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 type it in the space provided below and we will gladly answer it for you.

• 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 Encounterpoint?

  An encounter point is a pin that you place on the map, representing a time and location where you lived, worked, visited, engaged in an activity, or created memories with others. With encounter points, you can say thank you to someone, inquire about someone, see who else was nearby, share the encounter point, and engage in a discussion.

• 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.

• 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?

  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?

  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 bypeople 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 three ways. You may call us during our normal business hours of 9 - 5 pm (EST), Monday through Friday at 484-362-9851 and express your wish to cancel your membership. 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 14 days of registration will be refunded in full. On and after the 15th day from initial registration, your membership will be in effect through the end of the premium period you originally purchased. [example: If you purchased a 6 month premium membership option and cancel at the end of the first month, your membership will remain in effect for 5 additional months.] No refund is made after the 15th day from registration and unused time is non-refundable.