allvoices ended up there. If you still have not received an email go to the "Sign in" page, click on the "Forgot Password" link, and follow the instructions. We will send you an email with a new password as well as a confirmation link. If this error persists please contact support at support@allvoices.com for further assistance.

I forgot my password? What should I do?

Go to the "Sign in" page then click on the "Forgot Password" link. We will ask you for the email address linked to your account, and send a new password via email. You can use that password to login but allvoices strongly advises you to change your password the next time you sign in.

I forgot my password and can no longer access the email account I registered with? What should I do?

Contact customer support at support@allvoices.com and we will assist you.

I am having trouble signing in. What can I do?

First make sure you typed in the correct email address and password. Then make sure that you do not have CAPS lock turned on as allvoices passwords are case sensitive. If you are still having problems be sure to contact support@allvoices.com and let us know what email address you are trying to sign in with so we can assist you.

My browser says "Your session has expired." What does that mean?

For security reasons allvoices will log you out if you have been inactive on the site for 24 hours. Simply enter your username and password and you will be able to access your account.

What personal information can other people see on allvoices?

Please take a look at allvoices privacy policy section Information collection and use by allvoices.com. In your account settings you will be able to control which information will be shown to other users.

How do I close my account?

You can close your account from the "My Account" page. Removing your account will delete your personal information, but allvoices will retain all content you created. For more information on this, please read the terms of use.

Content

What is an event?

At the heart of allvoices is an event. An event is a collection of stories. An event can be started on allvoices from a "new" news story or from a contributor sending allvoices content that does not belong to an existing event. The contribution can be a message, an article, a video or an image sent to allvoices from a cell phone or a computer.

Once the system validates the event via community and online web resources, the system creates an event page. The page consists of user reporting, first hand accounts or on the ground reporting, local news, global news, blogs, user generated videos and images. The event page has a place for users to participate in the event by asking questions, answering questions, commenting and sharing their perpesctive as well as providing more news article links related to the event. The content on the event page is ranked by geography, relevance, time, sentiment, and impact. i.e. we highlight local voices that provide impact and highly relevant content.

An event is dynamic and changes over time depending on community participation and on online reporting.

What are "whispers and rumors"?

Whispers and rumors are breaking news stories that have yet to be verified as authentic. It could be a user contribution that has not been validated to become an event. A breaking news story is validated by the community or by our system using online resources. Validation includes: mulitple users contributing about the same event, trusted contributors, or reputable online news sources. Once validated the "whispers and rumors" becomes an event and the system looks for all ancillary material to provide a rich user experience through multiple perspectives and community discussions.

How do I search for a specific news story, blog, video or image?

Currently you cannot search for a particular piece of content such as a blog or a news story. When you use the search on top of the page, we will redirect you to a search result page showing events, whispers and rumors, and people. The search results page will also display allvoices contributors who are interested in similar topics/keywords.

Who creates the content?

allvoices gets content from user contribution to the site as well as from searching relevant third party web sites. The allvoices community creates content by reporting on breaking stories, as well as providing perspective, comments, questions and/or answers on events and people on allvoices.

Can I add my own content?

Once you sign up at allvoices you can start contributing to the community by uploading images, videos, sharing your perspective, asking questions, or answering questions on existing events and people pages on the site. You can also create a new event and break news about what is going on in your backyard. Initially these will appear on the site as "whispers and rumors" and once they have been validated by the allvoices system and community they will become an event.

Can I comment on content?

You can add your comments on existing events and people pages.

Can I customize my view on allvoices to see only information (news, blogs, etc.) that are of interest to me?

You cannot customize your allvoices view at this time.

How do I report abusive content?

If you come across content that you find abusive, you can flag it by clicking on the Report Abuse icon below below every piece of content, event, whisper and rumor, or people’s page. Flagged content will be reviewed by allvoices and if deemed abusive will be taken down from the website. For more detail on how allvoices handles abusive content, see the [terms of use].

How does allvoices rank content?

Content on allvoices is ranked by multiple elements including geography (where is the content coming from in relation to the event), relevance, time, user rating (over time), popularity, and sentiment. The goal is to provide a highly relevant user experience while exposing the user to multiple perspectives.

How can I share content I see on allvoices?

allvoices makes it easy to share content with others through email and sms. Simply click on the "Email to a friend" icon under any article or content and then enter one or more email addresses to share the content.

Can I link directly to a specific page on allvoices?

You can link to any page on allvoices but please read the [terms of use] so that you are aware of how to use the content and if you are allowed to link to it.

Can I republish content I find on allvoices on my website or blog?

You can republish user generated content for non-commercial purposes only. You can republish user generated videos and images on allvoices by copying the link location and using it on your blog or website. Text content such as comments, articles and user perspectives cannot be fully copied. Instead you can copy some introduction text and link back to the full content on allvoices. For more details on republishing rights of allvoices content, see the [terms or use].

How do I notify allvoices of copyright infringement or plagiarism?

You can send an email to copyright@allvoices.com to notify allvoices if you suspect that some content, image, or video has been plagiarized or infringed upon. For more details on how to do this check the terms of use.

What is the difference between a first hand account and local news?

