List of Additional Topic Settings

Setting		Function
Participants May Attach Files	Adds a browse option to Add an Idea area enabling attachment of files and images to ideas as they are added. Same functionality provided to the Add a Comment screen. Specify a sub-directory on the server where files for this Topic will be stored. A file attached in this way will be uploaded to the FacilitatePro server and a link will be added to the idea in the flip chart. If the user specifies that the attached file is a JPG or GIF file, the image will display in the flip chart.
Participants May Attach Web Links	Adds option to attach Web URL, FTP and e-mail links to the Add an Idea area enabling participants to include an active link as part of their idea. Participants type in web address (e.g., www.facilitate.com) or email address (e.g., MoreInfo@Facilitate.com) which is turned into an active link in the flip chart
May not add new items to flip chart	Removes the Add an Idea area or Add an Idea button from participant screen preventing further adding of ideas to the flip chart.
Participants may access available voting subsets	Used in Results modes. Allows participants to sort voting results according to one or two levels of demographic data when such data exists and after a minimum number of ballots have been received ensuring that anonymity is preserved.
Do not show category selection option to participants	Removes Category pull-down menu from Participants' Add an Idea area. Category pull-down menu otherwise appears as soon as any categories have been created for the topic. Facilitators always see Category pull-down menu if categories have been created for the topic.
Lines of entry detail displayed	Determines the size of the Additional Detail box displayed in the Add an Idea Area. This box is scrollable so actual content is not limited to this number of lines.
Display the most recent X days of items	Limits the items displayed in the Electronic Flip Chart to the number entered. Useful when lists get very long and for extended asynchronous data gathering. All data is kept; this setting controls what is displayed.
Enable text formatting option for: All, None, Facilitators	Adds text formatting choices such as bold, italics and color, for all participants, just facilitators or neither. HTML formatting is written into an idea as it is added. Formatting remains after this option is turned off. Formatting may be edited out using the Allow Edits function and editing pencil.

Best practice - Anonymity vs. Attribution

Whether a particular brainstorming session should be anonymous or attributed is a judgment call you will make as the facilitator.

Use an anonymous brainstorm to shift the group dynamic and allow for a less inhibited flow of ideas. People are slow to fully contribute for many reasons. Participants also listen to each other's ideas differently when names are not attached.

Use the Attribute option when knowing who said what will help engage participants in a deeper discussion back and forth.

Show Attribution is an option you might choose to turn on only for yourself. This allows you to follow up with participants later while keeping names out of the live discussion.

Explore the different dynamics with the groups that you work with to learn how to make the best use of this important feature.

Select the options you want to activate and click the Save Changes button. Add some sample ideas to see the attribution and time stamp options in operation.

Adjusted Participant Settings