PL8SCAN - FAQ

Home

How it Works

PL8SCAN 101

About PL8SCAN

FAQ

Help

Frequently Asked Questions

Latest Revision: Sep 22, 2006

What It's All About

1. What is PL8SCAN?

You can create a message online or by text messaging and send it to someone by their license PL8. Others can get that message and reply.

OK - this is going to be a little more fun than that...

The new twist to this brand of social networking is that the line of communication starts with a license PL8. Want to chew out that guy who cut you off in traffic? Want to invite the blonde in the red Corvette to a party? You can send a message to anyone - and vice versa - by creating an online message that is addressed to a license PL8. We call those messages "Posts".

Simple, huh?

Anyone can find a Post online by doing a search (Scan) of that PL8. But wait - why should you have to go online and Scan? Can't we just let you know when there's a Post you care about - absolutely! All members can put a PL8 in their Profile and whenever there's a Post to it we'll send you an email immediately to let you know.

So far so good right? We're just getting started...

Members can take it one step further - you can Post AND reply by text message – finally something fun to do while stuck in traffic! All you do is request text message notices for you Profile PL8 and when someone Posts to that PL8 by text message we'll send you a notice also by text message. We're not done yet - when you get that text message you can reply to the sender with a private text message and they can reply with a private message to you. And now the fun really begins - start up a conversation with someone you see on the road just with their license PL8!

And we're STILL not done...

Members also get a PL8Box internal mailbox. If you add your username to a Post, others can reply by sending a message to your PL8Box, and you can reply to them. You'll also get a Profile where your can tell other members as much or as little as you'd like to about yourself - like your AIM or MySpace name. For our shy friends - don't worry - you can make your online Posts anonymous if you prefer.

Sound complicated?

It's not really. It's just new. Try it and we think you'll get the hang of it quickly. If not drop us a line at PL8-Suggestions@PL8SCAN.com. We want this to be fun and useful for you so tell us what you want!

Sweet! Sign me up.

Back to top
2. How can I use PL8SCAN?

Take a look at our Menu messages in the Post area of our Home page. You'll probably find messages that will help you initiate contact and get the ball rolling. But things get more interesting with membership because you can send and read Free Form messages and do it by text messaging and much more.

3. How does PL8SCAN text messaging work?

PL8SCAN text messaging is an extension of the online service that allows you to access it by a text messaging enabled device. Our text message phone number is 75863 (or PL8ME). Use this number instead of a phone number when you send a PL8SCAN™ text message.

Members can Post by text message and receive copies of Posts by text message for the license PL8s in their Profile and BuddyList.

When you join PL8SCAN™ you'll have the option to purchase a pre-paid balance of PL8SCAN™ text messages. Each time you send or receive a text message through PL8SCAN™ we deduct one from your balance. You specify which license PL8s you want to accept text messages for and you can limit the number of messages you will accept per day, including stopping all text messages. You can change these preferences as often as you like.

Some differences from the online service are:
- You cannot Scan by text message.
- Only text message Posts will generate a text message Post notice.
- You cannot Post anonymously by text message.

A text message Post is just like an online Post and can be found online by Scanning.

PL8SCAN™ may contact you from time to time by text message to inform you of the status of your account or of a message that you sent. For example, we may send you a message to notify you that you are approaching your account limit or to inform you that your Post was successful. During our initial promotional period we will NOT deduct these messages from your account balance. At the conclusion of our promotional period we will ask members to specify which text message notices they want to receive and have deducted from their balance. Before this change is made all members will receive a notice and be given the opportunity to opt out of any notices.

Normal carrier charges apply for all text messages in addition to the charge from PL8SCAN. Your PL8SCAN text message balance is not related to your mobile carrier text message account.

4. Why should I become a member?

For only $4.99 a YEAR you get some great advantages.
- Post and reply by text message
- Get Post notices (email and text messages) for your PL8s
- Your username allows you to correspond with members anonymously
- A Profile to share as much (or as little) about yourself as you like.
- Post free form messages
- See real email addresses of members that share it

Want more messages than the $4.99 promo package? The more you buy the cheaper they are. Add more anytime at "My Account > Add Text Messages".

Click here to join now.

4. Can PL8SCAN tell me who owns a PL8?

Absolutely not - because WE don't know!

PL8SCAN is NOT a reverse license PL8 search tool - we don't even have that information. We use PL8s simply as a way to address a message.

