IFWTWA Proprietary - Rev. 2019-09
I want to know …
- Why a new IFWTWA website?
- Where is my member profile?
- Clips – What is “My Work Samples” or the “PDF”?
- Where’s the Member Directory?
- What is DigiProve? Why do you keep recommending it?
- What are the requirements for member benefits?
- Media, FAM or Press Trip? Who can apply?
- Press Pass – Where’s the newsletter?
- Volunteering – How do I volunteer?
- Other information I need to know & who do I contact?
Why a new IFWTWA website?
Q. Why a new website?
Our old website was run on a WordPress platform and, although it had some positive attributes, it was not capable of providing us with the ability to grow as an organization. In order to provide our membership with a safe, secure, professional and well managed online presence, our board decided that the new website was a necessity. Please see the October 2018 Press Pass article for more details.
Q. What is Association Management Software (AMS)? Why did we need it?
We are a volunteer run organization. We need a website that is automated with features that support our association objectives and one that can be run by volunteers. This saves association expenses and allows volunteers to keep the site information fresh.
The MemberClicks Oasis solution met our goal for a website package that offers:
- Online Dues Renewals and Applications
- Accounting and Payment Processing
- Membership Database
- Member Engagement Community
- Member Only Website Area
- Content Management System (CMS)
- Donations and Fundraising Tools
- Email Marketing
- Event Registration
- Reporting and Queries
- Searchable Content
- Searchable Member Directory
- Continuing Education
- Prospect Tracking
Q. Why am I getting emails from “MemberClicks”?
When you make connections or comments while logged-in to your profile, MemberClicks sends you an email notification.
Where is my member profile?
Q. Where is my profile?
Click on Member Login under the Members Only menu. Log in. You are now on the Member Landing Page. Click on “My Profile”. To edit your profile, click on the “edit button” on the right hand side of the profile.
Q. Why is my member number different?
If you were a member of IFWTWA prior to September 2018, you will notice your member number is different from the number on your Press Card. Don’t panic. All is OK.
The number in your profile is your correct number. We will update the press cards to match your profile number when you renew. In the interim, use your current cards. For the curious, know this. Your member number was your user number in our old system. We had to ensure the numbers were identical in both systems to ensure interoperability for the transfer of data throughout the future.
Q. When I am on “My Profile” page, what is the purpose of “My Community,” “Connections,” “My Features,” and “Inbox?”
These features allow members a completely private area to make connections (similar to “friending” on Facebook™, create circles (user-created member network groups), send private messages, view latest happenings in the Activity Stream, share status, photos, contacts, and conduct IFWTWA board and committee business.
Q. What is the Social box in my profile used for?
What are you supposed to write there? You don’t have to write anything. It’s your choice. This is an internal social media tool on the site. If you want to share with other members an announcement, e.g. “ … hey I’m off to Zanzibar next week … anyone have any contacts there …?” — you can do it.
Q. Why do my entries DISAPPEAR?
Usually, this is an issue with your browser. Your browser is confused by older data in cache and isn’t sure what data to load. You may want to clear your browser cache and reload the page after you enter (and save) data in your profile.
If you have a problem seeing data you entered, be sure you SAVED before leaving the page. If you saved your entries and still don’t see them, please refresh the screen. If you still don’t see the changes, clear your browser cache and try again. You could try a different browser (do not log in). If all these fail, Contact our Site Manager.
Q. Can everyone see my personal information, as I see it when I access My Profile – my address, phone number?
No. Only specific items are revealed to people who view your profile on the member side. Even less information about you is revealed on the public directory. See below.
Q. What can other members see?
- Join Date: System automatically populates
- Member Type: System automatically populates based on your membership application
- Full Name: System automatically populates with your proper name; however, you may edit to add a middle name, initial, a prefix, a suffix, or to update legal name change
- Contact Name: System automatically populates your Full Name; however, you may edit to show your nickname
- Organization: Your business name
- Email: System automatically populates, however, you may edit to update
Q. What can the Public see? First, you must make a decision. Do you want the public to see the limited view of your profile, or not? Make your selection in Item 11. If you select, “YES”, then the public will see the following:
- Full Name: system automatically populates
- 01. My Bio: You enter data*
- 02. My Nickname: You enter data*
- 03. My Website: You enter data*
- 04. How My Work Is Published: You select*
- 05. My Subjects: You select*
- 06. My Work Samples (PDF file): You create and upload*
- 11. Public Profile? YES or NO selection
- Area to post up to 8 recent stories (last 2 calendar years), 3 fields per story.
