How do I get started?
- Log into FICPA Connect at http://old.ficpa.org/connect.
- Update your profile and photo by clicking my profile.
- View groups you're in by clicking My Groups.
- Join some Groups by clicking Find Groups to Join.
- Start a discussion by clicking Post New Discussion from the Discussions tab of any group.
- Reply to a discussion by clicking Reply… from within the discussion online OR by replying to a discussion email notification.
What is my username and password?
Your username and password for FICPA Connect is the same as your FICPA website username and password. If you don't know your username and password, click the link that says 'Forgot your login' and it will guide you through the process of resetting your username and/or password. Click here to login.
How do I join a Group?
Log on to http://old.ficpa.org/connect and click Find Groups near the bottom of the left menu. Click the group you want to join and then click Join this Group.
How to Start a New Discussion in a Group
New discussions can be started via email by clicking on the "Start New Discussion" link in the notification emails you receive or via the website. To start a new discussion via the website, see the video below.
How do I Reply to a Group Discussion?
To reply to a group discussion, simply reply to the email notification you received. Your reply will be emailed out to all Group members and posted to the website. If you wish, you can also reply to the discussion via the website.
Who can see what I post to a Group?
All of our Groups are members-only, so other FICPA members are the only people who can see your posts. Some groups, like committee groups, are private. When you post a message to a private group, only members of that group can see your message.
How do I search Group Discussion history?
Log on to http://old.ficpa.org/connect click My Groups and then click the group you want to search. Once in the group, click the Discussions tab and then enter your search word or phrase into the Search box just below the tabs.
How do I unsubscribe from Group email notifications or from a Group entirely?
To unsubscribe from any Group, go to your My Groups page, http://connect.ficpa.org/my/managegroup, click on the Group you’d like to manage and click on either the “Stop emails from this Group” button or “Remove me from this Group” button if you’d like to be removed from the Group completely.
How do I receive daily digests or weekly digest of Group discussions vs. real-time email notifications of Group discussions?
Click 'My Profile' on the left menu of the Groups website, then click 'Update Profile'. Your profile is at the top of this page and email preferences are at the bottom. If you want to use the website exclusively and never want to receive an email from the system, choose the option to 'Disable All E-mails'. Below that setting you can set your preference to Individual Emails, Daily Digest, or Weekly Digest messages. These can be set for Group Discussions which are the notifications of new posts to Group discussions and for Private Messages which are private messages sent to you from other users.
How do I add or change my profile picture?
Profile pictures help to make the system feel more "social" and help to foster a sense of community. To add or change a profile picture, click 'My Profile' on the left menu of the Groups website, then click the Change Profile Picture button and you will be prompted to locate and save a picture to your profile. Note that you don't have to use a picture of yourself. You can use any picture that you feel represents you to the community.
Why is there a website? Do I have to use it?
Once you have joined a group, the system can be used entirely via email if desired. You can send your messages to the group email address and reply via email to any notifications you receive. The website offers many features that are not available via email. Here are a few of the most popular features that must be accessed via the website:
- Searchable archives of all group discussions
- Update your profile and/or upload a photo to be associated with your profile
- Privately message another member
- Joining groups
How do I access the website?
Many of the links in the notification emails will automatically log you onto the Connect website. To access the site directly, go to your web browser and navigate to http://connect.ficpa.org. Note that there is no 'www' on this address.
Why am I receiving some notifications but not others?
It is likely that your anti-SPAM system is blocking some of the messages. Add ficpa@ficpa.cpamix.com to your list of "safe senders" to ensure you receive all notifications. This setting is different for each email system, so check your email system help for information on how to do this.
Do I need to follow certain etiquette when using FICPA Connect?
Yes, you can see the etiquette page etiquette page here
What are the Points I see associated with people and Groups?
Points are used to help you see the level of activity in any group and the level of participation of any member. Groups gain points each time there is activity in them and people gain points each time they contribute to a group. Group lists and Member lists can be sorted by Points to see which groups and which people are the most active in the system. See the point rankings here.
How can I find a member's email address?
For privacy reasons you are not able to view the email address of any members. You can however send a private message to any member without knowing their email address. See the note below about sending private messages..
How can I send a private message to an individual?
Go to the profile page of the person you want to message by clicking their name in any Group or in any notification email. Then click "Message this Person", enter a subject and message body and click Post. You can also start a new private message by clicking, click 'Private Message' from the menu on the website, click 'Write a New Message', enter a subject, person to message (just type in their name and select the persons name), message body, and then click Post.
I can't find the answer to my question.
If you need help and can't find the answer here, email us at at webmaster@ficpa.org.