Think of it this way - your Post is like putting a note up on a bulletin board that's organized by license PL8 numbers - if someone sees it they only see the info you put in the note. If you include your PL8SCAN username they can look up your Profile but YOU control what's in your Profile and we don't even allow you to include personal information in it.

There's much more information available about how PL8SCAN works throughout this FAQ but for a specific answer to privacy concerns you may want to take a look at this answer.
Back to top

Security and Privacy

1. Does PL8SCAN have access to government records?

No. All data on the site is provided by users.

2. Why do you ask me to fill out a Profile?

Your PL8SCAN Profile allows other members to find out a little more about you before they strike up a conversation with you. Non-members cannot see your Profile. We also use it to help PL8SCAN improve our service. None of the information that you provide to PL8SCAN is EVER sold to third parties.

We may use the information in your Profile in aggregate form (for example average member age) in order to help us improve our service. You may choose to make all, some or none of your Profile visible to other PL8SCAN members.

3. Can someone find personal information about me?

Not from PL8SCAN. When someone Posts a message to a PL8 they have no way to find out any information about who owns the PL8. If someone Scans a PL8 the most they can find is other Posts to it.

There is no capability to search PL8SCAN to find out who owns a PL8 - we don't even have that information. A Post is simply a message addressed to a license PL8 number NOT to the owner of that PL8.

IF you reply to a Post the recipient will see your username and can then lookup your Profile but of course you control what they can see in it. We intentionally DO NOT allow members to share personal information such as real names, addresses or phone numbers in their Profile.

PL8SCAN was designed specifically with protection of your privacy as the top priority. The only personal information anyone can get at PL8SCAN is what someone intentionally chooses to share in a message.

4. How do you protect children?

Our Terms of Use prohibits children under the age of 13 from using the Service.

5. Why do you use cookies?

We use Cookies solely to improve the user experience. None of the information in our cookies is sold to any third party outside PL8SCAN. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.

6. Do you share information with law enforcement?

We have no agreements with any law enforcement agency. Our Privacy Policy has more information on special cases where we may share information.

7. Will PL8SCAN ever ask me for my password?

NO! If you receive any email asking you for your PL8SCAN password this email did NOT come from us.

We suggest that you manually enter the PL8SCAN URL or use a bookmark to reach our website rather than from a link in an email or other website unless you are certain of the source. Web addresses in emails and websites can be spoofed, and you may be directed to a site that resembles PL8SCAN but is actually a copy designed to capture personal information. To ensure you are at the correct website read the URL in your browser's address bar and verify that it includes exactly (case does not matter) "PL8SCAN.com".

8. Is your website secure?

Our website identity is secured by an SSL certificate from Network Solutions.

Back to top

Features

1. What is a Post?

A Post is a message addressed to a license PL8. Once posted it is stored in the PL8SCAN database and can be found by others who Scan (search) that PL8.

2. What is a Menu message?

Menu messages are pre-defined Post messages you select from a menu rather than composing a custom message. Non-members are limited to menu messages but anyone can use them. Our menu covers quite a bit but if you have a suggestion for other messages send us a note to PL8-Suggestions@PL8SCAN.com.

3. What is a Free Form message?

They are custom messages you compose up to 160 total characters. (Prohibited content is noted in our Terms of Use.)

4. What is a Scan?

When you want to find Posted messages about a PL8 you "Scan" the PL8.

5. What is an Anonymous Post?

Members have a PL8SCAN username that can be associated with Posts that they do. If a user who Posts is not a member or if they select the "Anonymous" checkbox, their Post will not be associated with their Username and no responses by other members will be possible.

6. What is an Exact Match Scan?

When you do a Scan we will look for Posts that contain the PL8 characters you entered. If a record is found with those characters in the same order it will be included in the Scan results even if there are more characters in the record. If you do not want those type of matches returned in the Scan results check the box marked "Exact Match only".

7. Can I generate a text message Post notice online?

No. Only text message Posts will generate text message Post notices. Online and text message Posts will generate email notices.

8. What is my BuddyList?

Membership entitles you to keep a BuddyList of up to 5 PL8s that you frequently Scan. In addition you can request email and text message Post notices for any of the PL8s in your BuddyList.

