PassKey Documentation

PassKey Item Setting Documentation

An Introduction To PassKey Settings:

PassKeys provide members with a simple way to allow specific individuals access to their items while locking out all others.

Once activated on an item, the PassKey will be required from anyone attempting to view the Item who does not meet the restriction level set by the "Access Restrictions" setting. Simply provide the "PassKey" to anyone outside the access range to give them access to the item.

Think of it as locking a door and giving keys to only certain people. Only someone with a key can open the door. Of course, you have to remember to lock the door first for it to work out right... so don't forget you need to set your item to some access restriction with privacy for PassKeys to function correctly.

Your PassKey may contain numbers only. It must be between 4 and 8 numbers in length and should not begin with a zero. The PassKey can be changed at any time; thus locking out anyone with an older, un-updated key!

Leave the PassKey space blank to leave the key turned off and un-activated on an item.

This tool is perfect for sending items to agents, publishers, teachers and other specialized visitors to your portfolio! It allows you to post items you only wish for them to see, whether they have a Writing.Com account or not.


PassKey Usage Examples:

The PassKey works in conjunction with the Access Restrictions setting on items. Some examples of use are as follows:

If an item's Access Restriction is set to "Private" and the PassKey is activated, the item will be unaccessible to everyone who does not know the PassKey.

If an item's Access Restriction is set to "Preferred Authors and Higher" and the PassKey is activated, the item will be unaccessible to everyone who is below the level of Preferred Author; other members will be able to enter the PassKey to access the item.

If an item's Access Restriction is set to "Public", setting the PassKey will have NO EFFECT as the item is publicly accessible regardless of the PassKey.

If an item's Access Restriction is set to a particular "Group Only" and the PassKey is set, all group members of the selected group will be able to access the item freely. Non-Group members will be asked for the PassKey; those with a valid PassKey will be able to access the item.

Important: Since an item will be 'private' to anyone who needs a PassKey to view it, you will need to provide the Item's URL or use a WritingML tag to link to it. (For URL help, please see the Q&A section of this item, below.)


PassKeys and Various Item Types:

PassKeys work correctly with all available Writing.Com Item Types.


PassKey Specifications:
PassKeys may contain only numbers and must be between 4 and 8 numbers in length. PassKeys should not start with a zero.


Who Can Set PassKeys On Items:

Use of PassKeys is restricted to those with a Paid Membership of Upgraded or above. For complete details on what each level of Paid Membership includes, please see: "Memberships @ Writing.Com" 


Questions and Answers:

Q. How do I keep track of my PassKeys?

A. We have developed a PassKey Ring that will automatically keep track of all the PassKeys you use. Your keys can be automatically added to the KeyRing when you use them for the first time. The keys from the KeyRing will automatically be used for later access of the item. This feature is only available to specific levels of paid membership.

Q. How does someone get to my item once it is set private with a PassKey?

A. Since the item is private, it won't be listed in your portfolio or in any item listings. Therefore, in order for someone to find the item and use the PassKey, you will need to provide them with a URL directly to the item.

Q. How do I find the URL of my item?

A. The URL to any item within Writing.Com is as follows:
         http://www.Writing.Com/view/ITEMID
         ITEMID is replaced with your item's numerical ID number.
For example, the URL to this PassKey Documentation item would be given as:
         http://www.Writing.Com/view/542452

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