16
Aug
The Stray Ferret has been the source for local, independent news, covering the Harrogate district since March 2020.
This year we made some significant changes, and in a bid to continue the service we provide, the organisation launched a new website, and a new app, and moved to a paid subscription
We’re hugely appreciative of the number of readers that have already signed up for our subscription – so a genuine thank you from us.
We’re mindful of the technical aspects related to subscribing, accessing your account, and staying up-to-date with the daily news.
In a bid to help those less familiar with technology, we’ve put together a tech and jargon de-buster.
An account is a personal profile created with a service or platform, usually by providing information such as a username and password. This profile allows you to access and use the services offered by the platform – in this case – the Stray Ferret.
To be able to subscribe to the Stray Ferret – you must first create an account. This way the system that manages subscriptions and monthly/annual payments recognises you and any payments you have made, or if you have not yet a subscriber.
You will need to use your current email address for the Username and create a password.
The password must be 8 digits long and contain:
• An upper-case letter – e.g. T
• A lowercase letter – e.g. u
• A number – e.g. 24
• A symbol – e.g. #
Most modern devices will ask you if you want to save your password and login details – we suggest you do, so you don’t have to remember the login details.
Below is a video that shows you where your account is and how to log into it.
A subscription is a way to pay for and receive a service or product regularly. You sign up and agree to pay a set amount of money at regular intervals (like monthly or yearly) to keep getting that service or product. Examples include subscribing to a magazine, a streaming service like Netflix, or a meal delivery service.
Regarding the Stray Ferret, readers can choose a monthly billing of £4.99 which is renewed and taken from your bank automatically, or an annual payment of £49.99. Once the year is up, you will receive a reminder that the next payment will be taken automatically.
You can cancel your subscription at any point.
There are 3 ways to pay for the subscription.
By Credit or Debit Card – Through www.thestrayferret.co.uk in a browser
By Apple Pay – Via the iPhone app
By Google Pay – Via the Android app
If you have downloaded the app(see App below) and are trying to sign up for a subscription but haven’t set up Apple Pay or Google Pay – we would suggest visiting www.thestrayferret.co.uk – and going through the process on the website in a browser (see below) – which will enable you to use your debit or credit card.
*Please be aware – if you have created an account (see above) in the app with your username(your email) and password, but haven’t yet paid for the subscription – when you go via the internet to www.thestrayferret.co.uk – find the small head and shoulders man in the top right hand of the site.
– click on that and login to your account – it will ask for your username(email) and password. You can also watch this video: How to login to your subscription account.
It will then show you if you have or haven’t paid for a subscription.
If you don’t do this and go to set up an account again – it will tell you “There is already an account with this email”.
The Stray Ferret website can be found at www.thestrayferret.co.uk.
If you are on a laptop, a tablet or a mobile phone. However, if you search for information (Google search, Safari, Edge, Firefox) this will generally open up the website in a window– this is a browser. This allows you to search for information, and websites, and shop online – on the internet.
To access your account/subscription take a look at the following: How to login to your subscription account.
The Stray Ferret Logo sits at the top of the website and looks like this:
This is a clever and handy trick if you want to get back to the home page or leave whatever you’re reading, simply click on or tap on the logo and it will take you back to the home page.
An app, short for "application," is a software program designed to perform specific tasks or functions on a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The Stray Ferret offers an app – which mimics the main website.
The difference with an app is it is easy to download and find on your tablet screen or mobile phone screen. With one tap – you can access the news rather than having to search for the Stray Ferret website.
We have an app for both Apple iPhones/Tablets and Android mobile phones and tablets.
You can download the apps via the following link:
For apple: The Stray Ferret on the App Store (apple.com)
For Android (Samsung/Google): The Stray Ferret – Apps on Google Play
An app update is a new version of a software application that includes improvements, new features, bug fixes, or security enhancements. Developers release updates to ensure the app runs smoothly, remains secure, and provides the best user experience. When you update an app, you are downloading and installing these changes to replace the older version on your device.
Reasons for App Updates:
• New Features: Adding new tools, functionalities, or enhancements to the app.
• Bug Fixes: Correcting errors or issues that users have reported.
• Security: Improving the app’s security to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Performance: Enhancing the app’s speed, responsiveness, and efficiency.
• Compatibility: Ensuring the app works with the latest operating system versions and devices.
To update an app, you typically go to the app store where you downloaded it, such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and check for available updates. Some devices also offer automatic updates to keep your apps current without manual intervention.
You may have been enjoying the Stray Ferret and all of a sudden been kicked out of your account, this is most probably because the app needs to be updated.
A cache is a special storage area in a browser that saves copies of data to help things load faster.
Sometimes the cache can be overloaded with data and needs cleaning out. This might be preventing you from accessing your account/subscription and reading the news.
Follow the below to clear out your cache.
Apple:
Chrome: Press the three dots in the top right corner of the page. This will open a dropdown menu. Select "Delete browsing data." After pressing this, your cache will be cleared.
Safari: Press the two boxes in the top right corner of Safari. This will show you all your open pages. Click the cross in the top left corner of each webpage box to delete them and clear the cache.
Dell:
Press the Ctrl + Shift + Delete keys to bring up the history-clearing options. This will bring up a list of what you can and cannot delete. Click the Details arrow for a more detailed list. You can also choose a period to clear. The options include clearing the last hour, the last 2 hours, the last 4 hours, the last full day, or everything. Select "Clear Now."
Android:
Android Browser: Open your browser. Go to Menu > More > Settings or Menu > Settings > Privacy & Security. Tap "Clear cache," "Clear history," and "Clear all cookie data" as appropriate.
Apple:
Safari - Open the Safari app on your iPhone. Tap the book symbol at the bottom, tap the clock symbol, then tap Clear. Below Clear Timeframe, choose how much of your browsing history to clear. Tap Clear History.
This video shows you how to access your account to login.
Our team are on hand to help you with your subscription to the Stray Ferret. If you are struggling to create your account, please give us a call or pop in to see us in the Stray Ferret office, 5 Cambridge Crescent, Harrogate between 8.30 and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Please ensure you bring the device you read the Stray Ferret on plus a credit or debit card (if you don’t use Apple or Google Pay). If you bank online, please ensure you have access to your banking app to verify security.
We are unable to accept cash or cheques.
If you don't use Apple or Google Pay then you cannot pay for the App in the App Store.
You can still subscribe but you will need to do this on a website browser first.
1. Go to your usual website browser, eg Google, Safari or Edge
2. Type www.thestrayferret.co.uk
3. Click on the red subscribe button in the top right hand corner
4. Follow the steps to create an account (take a note of the email and password you use as you will need this to log in to the App)
5. Pay with a debit or credit card (you will need to have online banking set up as you will be asked to verify the payment - this is for your security and cannot be by-passed)
6. Once you have created an account and paid for the subscription you can go back to your app
7. Click on the head and shoulder profile in the top right of the app
8. You will be asked to login. Please insert your email and the SAME password you used to create the account.
You should now have access to all stories and offers on the Stray Ferret.
Please make sure your app is version 1.2.6 to ensure you stay logged in.
Please make sure you are logged into your account. You can check if you are logged in by clicking on the person profile outline in the top right hand corner of the screen. If you are logged in then it will display your subscription plan.
If you are not logged in then you need to scroll to Already registered? Login here. You then need to insert your email and password.
There appear to be some issues with Safari. We recommend ensuring you have cleared your cache or use Chrome or Edge as your browser.
If you are still struggling, please call the office or come in to see us.
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