First hand account stories are contributed by allvoices users on the ground via cell phone or PC. Local news stories are from all other media sources close to the event.

Map

How do I use the map to navigate?

You can use the map to browse for content (events, whispers and rumors, and people in the news). Hovering over an content icon will allow you to see summary information about that content. You can click on the icon to go to the event page. Clicking on any category link displayed at the bottom of the map allows you to view only content related to that category. Additionally the icons have different shapes depending on whether it represents an event, whispers and rumors, and people in the news.

How do I search for an event using the map?

If you know what category the event corresponds to, you can click on the category to narrow your search to only those items. You can then hover around event icons to search for the event you are looking for. Alternatively you can enter a query in the search box and the search results page will show a map with only the events matching your query. You can then browse over the map to look for the particular event of interest or go through the search results text shown on the page.

Why can't I see all the events on the map?

There are too many events within the allvoices community to display on the map at any given time. By default only a select number of top rated events are displayed. This will give you an opportunity to explore and filter the events using the map. If you do not see the event you are looking for try using the search bar for the event or clicking the "more events" link on the page to view more events.

Contributing

Why should I contribute to allvoices?

You can be the first to tell us what is happening in your neighborhood by sharing your story, pictures, videos and opinions. You can also help us validate and provide first hand accounts on breaking stories as well as helping us build a vibrant experience around current events. As allvoices becomes more successful by contributing you can share in our success through revenue sharing programs that we will be implementing.

What can I contribute to allvoices?

You can contribute all your stories, photos, videos, and opinions to the allvoices community in a seamless manner. In addition you may also contribute a link to a web page or an RSS feed containing more information around an event, whispers and rumors, or people’s page.

How do I contribute and upload content?

allvoices provides multiple ways to easily contribute content. You will have to be a registered member of allvoices before your contribution becomes active. You can contribute through SMS, MMS, email or the website.

How do I attach my content to a particular event?

Go to the event page to which you wish to contribute content. Follow the relevant link for the type of content you wish to submit, for example, to attach an article to a particular event, click on the "Write an article" link on that event page. allvoices tries to make sure your submission is in the right place, and if this check fails you will be notified to help us correct it. Do not worry, we will not delete your content. You will always find your submissions in your account or on your content management page.

How can I check the status of my submitted content?

You can check the status of your content from your profile page after you sign in. Content can either be published or unpublished. If content is unpublished you can view the reason for that status, for example if it is due to insufficient information that needs to be corrected.

Where can I see the content that I have contributed to allvoices?

Once content has been submitted and accepted by allvoices you can view it from the relevant event, whispers and rumors, or people in the news page after we have processed it. You will always find all your contributions on your profile page. Please check any email notifications from allvoices if you cannot see your content on the website where you expect it to appear. Contact support@allvoices.com if you have any questions.

Can I edit or make changes to content once I have submitted it?

You can edit all your contributions from your profile page. You will be able to edit your articles. To upload a new image or video you will have to delete the old version and upload a new one.

When will my content submission be reviewed/published?

The allvoices system reviews most user contributions within 30 minutes but this process might take longer depending on traffic and site usage. During the review process the relevance and appropriateness of the content will be determined before the content is published to an event, whisper and rumor, or people’s page.

Can I submit foreign language content?

You can submit non-English content to allvoices and users will be able to view the content. At this time searching foreign content is not be supported but this will be supported in the future.

Can I submit syndicated content?

You can submit links to syndicated content but you cannot submit the content itself due to copyright restrictions.

Can I submit content I bought or own the rights to but did not create?

As long as you own the rights to a piece of content, you can submit it to allvoices.

Can I submit content from other sites?

You can submit links to other sites but not the content if you do not own the rights to republish it.

Who owns the rights to content I submitted?

You own the rights to the content you submit if the you created the content or you acquired the rights to use it. However, allvoices reserves the right to use and re-distribute your content. For more details please read the terms of use.

Can I edit or delete an uploaded image that is attached to a text submission?

You can edit an uploaded image by going to your profile page and editing the blog or opinion associated with that image. You can delete the image and substitute a new image.

Can I be alerted when someone comments on my content?

allvoices does not send you alerts when a comment is left for your content.

Can I delete comments left on my content?

You may delete comments on your content, however you will not be able to delete comments left on the event page.

Why was the title of my content changed?

allvoices will edit any content that we term abusive or inappropriate, which includes the content title. That is the only case where the title of the content will be automatically changed.

How do I become a featured contributor?

Featured contributors are chosen based on popularity, relevance, and proximity to the event. They are regularly rotated because allvoices highly values diversity on the site.

How do I submit an image?

After you sign in, click on an event, whispers and rumors, or people in the news item that you want to attach your image to. Then click on the "Upload images" link. You can also submit an image when creating a new event, just click on the "Help break the news" button, then click on the "Upload images" link.

How can I upload an image or video from my cell phone?

You can upload an image/video to allvoices by sending an email to mms@allvoices.com using an MMS or email client on your phone. If you are not a registered allvoices user the uploaded media will be shown as an anonymous contribution until you register on the site. Registered users will be able to sign in and review/edit the submitted content through the user profile page.

