Frequently Asked Questions

EC = EnglishClub.com
MyEC = MyEnglishClub

Why do I have to answer profile questions?
The profile questions help people search for friends. They also help EC prevent spam from illegitimate members

What do the letters and symbols mean in the blog and comment sections?
These icons allow you to change the appearance of your text or to add an image, link, or file. Highlight the text first and then click on the icon to apply.

How do I add a photo to my blog?
Click on the icon that looks like a photo frame. If you know basic html tags you can align your photo.

Under Settings what does "3rd party blog tracking services" mean?
If you check this box, search engines will be able to pick up your blog entry. People who are not on MyEC will be more likely to come across it.

How do I get people to read my blog?
Choose your title carefully. Make the content interesting. Add an image to your blog. Leave comments on other people's blogs. Send a message to your friends inviting them to read your blog.

What action should I take if I suspect spam or a scam on MyEC?
Go to the bottom right of your screen and click Report an Issue.

What action should I take if I need technical help?
Go to the top menu and click Help! Please choose the subject carefully. Your question or concern will be helpful to many members. Please state your Operating System and browser model and version.

How do I send a private message to a friend?
Go to your friends list. Click on a friend. This will take you to your friend's My Page. Look under their picture and click on Send a Message.

How do I send a group message to ALL of my friends?
Go to your My Page. On the left side you will see My Friends. Click on View All. Click on Send Message to Friends.

How do I link to a page in a message?
The message box does not have an automatic link. You can use simple html tags to send a link if you know how.

How do I upload or change my profile picture?
Click on Settings (box on right of My Page under your name). Go to Profile. Click on the picture frame beside Profile Photo. Upload a photo from your computer. Since most of us do not know each other personally on MyEC it is a good idea to choose one profile picture. This will help your friends recognize you easily.

How do I include a photo in a comment?
Click on the picture frame icon in the comments section and upload the photo from your computer.

How do I chat?
There are two ways to go to the chat room.

1. The chat bar is at the very bottom of your screen on every page in MyEC. Click on the small diagonal arrow. This will open a small popout window which floats on your screen (so you can move around MyEC or EC at the same time).
2. Click on the Chat tab in the top navigation. This open a whole page (but you cannot look at other pages at the same time).

Note that you need the latest Flash player (free) to use chat.

How do I chat privately with a friend?
In chat, click on the friend you want to chat with, then click Private Chat.

Why doesn't the chat function work properly?
Chat requires the latest Flash player. You can download it for free. Just google "flash player". Also, if you have a pop-up blocker, chat may not work properly.

How do I know if someone wants to chat privately with me?
If your sound is turned on you will hear two beeps. You can turn this on or off by clicking on the sound icon in the chat window.

How do I add a hyperlink in a comment?
Highlight the text where you want the link to appear. Click on the chain icon above the text box. Copy the url into the pop up box that appears.

Why won't comments appear on my page?
Make sure that you have javascript enabled on your browser.

How do I delete a comment that I don't want?
Click on the X in the comment box and your comment will be deleted.

Why did I receive notification that I had 5 new comments, but I only see 3?
The member may have deleted or changed their own comments after your notification was sent.

What does "member has chosen to moderate comments" mean?
Your comment will not appear until the member reads and approves it.

Why does my comment not appear automatically sometimes?
The member has chosen to review comments before publishing them.

How do I moderate comments?
Go to Settings. Click Privacy. Change the settings for questions 4 and/or 5 to Yes-Let me approve comments first. When someone leaves a comment you will receive a message that you have comments to approve.

I received a message that a member left a comment for me, but I can't see it on my wall. When I go to this member's profile there is an error message. What happened?
Most likely this member was banned from MyEC. The comment was likely spam. If that person was a friend he or she will no longer be in your friends list.

How do I turn on/off email notifications?
Go to Settings in the top right box on your My Page. Click on E-mail. Check the boxes that you want.

How do I receive the monthly MyEC newsletter?
By signing up for MyEC you will automatically receive a very short monthly newsletter. This will include links to featured content and any updates or reminders. Make sure you are on the list by going to Settings. Click on E-mail. Scroll down to the bottom of the page where it says I don't want to receive emails from MyEnglishClub. (Make sure the box is not checked.)

What happens if I don't sign out of MyEC when I leave?
The next time you come back to MyEC on your computer you will still be signed in. Always sign out if you are using a public computer. If not, someone else could enter your account and post offensive material for which you might be banned.

How can I change my MyEC password?
Go to Settings. Go to Password. Click on Change password.

