Help / FAQ

General

Discovering and Finding Products

Personalizing your ThisNext Shopping Experience

ThisNext's Community

Making Wish Lists

Recommending Products

Making Lists

Tagging Items and Lists

Shopcasting and Spreading the Word

ThisNext on Social Networks

Affiliate Support

Account / Profile

Usage Policy and Reporting Problems

ShopSafe Advertising System

Miscellaneous

General

What is ThisNext?

ThisNext is a shopcasting network where you can discover great products based on our members' recommendations. Everything on ThisNext is recommended by real people like you.

Jump right in and discover something new and interesting on our What's Next page, see what's being recommended now on the What's New page, add a recommendation of your own or add to your wish list.

Learn more about our philosophy and who we are on our About Us page.

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I have questions about how to use ThisNext. Can someone help me?

Meet the ThisNext Community Team, friendly members of our community who can help you get familiar with using the site! The team is available to answer your questions about ThisNext, provide instructions for how to recommend products, shopcast your taste, and create a wish list containing your favorite items. Contact us anytime, we're here for you at: community@thisnext.com

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What is shopcasting?

Shopcasting is a way to spread the word about things you love. "Shopcast" is a word that combines shopping and broadcasting. What podcasting did for audio is what shopcasting does for shopping—broadcasting taste and knowledge of great products recommended by people like you. Right now we support several tools that help you shopcast lists and tags on your blog or Web site. You can shopcast on ThisNext:

  • With interactive badges to place the contents of lists and tags on your blog or Web site
  • By posting lists, tags and recommendations to your blog, Web site or MySpace page using BlogIt.

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It's free, right?

ThisNext is free and always will be. Anyone and their mama can make a list and cruise around site without paying a dime.

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Do you sell anything?

Nope. Nada. Not a thing. When you want to get more info about the item or you're ready to buy it you can click out to the retailer where our users originally found it.

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Discovering and Finding Products

How do recommendations, lists and people turn up on the What's Next page?

The What's Next page highlights things the ThisNext community finds interesting. A number of things make an item interesting on ThisNext—factors such as the number of recommendations, the tags used, recentness, completeness, where the click came from and a number of other similar things. Note also that What's Next changes over time as people recommend new and different products so stay tuned to What's Next for interesting products you may love!

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What can I subscribe to?

You can keep tabs on recommendations in categories and from ThisNexters you like by clicking "Subscribe." These favorites will appear in "Your Home." We also allow you to subscribe using RSS. And you can subscribe to a bunch of other types of pages like your wish list and the What's New page. Any page with the Watch with RSS button Watch button is eligible. Use your favorite RSS reader like iGoogle/Google Reader, My Yahoo! or Bloglines to receive the feed.

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Personalizing your ThisNext Shopping Experience

How do I get recommendations on my home page, "Your Home?"

"Your Home" is where you can get personalized shopping recommendations from your ThisNext friends and in all the categories you love. Fill it up with awesome products by adding friends whose taste you like and clicking "Subscribe" when you find categories you love.

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How do I follow people's recommendations on ThisNext?

Click "Add+" under any ThisNext member’s picture and their recommendations will show up in "Your Home." They’ll also get an alert that you’re their fan so they can check out your recommendations and friend you back.

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How do I subscribe to categories I like?

Click on any category you like and then click the subscribe button near the top of the page. Anytime a new item gets added to that category it will appear on "Your Home."

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ThisNext's Community

What is a Maven

Mavens are ThisNext’s superstars. They are the tastemakers and trend spotters that make ThisNext such an awesome place to be. And sometimes we send them cool products to test drive. You can learn more on our Maven page.

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What is an Expert Maven?

Want to know what's happening in the world of cupcakes, kitchen gadgets or shoes? Ask an Expert Maven. They’re the crème de la Maven crème, ThisNext's most visible specialists in a product field. You can see what they're recommending on our Community page.

How do I message another user?

