Q: How does this thing work?
A: The program simply selects a random name from a list of participant names which are entered by the person who sets it up. The participants all visit the web page that that is set up when the program is registered and select their own name from a drop down list. It's like pulling a random name out of a hat. The program processes the name, comparing it to the list of names all ready chosen and assigns them a random name from the list. Unlike pulling a name out of a hat the process is anonymous so that only the person choosing the name knows who they have chosen. A password protected administration panel allows you, the administrator, to view the list of matches if necessary.
Q: If the Standard version is free why upgrade to the Premium version?
A:There are additional features in the Premium version that are not available in the Standard version. In the Premium version you can use your own logo. You can upload your own logo to the website to display it on your personal web page. (all logos are proportionally resized to 150 pixels either wide or high, depending on which is larger). If your list is larger than 15 names you can add up to 100 names. Your account is active for one year with an optional reminder sent one month before the account expires. There is a spouse option that allow spouses to avoid picking each other's name.
Q: Why are you charging a fee for the Premium version?
A: GrassRootsDesign has been providing this novelty program for free for many years now and continues to provide the Standard version for free. Over the year many requests for other features have come in. The Premium version fee doesn't begin to cover the hours of programming and server time required to keep this resource up and running. The tiny amount is simply a pat on the back from people who value this service.
Q: I registered with the Standard version and would like to upgrade to the Premium version?
A:Just logon to your account and click the 'Upgrade to Premium version button". You will be directed to Paypal where you can complete the transaction using your Paypal account or a major credit card. Once the transaction is complete, log in again to your new Premium version. All your settings, the names you have enter and names that have been already chosen are retained in the upgrade.
Q: What is the Spouse Letter field in the Premium version for?
A:It allows you to set-up the program so that spouses will not pick each other's name. To use it, choose the same, matching letter when adding the spouses names. The program will look for these matching letters and pass them over when choosing a match.
Q: Why is there no option for deleting an individual name?
A: Though this would appear to be a simple thing it also involves checking to see whether the person you are removing from the list has already chosen a name and then removing that person from the storage file as well. If the person you are removing has been chosen by someone it involves sending an email to that person to tell them to revisit the list and choose another name. If all the names have been chosen by the time the name is deleted that person they chose may be left without a name.
If some people have already chosen their names you will have to reset the list as well. In that case be sure to notify the people who have already chosen so that they can choose again. Check the View Matched Names list and jot down the names of the people who have chosen up to that point before resetting the list.
Q: How do I delete my account?
A: Logon to your account an choose the Delete my account button. You will be asked to confirm. Click Yes, Delete my account and the account will be completely removed. GrassRootsDesign does not retain any record of deleted accounts and cannot recover the data so be sure that this is what you want to do before proceeding. There are no refunds.
Q: I am having problems, can you help?
A: I would be glad to help if the problem is a server error. Just send a note with the error message.
If you are a Premium subscriber and require help using the program, send a message with a few details of the problem you are experiencing using GrassRootsDesign's Contact form.