How do I submit a video?

After you sign in, click on an event, whispers and rumors, or people in the news item that you want to attach your video to. Then click on the "Upload videos" link. You can also submit a video when creating a new event, just click on the "Help break the news" button, then click on the "Upload content" link.

What kind of videos can I submit?

You can submit videos that comply with allvoices terms of use. All submitted videos should be original content you create or that you have the rights to republish.

What is the maximum size of the video I can submit?

Your videos cannot be more than 10 MB in size.

What video file types can I submit?

Supported video types are wmv, flv, mpg, mp4, mov, and 3gpp. We are continuously adding support for more video formats.

What do I enter in the video description field?

Enter a short description of at least a few sentences to make sure we can process the information and have enough information to check for relevance. In particular please make sure you include information about the story as well as location information.

I am having trouble uploading my video. What should I do?

If you are having trouble uploading your videos check that the size of the video is under 10 MB. You should also make sure that the video file type is one of the following formats – wmv, flv, mpg, mp4, mov, or 3GPP. If the upload still does not work, contact support@allvoices.com for further assistance.

How do I find my uploaded videos and images?

After you sign in, click on the "Your Profile" link to see all your uploaded videos and images. Unregistered users will be able to retain their content by registering on our site. If you are not registered, you can register and we will automatically show your previously submitted images and videos in Your Profile page. Be aware that even though a video is shown on Your Profile page it might take a little longer for it to get processed and become live.

How does allvoices choose featured videos and images?

allvoices ranks all videos and images based on geography, popularity, relevance, time, user rating, and sentiment. The top rated videos and images are featured on the site.

What are the different ways of submitting content from my cell phone?

You can submit content via SMS, MMS, and email directly from your cell phone.

My cell phone has a browser. Can I submit content directly via the mini-browser?

You can submit content using your browser. Just go to http://allvoices.com/contribute and start contributing.

How do I send an SMS to allvoices?

allvoices accepts SMS messages to generate and build upon news stories and events. The allvoices SMS number to use depends on your region. For more details read the [SMS process] page. For details and tips on the best way to get your message visible on allvoices read the [Contribution Guidelines] page.

What happens to the SMS when it is received by allvoices?

Once an SMS is received it is stored on allvoices for further processing, including categorizing the story and checking which event it belongs to. If you are registered and the message found to be relevant and appropriate, it is attached to an existing event, or a new event is created from the message. If you have elected to receive email confirmations on the status of your contributions you will be informed on whether your content has been approved or rejected.

How long does it take for the SMS to be delivered to allvoices?

Normally this should take few minutes, but the time may vary depending on the load on your cellular network and on the incoming SMS traffic to allvoices.

Where will I find the submitted SMS?

If you are registered you will see the message in your profile page. If you are not registered, you can register and we will automatically show your previously submitted messages in your profile page.

I sent an SMS and I do not see it posted at your site?

First check your phone's message outbox to make sure the SMS was sent. You may also want to double-check that you used the right number to submit your SMS. If you used the correct number and the message is in the outbox and was sent recently, wait about an hour and check allvoices again. Remember that SMS processing at allvoices may take a little longer if the load on the site is heavy. If you still do not see your posting after a day contact allvoices at support@allvoices.com.

Does allvoices send confirmation messages of cell phone contributions?

If you are not a registered user, we will not send you a confirmation message. If you are registered you can choose to get email confirmations of all cell phone contributions.

How do I submit videos and images to allvoices using my cell phone?

Contributions can be made via MMS-to-email and direct emails from the handset.

What does MMS stand for?

MMS is multimedia messages, but on some phones these might be broken down into two sub categories image and video messages.

What does MMS-to-email mean?

Most cell phones today support MMS submissions to an email address. See your manual for the exact instructions for your particular phone. Also check with your cell pone network provider to see if they support MMS-to-email.

Where can I write a blog?

You can share your perspective by creating a blog on allvoices. After signing in, click on the "Write an article" link next to an event, whispers and rumors, or people in the news pages.

Why was an image I attached to my blog not published?

Images that are irrelevant, infringe copyright protection, or inappropriate are not published and a notification will be sent to you. Please see the [terms of use] for more information about what allvoices is willing to accept.

How do I become a featured contributor?

You can become a featured contributor by building up a reputation based on previous submissions that are relevant and popular.

Who is an associated editor?

An associated editor helps validate news stories, provide more information about events, and spread the word about allvoices to their community.

How do I become an associated editor?

Click on the "Become an Associated Editor" link at the bottom of the allvoices page, then fill out the application form. An allvoices representative will follow up with you regarding your application.

User Profile and My Account

How do I update my profile page?

After logging in, click on the "Your Profile" link to update your profile.

Can I edit the items in the Your Profile page?

You can edit the following information on your profile page:

How can I share my user profile page with others?

After logging in, click on the "Your Profile" link to go to your profile page. Click on the "Share my profile" link to pop up a form that will allow you to enter one or more email addresses and a short message to send out.

How do I update my account settings?

After logging in, click on the "My Account" link to update your account settings.

What account information can I edit?

You can edit the following account information:

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