Upgrade To Blog Comments
Over the next few months bbc.co.uk is upgrading its sign-in service to a shiny new one called BBC iD.
Some sites are already using it and the BBC's blogs are all going to be up grading next week. Excitingly we're going to have a sneak preview here on Cycling The Americas as we're going to be moving over to BBC iD on Monday 26th Oct. Yes, that's this Monday!
If you have any problems with the new system after the changes on Monday then do email us at cyclingtheamericas@bbc.co.uk and we'll do our best to help.
As we think you might have a few questions about what this means for you, and what you'll have to do on Monday, there is a FAQ - answered by the team who've been working to make these changes to bbc.co.uk - at the end of this post.
What is BBC iD?
- BBC iD is the new sign in system across the BBC. It's already in use on new sites and services such as iPlayer message board and is currently being rolled out across all other services that require a user to register or sign in.
- The intention is that by March 2010 it'll be the single sign in for all BBC online services. If you have an existing BBC membership account for blogs, message boards or other services at some point in the next few months you will need to switch to BBC iD.
BBC iD sounds good. What do I need to do to join?
- If you've already got a BBC membership then it's a fairly simple process. When one of the BBC sites you regularly sign in to, (eg blogs), switches over to BBC iD you'll be prompted to create a BBC iD when you try to log in. Just follow the instructions on screen.
- If you've never had any form of BBC membership just go to the BBC iD homepage to create a BBC iD. NB: Until the switchover is complete you won't be able to sign in to non-BBC iD sites with your BBC iD. (For more help see the FAQ "I've just created a BBC iD but I can't sign in to some of the BBC's services. Why?")
What was wrong with the old system?
The membership system we're replacing was built some years ago and it needs to be replaced. It won't support many of the services we expect to introduce in future and it doesn't function as a single sign in system across all of BBC Online. We think our new system will provide users with a much more satisfactory experience, though converting from the old system to the new will cause inconvenience, for which we apologise.
What are the benefits of BBC iD?
Our aim is to provide users with a single sign on system for all the BBC services they use across current and new platforms. For example, customisations and preferences you set on the website can be carried across to digital television and mobile services.
I've just created a BBC iD but I can't sign in to some of the BBC's services. Why?
- Some of the BBC's services are still using the old BBC membership system and you won't be able to sign into them with a BBC iD until the service you want to use has moved to BBC iD.
- This will be between October and the end of February. Each site will be telling its users when it expects to make the change. NB: See the FAQ "My new BBC iD account won't let me sign into a site that's still using the old sign in system. What should I do?" to find out what you can do. (Below)
My new BBC iD account won't let me sign into a site that's still using the old membership system. What should I do?
If you'd like to comment or post a message on a site that's still using the BBC membership system you can use your previous membership details. If you only have a BBC iD account you can create a separate account to use on sites that haven't switched over to BBC iD as yet. Do that by going to the site where you'd like to post a comment and click on "Register". This account will only be needed for a short period and eventually your BBC iD will work on all BBC sites.
I've got lots of BBC memberships. Can I make them into one BBC iD?
No. Read the FAQ "I've got more than one BBC membership. What are my options?" to find out more. (Below)
I've got more than one BBC membership. What are my options?
- You can choose to migrate one of your BBC memberships to BBC iD and use that on all new sites using BBC iD. Eventually you'll be able to sign in to all BBC services with one BBC iD.
- You can migrate each account separately and create a new BBC iD for each one that links to your previous comments and so on. You will need a valid email address for each account.
I have several BBC membership accounts that I use depending on where I'm commenting or posting. Can I keep the different nick names that I have?
Yes. As long as you create a different BBC iD account for each one. You'll need a valid email address for each BBC iD.
Can I make changes to my profile when I switch over to BBC iD?
In the migration process you'll be given the option of creating a display name that will appear on all your future comments and posts as well as on posts you made with your previous BBC membership.If I migrate my BBC account to the new BBC iD will my posts and comments be affected?
All previous comments or posts will continue to appear on the BBC websites. The BBC membership that you migrated to BBC iD will still be linked to these comments. Also if you make a change to your BBC iD profile (eg: If you change your display name) it'll be changed on previous comments that you made using your BBC membership.
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