FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions 

Anything with a video_image.jpg next to it indicates that there is a Video Tutorial available (You must be logged in to access).  Video Tutorials generally offer a more detailed explanation then the written FAQ.

Account Management

Password                     Forum Digest Private Message System
Profile Information  Forum Settings Email Notifications
Changing your Picture    

 Participation

Activity Schedule      

 Trip Plan and Permit Trip Reports
  Posting on the Forums
  Uploading Pictures  Uploading Videos

{jugaaccess USFS || Administrator || calendar || AssistantWebmaster || editreports}

Administrators FAQ's

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 {jugaaccess USFS || Administrator || calendar || AssistantWebmaster}Activity Creation and Management{/jugaaccess}   {jugaaccess Administrator}Admins Editing Trip Reports{/jugaaccess}
{jugaaccess USFS || Administrator || AssistantWebmaster}Forums Administration{/jugaaccess}   {jugaaccess USFS || Administrator || AssistantWebmaster}Add message to the Daily Digest{/jugaaccess}

 


Passwordvideo_image.jpg  TOP

Lost Password:

To reset your password go to the Login page, and under the Login button is a link Forgot your Password?  Fill out the form and your reset password will be e-mailed to you.

 

Change Password:

To change your password:

  1. Login
  2. On the left of the page click User Profile
  3. Hover over Profile and select Password
  4. Fill in the two password fields and click Save
  5. A blue field will appear under the Main Menu to tell you if the password change was successful.  If they did not match a pop up will appear to tell you: "Please enter a valid password."

Changing your Picture   TOP

If you would like to change your picture (avatar):

  1. Login
  2. Go to User Profile on the User Menu
  3. Hover over Profile and select Change profile picture
    1. Your picture can be any size (dimensions wise) if it is too big it will be re-sized.
    2. Your picture can be up to 8MB in file size.

Forum Digestvideo_image.jpg   TOP

If you would like to change (or cancel) how you receive the Forum Digest:

  1. Login
  2. Go to User Profile on the User Menu
  3. Hover over Profile and select Forum Digest
  4. From this page you can select to
    1. Stop receiving the Forum Digest
    2. Chose to receive the Instant Digest
    3. Chose to receive the Daily Digest

{jugaaccess USFS || Administrator || AssistantWebmaster}Add message to the Daily Digestvideo_image.jpg   TOP

To add a message to the Daily Digest

  1. Go to the Forums
  2. Then go to the "Important Messages" category
  3. Create a new topic with an appropriate topic for your message
  4. Put your message in the "Message" box
  5. Submit your post

It is important to note a few things:

  • The daily digest is generated ONLY by posts made on the forums
  • Two categories are NOT included in the digest
    • Public Forum
    • What is Wilderness/Wilderness Character?
  • Only administrators can post or reply in the "Important Messages" category
  • Digests are normally received around 0900 or 1000 hours Pacific Time depending on daylight savings.
  • Consider a safety cutoff time of 0850 for your message to be added to the digest.

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Profile Informationvideo_image.jpg   TOP

If you would like to change your profile information (email address, avatar (your picture), contact info, certifications, etc.)

  1. Login
  2. Go to User Profile on the User Menu
  3. Hover over Profile and select the appropriate item for what you wish to edit.
  4. Most of the information is in the Edit profile link (email, contact info, certifications, etc.)

Forum Settingsvideo_image.jpg   TOP

If you would like to change your forum settings, this includes your signature, and the order posts are displayed (newest first, oldest first):

  1. Login
  2. Go to User Profile on the User Menu
  3. Hover over Profile and select Forum Settings
  4. From here you can change your Signature and display settings.
  5. You can also put in your name on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc.

 Email Notificationsvideo_image.jpg   TOP

If you would like you can change when you receive emails from the website.  This is for the notification of new Private Messages and Wall Comments (when someone writes a message on your profile wall).

  1. Login
  2. Go to User Profile on the User Menu
  3. Hover over Profile and select Notifications

Private Message System  TOP

E-mail notification of new messages:

To activate or deactivate the systems e-mail notifications of new messages:

  1. Login
  2. On the left of the page click User Profile
  3. Hover over Profile and select Notifications
  4. Set "Receive Private Message Email Notification?" to your preferred setting.
  5. Click Save

What is the Private Message (PM) System? video_image.jpg

The PM System is basically an internal email system for the website.  It allows you to contact other members of the volunteer organization in a private manner even if you do not know their email address.  By default a email notification is sent to the person receiving the PM so they are aware of the new message without logging into the website.  Further information on how to use the PM system is available in a short video tutorial.

