Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about terminology or the way something works? You are not alone! Here are some of the most common questions that users ask. If you don't see your question here, please contact us and we will gladly answer it for you.

• What is an Encounterpoint?

  An Encounterpoint is a pin that is placed on the map. The pin can represent almost anything you would like to track. Places you've lived, worked, engaged in an activity or created memories. It can be used for marking clients or locations you need to remember.

• What is a Custom Map?

  A custom map is a map that contains a collection of pins specific to the map purpose/topic. As you enter a pin, you will be prompted to designate that pin to a "new" map or one (or more) maps that have already been created. For example: Genealogy users may opt to create a different map for each surname they are researching. Users may wish to create a different map for each sport or hobby in which they are actively engaged. Custom maps can be created with different privacy options:

  • PRIVATE: A private map can only be viewed and edited by the map creator.
  • HIDDEN: A hidden map will not be viewable by other UE users or by the general public but WILL be viewable by anyone who inserts the map URL into a web browser. Users who want to share their map with only specific people are encouraged to use this option and provide the URL to share.
  • PUBLIC: A public map is one that is viewable by either LINKED UE users or the General Public – depending on the option selected during creation. The map creator can also choose to keep editing of the map private or allow other UE users to add pins.
• What is an Encountergram?

  An Encountergram™ is a message that you send to someone from your long ago or most recent past. This can be someone who treated you kindly, inspired you, supported you, or helped in some way. The Encountergram is the perfect way to let someone know how often you think of them, that you have wished them well, or that they have impacted your life in a positive way.

• What is an Inquiry?

  An Inquiry is a post that "inquires" about someone you have encountered in your recent or long ago past. Perhaps it is someone that you knew as a child, an old friend that you have lost touch with, a neighbor or a previous co-worker. An Inquiry can also help you find a recipe for a pot luck dish that was shared at a specific location & point in time; it can help you locate the owner of something that was found; or act as an introduction to someone you saw across the room.

• What is a map overlay?

  The map overlay is a map that depicts the encounter points on your map, as well as the encounter points of others who you've created a link with.. With basic membership, you may choose any one of your links - overlay your maps - and see a visual presentation of where you both have been. Premium members may overlay an unlimited number of and combination of their links.

  Map overlaying offers all kinds of discovery. The concept of six-degrees-of-separation can easily be visualized as you observe the history of location and encounters of those individuals you are linked with. Have you just met someone? Overlaying your maps allows you to discover any instances where you may have previously encountered one another but are just now connecting.

• How do I get started?

  Everything at uencounter.me is based on a point in time and the encounters that existed there. On the "My Encounters Map" page, you pin a point on the map for each location that represents a place where you encountered someone and / or where you had a meaningful experience. Answer as many of the prompted questions as you recall and be as specific as possible. Once the form is as complete as you wish, click 'create encounter point'. Your pin will appear on the map. As you click on that pin, you will see a synopsis of the information you entered.

• How do I Share My Pin?

  Once you create a pin, you will have the option of sharing it with the green "share this" button, "tweeting" about your pin, or inviting people via email to see your pin. Pin and Map information can also be shared from the discussion page; anywhere you see the "share this" button.

• What is a Link?

  A link is another uencounter.me user who agrees to share their information with you. When you see an encounterpoint that someone else has posted and you think you may know that individual and/or would like to connect with them, click "send link request" on the encounterpoint bubble. That user will be notified that you would like to link with them and they will be listed under "pending link requests" on the "Links" page. The number of people you are mutually linked with is stated in the header, while all of your "pending requests" are indicated in Parentheses [example: 15 Links (3)].

  If someone does not immediately respond to your link request a reminder email will be sent when you click on "send reminder", located right after the name of the person whose link request is still pending. If this option disappears, the individual you were attempting to link with, has denied your request.

• What are the odds that I will find who I am looking for with an Inquiry?

  While we do not claim to know an accurate "statistic" of the odds, we can all attest to "how small the world seems" at times. Under the premise of "six-degrees-of-separation", the more users who read your Inquiry, the higher the probability that someone will recognize the individual you are looking for and notify them of the Inquiry or contact you with additional information. At uencounter.me, finding lost connections is a Social Endeavor.

• How is my privacy protected?

  Users can opt to display their names in several ways including the option of remaining anonymous. To set name display, go to "Privacy Settings" under "My Account". Additionally, we have a detailed privacy policy in place, which we encourage users to read thoroughly. We fully support prudent internet practices and only give consent to release personal information to individuals that you know and trust.

• Can I remain anonymous?

  In short, yes. You may generate a user name that does not directly identify you. However, standard protocol is to use your first name, last initial so that people who wish to link with you will recognize you A first name and last initial is helpful for you to be identified by people who may be looking for you, or whom you have encountered in the past.

• What if I have been to the same place several times and wish to indicate this?

  We often return to a favorite place and/or encounter different people in the same place and wish to indicate this on the map. You may do so in one of two ways. 1) Use separate pins in the same location, or 2) Edit an existing pin and use wording in the description to detail your multiple visits there.

  For encountergrams and Inquiries, a separate pin for each person you are thanking or looking for is appropriate.

• How do I cancel my premium subscription?

  You may cancel your subscription in one of two ways. You may email info@uencounter.me with name, email address, and the membership option you chose, or you may use the "cancel membership" option on your accounts page.

  As described in our Terms of Service, any premium subscription canceled within 7 days of registration will be refunded in full. On and after the 9th day from initial registration, your membership will be in effect through the end of the premium period you originally purchased.