Help

Using the tick-it

How do I get a tick-it?
Sign up for a tick-it at http://tick-it.balaya.com. Once you've finished the sign-up process, you can download a tick-it, create and join groups, and send messages right away.

What kind of equipment do you need to use the tick-it?
You can use the tick-it on any pc with Windows XP or Vista. A Mac version of the tick-it is coming soon.

How do I download the tick-it (PC Version)?
Log in and click on 'download tick-it,' from the right-side menu. Then select "PC Version." Depending on your computer, you may need some or all of the following detailed steps:

You may see a window labeled File Download: select 'Open'
You will see a window labeled Balaya[1]--double click on 'tick-it'
You will see a File Download Security Window: click 'Run'
The Balaya setup wizard will open: click 'Install'
When the setup is done, click "Close"
The tick-it will open, and you can enter your email and password to start using the tick-it.
You can close any windows that are still open.
Have fun!!!

How do I add a short cut to tick-it on my desktop?

Go to Start in lower left corner of your desktop.
Menu will open, go to All Programs.
New menu will open to the right
Go to Balaya, then to tick-it.
Right-click on tick-it.
Go to "send to", click on "desk-top (create shortcut)".
The next time you want to re-open your tick-it, you can just double-click on the new tick-it icon on your desktop.

How do I start a new group?
Just click on up-arrow at the top of the groups list on the left side of your tick-it. Select the "create new group" bar. This will bring you to tick-it's portal page where you can select a group name and color, then invite your selected members. The tick-it will generate invitations to your group's members via email, with a link to join the group and/or download a tick-it (if they don't already have one). Once you set up a group, you are the group's "Administrator" and have certain capabilities that other members do not have.

How do I add a member to the group once the group has been set up?
The group administrator can invite a new member to the group by clicking on the "manage groups" bar of their group list. Click on the group, then scroll down to "Membership Invitations". Enter the invitee's e-mail address and click "submit." Once the new member receives their invitation, they can download their own tick-it from http://tick-it.balaya.com/. Once the invitee has downloaded and signed in, they can scroll down to "My Invitations" and click on the group name (join) to subscribe to the group.

How do I add a message?
Just click on the "new headline" icon (the "plus sign") on the right side of your tick-it and start typing. When finished, click "post" and it will scroll at the beginning of the current headlines.

I see the headline, but how do I view the entire message?
Just click on the headline and the entire message will pop up, along with links to any attachments. Click on the down triangle to close the message.

How can I delete or edit a message after I have posted it?
Just click on the "manage groups" tab of your groups list. This will bring you to tick-it's portal page where you can view your groups and headlines. Click on "My Headlines," (you may have to login first) then click on the headline you wish to alter. From this screen you can delete and edit your messages. Please note that you will only be able to delete and edit messages you have posted.

How do I set my tick-it up to launch when I start my computer?
There are two ways to make tick-it part of your start up, so it opens up when you turn on your computer. The first way is to click and drag the tick-it icon into the 'Startup' folder in your start menu; drag the icon over the 'Start Menu' (lower left corner of the screen) until it opens, and then into 'All Programs' and then into the 'Startup' folder.

The second way is to copy the tick-it icon into the startup folder by going to C:\Documents and Settings\username\Start Menu\Programs\Startup. Note: where it says 'username' in the previous location, you will need to put in the name used to login the computer.

Why does my tick-it run so slowly?
If you are finding that your computer is having trouble running your tick-it – where it runs painfully slow and you are unable to post a message, manage groups or use the other functions, try checking your maximum number of headlines in your tools (the “gear”) function. If you are running at “all” messages, this may be your problem - switch to a lower number on the drop-down menu and see if this optimizes your tick-it performance. Please be patient, although it may take several minutes between clicks, the tick-it will eventually respond to your commands. We are currently working on this problem, but it may be a few months before we are able to fix it. We will email updates to our user list on this and other issues as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience as we create a better product.

What do I do if I have trouble using the tick-it?
Please email us at help@balaya.com. We'll get back to you as soon as we can to get you back up and running.

Back to the top

About the tick-it"

How does tick-it help groups communicate more effectively?
We all belong to more than one group-we have family groups, civic groups, social groups and professional groups that are important to us. Tick-it allows you to establish as many groups as you care to. Because your communications are sorted by groups, you can quickly focus on and interact with a particular group-with what they are saying, doing or seeking. Instead of having to look through lots of unrelated emails or try and catch up on instant messaging streams, you can quickly highlight a group and see what is important to you.

What does it cost to use the tick-it?
The tick-it is available at no charge to consumers. In the future, we may offer premium services that require a subscription. Also, a private-label, business-oriented tick-it will be available soon for a per-user licensing fee.

Is my communication private?
Absolutely. Since only your group administrator has the ability to invite new members into your group - your messages are never accessible by unwanted, uninvited eyes.

How do people know tick-it is safe to use?
We are in the process of acquiring several certifications for our products including no-spyware and safe download assessments.

How do I know there is no spyware or adware?
Tick-it is a private, closed and safe site for already-established groups. No one can send you messages unless they are a member of your group - only your group administrator has the power to invite new members into the group. You can't get spam or any other unwanted messages in the tick-it.

How can tick-it be spam free?
To participate in the communication process you must be a member of the group. Unlike email or even cell phones, your address or phone number are not available to uninvited guests. Tick-it is closed-loop; it is for the group that sets it up and hence is not open to spammers.

Where did the name tick-it come from?
Tick-it is a double entendre. Our first product is a ticker-like communication system. As more and more services become available, the tick-it will become your "ticket" to exciting new ways to more effective group efforts.

When will more applications be available?
We will begin to roll out new products and services in mid-2008. Each will be a natural extension of the tick-it and will enable groups to better communicate, plan, share, create, play, and work together. We will also be adding features to the tick-it to allow you to attach pictures and other files to your messages.

Back to the top

About Balaya

What, really, is Balaya all about?
Balaya is a trusted, exclusive space where established, diverse groups can collaborate and interact across a wide range of topics, interests and functions in order to deepen their bonds by using shared experiences to create a shared history and being an active, integrated part of each others lives. In a nutshell, it's all about having fun together.

Where did you get the idea for Balaya?
Almost all of us have had to work through problems of not being able to effectively and efficiently communicate and collaborate with others in various groups. Out of that came the question of could we harness some of the potential of the web 2.0 world to do something about it.

We thought if we focused tools on the needs and behaviors of groups rather than individuals-more of our space than my face-that we could help groups deepen their bonds. That is our focus - better tools for groups who want to interoperate better, and ultimately grow closer, in the face of today's tough challenges.

Why the name Balaya?
It comes from that savory dish known as jamBalaya. You know the one, that rich and satisfying stew combining unique and fabulous ingredients. Each is great by itself, but together, as a group, well, they're even more spectacular.

How much does it cost?
Balaya is absolutely FREE to the user. There may be subscription options in the future which will enhance your Balaya experience.

Last updated: 7/10/08
Back to the top

Help

Using the tick-it "

About the tick-it

About Balaya

Using the tick-it

About the tick-it"

About Balaya