 

Activity Schedulevideo_image.jpg   TOP

Quick Note: All Activity Schedule sign-ups are done directly in the calendar system.  Communications about a particular activity will be made directly in the activity and all updates to the activity will be posted and sent out in email via the activity.

How do I sign-up for an Activity?

  1. Login
  2. If you are not automatically taken to the Activity Schedule then go to it.
  3. Find the activity you want to attend, if needed you can filter by category via the drop down menu.
  4. Once you find the activity you want to attend simply click Attend, this can be done from the activity list or from the activity's details view.

I am attending an activity, how can I ask questions or make comments?

If you are signed up to attend an activity then you have access to "The Discussion Wall" where you can post questions or comments.  "The Discussion Wall" is located inside the detailed view of activities.

 I am not yet attending an activity but need to ask a question?

In this case the best thing is to send the Activity Coordinator a Private Message.  To find out who the Activity Coordinator is view the activity details and on the right you will see the person responsible for the activity.

How will I know if there are updates to the activity?

If there are updates to an activity and you are signed up to attend you will receive an email notifying you of the update.  These updates are posted by the Activity Coordinator.

What if I can no longer attend an activity I signed up for?

If you signed up for an activity, but you can no longer attend for any reason, please cancel your attendance, this is even more important if the activity is limited to a certain number of people.  To cancel your attendance:

  1. Login
  2. If you are not automatically taken to the Activity Schedule then go to it.
  3. Find the activity you wish to cancel your attendance of, if you need you can filter by category via the drop down menu.
  4. Once you find the activity you want to cancel your attendance of simply click Cancel Attendance, this can be done from the activity list or from the activity's details view.

Trip Plan and Permit video_image.jpg   TOP

  • The Trip Plan and Permit provides the administration team with important information that can be used to locate your or contact someone in the event of an emergency.
  • The Trip Plan and Permit also serves as your request for a Radio or other equipment.
  • If you trip is going to be overnight then the Trip Plan and Permit serves as your Overnight Permit for Desolation Wilderness.

Because of all this the Trip Plan and Permit is mandatory for every activity you complete in the volunteer program.  To submit a Trip Plan and Permit:

  1. Login
  2. On the User Menu located on the left click on Trip Plan and Permit
  3. Fill out the form as accuratly as possible, all fields are required
  4. If you trip is going to be overnight you are required to print the attached regulations in addition to the permit, you are responsible for knowing the rules contained within
  5. After you click the Submit button you will be taken the the print page so you can print your permit
  6. To print the Permit
    1. Click the Paper Icon next to the line "PRINT YOUR PERMIT CLICK -->"
    2. In the window that pops up click the Paper Icon again
  7. If for any reason you were not taken to the print page don't worry, an email was sent to you containing the link for your print page to make sure you have access to it.

After you print your permit please sign and date it on the line.

Trip Reportsvideo_image.jpg   TOP

What activities do I report?:

Report any activity that you perform as a Desolation Wilderness Volunteer, this includes but is not limited to Adopt-a-Lake, Adopt-a-Trail, Backcountry Naturalist, Campsite Monitoring, Campsite Restoration, Education/Outreach, Encounter Monitoring, Office, Trail Work, Training/Classes.

Is there a list of training hours for past trainings?

Currently there is not, however if you remember anyone that was at the training with you it is possible to look up if they posted a report.  If they did you can see how many hours they put down for the training.  This can be done by going to View Trip Reports and setting the filter to the appropriate person.

Miles and Hours on the report?

Please when reporting the Miles and Hours only report what you hiked, do not report any miles/hours driven.

What if I made a mistake on a report?

If you made a mistake on a report we ask that you correct it.  You can do this yourself by going to the report, editing what you need to, and re-clicking the Submit button.  If you have problems you can contact the Webmaster.

 

{jugaaccess Administrator || AssistantWebmaster}Admins Editing Trip Reportsvideo_image.jpg   TOP

 How does an administrator edit trip reports?

For the sake of making it easier to read trip reports administrators can not edit them on their accounts.  However, administrators do have access to a special account setup to do nothing but edit trip reports.  The submitter of a report can always edit their own reports.

