EDIT 10/28: Connect redesign is now LIVE! Please check out our Welcome topic and our updated FAQs to help you navigate the new version of the forum!
As we announced earlier today, on October 28, a new and improved Connect will go live. Here are the answers to some of the questions you might have.
Why are you making a change? What’s changing?
We listened to your feedback about what would make Connect better for you, our community members. We’ve focused on bringing you a more enjoyable mobile experience, an easier way to find the content you care about, and the ability to organize and manage your meet-ups right here on Connect! You can read about some of the other upcoming improvements in the announcement.
How will I know that the new Connect is active and I can log in?
The redesigned Connect will launch on October 28. A few days later, an email will be sent to all recently active Connect members to invite them to try out the updated Connect experience.
Do I need to do anything to get access to the new Connect?
The URL (https://www.localguidesconnect.com/) to access Connect remains the same.
When you open Connect for the first time after the update, you will simply need to log in. Use the email address you are using to log into Connect today. In the login pop-up window, your current Connect username will appear and you will have the option to upload a photo for your avatar. You’re free to re-upload your current profile photo, choose a new one, or use a default image. That’s all!
Will my username remain the same?
Yes! Just make sure to sign in with the email address you are using to log into Connect today. After your first login, you will be able to change your username at any point from your Profile preferences.
What will happen with my posts, replies, photos, likes, solutions, and private messages?
All of your published content and interactions will remain in the community — Connect will look and feel differently, but the content you shared and your engagement history and statistics will still be available in the forum and in your Connect profile.
What will happen with my badges, profile bio, and signature?
Your badges, profile bio, and signature — if you have any — will also remain available in the updated Connect.
I have written a lot of posts where I link out to other community posts. Will these links remain?
Yes, the links included in published posts will still redirect to the content you originally pointed at.
I follow some Local Guides on Connect and have bookmarked some posts. Will I still follow them and find that bookmarked content in the new Connect?
You will be able to re-create those preferences as the Bookmark and Follow features will still exist in the updated forum. However, we won’t be able to maintain your current bookmarks and follow preferences throughout the update. Our tip: before October 14, copy and save outside of Connect the list of community members you currently follow and the Connect posts you have bookmarked. You will then be able to reproduce those preferences after the updated site launches.
Will there be a Connect app?
While we are not releasing a Connect app at this point, the forum’s new design was created with mobile-friendliness in mind. We think you will find out that the look and feel is very much like an app.
Have we missed anything you’re curious to learn about the new Connect? Ask your questions in the comments below.