If you want to send another user message to tell them how rad their taste is, use the compliment option on their profile. All compliments are public, so be sure not to put any personal information that you don't want anyone else reading in a compliment

How do I comment on a recommendation?

You can comment on someone's recommendation using the"comment" button under the recommendation. Comments are a good way to give props to the recommender, ask for more details, or just chat about an item.

You can also leave a "quick" comment by marking a recommendation as "smart", "funny", or "useful" using the appropriate button.

Remember, comments are not private—they are publicly viewable by anyone. So play nice and do no harm. For an overview of how to be a good member of our community read our usage policy.

How do I add someone as a friend?

Anywhere you see a user's image, you can click the "Add +" button under their profile picture. If it says "Friend" then congrats, you're al ready friends!

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Making Wish Lists

What is a wish list?

Your wish list contains things you see on ThisNext you like and want to remember for later. It can, literally, be a list of things you want to buy or it can be a place where you save things you want to remember. It's also a great idea to keep updated so your pals will know what to get you for your birthday or Christmas.

How do I add something to my wish list?

There are several ways to add an item to your wish list:

  • Whenever you see something you want on ThisNext, click the Add to your wish list button Add to your wish list button for that item. This button is available on the item page and list page.
  • When surfing the web, you can add something to your wish list using the "Add to ThisNext" browser button. When the "Add Item" page appears, enable the "Add to your wish list" checkbox, fill out the form, and click "Save."
  • When editing a recommendation, you can add the item to your wish list by enabling the "Add to your wish list" checkbox. The item is added to your wish list when you save the recommendation.

How do I find my wish list?

You can always get to your wish list by clicking Wish List located on the site menu always in the upper right corner of every ThisNext page..

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Recommending Products

How do I recommend something?

There are several ways to recommend products you love.

  • Recommending from the Web — This is the best way to recommend products, especially those not already recommended on ThisNext. The idea is quite simple — you're surfing and you see something really cool you want to recommend. You click the "Add to ThisNext" button on your browser's bookmark bar (where your links and tools live) and a new recommendation area opens in the window. Write why you like the item, add some tags, maybe put it on a list, pick a picture, click "Save" and you're finished. You can then view your recommendation or keep on shopping the Web.

    But wait, where did the ThisNext browser button come from? Good question. Before you start recommending from other Web sites you need to add the "Add to ThisNext" browser button to your browser bookmark bar. To get going, go to the Recommend page and follow the instructions for dragging the button into your browser.

  • Recommending a product you see on ThisNext — When you see something you want to recommend on the ThisNext site, just click the Recommend this button Recommend button, tell the world why you love the product and click "Post."
  • Recommending something using ThisNext's search function — If you know what you want to recommend you can do it directly from the ThisNext. Click "Recommend" in the menu on top of any page on ThisNext. Enter a product name or url, click GO and pick what you want to recommend from the results. After you fill in why you like the item, add some tags and make sure the picture is what you want, click save.

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How do I use my own images for an item I am recommending?

When you're recommending an item on ThisNext, go to the third step, "Image Options," and, under "Upload your own images," click "Browse" to select an image from your computer. You can repeat this process to add more images from your computer. The image(s) will upload when you save your recommendation. One caveat—if you're recommending an item on ThisNext then make sure to click the "Or create a more detailed recommendation" link to get the full recommendation form.

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Why doesn't ThisNext allow me to choose images from some sites?

Some sites display products using Flash or are implemented using frames. ThisNext doesn't currently handle capturing images in these situations. If you have an image you'd like to use, you can upload it manually using the procedure above.

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How does a user get back to the Web page I used for my recommendation?

When you recommend something from the Web, we automatically track the url of the page you recommended from and make it available to shoppers. If other users recommend the same item from different sites or pages, links to those pages get added as shopping options.

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What does "Add a Via link" mean?

When you recommend an item, there is an option to "Add a Via link."

This is a blogging convention used to acknowledge the person or site that turned you on to something. What you type here is listed ( via Name) at the end of your review text along along with the url you provided. If the item was recommended to you by someone who doesn't have a Web site, you can just give the person's name and leave the url field blank.