Note: This area is NOT a repository for ALL your articles. It is intended to showcase up to eight examples of your best work. You can update by replacing one or all of your entries at your discretion.
*Required entry
Q. How do I share my public profile?
Following is how to “Copy and paste” your PUBLIC profile url into an email or media trip application. Please understand that there various different browsers to use and ways to set up our computers so these instructions may not work for exactly. We use the CHROME browser as it is the best for this website.
- Direct a public viewer to https://www.ifwtwa.org/our-members#/ – Use Search to find your profile
- Use a “New Incognito Window” (find under File) then enter “IFWTWA.org” in the Search field
- DO NOT LOG IN
- Scroll down the page to “MEMBER DIRECTORY” and click blue button
- From the public IFWTWA DIRECTORY Member Search page
- ENTER YOUR LAST NAME >>
- CLICK SEARCH >>
- CLICK on your image/name in the “block quote box”
- Go up to the URL link
- COPY & PASTE (right click/copy)
- Now you will see a URL that looks like this:
- https://www.ifwtwa.org/our-members/christinecutler/
- Select only the first portion of this link as follows:
- https://www.ifwtwa.org/our-members/christinecutler/
- Return to your application and paste your profile url link.
- Create a TinyURL as follows:
You can create a custom URL. Look for the following, then Save your new tinyurl for future use.
Q. I can’t find my profile bio or clips. Where are they?
The custom profile area is designed for you to introduce yourself, your brand, offer profile viewers an opportunity to see samples of your work, and for your to qualify for member benefits.
- Select the “EDIT” button to open the data entry fields. Enter your data. If you do not enter data, that particular item will not be visible in your profile.
- Please SAVE your entries before exiting this area. When you upload the PDF file, you must use the SAVE button even though the system responds “successful upload.”
- Did you make a selection in item Z11? You must choose “YES” to tell us if you want a public profile view on the website.
Note: All members have a members-only profile. How much information you include beyond the basic information is up to you. We recommend you utilize the members-only area to introduce yourself, meet colleagues with common interests, reach out to each other, form circles and forum discussions, and share your status and photos, but it’s completely up to you how much you share beyond that which is required for continued membership in IFWTWA.
IFWTWA DOES NOT SHARE OR DISCLOSE MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION SUCH AS YOUR ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER, OR PERSONALLY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ABOUT YOU. IN FACT, WE DON’T HAVE YOUR PERSONALLY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION SUCH AS A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR YOUR DATE OF BIRTH. BY ENTERING DATA IN THE CUSTOM PROFILE FIELDS 01 THROUGH 10 AND OTHER AREAS THAT MAY BECOME AVAILABLE TO YOU ON OUT SITE, YOU AGREE TO THE PUBLIC RELEASE OF THIS INFORMATION. DOING SO WILL ALLOW OUTSIDE PARTIES TO ENSURE YOUR ARE A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING AND WILL GRANT THEM ACCESS TO YOUR BODY OF PUBLIC WORK. BY PROVIDING THIS MEMBER BENEFIT TO YOU, YOU AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE INTERNATIONAL FOOD, WINE & TRAVEL WRITERS ASSOCIATION, ALSO KNOWN AS IFWTWA, FROM THE PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF LIMITED INFORMATION FROM YOUR PROFILE AS A MEMBER BENEFIT.
Clips – What is “06. Clips/Work Samples (PDF file)”
Q. What do you mean by “My clips file,” “06, “my work samples,” my “PDF” “the document” …?
These terms have become interchangeable when referring to your upload in member profile item 06.
Q. Why an “06. Clips/Work Samples (PDF file)”
A summary of, and document to present your brand and best work to editors so they choose you!
- We recommend you create this essential summary document and update it quarterly, however, the frequency of update is entirely up to you as long as it meets IFWTWA minimum 4 articles/year requirement.