9. What is my PL8Box?

Your PL8Box is a way for you to communicate with other PL8SCAN members by username rather than email address. For instance if you read a Post and it has a username associated with it you can send that member a message to their PL8Box and they can reply to yours. Your PL8Box is not an Internet email address and is only accessible at the PL8SCAN website.

10. What is my Profile for?

When you send a reply to a Post the recipient of that message may want to know a little more about you before replying - and vice versa. Member Profiles are intended to help with that. They can only be seen by PL8SCAN members. You decide how much (or little) of your Profile you want other members to see. PL8SCAN also uses your Profile in order to improve our service. We DO NOT sell your Profile data to any third parties outside PL8SCAN.

11. How long do Posts stay in your database?

At this time we do not delete Posts based on age.

Back to top

How Do I...?

1. ...send a message to a PL8 online?

This is called a "Post". At the PL8SCAN Home page find the section titled "Post Messages". Using the state and characters of the PL8 that you want to send the message to:
- Select a state
- Enter the PL8 characters (case, spaces and special characters are ignored)
- Members select Menu or Free Form message
- If Menu message
Select a category and then a message
- If Free Form message
Compose your message (up to 160 characters)
- Check the box if you want the message to be Anonymous
- Click Submit

2. ...know what PL8 characters to use in my Post?

PL8SCAN does not use any of the special characters you might find in a PL8 - especially those written vertically. For example - motorcycle PL8s are often preceded by the characters "MC" written vertically. Do not include those in your PL8. The same applies to other characters that denote a special kind of PL8. Use only the main characters that make the PL8 unique.

If you don't know what a character is the best approach is to make a guess. If you are trying to Scan do the same thing and deselect the "Exact Match" option.

3. ...find messages about a PL8?

This is called a "Scan". At the PL8SCAN Home page find the section titled "Scan Messages". For the license PL8 you are interested in:
- Select the state or "Any State" from the menu
- Enter the license PL8 characters in the "PL8 Number" box
(case, spaces and special characters are ignored)
- Optionally check the "Anonymous" box
- Optionally check the "Exact match only" box
- Click Submit

4. ...reply to a message to a PL8?

When you do a Scan you will be presented with a list of Posts. If there is a name in the username column, simply click on that name and you'll be taken to a page where you can compose a message that will be sent to that members PL8Box.

Use caution in providing personally identifying information such as your real name, address, phone number or email address in this message. PL8SCAN does not verify the accuracy or truth of any information provided by its users. We strongly suggest that you do not provide any personally identifying information in a PL8SCAN message.

5. ...delete a Post?

At this time PL8SCAN does not support deleting Posts.

6. ...report a problem?

Our FAQ and Help pages offer quite a bit of help that will solve most problems. If you need additional help there is a form on the Help page for submitting a help request.

7. ...make a suggestion?

Send them by email to: PL8-Suggestions@PL8SCAN.com

Back to top

Accounts and Membership

1. How do I become a member?

Click here. It's simple and quick.

2. What does it cost?

During our initial promotion anyone can join for free. To do this select the "Timid Texter (promo)" package and enter the coupon code "PL8SCAN" in the space provided. This code entitles you to a $4.99 discount. If you want to purchase more text messages than are in this package (20) the discount will be applied to the cost of the package you select. At the conclusion of our promotion the minimum membership cost will be the cost of the "Timid Texter" package. You can purchase more text messages at any time.

3. What are the benefits of membership?

For only $4.99 a YEAR you get some great advantages.
- Post and reply by text message
- Get Post notices (email and text messages) for your PL8s
- Your username allows you to correspond with members anonymously
- A Profile to share as much (or as little) about yourself as you like.
- Post free form messages
- See real email addresses of members that share it

Click here to Join now.

4. What's the difference between the membership packages?

The only difference is the number of text messages you want. The more you buy the lower the cost per message.

5. How do I buy more text messages?

Once you've signed in select "My Account > Add Text Messages".

6. Can I become a member if I don't want to use text messaging?

Absolutely. If you select the "Timid Texter (promo)" package the cost is minimal. Besides - during our initial promotion that package is FREE. When you come to the page asking you to confirm your mobile number just click the "Skip" button. Please note that if you decide you do want to use text messages you will not be able to do so until you complete this step. Your account will include the text message balance should you choose to use it later.

7. What happens to unused text messages at the end of a year?

If you renew your membership unused text messages are rolled over.