Also note that when linking to a blog, it is customary to use the "permalink" for the post you generated the recommendation from. It's also fine to link to the blog home page if you don't know the permalink.

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Making Lists

Why should I make a list? What should it be about?

Lists create context for product recommendations. Lists help people understand what was on your mind when you recommended a product and how you use it. Lists can be about:

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How do I make a list?

You can make a list in the flow of making a recommendation; it's the second step("Lists & Details"). Click "Create a new list and add this item." If you're recommending something already on ThisNext, you'll need to click the "or create a more detailed recommendation" link. If you already recommended an item, click the "You Recommended it (edit)" link on the item page to get to where you can add the item to a list.

The most useful lists have names that describe their contents as well as descriptions for people explaining what's in them. They also have tags that relate to the content of the recommendations. Here's one from Staviean that has all the elements as well as a cool customized art bar across the top.

If you click the "Create a new list and add this item" button, you can add items you've recommended to your new list. Or if you click "Save and View" you can add items to your list later. Keep in mind, you can always add or remove items from a list at anytime. So be creative!

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How do I add items to a list?

The most important thing to realize about adding items to your lists is that you can only add items you are recommending or have recommended. Once you've recommended something, either from the Web or from ThisNext, you can add that item to a list from one of two places:

  • The recommendation — while editing a recommendation, choose one or more lists to add the recommended item to in the second step. If you're recommending something already on ThisNext, you'll need to click the "or create a more detailed recommendation" link. If you already recommended an item, click the "You Recommended it (edit)" link on the item page to get to where you can add the item to a list.
  • The list — Click on your list. There will be a red "Manage List" link under the title. Click it and you'll be able to drag and drop recommended items into the list.

You can start making a list by first recommending something you want to put on a list. Start small. Even if you just start by putting a few things on a list—or even one thing on a list, if you plan to add to it—it's great.

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Tagging Items and Lists

What are tags?

Tags are words people use to find the things you recommend and list. When you recommend an item and apply one or more tags, it will be much easier for people to discover your recommendation later.

Go as crazy as you want with tags. If you recommend an iPod, you might want to tag it, "iPod, Apple, mp3 players, music, design." Think about how you use something when you tag it. If you're a runner and recommend the iPod because it's lightweight and portable, you might also add the tags "running, lightweight, jogging, fitness, entertainment." If you travel a lot and want to recommend the iPod because it's a great commuting device, then you might want to add the tags, "travel, portable, commuting, transferring files."

Note: when tagging something with more one tag, separate each with a comma.

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Why don't you suggest tags?

Tags aren't automatic because we all use things differently. For instance, we all use duct tape to stick stuff together, but some of us are world travelers who use it to cover blisters and repair busted gear and others are Burning Man devotees who would never bring their Art Car into the desert without a few rolls of duct tape for fixing their rig.

Who you are and what you do affects how you use your favorite stuff. We want people to understand those nuances that make your recommendations a reflection of your unique personality and lifestyle.

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Shopcasting and Spreading the Word

What is shopcasting and how does it work?

You can shopcast by placing BadgeIt and BlogIt on your blog's sidebar or posts, Web site, social network like Facebook or MySpace, or anywhere that supports HTML. Badges are commonly used to syndicate content from one Web site to another and particularly blogs.

You can use the interactive badges to publish lists, tags, wish lists or recommendations in many configurations and layouts. When your visitor clicks on a badge item, she navigates to the product on ThisNext or to the vendor's Web site, depending on how you configured the badge.

Shopcast with interactive badges wherever you see the Shopcast this button Shopcast button or check out our Shopcast page for specific instructions.

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What is the BlogIt tool and how does it work?

You can also shopcast by posting lists, tags, recommendations or wish lists to your blog, MySpace profile or anywhere that supports HTML. When you blog a list, BlogIt turns the list you are viewing into a collage of clickable images and, along with your comments, uploads it directly to your blog as a post or generates HTML you can copy and paste anywhere you like.