What is an RSS feed?
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It shows a list of regularly updated web content of your choice such as news, blogs, websites etc. EnglishClub.com has some feeds you may want to add.

How do I add an RSS feed?
Go to your My Page. On the left side under your friends you will see RSS. Click on +Add RSS. Choose the title and URL of the feed you want. Choose how many entries you want to show (up to 5).

How do I add the RSS feed of a MyEnglishClub friend's blog?
If there is a blog on MyEC that you really like you can add the RSS feed to your page. Go to the blog you like. Click on View All. At the bottom you will see RSS Feed. Click on the RSS Feed to get the url code. Go back to your page and Add an RSS Feed (see above).

How do I add the RSS feed of a friend's Latest Activity?
On your My Page you can follow one friend's Latest Activity as your RSS feed. Go to your friend's My Page. View Latest Activity. Scroll down to the bottom and click on RSS Feed. Copy the URL at the top of the page. Go back to your My Page and Add an RSS Feed (see above).

What other types of RSS feed can I add to My Page?
You can add any regularly updated URLs to your RSS feed. (You can only have one at a time, but you can change it whenever you like.) For example you can add a discussion from the Help! forum or a Group. If you like a Member's photos, you can add the RSS Feed to their Photos. You can also follow EnglishClub.com on Twitter.

How can I see who is online?
On the chat bar at the bottom of your screen you can see how many members are online. You can also click on Members in the My EC navigation bar. You can scroll through the photos to see who is Online.

How do I search for friends from my country?
Go to Members > Advanced Search. Choose your country from the drop down list.

How do I search for friends I know?
Use the search box on the top right hand corner of every page. Type in your friend's name. Or go to Members > Advanced Search.

How do I invite people to MyEC?
Go to Invite. The second option is the easiest way to invite a friend. Click on Enter Email Addresses. Include a short message, such as: "MyEC is a great way to learn English. You can create your own web page and meet learners and teacher from all over the world. It's free!"

What happens when I decline (ignore) a friend request?
When you ignore a friend request there is no notification to the other person. This action will NOT show up under Latest Activity on your page or the main page.

How do I delete a friend?
Go to My Friends. Search for the friend you want to delete. Click on the X. When you de-friend a member, he or she will not receive any notification. However, the next time your old friend logs in your picture will no longer appear in his or her list.

How do I introduce myself to MyEC members?
An easy way to introduce yourself is to leave a comment on a member's wall. Say hello and tell the member a little bit about yourself.

How can I introduce myself to new members?
Go to Settings. Click on Email. Check the box that says "Notify me when new member joins". Each time a new member joins you can visit their page. Say hello on the comment wall. If you like what you see, add the member as a friend and include a short message. You can also go to Members and sort by Recently added.

How can I find friends at the same English level?
Go to Members > Advanced Search. Go to "What is your level?" Choose your English level from the drop down box. Scroll down and click Search.

Can I change my status to appear offline?
Go to Chat. Click the green disc to appear offline. Click the red disc to appear online.

How do I prevent my actions from showing up under Latest Activity on the MyEC main page?
Go to Settings. Click on Privacy. Scroll down to the last question. Remove the checkmarks you choose. Latest Activity will never show your sent messages, pages or members you view, members you de-friend or decline, or items you delete.You can delete an action from the main page by clicking on the X beside your activity.

How do I start a group?
Go to MyEC > Groups. Click on Add Group. Add a profile picture of the group and fill in the necessary information. Invite members to join your group. Start a discussion.

How can I Skype with MyEC friends?
Send a Message to your friends and give them your Skype ID. The next time you are both online on MyEC you can call each other for free and practise your speaking. Find out who is using Skype, by typing "Skype" into the search.

How do I get friends to read and comment on my blog?
You can Send a Message to all of your friends to notify them of your new blog. Add a link to the URL in the body of your note. If you respond to comments often on your blog they will appear in the Latest Activity on the MyEC main page.

How do I get my content featured?
EC will choose which content should be featured. Help EC feature your favourite content by rating photos and videos. Adding appropriate descriptions and titles of your content is very important.

How do I make a photo album?
Go to Photo Albums on the left of your My Page. Click on +Add an Album. Give your album a title and a description. Drag your uploaded photos into the appropriate album. Drag one of the photos to the album cover square.

How do I add music from my computer?
Go to the Music Player on your My Page. Click on +Add Music. Choose sound files from your computer.Only upload audio files that you have permission to upload. You can also record your own voice and upload the sound files.

How do I add music from another member's music player?
Go to your friend's music player. Click on the small triangle to the right of the play buttons. Click on the box that says Add to My Playlist.

