FAQ
Common questions
What officers ask us most. If yours isn't here, ask on the contact page.
Getting started
Do we need anyone technical?
No. If you can send a text message and attach a photo, you can run your site. Every admin screen has a ? that explains it in plain words.
How long does setup take?
Most organizations are live the same day. Add your name, meeting night, a logo if you have one, and a few photos.
Is training available?
Short how-to guides are coming. Until then, email us and we will help.
Can we keep our web address?
Yes. Point your existing domain at Member Lantern, or use an address on ours.
What happens to our old site?
Add redirects from your old links to the right new pages, so nothing on the bulletin board goes dead.
Money
What does the free trial include?
Everything: your public website and every add-on. You get 14 days to start. Finishing setup earns more time, so adding your logo, meeting info and officers, inviting a second admin and posting your first event all extend it. The most you can get is 60 days. No credit card.
What happens when the trial ends?
Your public site stays up. The admin becomes read-only, and you can export your data any time. Pick a plan whenever you're ready to edit again.
What do we pay for after the trial?
A flat price for Lantern or Beacon. Lantern includes one add-on and Beacon includes all of them. Prices are coming soon, and you'll see the price before you pay anything.
Do you charge per member?
No. A post with 400 members pays the same as one with 40.
Is there a contract?
No. You can stop a monthly plan any month.
Can our treasurer pay by check?
Yes, for annual plans.
Running the organization
What happens when our officers change?
You add the incoming officers as admins and remove the outgoing ones. Rosters are kept by year, so the site shows the current officers automatically. The site belongs to the organization, not to a person.
Can members send in photos?
Yes. Print the QR code, members scan it and enter a short PIN, and you approve what gets posted.
Does the cash register need special hardware?
No. It runs on any phone or tablet. A cash drawer and receipt printer are optional.
Can we take payments online?
Not yet. Dues and online payments are being built, and we mark them "coming soon" until they ship. We don't advertise what isn't ready.
Trust
Who owns our data?
You do. Export your members, events, documents and photos whenever you like.
Where is it hosted and who supports it?
Member Lantern is built and hosted by AskVTI in the United States. Support comes from the same small team that builds it.
Is it only for lodges?
No. The first site was a lodge's, and Member Lantern now runs sites for civic clubs, veterans posts, fraternal orders, church groups, HOAs and small nonprofits. Nothing in it assumes what kind of organization you are.