What is Lafango?
Lafango is an online network that provides users with a platform to create, upload, and broadcast their talents. Our goal is to provide all the tools people need to achieve an online presence and gain exposure. Lafango helps you gain exposure without spending money, whether you are a professional or amateur. On Lafango, you can display your talent without being lost amongst hundreds of random videos. You can share your talent and get meaningful, creative feedback from other users. Let Lafango be your stage; share your talent with the world.
Why would I use Lafango?
Lafango was started under the premise of creating a completely level playing field for everyone. We don't sell advantages, we don't make you wait in lines, and we don't ask you to buy anything. There's no catch! We simply offer an open platform for people to come together, showcase their talents, and launch their creative careers. Members can find out about important events and resources, meet like-minded people to collaborate and communicate with, and get meaningful, creative feedback.
Is Lafango free?
Thankfully, yes! We firmly believe in creating a completely level playing field for all users, so we rely solely on advertisers to survive, making all of our features 100% free. If you're interested in advertising on Lafango, please contact us.
I've lost my password, what do I do?
We can reset your password for you. Just click here and provide us with your e-mail address. A temporary password will be sent to you so you can login and reset your password.
What's a Stage?
Your 'Stage' (sometimes in context referred to as 'MyStage') is a public profile page where everyone can view your information and talents, and leave you feedback.
What's a BackStage?
Your BackStage is a place for you to manage your talents. Here you can organize your media, view statistics, change your settings, and view status updates.
How do I edit my information and contact settings?
You can find links to edit your account settings in the upper-right corner of every page under your username.
How do I cancel my account?
We hope there is no reason for you to do this; however, if you still would like to cancel your account you can via your backstage account settings. Keep in mind that all of your media, blogs, and content will be lost and cannot be recovered. This action cannot be reversed, although you're always welcome to re-register with a different e-mail should you decide to come back one day.
How can I help spread the word about Lafango?
Yahoo!, Hotmail, Gmail, and AOL users can use our invite system to invite friends and family. You can also use the various "sharing" buttons found throughout the site to easily recommend us using Twitter, Facebook, and other similar services.
I've found a bug, how do I report it?
For the most part, our site is set up to automatically recognize errors and bugs. However, if you do come across an error that isn't being logged by the site, please contact us and send us a description of the error, as well as when and where you encountered it.
Is Lafango a Scam?
Nope. We're the real deal. By visiting our Contests Page, you will see numerous everyday people just like yourself who have won tons in cash and prizes as a result of their participation in a Lafango Contest. Contact them if you wish.
Plus, how can something be a scam when you don't pay anything to get in?
How do I change my icon?
Click the Change Icon link in the upper-right drop-down menu.
If you're having trouble uploading your icon, make sure that the image dimensions are bigger than 200px by 200px and smaller than 2600px wide or 2600px tall, and that the image size is smaller then 4mb.
Supported file types for icons are JPG, GIF, and PNG.
How do I create an account?
You can sign up for a Lafango account on our Registration Page.
How do I sign in?
You can sign in to your Lafango account on our Login Page.
What types of files can I upload?
Lafango accepts files in the following formats:
Video files: .AVI, .DV, .MOV, .QT, .MPG, .MPG2, .MPEG, .MPEG2, .MPEG4, MP4, 3QP, 3G2, .ASF, and .WMV
Image files: .JPG, .JPEG, .GIF, and .PNG
Audio Files: .MP3, .M4A, .WAV, and .WMA
Text Files: Direct Input only (.DOC and .TXT coming soon!)
How big of a file can I upload?
Lafango prides itself on the fact the you can upload just about anything you want. We have no maximum resolution for photos and no limit to the amount of text you can type.
The only limits we currently have are file size limits of 2GB (2 gigabytes, or 2,048 megabytes) and a time limit of 15 minutes on audio/video files.
How do I upload a file?
Once you've read and agreed to our Submission Guidelines, you can upload your media using our upload tool. You can find a link to this tool at the top of every page. If you're still having trouble, contact our support team.
I've uploaded my file, but I don't see it yet.
