Member Settings

When a new Crowdstack Pro site is created, Member Settings default to the most popular settings. However, before inviting members, it is good to verify these are the settings best for your community. Navigate to Manage > Settings > Members > Member Settings to review your configuration.

Let's review some of these options in more detail:

Allow Remember Me Option at Login. Enabling this option, registered members can choose to have the device remember their credentials so they do not have to log-in every time. Enabling this only provides the option to the member - the Remember Me option on the Log-in screen appears as "unchecked" until the member "checks the option".

Allow Members to Post Attachments to Private Messages. By default, this option is not enabled. In Crowdstack, Private Messages can occur between one or more members. Enabling this option allow attachments to these private messages. One reason to not allow attachments is to reduce the chances of virus or other malware that often comes with attachments.

Allow Members to Delete their Accounts. Enabling this option allows members to delete their account without having to go through the owner or administrators of the site. Note that if the Administrator set up the site to be GDPR compliant, this will be enabled automatically and it cannot be unchecked.

Allow Members to Post Replies/Comment by Email. Enabling this action allows members to respond directly to Crowdstack related email notification. For example, if the member is following a Forum, they will be alerted to a new Topic via email. If this is enabled, it allows members to simply hit "reply" on any notification email to post their response or comment.

If this is disabled, members will need to click the link in the notification email and post their response/comment directly on the site.

Two-Factor Authentication. This provides an extra layer of security for your members. By default, this is not enabled, but it is recommended that you enable it as an option for your members.

Enable Community Ranks: Community Rank uses a secret algorithm to determine who are your most active and engaged members, and then assigns a rank order, with #1 being the most active. (We don't share the algorithm with members so that they can't "game" the system, but the Admin can see how point values are assigned.)

In some communities, rank is very important. It can be a great way to spark engagement as members vie to be on top of the leaderboard. However, it's just not appropriate in other types of community. Community Rank is enabled by default, but you can disable it (uncheck) if it not right for your community.

Enable Geographic Member Tools: Maps view provides a graphic display of geographic location for your members. It can be a fun way to visualize the global reach of your membership! You can enable this feature by clicking on this option.

In order to use this feature, you must first go to the Profile Settings to make sure you are collecting this data and it is not private. Go to Manage > Settings > Members > Profile Settings, and then check the box for "Geographic Data" with make sure "keep private" is unchecked. This will then be included in the Profile Fields requested of your members (you can make it optional or required). Make sure to click on the Update Settings on the bottom of the page to save your update!

When fully enabled, your members will be able to see a map display option when they go to the Member List.

Prevent Anyone But Admins from Following Other Members: By default, members can "follow" each other. That means they would receive notifications when the member posts new content in the community. By enabling this option, you prevent anyone but Admins from Following Other Members.

Disable Collection of IP Information: By default, a Crowdstack site collects IP information. Checking this option stops the collection of IP Information. Note that if the Administrator set up the site to be GDPR compliant, the Collection of IP Information will be disabled automatically.

Require Email Authorization Whenever Member Tries to Edit Own Profile: By default, this function is not enabled. However, if you think you may have a problem with member login credentials being compromised or shared, you can add this extra step to further lock down the information.

Once this is enabled, whenever a member tries to edit their own profile, they will be asked to authenticate their email address first. Note that Admins with the "Manage Members" permission always bypass this extra step.

Hide Member Display Names and Avatars from Guests: By default, this option is not enabled. By enabling this option, guests (non-registered members) will not be able to see the Member Display Names or Avatars.

Enable Grace Period Content Edits Only: By default, members can edit their own content at any point. However, you can restrict that ability, and set the specific timeframe for editing as well. We call that the "grace period." The purpose of allowing a "grace period," even if you are locking down edits in general, is to let members correct typos or other small mistakes.

Once you click the checkbox, you will see the option to set the actual timeframe for the "grace period" from 2 minutes to one hour.

Default Activity Title for New Members: Activity Titles are custom titles that are assigned to your members based on point levels that you assign (see Community Rank). In this field, you can apply a default title for newly registered members (e.g., novice, new).