FAQ - How the site works

1) How do I submit an idea?
Just register or login (which is very quick), then go to Submit an Idea and then type in the problem that your idea solves and the text of your idea. It's as simple as that.

2) Do I retain copyright over it?
Not on this site. If you are worried that your idea is patentable and you don't want to lose rights to it, then this site is not for you. We are about sharing ideas and working as a global community to make them happen. Generally, you can't copyright an "idea"; you can patent a gadget/new piece of technology, but (see below) you shouldn't submit those to this site anyway.

3) Do you accept product and gadget ideas?
No. We define a 'social invention' as a non-product, non-patentable, non-gadget idea, and those are the ones we feature on the site. There are several other idea sites which cater to product ideas where you can try your luck. In a small minority of cases, we will consider a product idea if its overwhelming impact would be socially beneficial.

4) Why do ideas get rejected by the editors?
Usually because they are a product or patentable gadget, because we have them already (use the search!), because they are undeniably offensive (racist, homophobic etc) or because they are clearly trying to advertise a website or product. You must explain the idea: a weblink is not enough. [Submitting an idea multiple times will not help your cause, either]

5) What is this seed-plant-tree thing?
An idea with a seed next to it is an initial concept: a bright idea
An idea with a plant next to it is a fledgling project for possible development
An idea with a tree next to it is a project that exists in some form

6) Why the seed-plant-tree system?
The intention is that ideas can evolve from an initial concept to a fledgling project and then be brought to fruition. The inventors of 'seeds' that get a high feasibility rating may be invited to submit more information to become a 'plant'; they, or someone else, can then use that to put the idea into practice....and become a tree, a project changing the world.

7) How does the voting work?
You can just give an overall vote, or choose to give an additional rating for feasibility, originality and humour. You cannot vote for one idea more than once in a particular time period: but you can tell your friends to....For more, see the Rating FAQ

8) How does My Profile work?
Once you've registered, you can submit an idea, and comment on ideas. You can alter your preferences whenever you want by logging in and checking out your Profile.

9) How can I make my idea happen?
Check out the Success Stories section, which shows you how other people managed to do it. Use the goodwill of the people of other members. Also, see the main UnLtd website which has a great deal of useful information, above and beyond details of their own awards scheme for individual social entrepreneurs.

10) Why should I submit my already existing project?
Because it will draw you to the attention of many more people, people with advice, expertise and who may want to help; they can sign up to support your project, and you can then e-mail them asking for help, advice or support. It will also make you part of a global database of social invention, of projects and ideas from which you can draw inspiration and information; it will also allow people all over the UK to do the same from yours.

11) If my idea is accepted, do I get an UnLtd award?
No. This microsite is a separate part of UnLtd's work. If you are driven enough to take your idea forward, and feel it is viable, you may of course apply for an award through your regional UnLtd office.

More information on UnLtd and its work can be found here.
More information on the Global Ideas Bank, which inspired the UnLtd Ideas Bank, can be found here.

If you have a question not answered here, please Contact Us.