How do I rate content?
You can rate members' photos, videos, and music. Under the photos and videos you will see two sets of stars. Rate the content by clicking on the stars on the right. Content with the most "views" is the most popular.

Why is some content featured?
EC features popular content so that all members can find it easily. Featured pictures, videos, and blogs usually have the most views or the highest rating.

How can I improve my English using MyEC?
Even though MyEC is a social network, it is a great way to practise English. You can start a blog, read blogs, write comments, learn new vocabulary and expressions and chat with learners and teachers of many different levels. MyEC is a fun way to learn to communicate. It will also keep you in touch with what's new at EnglishClub.com.

How can I get help with my specific English needs?
Ask for help in your blog. Approach an advanced learner or teacher with a specific question. Follow teachers closely. Many are posting free lessons on their blogs. While MyEC is great for practising communication, the Learners section of EnglishClub.com is the place to find lessons and skill-based help: http://www.englishclub.com/learn-english.htm

How can I improve my listening skills on MyEC?
Go to the the MyEC Main Page and check out the music player. Members have also posted many videos that can help you practise your listening. Find more listening practice on EnglishClub.com: http://www.englishclub.com/listening

How can I improve my writing skills on MyEC?
Start a blog. Leave comments on walls and blogs. Join the monthly Writing Challenges: http://my.englishclub.com/profile/EnglishTeacher. Play games with Gamer http://my.englishclub.com/profile/Gamer and friends. Write a bio and place it in your text box. Find more writing practice on EnglishClub.com: http://www.englishclub.com/writing

How can I improve my reading skills on MyEC?
Read through the pages in the MyEC drop down menu. Read blogs. Search for teachers and advanced learners and read their blogs and comments. Watch the EnglishClub.com RSS feed for new lessons. Find more reading pages on http://www.englishclub.com/reading

How can I improve my speaking skills on MyEC?
Use the music player to record your voice. Go to the chat room and practise speaking by reading the dialogue out loud. Read (out loud) the blogs of teachers and advanced learners. Watch videos. Find friends to Skype with. Find more speaking practice pages on EnglishClub.com: http://www.englishclub.com/speaking

What should I put in my Your Text box?
You can put anything in this space, such as your bio, a link to your favourite website, a picture of your country, a recipe, an English lesson etc. You can also change this box often, by clicking Edit.

Can I copy text that is not mine to My Page?
You may copy small amounts (a paragraph or poem), but it must be cited. Do not copy large amounts of text, with or without citation (EC may delete these without warning).

What is EnglishClub.com Feed?
The RSS feed on the right side of your My Page features updated content on EnglishClub.com. This is a set box that cannot be removed from your page.

How do I search MyEC?
You can search the whole of MyEC from the box at very top right of the page.

Can I remove the ads from My Page?
No, you cannot remove the ads. MyEC could not offer this free service without advertisements.

Can I change the URL to My Page?
You can change the last word in your URL. Go to Settings in the top right corner of your My Page. Scroll down to the bottom of the Profile page. Under Page Address, click change. Type in the word you want.

How do I do a member search?
Go to Members > Advanced Search. You can search by name, gender, country, city, state, status (teacher, learner etc), and level of English.

How do I delete an action from the Latest Activity on the main page?
You can delete your action from the main page by clicking on the brown symbol in the line. You will see a pop up that says "Remove this activity message?" Click Okay.

What is the "Post an event" option for?
Members, teachers, and EC admin can use this section to post events. Click on Add Event. Fill in the details. Invite friends. (Never include a home address.)

What can I use the MyEC badge for?
You can use the badge to connect people to your My Page from other social networks, such as Facebook or MySpace. You can also place one your personal website by using the embed code. If you change your profile picture you will need to create a new badge and replace it.

How do I change my email address for notifications?
Go to Settings. Under Profile you can change your contact information.

Why can't I change the Appearance on my Settings?
Since MyEC is used by learners of all levels, EC has chosen a simple, default Appearance. This makes page set up easy. However, you can change the look of your text box by adding photos and links and using basic html tags (for example you can change the colour or the background of your text). You can also drag boxes on your My Page around with your mouse to change their position. Look at other members' pages for inspiration.

How does a member get banned from MyEC?
Reasons for banning include: spamming other members (either with comments or mail), posting pornographic or other offensive avatars, photos, videos. Once someone is banned there will be no discussion about regaining membership. Remember to always sign out if you are using a public computer. Banned members will not be welcomed back.

How do I close my account on MyEC?
To close your MyEC account and delete your My Page and all your information, go to "Settings" and click on "Leave My English Club" at the bottom of the page.