8. How do I close my account?

There are probably other options to solve any problems you are having - please review this FAQ for them. For example you can block messages, stop emails and limit text messages expenses. To close your account select "My Account > Close Account"

9. Does my login timeout?

Yes. After 20 minutes of inactivity you will have to sign in again.

10. How do I re-open my closed account?

Please contact PL8SCAN at the Help page.

Back to top

Text Messaging

1. What phone number do I send text messages to?

Instead of a phone number send PL8SCAN text messages to our short code:

75863 (PL8ME)
2. How do I format a text message?

Please refer to "Text Messaging > Quick Reference" for complete details. Since you can send several kinds of messages we use keywords. The main keyword formats are:

Post a message to a PL8 = POST <ST+PL8> <MSG>
Reply to a text message Post = TAG <USERNAME> <MSG>
Get help = HELP
Stop all text messages = STOP

3. How long can my text message be?

A total of 160 characters including keywords and other required words.

4. What text messages do you charge for?

Normally we charge for each text message you send or receive through PL8SCAN. Typical messages that we charge for are Posts and TAG replies. In addition we send some administrative messages. For example we can send you a confirmation of your text message Post. During our promotional period we will not charge for administrative messages. At the conclusion of our promotional period members will be given an option to select which administrative messages they want to receive and have deducted from their account. Members will be notified by email and given an opportunity to choose before any changes are made.

5. Who gets the text messages I send?

Post notices will be sent to anyone who has requested text message Post notices for that PL8. TAG replies are only sent to the username specified in the message.

6. What are the 2 digit state codes?

Unknown

Idaho

Missouri

Pennsylvania

Alabama

Illinois

Montana

Rhode Island

Alaska

Indiana

Nebraska

South Carolina

Arizona

Iowa

Nevada

South Dakota

Arkansas

Kansas

New Hampshire

Tennessee

California

Kentucky

New Jersey

Texas

Colorado

Louisiana

New Mexico

Utah

Connecticut

Maine

New York

Vermont

Delaware

Maryland

North Carolina

Virginia

Dist of Colum

Massachusetts

North Dakota

Washington

Florida

Michigan

Ohio

West Virginia

Georgia

Minnesota

Oklahoma

Wisconsin

Hawaii

Mississippi

Oregon

Wyoming

7. Who is the sender of text messages I receive?

Text messages from PL8SCAN will show our short code (75863) as the sender. You might find it handy to add PL8SCAN to your address book and use 75863 as our mobile number so that our name shows when you receive a text message.

8. How can I control my text message costs?

Login and select "Text Messaging > Preferences". You can set a daily limit on your text messages. You can also choose to receive (or not) text message Post notices for your Profile PL8.

At "My Account > My BuddyList" you can select which PL8s on your BuddyList you want to receive text message Post notices for.

9. How do I stop getting text messages from a member?

Add the members username to your Blocklist at "My Account > My Blocklist".

10. How do I stop getting all text messages?

At "Text Messaging > Preferences" click the Stop button next to the "Text message communication status" message.

From your mobile device send PL8SCAN a text message with the keyword "STOP".

11. How do I start getting text messages again?

At "Text Messaging > Preferences" click the Start button next to the "Text message communication status" message.

12. How do I get more text messages?

Login and go to "My Account > Add Text Messages". Purchases there will add to your account balance and extend your membership.

13. How do I change or confirm my mobile number?

Login and go to "Text Messaging > Preferences". Select the "Change (or confirm) my number" link.

14. How can I find my text message balance?

Login and go to "Text Messaging > Preferences".

Back to top

Problems

1. You won't let me use my email address to join.

The email address you enter must be valid (you can read email sent to it) and for security reasons cannot be in use by another member. We are not able to give you any information on other members that may be using an email address. If you can currently receive email to the address you are trying to use please contact us at the Help page.

2. I never got the email to confirm my email address.

We've found it can take several hours for email to be delivered to some addresses. This can happen if there is a virus scanner or just heavy traffic. If you have a SPAM blocker in effect it may also be preventing the message from being delivered or it may delivering it to a special SPAM folder. To ensure your message is delivered we suggest you add PL8SCAN.com to your address book or trusted senders list. The most effective way to do that is to add the domain name "PL8SCAN.com" rather than a specific email address.

Finally, if you haven't already done so please review the address you're entering for common problems like typos and spaces. If you're confident the address is correct and you have received email to it before please contact us at the Help page.