Once uploaded, your file takes time to 'transcode' in our system. This process can be a lengthy one depending on the type and size of your file. For audio and video files, this could take 2-30 minutes, sometimes more.
If your file has taken longer than an hour to process, please contact us and we'll look into the issue.
Do I retain the ownership rights to the content that I upload?
By uploading and sharing content on Lafango, you agree to the Creative Commons license. This gives permission to Lafango to share your work while you retain ownership.
Why isn't my media loading/playing properly?
While we work hard to ensure top-notch performance, some issues may arise. Media-related issues are usually due to a high number of simultaneous users accessing the site. Typically, your options are: be patient (the content should load eventually), or try again later when fewer people are browsing the site. However, if you are having a consistent problem with a particular piece of media, please don't hesitate to report it to our technical staff.
What kinds of talent are allowed?
Lafango feels that talent comes in many different forms. The first that come to mind are always singing, dancing, and acting; but we know the world is full of many more. We offer an extensive list of category options, but if you don't find what you are looking for, you can submit a new one. If you're curious about what others have to offer in this talent community, check out our Communities page and browse for a while.
What kinds of talent are NOT allowed?
No plagiarism is allowed anywhere on Lafango... EVER! Plagiarism is taking someone else's work and presenting it as if it were your own, whether you mean to or not. Committing plagiarism will result in immediate banning and account termination. Please refer to our Plagiarism Policy. Material that cannot be credited to you as the sole original author is restricted. If you are in a band, dance troupe, or other collective, then that entity and its work can be represented by each of the members. Video-blogging, podcasting, etc. posted under the guise of talent is not allowed. We offer a blog space for posting, but our media is reserved specifically for your talents. Anime Music Videos and videos that contain visual and audio elements that you did not create are not allowed. Even if you created the sequence, the cuts are not your own and neither is the audio. However, music videos featuring your own material, both visual and audio, are allowed and strongly encouraged!
I did a cover of my favorite song. Can I post it here?
Absolutely! All we ask is that you give credit where credit is due. What is NOT allowed is fraud. Don't cover a song and call it your own. That's illegal no matter what, and it's also a really lame thing to do.
Can I post my friend's video?
While we don't doubt that the media is completely awesome, we only allow original content to be posted. Instead, we suggest you convince the media owner into creating his or her own account for this purpose.
I found media with inappropriate content. How do I report it?
Simply note the url and title of the media in questions and report it to our technical staff.
How do I start a blog?
Just click here and start writing!
Can I use HTML in my blog entries?
No, but you can use BBCode.
How do I contribute to a category blog?
When you're creating or editing your blog entry, under "More Options," specify the category of your choice. If you don't want your entry to appear in a category blog, leave this option set to "Personal."
What are superlatives?
Superlatives provide information about top-performing blog entries and how they rank across all of Lafango. They don't influence your blog's exposure; they're just a way of letting you know how you're doing compared to everyone else on the site. Have a suggestion for a superlative? Contact us!
What's a blog roll?
A blog roll allows you to list links to other blogs you follow so you can recommend them to your readers. On Lafango, you are allowed to provide up to 10 links.
Is it possible to hide feedback for my blog?
When you're creating or editing your blog entry, under "More Options," adjust the "Feedback" setting. You can change this setting at any time.
I found a blog with inappropriate content. How do I report it?
At the bottom of every blog entry, there should be a "Flag" link. Click this link and tell us why you think its content is inappropriate.
How do I know my entry was successfully submitted in a contest?
Go to the contest's landing page. On the right-hand side of the page, look for the "Entry Status" section. This section will list all submitted entries and their statuses. If your entry isn't listed here, then it wasn't submitted to the contest. If it is listed here, then it was submitted. Be sure to check the status itself, as your entry may not have been approved (in which case, you may need to take additional steps).
How do contests work?
Each contest consists of one or more submission and voting periods. During the submission period, users may submit entries. During the voting period, the entries are voted on. Shortly after the conclusion of the voting periods, the finalists or winners will be announced.
How do you determine the winners?
