The AnswerBank & Facebook Sign In

[AB Editor]

UPDATE: We found a couple of bugs when we rolled out the update last night. We've "rolled back" the new features for the moment. Thanks for your patience.

We've got some exciting news: The AnswerBank will soon (Monday 9th May) be allowing users to log in and validate with Facebook.

This should make accessing the site easier for a great number of users. We're always trying to make it easier for users to access the site, and this is one small step towards making the site more accessible to everyone.

We're aware there are bound to be questions about the service, so we've prepared an FAQ & Staying Safe Guide which may answer a few questions.

http://www.theanswerb...d-staying-safe-guide/

This is also the feedback thread where you can ask questions and generally discuss this new feature.

Remember, this service is entirely optional, no data from Facebook is stored and there is no indication that you have logged into The AnswerBank or Facebook publicly on either site.

The AnswerBank will see a series of small and gradual changes like this one over the coming months, we hope you'll join us in in welcoming these improvements!..

All the best,

AB Editor

[boxtops]

^^I don't have hassle getting into AB anyway, I have more problem finding anything I'm looking for on FB!

[Bobbisox]

oookkkaaayyy

still have to wait and see ED
but thanks for the answer

[AB Editor]

"So anyone logging into FB (where the world and his wife know who you are) and then coming onto AB, will still retain their anonymity on AB?"

Yes, true.

"I don't have hassle getting into AB anyway, I have more problem finding anything I'm looking for on FB!"

I agree FB is rubbish for finding things! Some users find the AnswerBank harder to access than others, this is one way to make it slightly easier.

[AB Editor]

"oookkkaaayyy

still have to wait and see ED
but thanks for the answer"

Does this mean you didn't understand?

"sounds great ed, nice one"

Glad you're on board trigs!

[Bobbisox]

just a tad sceptical with the FB thingy ED

[AB Editor]

"just a tad sceptical with the FB thingy ED"

I realise a lot of people are. That's why we've provided as much information as might be needed. Have a read though http://www.theanswerb...d-staying-safe-guide/ and you might feel better about it.

Spare Ed

[cazzz1975]

I suggest people have a look at the FAQ it answers all the normal questions and it is optional so no one is being forced to do anything.

I will review it when its up and running, my current opinion is "interesting"

[AB Editor]

"I will review it when its up and running, my current opinion is "interesting""

And that is all we ask of any of you :)

(actually you can just ignore us too - as the majority do!)

Spare Ed

[Arksided]

I love it when its explained simply, thank you Trimeresurus :-)

[sara3]

I don't have a problem getting on here or FB, I have a problem getting off them :o)

[ummmm]

Trim - If you use Chrome a link to AB is there as soon as I open the net. 2 clicks for me...

[dotty.]

I thought I understood what the ed explained there but having read through the thread and realised that every time someone asked a question about it or made a comment about the idea, the ed then copied and pasted their reply and added it to the start of their response, I've decided to write this out and see if the ed copies and pastes it before replying to me.

[funnygirl]

Sorry for being an idiot, but I am not a member of fb so does this now mean I am a member????

[Ellipsis]

Definitely not, funnygirl.

It's just a convenience for those who are Facebook members, it makes no difference at all to those who aren't ...

[AB Editor]

Morning all,

We should be unveiling this later. I've had a few emails with concerns and I'd like to add responses to them here.

Some users seem to feel that having Facebook on the site adds pressure to join it - I would just like to repeat there is no obligation to use it at all. Although I understand the feeling it's just not a problem.

Others seem to have been confused as to what this update does: all it does is allow you to sign in with a Facebook account - it doesn't make you friends with anyone on here and it doesn't edit anything about your Facebook account. For example, you won't suddenly be able to PM everyone on AB from your Facebook account or similar.

If you've concerns abouit facebook in general, please have a little read of this:
http://www.theanswerb...afe-guide/#ourconnect

(and if you have any suggestions for the FAQ & staying safe guide, please let us know and we'll add to it.)

All the best,

Spare Ed

[AB Editor]

Also, Trimeresurus. Your example is unfair, if you're logging into Facebook JUST to visit The AnswerBank, then it will take more clicks. If you're already logged in to Facebook, as many will be as a matter of course, then you can discount your first 3 clicks in your example.

Here is an example where signing in with FB would be considered handy:

You're out and about and on Facebook on your mobile phone. Someone on Facebook posts a link to a question on the AnswerBank, and you know the answer: you feel you must post the answer.

You follow the link and realise you're not logged in on your phone. You've forgotten your password because you always save it in your browser at home or on your laptop.

Instead of trying to guess at it, and maybe not get in at all, you can sign in with Facebook with a single click and begin being the helpful soul that you are.

There are plenty of other examples of situations when this might be useful even to regular visitors.

All the best,

Spare Ed

[netibiza]

Will this also work on my android phone as I do have a fuffle getting AB on it, no prob with FB, Also will everyone of AB be able to see one's FB page even if not friends?