Posted by Jack/AL on 6/8/12 10:41pm
Msg #423024

Updated profile ... What does the indicated date mean?

When we see messages or replies submitted by members with a link to their profiles, we can click on their names (shown in blue) on the right side of the subject line, and we see their profiles. Upon viewing each profile, there is a "Profile updated" field near the bottom of the profile screen. Until yesterday, I thought that the date indicated meant that on that date the individual had clicked on the "My Profile" field at the top of most screens and made one or more changes to their stored profile information, and then saved the information. Even if they just opened the page and re-saved it without changes, I think it would indicate the profile was updated on that date. Late last night, 06/07/2012, I clicked on the names of several original posters and responders, only to see that all of them had profile updates as of 06/07/2012. I thought that odd and unlikely. I had not even opened my profile, but clicked on my name in a response to an old message to which I'd responded days earlier, and it showed that my profile was updated as of 06/07/2012. Since the time was almost midnight, I waited several minutes and tried again right after midnight. Sure enough, posters entering messages or replies immediately had a profile updated date of 06/08/2012. I did not post before clicking on an old message to which I'd responded, yet it indicated I'd updated my profile on 06/08/2012. Today and tonight, I've clicked on the blue names of many members who posted or replied today, and all have profile updates as of today, 06/08/2012. Am I confused about the meaning of "profile updated" or is there something a little out of kilter here? I've searched, but not found a clear explanation that provides a description of the "profile updated" field, and perhaps incorrectly assumed it meant what I wanted it to mean. If you know the meaning and can help me understand, please do so. I'll send a copy of this post by Harry, just in case there is something afoul and he needs to know.

Reply by Lee/AR on 6/8/12 10:53pm
Msg #423025

Believe it 'used to work' the way you described it...meaning that you signed in and actually 'updated' your profile. However, now it seems to be automatically updated just because you logged in---which you must do to post and even to see the 'comments' area of SC. I noticed the difference oh, I dunno...maybe 6 months or so ago. Possibly longer.

Reply by Jack/AL on 6/8/12 10:57pm
Msg #423026

A little more research indicates that no matter when a member whose name is linked to their profile (in blue letters), when they submit a post or a response to someone else's post, their own file is changed to indicate that they updated their profile, even if they've not updated it in days/weeks/months. Am I wrong? If so, please 'splain it to me.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 6/8/12 11:16pm
Msg #423028

But, if you do a search in the find a notary tab and

click on any notary's profile, it shows the actual date of the last time they updated their profile.

Reply by Jack/AL on 6/8/12 11:23pm
Msg #423030

Maybe so, Linda, but I just did that and........

the result indicated that I've updated my profile today, but I have not. The plot thickens!

Reply by Linda Juenger on 6/8/12 11:29pm
Msg #423031

hmm you're right. Mine says updated 6/8/12 and I did not.

But if I click on another notary it gives me a diff date. Go to mine and see what it says for you and I'll do the same.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 6/8/12 11:32pm
Msg #423032

I just went to your profile Jack and it says 6/8/12. n/m

Reply by Jack/AL on 6/8/12 11:43pm
Msg #423033

Yep, yours says 06/08/2012. Check it again

right after midnight and it'll show 06/09/2012. I don't know if your time zone makes a difference, or not. I'm in central time zone and checked just a few minutes before and after midnight, almost 24 hours ago, and sure enough, the date changed at midnight, central time. I'll try that again in about 17 minutes (midnight).

Reply by Jack/AL on 6/9/12 12:15am
Msg #423035

It apparently changes the "updated" date whenever

you go to "My profile" and click on Save (with ot without making changes," or when you post a message, or post a reply.

Reply by jba/fl on 6/9/12 3:09am
Msg #423039

Many moons ago it used to mean that you actually

updated your information. Now it just means that you signed in on the date listed. The advantage? It shows that you are active on the site, or inactive as the case may be.

Find someone who no longer posts all the time and many times you will see they have been here, just looking around and gone again. I can think of a few that do that.

I am not sure exactly when the changes came about; it has been several months though.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 6/9/12 8:13am
Msg #423044

I've not liked it this way since it started...

Simply logging in to the website updates the "profile update date" and to me, simply logging in is not an indicator of activity. I wish it would go back to the old way where each member had to manually *and intentionally* update their profile - yes it puts the onus on NotRot Admin to purge outdated listings (which they should still be doing anyway), but IMO having to manually update your own profile is a more accurate indicator of who really IS still active and to me is more accurate information for any hiring party/individual looking for a notary...

JMO

Reply by Jack/AL on 6/9/12 10:47am
Msg #423058

Thanks for the comments. Now I know...... n/m