When your readers view the post, they can click on any of the images to navigate to the item page on ThisNext for more information. Shopcast with BlogIt wherever you see the Shopcast this button Shopcast button or get started on our Shopcast page.

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What else is happening in the world of shopcasting?

ThisNext is devoted to making the premier platform for spreading the word about what is cool, what is a happening in the wide world of online shopping and what you want to show and tell other people. We have a number of new ideas in active development, so stay close as we roll out other exciting ways to shopcast!

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ThisNext on Social Networks

Do you have any applications and fun stuff I can do on Facebook and MySpace?

Yes! ThisNext has built some fun applications and cool communities you can join. On Facebook, check out I Want, where your friends help you figure out what to buy (and vice versa!) or join the ThisNext group so you can get alerted about new applications and, contests, events and other goings on at ThisNext. And all our friends on MySpace are among the first to hear about cool new applications like Entourage, parties and the like!

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Affiliate Support

Do you support affiliates?

Yes, we most certainly do. ThisNext automatically links shopcasts you publish on your blog or Web site with your affiliated vendors and merchants!

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How do I make it work?

Don't worry, it's quite easy. But there are some important steps you need to follow to bring things together.

First, you need to set things up:

  1. Join ThisNext.
  2. Go to "Edit account settings."
  3. Click "Enter your affiliate ID's"

Then create and publish an eligible shopcast:

  1. Be sure you are logged into ThisNext.
  2. Create a shopcast using either a Shopcast badge or the BlogIt tool.
  3. Place the shopcast on your blog or Web site.

Learn more about shopcasting here.

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What clicks qualify?

In general, if you send us traffic from a shopcast (using either a badge or BlogIt) on your blog, we will use your affiliate information for the items in your shopcast.

For a specific click on a shopcast to qualify, you must have created the shopcast while logged in and the click must result in the user arriving at vendor’s site via ThisNext. There are several situations where this can happen:

  • User clicks on an item in a shopcast and is immediately redirected to the vendor’s site.
  • User clicks on an item in a shopcast and subsequently clicks on the Shop for this button Shop for this button for that item.
  • User clicks anywhere in a shopcast and is directed to ThisNext. Anytime during the user’s session, the user clicks the Shop for this button Shop for this button on any item listed in the shopcast. Note: All items listed qualify even if some items are not displayed in the shopcast.

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What affiliate networks do you support?

Right now we support the following:

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Where do I enter my affiliate IDs?

Your affiliate IDs are part of your profile. To add or edit them:

  1. Join ThisNext.
  2. Go to "Edit account settings."
  3. Click "Enter your affiliate ID's"

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Account / Profile

Help! I forgot my password or screen name?

Click Sign In on the ThisNext site menu, click "Forgot your password?" and type either your screen name or your e-mail address. We'll send you an e-mail with your screen name password.

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How do I change my password?

Click "My Stuff" on the ThisNext site menu, click "Edit" under your screen name and type your new password. Then click Change Password.

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Can I change my screen name?

Yes, email us with your existing and new screen names. If you want to operate under a new screen name, you can also create a new account.

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How do I edit my profile?

When you're viewing your own profile, click on any of the orange "edit" links to change your "About Me" section, answer your Q&A, upload photos or change your art bar. Any one of these links will give you access to the other edit profile pages.

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What are those "What's the next?" questions on profiles all about?

You may have noticed a tradition online where people answer a standard set of questions about themselves in order to describe who they are and what their offline life is like.

You may have seen bloggers answer a set of "4 Things" questions where they make four-item lists about what jobs they've had, where they've lived, etc. Or you may have seen people describe what Simpsons or Buffy the Vampire Slayer character most resembles their personality.

The ThisNext "What's Next?" questions are your way of letting people know a little bit about what's going on in your head and in your real-world life. Don't get all wound up about them, they just for fun.

You can answer the questions yourself on the Edit Q&A page located in your profile.

