MemberAdvocate's Blog

In order to optimize image load time we had to make a hardware change which required the deletion of all images in our cache. So your computer will take a bit longer to load the same images, but once you have them in your cache it will load much faster than before.

If you're having any image problems not related to delays please write into the HELP section. (top navigation)

Thanks

Member Advocate.

If you're experiencing unusually slow page loads while using INTERNET EXPLORER please do the following: 1. Go to http://www.blackplanet.com/hom e/ 2. Count how many seconds it takes for the page to load 3. Tell me what kind of internet connection you're using: DSL, BROADBAND, DIAL UP **To find out what version of IE you're using click HELP on your browser then clicK ABOUT. Please post this information in the COMMENTS area of this post. This will help us resolve the issue so that you can continue enjoying the site. Much appreciated. Member Advocate.

While conducting site maintenance some errors were generated which caused profiles to become unviewable and friends widget to not update.

We are working on restoring these features and will try to keep you updated as we troubleshoot the issue.

We appreciate your patience.

A ton of members are using the 1 click note feature that is located in page log. We are also getting a lot of feedback from members - some positive, some negative and some suggestions about how we can improve this feature.

We are thinking of making the following enhancements. Please let us know what you think of the following:

1. Giving members the option to filter out 1-Click notes in their inbox.
2. Giving members the choice to opt out of receiving 1-click notes.
3. Adding 1-Click replies.
4. Setting the system up so that once you send a 1-click note to someone, you can't send another 1 click note to the same member.

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The STYLE element has been temporarily banned due to some exploits and will be made valid again once we address the problem.


**By giving members the freedom to enter coding into pages this opens our system to certain exploits that can disrupt the environment. During the last few weeks there has been such an exploit that redirects users to a FAKE login page which will trick you into entering your login information. We're working on this!!


Stay tuned for latest updates

Member Advocate.

Are you getting redirected out of the site when you are looking at your own personal page or other member's personal pages? Is your personal message missing or does it look different?

If you answered yes to either question it means the account has been taken over by a spammer.

Spammers get access to personal pages by creating phony BlackPlanet log in pages. Once you enter your password into the phony page the spammers now have your username and password and full control over your personal page. (This is called "phising.") Once spammers have full control of your page they can change or delete personal messages to advertise other websites.

This is not cool. We hate it as much as you do and we need your help to fight spammers. There are two things you can do:

1. Change Your Password!

We are recommending that all members change their password. This will prevent the spammers from accessing your account and will limit the amount of redirects to outside sites.

To change your password: Click on the My Account link at the top of the site and then click on the change password link.

2. Look Before You Enter Your User Name and Password!

Before you enter your BlackPlanet username and password look at the URL to make sure it is http://www.blackplanet.com/. If you see anything else DO NOT enter your username and password. (The URL is where you type in the address of the site you want to visit. So for example, http://www.blackplanet.com/ is a URL)

Together we can go after the spammers and get them off of our site. Send this email to your friends, post this to your bulletin. Spread the word! Thanks for reading this and for helping us fight spam!

Just a heads up - you might be experiencing some issues with the following sections: Uploading Main Photos, Forums, Rate Me, News and Events.

Your screen may go blank when you are trying to access any of these sections. Our tech team is on it and it will be fixed as soon as possible. Thanks for your patience.

We made some great new changes to the site!

First, you should have noticed the new layout of the home page. We redesigned it to make it cleaner and more user friendly. We made it easier for you to determine when you have new notes, new bulletin posts and new group invites. The color of the icons turn a different color to alert you that you have new correspondence.

Part of the home page redesign includes a new section we call the Friend Center.

We created this section because many of you have asked for an easier way to see what your Friends have been up to on the site. This new feature is on the bottom left side of the homepage and it will help you keep up with what your friends are doing on the site.

Friend Center will show an entry when you or your friends do the following:

Join a group

Upload a photo

Post a bulletin

Post a video

Post a blog entry

Add a professional contact

You can see all of your Friends activities which means they can also see when you perform any of the actions listed above. If you dont want your Friends to see your activity simply go to the Privacy Settings link in the upper right corner and tell us what you want us to post.

Finally, many of you have requested an easy and quick way to reach out to other members especially those who have visited your personal page. We added a new feature called a One Click Note.

Next time you visit your page log you will see several options to the right of the profile of the member who has visited your page. If you click on one of these options you will send a note to the member who visited your page. The note contains the expression you clicked on. You have three options: Thanks for checking out my page, Wink and Whats Up.

The 1 click note option is an easy and fast way to reach out to members who have visited your page. We think you are going to really enjoy this feature so start clicking!

As always thanks for your suggestions. Please reply to this post if you have any comments or questions.