- It will serve you as an email attachment, a printed hand-out, and a record of your favorite published works.
- We suggest in additional to simply a list of your clips, create a “call to action” document that includes an image of you, your logo, bio, and links to your website and social media.
Tip: Shorten your links with bitly, is.gd, TinyURL or similar app.
Q. How do I add new articles to my PDF document?
Open the original document from your computer, add your new work, save, convert to a PDF document, and upload the new version in place of the former document. Consider using R1, R2, R3 and date in your save file name so it’s easy to find.
You can easily create a PDF of your Word document at Zamzar.com
Q. Now that I created my profile and uploaded it, my potential host or editor cannot see it. Why?
Did you select Z11 = YES? If so, then the public can see your member profile from MENU > DIRECTORY > Member Name > Click on member photo to see complete profile, or simply hit Search for entire list of public profiles.
Where’s the Member Directory?
Q. Is there a directory of members?
YES. One view is for the Public and one is for Members Only.
- PUBLIC
- MAIN MENU> OUR MEMBERS> Hit Search for the complete directory, or enter a name.
- HOME PAGE – Scroll down to last band and select the blue button, MEMBER DIRECTORY
- FOR MEMBERS ONLY
- LOG IN
- GO TO “MY PROFILE”
- Enter a member’s name in the “Search Directory” box to the right
- Note: A bit more info is available to members about members when logged in
Q. What if I want to share my profile with potential editor of host?
See above public access steps. Once on your profile copy the url. We recommend you shorten the url, but it can be used as-is by a copy & paste.
Q. How can I get a particular group search response?
If you would like to see a particular search available to you in the directory search menu, use the Contact Us link to send your suggestion to us.
What is DigiProve?
Q. Why do you keep recommending we use DigiProve?
We suggest you consider using DigiProve to protect all your work and website. Should anyone claim right of ownership to your published articles, images, or podcasts, your right of ownership is documented. IFWTWA is proud to offer this benefit to our members with a 40% discount for this valuable service.
DigiProve protects our Food Wine Travel Magazine website and can help protect our members personally to authenticate your work and your identities in cyberspace with a non-refutable audit trail in the event you ever need to validate your identities or work to third parties.
What are the requirements for continued membership or applying for member benefits?
Q. What are the requirements to apply for member benefits?
A complete and up-to-date profile on the IFWTWA website
Q. What constitutes a “complete and up-to-date” IFWTWA profile?
IFWTWA Bylaws define a complete profile is defined in section 3.03.3 as follows:
- a photo (head shot) of the member taken within the previous 5-years.
- a short biography.
- links to the members blog or website if applicable.
- a minimum of four links to articles published within the past 12-months and or links to the member’s blog that includes a minimum of two member-authored posts per month (500 words minimum per post) for the past 12-months.
- links to the member’s current email address and social media handles [user names]
Q. How do I meet the above requirement and show clips of my work in this new profile?
We have provided specific custom data fields in your Profile. Please refer to the instructions if you are uncertain how to create the “My Work Samples” (PDF) document recommended for upload in Item 06.
Because this information is viewed by non-members of IFWTWA, these fields are open to public view. Please refer to “Q. What can the Public see?” answer above.
Your PDF can be as simple as a Word document, converted to .pdf format that provides the minimum required information:
- Name: John Snow
- Social Media Handles
- Twitter: @JohnSnow
- Instagram: JohnSnowLives
- Published Articles:
- Date Article Name [Hyperlink or show link]
- Date Article Name [Hyperlink or show link]
- Date Article Name [Hyperlink or show link]
- Date Article Name [Hyperlink or show link]
Q. Why can’t you just look at my website or blog?
The hyperlinks to the specific work you are showcasing should take the viewer to your website, blog, online publication, podcast, or other medium you wish to identify in your PDF.
Journalists require 4 specific dated links per year; bloggers can refer to their website to meet the minimum continuing membership requirements.
Q. Why are you recommending I create and upload a document with 12 article samples even though IFWTWA only requires 4 to apply for a member benefit?