  1. On the Main Menu hover over "Information" then down to "Edit Reports Account"
  2. Here you will see a Username and Password.
  3. The Username will always be the same, however the password is subject to random changes for security reasons.
    1. If you make note of the password and find that when you try to login it says the credentials are incorrect come back to this page to get the updated password.
    2. PLEASE do not share this password with anyone, if  they should be allowed to obtain it they can do so from their website login.
  4. Once you have the login information Logout of your account.
  5. Then Login with the "Edit Reports Account".
    1. While logged in with this account PLEASE do not send private messages, post on the forums, create or sign up for activities, etc. just edit the report(s) and logout.
  6. Once you are logged in go to View Trip Reports.
  7. Find the report you wish to edit and open it.
  8. Here you can make any changes needed.  When you are done click Submit.
  9. If the changes were recorded successfully the blue box under the Main Menu will say "Thank You for your Trip Report Submission."

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{jugaaccess USFS || Administrator || calendar || AssistantWebmaster}Activity Creation and Managementvideo_image.jpg   TOP

How do I create an Activity?

  1. Go to the Activity Schedule.
  2. From here you can see all the current activities, to create a new activity click on the "Create a New Activity" button.
  3. Fill out this form with the information of your activity.  Not all fields are required, however it is important that you select the correct Category, do not leave it set to "Please select a category".
  4. A very important note, if your activity is going to be repeating.  This system DOES NOT create the next activity in a repeating cycle until AFTER the next (current) activity has expired.  So it is recommended that if your activity repeats weekly that you create 4 separate versions of the same repeating activity.  This will ensure that you always have 4 weeks of your repeating activity on the calendar so people are aware of the next activity ahead of time.
  5. After you fill in the basic fields you get to the options at the bottom.  If this activity is open to an unlimited amount of attendees select "Unlimited Capacity" otherwise set the number of people there is room for.
  6. Note, when the activity is created you (the creator) will automatically be signed up to attend the activity, if you are planning on attending please factor yourself into the number you enter.  If you will not be attending please cancel your attendance.
  7. It is a good idea to always check the box for "Show Activity capacity information" as this will let people know if it is an unlimited or limited capacity activity.
  8. If you want to allow people to bring guests with them select the box for "Allow users to bring friends with them" this should only be used for activities where it is acceptable for volunteers to bring non-volunteers with them.
  9. Finally, it is a good idea to always check the box for "Show Activity Attendees" however it is not required.
  10. When you are completely done filling out the form click Save.
  11. If the blue box under the main menu says "Activity saved successfully!" your activity has been created and you have been signed up to attend.  If you will not be attending now is a good time to cancel your attendance.
  12. If the blue box under the main menu says something else it should tell you what to do.

What if the details of an activity have changed?

If you have updated information about an activity you need to update the activity's details and notify any attendees of the changes.  To do this:

  1. Go to the activity that you need to update
  2. Once you are in the detailed view of your activity click on "Edit Activity".
  3. From here you can update any fields that require editing.
  4. After you have changed anything needed, go to "Add News" and enter the updated information here, or if you simply changed a field above make a note here as to what you did.
  5. When you are done click Save.
  6. Now we need to notify any attendees that a change was made, this is done by clicking "Message All Attendees"
  7. Anything entered in the box will be sent out in an email notifying attendees of an update.  They will not receive any other information unless they login to the website and view the activity.
  8. When you are done and ready to send the email click OK.
  9. The blue box will appear under the main menu again and if everything was OK it will say "Your message has been sent!" and all attendees should instantly receive the email.

 

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Uploading Picturesvideo_image.jpg  TOP

To upload pictures you must first be logged into your account.

