All About Our
New Web Site

Why A New Site?

It's important to change your website every couple of years. Haven't you ever been frustrated by groups with either no web site, or one that is out of date? For many people, our website is the first contact they have with Miami Mensa. A good first impression matters, even if they don't end up joining us.

Why Should I Visit The Test Site?

Websites change, as the group's needs change. It's important to test these changes before they appear on the production site. Computer programmers write and test the programs for the site, but it is important for other people to test them too. We will let you know when there are changes to test, and invite you to try them out.

I'm Not A Computer Person, Why Ask Me?

Computer people are good at writing and fixing software, but not the other things key to a good site. These things include ease of use and appearance. We also need to take care not to put something on the site that we could be sued over.

As you can see, computer skills are only part of what makes a website successful.

Can I Still Use The Old Site?

No. This site replaces the old site. The old site contained a lot of information that is still relevant. This is available on the new site, along with new features and information.

Why Do I Need A Member Login?

Although we are in no way a secret society, there are certain things we want only members, or certain individuals to see. For example, the site contains information about how the site is set up, and information about members. It's important we know that you have a legitimate right to see or change this information, hence the need to log in to the members' sections of the site.

Will My Old Member Login Work On The New Site?

No. Access to the members' pages is controlled by a completely different method. Even if you have a member login to the old site, you will still need a new login.

What Are My Login And Password Now?

You choose! The new site uses a technique called self-registration to set up user accounts. If you want access to the members' pages, you will need to apply online for an account. You provide your name, email address and member number, along with your choice of user name and password.

Once you submit your application, and the Local Secretary or Webmaster approves it, you will have access to the site. Your user name will remain the same as long as you are a member.

You can change your password as often as you like, although we recommend every three months. Pick one that is easy for you to remember, and hard for others to guess. Never write it down or tell anyone what it is. The Webmaster does not need to know your password, and will never ask you for it. There are a couple of rules. Your user name must be unique. Your password must be a mix of letters and numbers - between 6 and 15 of them. Also, you will need separate accounts for test and production.

Once I Log In, Can I Use Everything On The Site?

No. Certain pages are restricted because they let you change other peoples' information, or they affect the operation of the site. Access to these pages will be restricted to a few other people who need access. Only a Webmaster can access everything.

What Computer Setup Do I Need?

I am testing with Internet Explorer 6, and Netscape Navigator 7.1, on Windows 2000 and XP. Your screen resolution must be 800x600 or higher. If you do not use Windows 2000 or XP, or the latest IE or Netscape, let me know. I will need to work with you to make the site compatible with your setup.

Does The Site Use Cookies?

No, the site is designed to operate without cookies.

How Do I Get To The Test Site?

Visit http://miami.us.mensa.org/test.

You will see the test site welcome page. This is used on the test site only to keep casual surfers out. They should be visiting the production site.

Explore! However, if you click on the Members tab, you will to log in using the user account for the test site to continue. If you don't have a login on the test site, you will need to sign up for one using the same method you used for the live site.

Click the Sign Up tab and follow the instructions to sign up for an account. Remember that there are certain rules about user names and passwords. Once you sign up for an account, you will need to wait for your account to be approved before you can use it. This will normally take 1-3 days, and you will be notified once the account is available.

I Found A Problem, Now What?

Good! That's why you are testing. Every problem you find is one I can fix before the site is opened to the public. Report the problem and how you encountered it to me - markpud@hotmail.com.

I've Forgotten My Password. What Do I Do Now?

Call or email a member of the ExComm, and ask for your password to be reset. There is no way that the Webmaster or ExComm can recover your password. It is encoded in the system using a technique that does not allow for decoding. The only thing that we can do if you forget your password is verify that you have access and give you a new password.

As soon as you get your new password, change it to one you can remember easily but which will be hard for other people to guess. Never write down any password or PIN.

Why Does The Site Reject My New Password?

Your password must have at leat 6 characters, and at most 15. It must contain at least one letter and at least one number, and cannot be the same as your previous password. If you try to enter a password that does not fit in with these rules, the site will not accept it.