- Twelve samples demonstrates consistent publishing over time
- Hosts confirmed 12 articles, 4-each from the last 3-years provides a quick-look at your work
Editors do not have time to review your entire body of work, therefore, we focus their attention to your best work. You can update with new articles at will. Promote your brand and YOU with these samples.
Q. Why should I bother with a PDF at all? I’ll just use the Story area.
- We understand the importance of having a single website link you can use to introduce yourself
- One of the reasons you joined IFWTWA is that editors, potential hosts and benefit providers prefer IFWTWA members. They trust IFWTWA to thoroughly vet our applicants for membership. They also know we audit members before submitting their applications for media trips, radio appearances, some regional events and adjunct conference FAM activities, just to name a few.
- IFWTWA Committees, Program Coordinators and our Hosts often refer to your public view profile.
Media, FAM or Press Trip – Who can apply?
Q. Media, FAM or Press Trip — which is it?
These terms often used interchangeably in our industry, thus we follow the same practice on our pages.
Q. Do I have to qualify to be selected for an IFWTWA sponsored trip?
Yes.
Q. Who decides if I qualify or am chosen for a Media trip?
Once you meet IFWTWA requirements, then your participation is determined by the Host.
Q. Why do I have to read and abide by a Code of Conduct?
Because we are a professional organization who reputation is tarnished by anyone who does not meet our stated standards.
Q. What happens to those who violate the code?
Upon receiving an formal industry complaint, the complaint will be “thoroughly considered by the board and, if available documentation supports the complainant’s claim, the board shall determine and execute disciplinary action against the accused member as specified in the bylaws, including but not limited to suspension of member privileges or expulsion.”
Q. How or where do I submit my clips from an IFWTWA sponsored media trip?
Please use the Trip Clip Submission Form or find this form on the trip’s media placements results page.
Press Pass – Where’s the newsletter?
Q. Who writes the articles or gathers content for Press Pass?
Volunteers like yourself. Contact Us if you’d like to create content for Press Pass.
Q. Where is the Press Pass newsletter?
Ann introduction to the IFWTWA members-only newsletter is emailed on the first of each month to all active members and prospects. Only members have access to the complete newsletter which is maintained on-line so it’s content is permanent and searchable by members. Heritage copies in the original .pdf format will be added to the site as time permits.
Volunteering – How do I volunteer?
Q. I want to help. How do I volunteer?
Please let us know you’re interested! Contact a board member, or use this form. We’d love your help.
Q. Do I have to meet certain qualifications to volunteer?
Tell us what you’d like to do, how your skill-set qualifies you, and chat with the committee chair to brainstorm your ideas.
Q. Where is my committee’s meeting area on the website? Committee chairs must let us know to add your name as a committee member first, then Login > My Community > My Features > Committees
Other information I need to know & who do I contact?
Q. Why do I have to use Google Chrome?
Our service provider recommends it over other browsers for a better user experience. Often, simply reloading a page will resolve issues.
Also, clearing your cache (Chrome > Clear Browsing Data) can improve performance, however, please be sure to first check your data preferences to ensure you don’t inadvertently delete saved passwords or other history you want to retain.
Q. How do I get the credit for referring a new member who joins IFWTWA?
When a new member applies for IFWTWA membership, the applicant enters your name on their application. Once the new member is approved, your discount is recorded. We then provide a discount code to use when you renew your membership.
Q. What is the IFWTWA Members Group on Facebook?
The IFWTWA Facebook Members Group is exclusively for members of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association. You must be a registered member of the Association to gain access to this Facebook group.
The following are the rules for posting to the Facebook Group for IFWTWA members.
- No posting in the forum of any marketing unrelated to the food/wine/travel/hospitality industry – if it is industry related then no more than once a month.
- Do not use the Group to spam other members with marketing or self-serving messages.
- Report spammers – If you feel anyone has been spamming (repeated marketing or self-serving messages) from our Group, please let us know.
- Do not post links to your articles unless in a specified crowd-sourcing thread.
The Group is moderated and spammers will be removed from the Group.
Q. Who do I contact if I need to talk to someone about my concerns?
Please use the contact buttons located throughout the website. We will be sure to respond within 3 days, sooner if possible.
Urgent matter? Contact our office at 877-IFWTWA-9
Monday—Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pacific