FAQs
We're sure you will have lots of questions about MyMP so we've
addressed the obvious ones here. Please send any other questions to
support@my-mp.org.uk and
we'll be happy to help.
Background
- How has MyMP come about?
-
Public Zone launched a trial of MyMP with former MP, Derek
Wyatt, in February 2010. The trial was hugely successful
and we're proud to say the app was awarded 'Honoree' status in the
2010 Webby Awards. It's also been shortlisted for the 2010 Nominet
Awards. Thanks to support from NESTA, Public Zone has been able to
build a platform to enable all MPs to create their own iPhone
application.
- Who are Public Zone and NESTA?
-
Public Zone is a London-based digital agency that specialises in
working with charities, public sector and not-for-profit
organisations. We choose to work on projects that are socially
motivated because we are a group of experienced and passionate
people who care about our society. For more information see www.publiczone.co.uk
NESTA is an independent endowment body with a mission to
encourage innovation in science, technology and arts in the UK.
NESTA is supporting the trial of MyMP as it believes it's an
innovative tool in increasing engagement between MPs and their
constituents. For more information on NESTA see www.nesta.org.uk
- How much will MyMP cost me?
-
Constituents can download MyMP for free from the App Store.
NESTA is funding a trial till 31st December 2010 so, up until this
date, MPs can set up a profile on MyMP for no charge. Public
Zone may charge a subscription to the service after 31st December
2010, however, MPs are under no obligation to continue using MyMP
after this date.
- Who can view MyMP?
-
Anyone who has downloaded MyMP from the App Store can view your
app; however, they will be asked to enter their postcode if they
wish to contact you or add a comment.
Content
- How do I update content on my app?
-
When you register with MyMP you will be asked for an email and
password. To update or amend your content simply login to this
website using these details, add or delete your content and press
save. This will instantly update your app.
- Can I pull in existing content from my website?
-
If you have RSS feeds on your website you can use these to pull
content into MyMP. We recommend using them for news
items.
- How do I know when someone has added a comment?
-
You can view all your comments via the website but the easiest
way is on the iPhone app itself. You can view the 10 most recent
comments across all discussions.
- How do I respond to comments?
-
Once you have created a discussion topic, you can view and
respond to comments via the website. Users who have left a comment
will be alerted to your response.
- Are comments moderated?
-
No, you are responsible for post-moderating your comments. You
can delete any irrelevant or offensive comments via the
website.
Technical
- Can I switch my iPhone app on and off?
-
Yes, you can de-activate your app by logging in and changing the
status on the right. This will instantly stop people accessing your
content.
- Is MyMP available on other phones?
-
MyMP is compatible with iPhone 3G and 3GS and iTouch. Updates
will be provided to ensure MyMP is compatible with any further
models or operating systems. There are no immediate plans to
provide MyMP on other platforms.
- Do I need an iPhone to have an MP profile on MyMP?
-
No, you do not need an iPhone. You can enter information and
monitor comments by logging into this website. It would be useful
for you to view the content you create on an iPhone, but it is not
essential.
Security
- What if I forget my password?
-
Click on the the login button on the homepage and enter your
email address in the forgotten password box. You
will receive an email with an automatically generated
password. Use this to log in then change it to something more
memorable by clicking on the 'change password' tab.
- Do you approve all apps before they go live?
-
Apps will only be published when we have confirmation from the
MP themselves that they have set up the app and they are happy for
it to go live. As soon as the app is live, no further content
amends or additions will require approval.
Media
- Who has created MyMP and why?
-
Public Zone designed and developed MyMP for former MP, Derek
Wyatt, and launched in February 2010. MyMP was the first
iPhone application of its kind and following demand from other MPs,
Public Zone secured funding to roll out the trail to all MPs at no
cost to them or their constituents.
- Who pays for MyMP?
-
The development and trial of MyMP (from 1st July 2010 to 31st
December 2010) has been funded by NESTA as part of their Reboot
Britain programme. Public Zone are currently exploring further
funding opportunities from Jan 2011 onwards.
- What is NESTA’s involvement?
-
NESTA have funded the development and trial of MyMP as part of
their Reboot Britain Programme. The trial ends on 1st October
2010.
- Can users be sure the information they see is genuine?
-
Strict approval processes are in place to ensure that
the MPs featured are inputing genuine content.
- Which MPs have signed up?
-
The latest list of MPs that have signed up are listed on the
homepage of the app.
- Who do I contact for further information?
-
For press enquiries please contact: Pavla Kopecna on
pavla@publiczone.co.uk / 020 7267 4774 or Jan Singleton
on Jan.Singleton@nesta.org.uk / 020 7438 2606