3. You won't let me use my mobile number to join.

The mobile phone number that you enter must be valid (you can receive phone calls and text messages sent to it) and for security reasons it cannot be in use by another member.

Please review the number you're entering for common mistakes like typos and old numbers. If we've indicated that someone else is using the number it's likely you've entered your number incorrectly as the other member had to confirm the number before use.

In order to get past this step you can select "Skip" but please note you will not be able to send or receive text messages until you complete this step. To do that later login and go to "Text Messaging > Preferences" and select the "Change (or confirm) my number" link.

If you are unable to resolve the problem with your mobile phone number contact us at the Help page and indicate the phone number you're having the problem with and what times you cannot accept calls on this phone. We may call the number to confirm it.

4. My cellular provider is not on your list.

At this time the carriers listed are the only ones we can guarantee that our Service works with. We are working to add others. We have found though that due to the various associations carriers have some carriers that are not on the list MAY work. To check simply select a random carrier and try to confirm your number. If you get the confirmation text message your carrier will work and you can continue. If you do not get the text message we are not able to provide text messaging for your number. You can still join to get the other membership benefits. We are continuing to add other carriers so please check back later. We apologize for any inconvenience.

5. I never got the text message to confirm my mobile number.

Sometimes it can take up to an hour to receive it. If you haven't already left the confirm page try clicking the submit button again. If it takes longer than you want to wait click the "Skip" button. You will have to come back later and confirm your number by selecting "Text Messaging > Preferences" and then "Change (or confirm)my number".

If you still don't get the message there might be a problem with your service. If you are able to receive other text messages please contact us at the Help page.

6. I got an error message when I sent a text message.

Please make sure you are a PL8SCAN member with text messages left in you balance. You can check that at "Text Messaging > Preferences". Also make sure you're using the correct format for your message. Those can be found at "Text Messaging > Quick Reference". Finally when responding with a TAG reply to a member make sure you spell the username correctly. If you've checked all these and are still having problems contact us at the Help page.

7. What characters do I use from a PL8?

PL8SCAN does not use any of the special characters you might find in a PL8 - especially those written vertically. For example - motorcycle PL8s are often preceded by the characters "MC" written vertically. Do not include those in your PL8. The same applies to other characters that denote a special kind of PL8. Use only the main characters that make the PL8 unique.

If you don't know what a character is the best approach is to make a guess. If you are trying to Scan do the same thing and deselect the "Exact Match" option.

8. I forgot my password.

At our Home page enter your username in the login section and click "Password Reminder". We'll send you an email.

9. I forgot my username.

Please contact us at the Help page.

10. Someone is sending me messages I don't want.

Add their username to your Blocklist and all further messages will be blocked. Your blocklist can be found at "My Account > My Blocklist".

11. Someone is Posting abusive messages.

Please report all abuse of our Terms of Use to PL8-Abuse@PL8SCAN.com.

Back to top
12. The person I thought would get my text message Post didn't get it.

In order for someone to get your text message Post they need to have the PL8 you Posted to (including the state) in their Profile or BuddyList and have text messages enabled for it. Also make sure you've used the correct PL8 for your Post. One common mistake we've found is leaving off the state at the front of the PL8 or putting spaces in it - for example:

CORRECT - POST AZABC123 This is my messsage
INCORRECT - POST ABC123 This is my messsage
INCORRECT - POST ABC 123 This is my message
INCORRECT - POST AZ ABC123 This is my message

Some other reasons the intended recipient might not get your Post are: Their text message balance is empty, they've turned off text messaging, exceeded the daily limit they set or added you to their Blocklist.

The recipient can correct any of these as follows:

Add a PL8 to their Profile at - "My Account > My Profile"
Add a PL8 to their BuddyList at - "My Account > My BuddyList"
Turn text messaging on at - "Text Messaging > Preferences"
Change their daily text message limit at - "Text Messaging > Preferences"
Purchase additional text messages at - "My Account > Add Text Messages"
Edit their Blocklist at - "My Account > My Blocklist"

If you didn't get an error message about your Post it can be found on the website by Scanning the PL8 you Posted to. If you left the state off you must use the Any State option to see it.

Back to top

What It's All About

Security and Privacy

Features

How Do I...?

Accounts and Membership

Text Messaging

Problems

Other Questions

What It's All About

Security and Privacy

Features

How Do I...?

Accounts and Membership

Text Messaging

Problems

Other Questions

Username:

Password: