Member Verification

[jeff]

To help create and maintain a community based on trust, we have implemented a member verification system. Verified members have a blue check mark next to their username in areas where content is submitted, such as posts and conversation messages, indicating that they have proven their identity. Knowing that someone is who they claim to be can help in certain situations, such as when engaging in transactions, or exchanging pens or materials. Verification is not a guarantee of trustworthiness or good behavior, but it may be helpful in evaluating the authenticity of a member's intent in some situations.

Members without the verified symbol should not be judged to be dishonest, untrustworthy, or having devious intent. There are many legitimate reasons that one wishes to remain anonymous, and they are as welcome in our community as those who are verified. Verification is not a pedigree or a guarantee of good business practices or honesty. It's just a piece of information that says we're 99.9999% certain that this person is who they claim to be.

Any of the following criteria enable a member to become verified:

• Have an established business presence including a published address and telephone, an active web site, and a business history with members
• Be someone who I (or one of the moderators) have met in person or who is well-known to the community at large as a real person
• Made a prior purchase from the IAP store using a credit card with real name verification and a physical ship-to address
• Be a long-standing (2+ years) member of the community with a significant posting history (50+) and/or sales history to members
• Be a verified user of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

How to request verification

1. Go to your account details page (click your username in the menu bar)
2. Select "Request Verification" which will open a popup window with some fields
3. Complete and submit the form