A User's Guide for Incubator.org Members

First things first: you must have an account

To log in to Incubator.org, you must first be a registered member.
If you have never created an account, select Create an Account and complete registration before attempting to log in.

If you try to log in without having registered first, your login will not work.

If you are not logged in:

When you are not logged in, Incubator.org displays a prominent Log in panel at the top of the site (on all areas except the Blog). This panel is intentionally visible so members can easily sign in before using community features.

Use this panel to:

• Enter your username

• Enter your password

• Select Log in

You’ll also see links for:

• Forgot your password?

• Forgot your username?

• Create an Account

If you are already logged in:

Once logged in, the large Log in panel is removed.

Instead, you’ll see:

• A Log out button in the top-right corner of the site header

• A greeting (for example, “Hi your name,”) next to the Log out button

The Log in / Log out button is not part of the FOR MEMBERS menu.
It is a global site control aligned with the main top menu.

Important notes:

• Usernames and passwords are case sensitive

• If login fails, use Forgot your password? to reset your credentials

• Reading Blog articles does not require logging in, but most other areas of the site do

Finding your Profile:

From the top menu, go to:

FOR MEMBERS → YOUR ACCOUNT → Profile.

This opens your member profile page.

Across the top of the Community area you’ll also see a navigation toolbar with:

• Profile, Members, Friends, Pages, Groups, Photos, Videos, Events, Polls

• Icon buttons (globe, user, envelope, search, power)

Your profile page also includes:

• A cover image area (with a gear icon)

• Quick links (Friends, Photos, Video, Group, Events, More)

• Tabs (Stream and About me)

Privacy note:
Some profile details may be restricted based on privacy settings, and in some cases you may see a message indicating you can’t view a member’s profile due to their settings.

Profile Photo:
Please upload a clear headshot so other members can recognize you across the site. Your photo appears in community activity streams, group posts, and member lists.

To update your photo, use:

YOUR ACCOUNT → Change Profile Picture

Tip: Good headshot basics include a visible face, good lighting, and no heavy filters or logos.

Profile → Edit Profile

Within your profile editor, you’ll see an Information tab (Basic Information).

You can edit or add details you didn’t provide during registration.

• Required fields may include:

  • Gender

  • Birthdate

  • About me

  Birthdate is required for legal reasons, but you can select Hide Year for privacy.

Optional fields may include:

• Location

• Contact information (e.g., mobile phone number)

• Website address

• Education (College/University, Graduation Year)

Privacy note: Personally identifiable information such as email address, mailing address, and phone numbers is never displayed publicly. You can control who sees specific profile details using your privacy and preference settings.

Preferences

The Preferences feature allows you to control who can view certain parts of your information and how your profile behaves across the site.

Account tab

The Account tab includes:

• Username (used to log in)

• Display name

• Password and password verification

• Time-related settings (e.g., DST, where applicable)

After making any changes, scroll to the bottom of the page and select Save Changes. Changes will not apply if you leave the page without saving.

Access Groups from:

FOR MEMBERS → COMMUNITY → Groups

Group navigation basics:

Posting areas may include a “Say what’s on your mind…” box.
Group tools are often represented by buttons or icon menus, depending on the device you’re using.

Groups may include:

• Organization or program groups (often private)
• Special Interest Groups (topic-based communities)

Depending on the group’s settings and your role, you may have options like:

• New discussion
• Create Event / Import Event
• Create Poll
• Upload photos / Add video
• Invite Friends
• Leave group

Posting guidance inside groups

• Use the main post box (“Say what’s on your mind…”) for friendly updates and short posts.
• Use Announcements for important group-wide updates (when enabled).
• For long comment threads, scroll to the bottom to add your reply.

On mobile, group tools and modules may appear as buttons (e.g., Invite Friends / Options) and/or shift lower on the page.

Discussions are the best place to:

• Ask questions
• Share resources
• Post updates
• Request help
• Learn from other members

Accessing Discussions:

Discussions are accessed from APPLICATIONS → DISCUSSIONS (not from the Community toolbar). The Community toolbar is used for member networking features like Groups, Events, Members, Photos, Videos.

You’ll see categories such as:

• Announcements
• News
• General
• Digital Literacy
• AI Literacy
• IT Helpdesk
• Tips
• Cyber Security & Privacy
• S.T.E.A.M.
• Courses
• Social Sciences
• Data

Curation vs. Original Posts:

Some topics are “curated” posts that summarize an external link to spark discussion. Members are also encouraged to start brand-new topics.

Start a New Topic:

1. Choose the best category
2. Click New Topic
3. Add:
   • Subject (short + clear)
   • Message (as detailed as you want)
4. Use formatting tools if needed (quote, code, links, media embeds, etc.)
5. Click Submit

Finding Existing Answers:

• Use Topic Search (“type your question here…”) to locate existing threads
• Sort / browse using options such as:
  • Recent Discussions
  • My Topics
  • Create New Topic

Access events from:

FOR MEMBERS → COMMUNITY → Events

Viewing and participating in events

When viewing an event, you may be able to:

• View event details (date, time, description, location or link)

• RSVP to indicate your interest or attendance (if enabled)

• Comment on the event or follow updates (if enabled)

Availability of these options depends on the event’s settings and your role.

Group-based vs. community-wide events

Some events are created within groups and are only visible to group members. Other events may be visible across the community. This allows both private coordination and broader outreach, depending on the purpose of the event.

Staying informed

If you RSVP to an event, you may see updates or comments related to that event. Event pages can also be shared to help spread awareness when appropriate.

Member communication may include:

• Profile-based contact actions (when enabled)

• Direct message threads between members (when enabled)

Messaging availability depends on several factors, including:

• Your privacy settings

• The other member’s privacy settings

• Group roles and platform configuration

Not all members will see the same messaging options. These controls help ensure appropriate use and protect member privacy.

You may encounter areas such as:

• APPLICATIONS — tools and community apps

• DATA STUDIO — surveys, forms, and data visualization areas (where enabled)

Access to specific tools or resources may depend on your membership level, group participation, or program enrollment.

If you are logged out or your session has expired, you may see a message such as “You must be a registered member to sign in” before accessing certain areas.

These policies are linked in the site footer and include:

• Privacy Policy

• Terms of Service

• Community Guidelines

• Acceptable Use Policy

• DMCA Policy

• Security Overview

All members are expected to review and follow these policies when using the platform.

If you have questions or run into issues, try the following steps:

1. Review this User Guide (especially Part 1 if you’re new or completing your profile)

2. Ask a question in Discussions (best for community-visible questions and shared learning)

3. Use the site’s available support or contact options, as configured