How do I sign up for forum access?
You must be an MENC member, and you need to create an account to use the MENC forum. Though you use your primary e-mail and member ID number to sign into the main MENC Web site, the forums require a separate log in. 

To register

• go to the forum registration page, 
• click “Agree” after you’ve read the Forum Rules,
• create a username for yourself (it does not need to be your primary e-mail or member number), 
• enter your primary e-mail (it must be the primary e-mail MENC has on file for you), 
• fill in the additional requested information, and click “Register.”
   

An e-mail containing a randomized password will then be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Follow the link provided in the e-mail, and validate your registration by logging in with your forum username and the randomized password. You will not be able to log in until you have validated your registration.
 

I’m having trouble logging on to the forums. What’s wrong?
The most likely culprits are

• You haven’t registered for the forum yet. The MENC forum requires a separate log in from the rest of the MENC Web site, so make sure you create a forum account before attempting to log in. To do so, follow the steps outlined above.
• You registered for the forum with a different e-mail than the primary e-mail MENC has on file for you. We verify the forum registration off the primary e-mail we have on file for you. To change the e-mail associated with your forum account to match the primary e-mail MENC has on file, see the section below on changing profile information. Not sure what your primary e-mail is? Call Member Services at 800-828-0229.
• You haven’t validated your registration. After you register for the forums, make sure you follow the link provided in the confirmation e-mail and log in using the randomized password that was provided in the e-mail. If you don’t validate your registration, you won’t be able to log in.
• Your browser’s security settings require you to log in to the forum twice. You can bypass this requirement by going to http://menc.org/forums/ instead of http://www.menc.org/forums.
• Your browser does not have cookies enabled. Your browser settings must have cookies enabled for the login to work.
• Your network is blocking access to MENC’s Web site. If you’re using the forum at school, check with IT staff to make sure menc.org is white listed.
  
   

How do I change my password?
Log in to the forum using the randomized password from your registration e-mail, remembering that it is case sensitive. Click on “Profile” in the blue menu bar near the top, and under “Essentials,” click on the “Change password” link. You will need to enter your old, randomized password, along with a new password.
 

How do I change information in my profile such as my e-mail, avatar, or username?
Once you’ve logged in, click on “Profile” on the blue menu bar near the top. Use the “Profile Menu” on the left-hand side of the page to navigate to different sections of your profile. Your password and e-mail address are in the “Essentials” section. You can change your avatar in the “Personality” section. After updating your information, click “Submit” at the bottom of the page to make sure your changes are saved.

To change your username, send a message to the contact e-mail.

We verify the forum registration off the primary e-mail we have on file for you, so if you need to change the e-mail MENC has on file for you, change it first in the forum and then update it on the Member Services page.
 

What do I do if I’ve forgotten my password?
You can request a new password by going to the login page and selecting the “Forgotten your password?” link. Enter the e-mail you registered with to receive a new password. When you receive an e-mail with the new password, be sure to click on the link provided to activate your new password. If you don’t activate the new password, it will not work. Once the new randomized password is activated, you can log in using it.
 

How do I reply to a post?
Make sure you have registered for the forum and are logged in. Once you’ve clicked on a topic, look on the far right-hand side of the page. A link called “Post a reply” is available both above and below the block of posts.
 

How do I edit or delete a post?
Make sure you have registered for the forum and are logged in. Click on the topic to view your post. In the bottom right-hand corner of your post, you’ll see an “Edit” link. Make your changes and click “Submit” at the bottom of the page. To delete the post, select the “Delete” link in the bottom right-hand corner of the post. Note: If your post is the first one in the topic, you will delete the entire topic.
 

Can I include an image in my post?
No. The inclusion of images in posts is not allowed.
 

How do I cancel my registration?
Send a message to the contact e-mail and include your forum username.
 

If I decide to cancel my registration for now, can I sign up again later?
Yes. Use of the forum is a benefit of your membership. Follow the instructions above for creating a forum account if you decide to re-register.
 

Are my posts private?
No. Anyone with Internet access may view this forum. Neither the posts nor your user information is confidential. For this reason, it is recommended you select a username that doesn't include your full name. Please use care when posting, particularly when mentioning situations at school, students, and/or parents. Avoid the use of names or information that may identify you and/or anyone involved.

If you provide personal information to other participants through the public forum or private message system, it is at your own risk. Personal information, such as your e-mail address, will not be sold or shared by MENC.
 

I’ve read a post or series of posts that I believe to be inappropriate. What should I do?
Don’t take it upon yourself to confront someone you feel is breaking the rules. Use the contact e-mail if you see a problem post and allow the forum staff to moderate.

If you suspect someone of being a “troll,” or someone who enjoys sowing discord on the Internet, the best recourse is to ignore them and report the post by clicking the “Report” link on the bottom right-hand side of the post and/or contact the forum staff. A troll is someone who tries to provoke a reaction, start an argument, or upset people for their own amusement. They are identified by the fact that they are constantly at odds with other members of the forum, and often tease individuals they have disagreed with in the past.
 

I have a complaint about a person or organization. It is okay to voice it here?
Posts containing negative comments can be made, but such comments should be respectful and avoid exaggeration. Present your issues; do not vent them. Rants of any kind will not be tolerated. This may include generalities such as "The conference is horrible," which is not exactly a rant, but contains no useful information. An acceptable example would be: "I thought there were too many special events, and the workshops were hard to find." Casual, off-topic conversation is also discouraged. The MENC forums are not a place for idle chitchat.
 

Can I post a link to my personal Web page or a product or service I find helpful?
You can include a link only if it is relevant to the discussion. It is inappropriate to include your link or announce it in multiple posts throughout the forum.
 

If your question isn’t answered here, contact the forum staff.