Why Login?

What are the advantages to logging in to this site?

Our privacy policy clearly states any email address submitted during the login process will not be distributed to third parties.  In addition, any passwords you use in association with this site are stored in an encrypted formfor which there is no key (nor any known method) to allow them to be decrypted.

First, as a non-logged in member what can you do, there is still quite a bit:

• You can view all published blogs, photos, listings, events, comments and the map,
• You can submit comments, either in text form or via Seesmic video.  BUT any comments submitted have to be pre-approved by a moderator,
• You can submit photos by uploading them to Flickr and taging them 'DalianDalian'.

That's quite a lot but there's much more missing:

• Any logged in member can actually make posts (blogs, forum posts, photos, events), rather than just comments.  Comments are automatically published, no need for approval,
• All blog posts, photos, forum posts, events and comments are editable even after publishing (useful for correcting typos).
• You can report something 'abuse' to get a moderator to look at it,
• You can 'favourite' something - adding it to a list of favourite posts,
• You can vote on stories to promote them to the front page and feature them on other pages,
• Get local:  By uploading your (or any) location you're alerted to new listings, reviews and other posts near and relevant to you (your location is not disclosed to other members),
• Use an editor where you can easily add text formatting, upload photos in posts and add smilies,
• Subscribe to and create groups.  What are groups?  The core forum addresses basic questions about Dalian.  If you're interested in any subject area you can create your own group!  Each group can be joined by site members, and has it's own forum.  In addition posts and replies posted to a group can be non-public, meaning only your group members will be able to see it,
• Use the shoutbox.  Not enough to waste time already?  Now you have a 24 hour shoutbox to chat live with other site members,
• Edit a user profile - connect with other site members that have similar interests or living in similar areas,
• Not have (Not Verified) appear next to your name on comments and reviews.  Is someone going to believe the opinion of "OMG the best food I've ever eaten.  by RaveMan (Not Verified)" or "A nice and reasonably priced bistro, recommend the grilled prawn. by BarryRapido" - reasonable words from a long term user.

This is all subject to random change.  If you're interested in a feature please <a href="/forum/suggestions">make a suggestion</a>, there's a good chance we can do it.