Welcome, Guest
FAQ's
- How do I create new posts and comments?
- How do I register as a new user?
- Is there ever a cost for participating?
- What is "Created by Me"?
- What is "My Favorites"?
- How do I add/remove a Friend?
- What is "Embed YouTube" mean?
- Could I advertise on the site?
- What if I have an idea for a new blog category? Can we create a whole new blog and have it listed in the blog drop-down box?
- How can I get Mudpies & Butterflies for my school?
How do I create new posts and comments?
POSTS
You have two options for making posts. The first is moving your mouse over the blue "Create New Post" link on your "My Stuff" page (see illustration at right). The drop-down box lets you choose the blog or bulletin board in which your post will appear.
Second, you can create a post from each of the blog and bulletin board main pages (see illustration below). A purple message just below the blog description on every main page acts as a link for sharing and posting content. Move your mouse to it, click, and you are on your way.
COMMENTS
Adding comments or replies to posts from others is simple! Each post you read will have a green comment box at the bottom of the page. Simply write your note in the text box and click "Submit". Your comment will become part of the community exchange.
TIP: While you are looking at the green comment box, you can add the post to your My Favorites list (or remove it). You also can rate the post or share it with friends.
How do I register as a new user?
Getting started on Mudpies and Butterflies is easy! On the home screen, you will see three registration links: 1) the purple "Register" text in the upper right-hand corner; 2) the green box in the middle of the page that says, "Ready to join the school community?" and 3) the purple "Get Started" box in the lower right corner.
Click any of the links and you will go to the registration page. Once there, you will use a drop-down box to identify the school with which you are affiliated. This step is required for registration approval. After selecting your school, you will complete a basic registration process, with one enhancement: we have added precautions to protect the anonymity of your children, if you want. You need to fill in your child' name (or grandchild's, niece's or nephew's, for example) in order to register. Then, you may choose to hide the name from the public by checking the "hide from site" box. To complete your registration, read the Terms of Use, check the agreement box and then click "Submit".
*Note: Please allow up to two days for us to verify your registration request. You will receive an email alert when your registration is approved.
Is there ever a cost for participating?
No. Participation is free to parents, teachers, friends and family of your school.
What is "Created by Me"?
The "Created by Me" window on your "My Stuff" page is an easy way to see what you have posted and to keep up with responses to your posts. Let's say you posted a listing in the marketplace and want to know if anyone is interested. Just look at your "Created by Me" window, and if you have had any responses, the newest comment will appear below the title of your posting.
What is "My Favorites"?
The "My Favorites" window on your "My Stuff" page is a convenient way to track interesting posts. Perhaps you commented on a post and are eager to see if the author replies. Click the "Add to My Favorites" button in the green comment box and voila! Now you will have one-click access to the post through your "My Favorites" box. Note: You can click "Add to Favorites" without commenting on a post.
How do I add/remove a Friend? Can I email a friend privately?
Adding friends is a cinch. But first, a clarification about what a friend is: A Mudpies and Butterflies friend is someone who shares the school's online community. It may be someone you know personally, or it may be someone whose posts you have read. Some people actively communicate with their online friends, while others rarely do. It's your choice.
Back to the question of adding or removing a friend: first, click on the "Meet the Parents" icon on your "My Stuff" page. Then, you can search for friends alphabetically. If you know their online names, click on the appropriate letter. If you don't know their online names or just want to see who is on the site, review the participants under each letter at your leisure. If you see someone you know or someone of interest, click on his or her name or picture and you will be wicked away to his or her bio. At that point, you can read whatever biographical information the person has posted and can click the purple "Request Friendship" link above his or her picture.
TIP: A link to send someone a private email also is located above a person's photo. This is how you exchange emails without the rest of the community seeing them.
"Oops! That wasn't who I meant to add!" No worries. Simply go to your "My Friends " section, find the person through the alphabetical listing, click on that person, and then select the link "Disconnect Friendship" above the person's picture.
How will you know if someone is trying to add you as friend? Well, if you have any friendship invitations, you will see a box called "Pending Friend Requests" on your "My Stuff" page. You can accept or ignore the friendship, or do a little investigation and read the person's bio by clicking on his or her name or picture. You will see arrows to scroll through the box if you have more than one request.
What is "Embed YouTube" mean?
The "Embed YouTube" feature is a quick and easy way to share your favorite YouTube videos with the Mudpies and Butterflies community. When you are creating a post in Center Stage, you will see a text box that says "Embed YouTube". Simply copy the embed code located on the right-hand side of the YouTube video screen, and paste the link in the "embed" box. That's it! You are done. Now everyone on the site will have easy access to the video - which is why you will want to post only those videos that are appropriate for a school community!
Can I advertise on the site?
Once a school's site is actively used by parents, schools have the option of adding local advertising. It is a great way to build connections between the school, its parents and the community. We suggest you ask your principal or superintendent about advertising opportunities.
What if I have an idea for a new blog category? Can it be added and shown on the blog drop-down box?
First of all, thank you for being actively involved in the site! This kind of enthusiasm will make your school's site a certain success. We do update the Mudpies master site periodically and welcome all ideas. Please look on the right side of any page for the orange ATTENTION line and green "Leave Us Feedback" link. It is the perfect way to share your thoughts with us.
How can I get Mudpies & Butterflies for my school?
If your school isn't a Mudpies and Butterflies school, and you'd like more information about this great program, go to www.mudpiesandbutterflies.net. We look forward to hearing from you!