After the conclusion of the voting period, we examine the voting record for any votes that appear fraudulent. If we find any, all votes by that particular user are discarded. This tends to cause the rankings of entries to shift a little bit (some may go up and some may go down). The new rankings are then used to determine the winners.
I want to vote for a particular user. How do I do this?
During the voting period, use the following: http://lafango.com/contests//. Just replace with the identifier for the contest, and with the username of the user you wish to vote for. If the user has an entry for you to vote on, you should see the entry here.
I don't like the prize. Can I choose something else?
No. All prizes are decided on by either Lafango or the contest sponsor.
What is a prize pool?
In some contests, the prize amount will be determined based on the number of contestants. The more contestants, the better the prize.
I noticed that some contests have experts listed. Who are they?
Occasionally, we may involve experts in contests. These individuals may choose to provide valuable feedback on entries. Also, depending on the contest, they may or may not have a special role in determining the winner.
I'd like to sponsor a contest. Who do I contact?
Just send us a message and we'll gladly assist you.
How do I enter a contest?
First, you must have an account on Lafango. If you don’t, you’ll need to sign-up for one. Second, you must have media. You can upload media on your Backstage. Third, the contest you’re looking to enter must be open for submission. Different contests have different submission dates, so you’ll have to check each individually.
If all of these requirements have been met, go to the contest's landing page and click the "Submit Entry" button. You'll be asked to agree to the contest rules. If you agree, you'll be shown a list of uploaded media that may be valid for this contest. Find the media you wish to enter, then click the "Submit to Contest" button next to that file.
Your submission will then be reviewed by our staff. This process typically takes between 24 and 48 hours. If your entry was disqualified, or if additional steps need to be taken to finalize your entry, this information will appear on the contest page under the "Entry Status" heading. Once your entry has a status of "Approved”, this means you have been successfully entered into the contest.
How much does it cost to enter a contest? Is there an entry fee?
Like everything else on Lafango, contests are free. There is no entry fee.
Why can't I select my media to enter in the contest?
Not all media is valid for every contest. If the media is not valid, or if it has been previously disqualified by a contest administrator, you won't be able to select it. Please check the restrictions for the contest you are looking to enter.
I selected my media. Am I entered in the contest now?
Almost. All entries must be reviewed by an administrator before being finalized. You can check the status of your entry at any time by going to the contest’s landing page, then looking under the "Entry Status" heading for your entry.
How big does my image need to be? How long does my audio/video need to be?
Different contests have different file type restrictions. Sometimes an image might need to have certain dimensions, or a text file might need to have a certain word count, or an audio/video file might need a certain duration. Please check the rules specific to the contest you're looking to enter. If the contest makes no mention of file type restrictions, there probably are none.
The system isn't letting me enter!
First, make sure you are logged-in. Second, make sure the contest is currently accepting submissions. Third, make sure the media you are trying to enter is valid for the contest. Fourth, check the submission guidelines, as some rounds are only open to certain users (such as finalists of previous rounds). If you're still having trouble, contact us.
I submitted my entry, but it's listed as "reserve". What does this mean?
In some multiple-round contests, only a limited number of top-performing contestants are permitted to enter later rounds. If you are not among this group, you may still be permitted to enter, but your entry will be listed as "reserve". This means that if any of the top contestants drop out of the contest, your entry may or may not be selected to take their place. So "reserve" entries are basically back-up entries.
I'm going to be without Internet access during the submission period. Is there any way for me to enter the contest early?
Although we don't allow early submissions, we might be willing to make special arrangements for you if you contact us ahead of time.
I missed the submission period. Can I still enter the contest?
If the voting period is almost over, then no. But if the submission period only recently ended, maybe. It depends on your unique circumstances. Contact us and we’ll let you know.
Help! I'm having trouble voting.
First, make sure that voting is open for the contest you're looking to vote in. You will only be able to vote during the designated voting periods. Second, make sure that you're logged-in. Although it's not a requirement for all contests, sometimes you may be required to sign-in first. Third, if you're looking to vote for a particular user, make sure that he or she has an entry for which you can vote. If you're still having trouble, contact us and we'll help you out.