Once logged in do the following:

  1. Click the Pictures link
  2. To upload to an already existing album:
    (NOTE: You can only upload to your own albums, if you do not already have an album you will be taken to the screen to create one first)
    1. Select the "Upload photos" link
    2. Choose the album you wish to upload to from the "Select and album" down menu
    3. Click Browse to select your image or images to upload
    4. The uploader is java based and allows you to upload multiple images at once.  You can select all images in a folder or just the ones you want.  You do not have to select one image at a time.
    5. By default images will be named based on the name of the image when you upload it.
    6. When you are ready to post the image click the Save button
  3. To rename your images:
    1. Go to the image you wish to rename (you must be the person that uploaded the image)
    2. Next to the image name click the image of a Pen/Pencil
    3. Enter the new name and click Save
  4. To "tag" people in images:
    1. Go to the image you wish to tag people in
    2. Below the image it says "In this photo:" and below that a link "Tag this photo"
    3. Click on "Tag this photo" and put your mouse over the image
    4. Put the mouse over the face of the person you wish to tag and click
    5. A box will appear around where you clicked
    6. At the bottom of the box click "Select a person"
    7. A list will pop up, select the person (you can type part of their name to find them faster)
    8. After you select the person click confirm.
    9. You can repeat the above steps to "tag" more people
    10. When you are done "tagging" people below the image is a button "Done Tagging" click it and you are done!
  5. To create a new Album:
    1. Select the "Create Album" link
    2. Enter the Album name and Description (optional)
    3. Click the Create Album button
    4. Your album is now created and you will be taken directly to the upload screen for that album.

 

Uploading Videosvideo_image.jpg   TOP

Quick note: Technically the videos are uploaded on another site (a video host) such as YouTube.

To post uploaded videos you must first be logged into your account.

For this FAQ example we will use YouTube as the video host.

  1. Go to www.YouTube.com
  2. If you do not already have an account with YouTube you will need to create one and login.
  3. Once you are logged in to do Upload at the top near the search box.
  4. In the screen that loads click the "Upload Video" button and select the video you wish to upload.
    1. While the video is uploading you can edit the details such as Title, Description, Category, etc.
    2. If you only want the video to be viewed by those that visit the Desolation Wilderness Volunteers Videos section then in the Privacy option select "Unlisted".
  5. Once the video has completed uploading the Sharing options URL box will have a link in it. This is the link we need for posting the video on the Desolation Wilderness Volunteers website.
  6. The best way to transfer this link is to copy and paste it.
    1. For Windows users Highlight the entire link and RIGHT click, then select copy.
    2. For Apple users press the command key (Apple logo on older Macs, propeller logo on newer Macs) and click your mouse then select copy.

Posting the video on the Desolation Wilderness Volunteers Website.

  1. Login
  2. Go to the "Videos" link on the Main Menu.
  3. In the upper right corner click on Add
  4. The window that pops up shows you a list of all the video hosts you are allowed to link to.  Click Next.
  5. Paste the URL that you copied from the YouTube upload.
    1. For Windows users RIGHT click and select paste.
    2. For Apple users press the command key (Apple logo on older Macs, propeller logo on newer Macs) and click your mouse then select paste.
  6. Select if the video will be viewable by the Public or only to Registered Users.
  7. Then click Link Video.
  8. If your upload was successful a blue box will appear under the Main Menu saying "VIDEO TITLE has been added"

Posting on the Forums   TOP

What is the "Subscribe" button for?

If you are not signed up to receive the forum digest then you can use the Subscribe button to receive email notifications on topics you wish to keep an eye on.  Also, if you are signed up to receive the Daily Digest, the subscribe button will allow you to receive an instant email notification of replies to that topic.  You will also still receive the topic in  the Daily Digest.

What is the "Favorite" button for?

If you want to have fast easy access to a topic you can make it a Favorite.  By making a topic a Favorite you will not receive email notifications for the topic, unless you are signed up for the forum digest.

What is the "Report to moderator" button for?

This button is so you can reports posts that you feel are inappropriate, or violate the Terms and Conditions of the Desolation Wilderness Volunteers website.

{jugaaccess USFS || Administrator || AssistantWebmaster}Forums Administration   TOP

What is the "Moderate" button?

This button will likely never be used.  It allows you to move either the selected or the selected and all posts beneath(made after) it into a different topic.  It is useful for combining two topics of the same subject.

What is the "Sticky" button?

If the post is useful and should be easily accessed by everyone click the Sticky button to make the topic remain at the top of the category, even if it is not the newest post.

What is the "Lock" button?

This button will likely never be used.  If a topic gets out of control or shouldn't receive any more replies then you can lock it so only administrators can reply to it.

What are "Announcements"?

Because everyone on the website is automatically signed up for the forums digest we have a category for "Important Messages".  However, if you feel a message should be displayed above the forums you can make an announcement.  Please note, this announcement will be viewable by the public and it will not go out in the forum digest email.  It will only be seen if people go to the forums.

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