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Usage Policy and Reporting Problems

What is the ThisNext usage policy?

We have only a few rules that serve one overriding principle: Do no harm. ThisNext exists for the benefit of everyone and so we ask you keep this in mind when you have any questions about appropriateness. Here are some specifics:

  • ThisNext is a place to recommend your favorite things to people. It is not a store though you can buy products by clicking "Buy This Item."
  • ThisNext is not meant to be a satellite boutique for your online store, so please don't upload your entire inventory. However, we do want to support small businesses and artisans with smaller marketing budgets, so if you want to add a few things you sell or make, be our guest. But please note in your recommendation that you make it or sell it. We also ask that you recommend other things you use as part of your participation.
  • Users are not welcome to post items that promote hate, illegal behavior or overtly graphic or adult imagery. We mean it: No naughty bits! If you see something on ThisNext that concerns you, please report it. We'll take a look at the item and remove it from public view if it's not acceptable.

For more details, please review our terms of use.

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What is your spam policy?

The only way we like spam is on a Hawaiian musubi (for the uninitiated, "moo-soo-bee" is a magnificent fried slice of spam on rice pressed together to form a small block, then wrapped with a strip of seaweed). We will never ever, not even if tempted by a hula dancer waving a salty, steaming, spamlicious musubi under our noses, share your e-mail address.

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How do I report something on the site that concerns me?

If you see something on ThisNext that seems objectionable, please report it as inappropriate. Our community members monitor our community so please take the shared responsibility of flagging material that is illegal, offends you or is clearly spam. You know it when you see it. Help us keep our site welcoming and friendly to all visitors!

Report items or recommendations as objectionable or spam by clicking "Contact ThisNext.com" at the very bottom of every page.

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My e-mail address is private, right?

Of course. We ask for your e-mail address only so we can keep in touch with you and let you know what's going on as our site develops. We will never sell or share your e-mail address with other parties. Even if they're mad about you because you put all their favorite things on a list, your e-mail address is safe with us. If you want people to be able to get a hold of you, you are free to list your e-mail address elsewhere online in the "About Me" field of your profile.

For more details, take a look at our privacy policy.

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ShopSafe Advertising System

What is the ShopSafe Advertising System?

The ShopSafe advertising system is in opt-in program for advertisers who do not want their brand to appear on pages that might not be appropriate for brands. ShopSafe advertisers’ ads only appear on pages where the content is family-safe.

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How does ShopSafe protect my brand from objectionable content?

We have designed a system that scans items and the associated tags for potentially objectionable content. When items flagged “unsafe” appear on a page, we withhold a ShopSafe advertiser’s ad.

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What type of content does ThisNext exclude for ShopSafe advertisers?

Products and language that everyone might not enjoy are separated from ShopSafe ads. ThisNext always protects its community from material that is offensive. ShopSafe gives advertisers the opportunity to have another level of control.

Where can I learn more about ShopSafe?

Visit the ShopSafe page or contact us by e-mail.

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Miscellaneous

I have a swell idea for you guys. How can I suggest it?

Hooray for you! Email us. A real person will read your suggestion and get back to you if we have further questions.

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How can I contact the ThisNext folks?

To contact us directly, use our contact form.

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How do I prevent ThisNext e-mails from being blocked?

To not miss any of the ThisNext excitement and experience our e-mail in full fidelity (you won't have to click "load images"), add us to your e-mail client address book.

This is quite easy to do for most desktop and Web-based clients such as Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo, and Hotmail. In general:

  1. Open a message from ThisNext.
  2. Look for an option to "add sender to contact list."
  3. Add the sender or to your contact list.

If this doesn't work, manually add to your contact or spam filter white list.

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What browsers do you support?

We support Firefox 2.x - 3.0, Internet Explorer 6.x - 7.0 and Safari. That said, we want to hear about problems with other browsers and will fix any incompatibilities when reasonable to do so. Please let us know if you are having an issue.

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Do you have an API?

Yes. If you would like to participate, take a look at the ThisNext API page.

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