Welcome!

We've designed BigTent around the ideas of simplicity and ease-of-use. Even so, we know it can be hard to adjust to change. To help familiarize you (or your group’s new members) with the site, we've created this quick guide. Click the links to see more information on each topic. Keep in mind, not all groups will have all the below features enabled.

 

You can also download this guide as a PDF file or as a Word document. 

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Visual Aid

Watch our BigTent Quick Tour video to see how to use many of the features on BigTent.

 

 

Can't see the video? Click here to view it on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlps17RlVHI

 

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Useful Tips to Get Started

We’ve compiled all our best resources by category to help you get started with your group in no time.
 
To download this guide to your computer, click here. 

 

Sign Up (If You Haven't Already)

• Find out what BigTent's all about: What is BigTent? 
•  Click the link in your emailed invitation to sign up for your group. Learn about the steps of enrollment here: What is the enrollment process like for new members? 
•  Get more info about the sign-up process, including why certain info is needed, here.

 

Sign In

• To access your group in the future, you'll need to go to www.bigtent.com and sign in with your email address and the password you chose when you signed up.
• Check out this FAQ to troubleshoot issues that may arise while signing in: I can't sign in to BigTent  

General Navigation

• When you sign in to BigTent, you'll see a link for "My BigTent." Click here to update your information in the Settings area or to view your profile.
• To access your groups, roll your mouse over the "my groups" link and click on one of your groups. Once in your group, you'll see tabs for all the different features. Read on to learn about the different features your group may have to offer.

 

Participate in Group Forum Discussions

• Start a forum discussion by clicking "Start a topic" on the forums page.
• Check out our Quick Overview: Forums 
•  Follow our detailed FAQs to learn how to post forum topics via email and receive emailed notifications of forum activity: Video & Guide: How do I participate in forum discussions online or via email?

 

Read Up on Group News

• Check for any news announcements from your group, such as newsletters and updates, in the News tab.
• Learn more about the News feature here: Quick Overview: Group News  

 

Keep Up with Group Events

• Explore your group's upcoming events by going to the My Calendar page or to the Events tab. Learn more here:  Quick Overview: My Calendar and Quick Overview: Events   
• Learn more about RSVPing to a group event: Guide: How do I RSVP and/or pay for a group event?  

 

Find Other Group Members

• If your group has the Member List enabled, you can see fellow group members on the Members tab.
• Learn more about the Member List here: Quick Overview: Member List 

 

View and Share Group Photos

• Click the Photos tab to view photos shared with your group. Learn more about photos here: Quick Overview: Photos  
• Learn how to share your own photos with the group: How do I add photos to my profile or share photos with my group?

 

Download Files

• Click the Files tab to download documents, spreadsheets, and other files your group might have posted. Learn more here: Quick Overview: Files
• To upload your own files (not all members will have permission to upload files) to share with the group, click “Add a file.” More info: How do I upload a file and send it to my group?

 

Share Reviews of Products and Services

• Click the Reviews tab to browse for products and local services reviewed by fellow group members. Learn more here: Quick Overview: Reviews 
• Add your own review for a business or service. Learn more about adding a review in this FAQ: Guide: How do I post a Review or advertise my own business with the group?

 

Buy and Sell Using the Classifieds

• Have something to sell? If your group has the Classifieds feature enabled, you can post your listing on the Add a Listing page. Learn how here: Video & Guide: Where do I go to sell an item or post a Classified listing?  
• Want to buy an item? Browse the Classifieds.
• Learn more about the Classifieds here: Quick Overview: Classifieds

 

Join Subgroups

• Your group may have one or more subgroups - smaller affinity groups as formal as a board of directors or as informal as a playgroup for kids aged 2-3. View the subgroups tab to see what subgroups your group offers.
• View our Quick Overview: Subgroups  

 

 Learn More About Your Group and Spread the Word

• Click the About tab to read about your group and view the group's leadership (if your group uses this feature). For more info, check out our Quick Overview: The About Page  
• Click "polls" to see quick polls posted by your group's leaders.
• Share your group with friends by clicking "tell a friend." Learn more about this feature here: How do I tell my friends about my group?  

 

Get Help with Additional Questions

• Click "help" on any BigTent page to contact your group's leaders.
• Search through our FAQs to find answers to your questions.
• Need technical support? Submit a case to BigTent's customer support team.
• Check out our website to learn if starting your own BigTent group is right for you.