Where can I find the submission and voting period dates for a contest?
Go to the contest's page and look on the right-hand side. Important dates should be listed under the "Schedule" heading.
I won a contest! How do I claim my prize?
Go to the contest page and click the "Claim Prize" button. You’ll be given a form to fill out. Once you've filled it out, you should receive your prize within 6 to 8 weeks. But don't delay! If you fail to fill out the form within 3 weeks, the prize will be forfeit.
How can I view the entries for a particular contestant?
Go to the contest's landing page and look for the "Entries" section. There should be a button that will allow you to sort entries by username. Click this button to sort them alphabetically. Then just find any entries in the list. If you cannot locate the contestant, he or she probably hasn't entered the contest. If you know the person has entered the contest, the entry probably just hasn't been approved by an administrator yet.
How can I get my friends to vote for me?
Every user has an individual contest page that can be shared for this very purpose. Its URL is http://lafango.com/contests/user/<username> (just replace <username> with your username). This page will list all active contests in which you are entered, as well as the dates of future voting periods.
How do I vote?
When a contest opens for voting, simply going to the contest page should present you with an opportunity to vote. Sometimes voting will use a side-by-side faceoff system, in which you'll have to choose the better of two entries. While other times you'll be asked to rate an entry on a scale from 1 to 5. Depending on the contest, you may or may not need to be logged-in.
What's the Elo rating system?
When voting between two entries, points are often calculated using the Elo rating system. This system adds or subtracts points based on both overall performance and the performance of the competing entry. Using this method not only makes it more difficult for cheaters to win, but it also gives those who are losing a chance to catch up. For more information, please see the Wikipedia entry.
How can I find out how an entry is performing?
On the contest page, you should be able to view a list of entries. Sometimes, this list will show ranking information. This information should give you a pretty good idea of how the entry is performing. In some cases however, this information is not disclosed, and you'll have to wait until the contest is over to find out.
How are the rankings determined?
Rankings are determined using a points system. When a person votes for an entry, a formula is used to determine how many points to allocate. The entry with the most points has the best rank.
How do I view the points for an entry?
Most of the time, you won't be able to see the scores for individual entries. By keeping the points hidden, we're able to retain a more positive atmosphere for a contest. If we were to show the points, poorly performing contestants would give up, allegations of cheating would be more prominent, and the feedback for other users would be much less friendly. In those rare instances where we make the points public, you'll be able to view them alongside each entry. The rankings however, are typically made public.
Can I vote for the same entry more than once?
You can, but doing so will erase your previous vote. We have this restriction so that users can't vote an unlimited number of times for the same entry. If we allowed that, the users who have the most time on their hands would always win. And that wouldn't be fair to everyone else.
I don't have as many friends to vote for me as other users do. How is this fair?
Although some users might get a few extra votes from friends, these types of votes only slightly affect an entry's standing. This is because we have a very sophisticated algorithm we use in allocating points for each vote cast. Also, most votes come from users who are voting anonymously. So even if you don't have a lot of friends, your entry could still win.
How come my entry isn't showing up for voting?
Go to the contest page and look for the "Entry Status" section on the right-hand side of the page. Find your entry on this list and view its status, which should explain why you're not seeing your entry. The most common explanation for this problem is that the entry is missing some required information, such as a media description, user icon, or background information.
How do I know people are voting for me?
If the entries are ranked, and if your entry's rank is changing, then people are voting for you. However, there is no way to tell who is voting for you because we keep the individual votes private.
How can I create my own contest?
Go to http://lafango.com/contests/builder and fill out the form. This will launch your contest. When users start to submit entries, you must approve them (to verify that they conform to the rules). When voting concludes, you must contact the winners (if you're giving away a prize).
I created a contest, but no one is submitting any entries. Why?
There could be several reasons: (1) Prizes should be worth the effort it takes to create an entry. If the prize is too small, users won't bother. (2) It should be easy to create an entry. For example, it's easier to create a photo than it is to create a video. So photo contests will likely be more successful than video contests. (3) Rules shouldn't be too restrictive. The more difficult the rules, the more difficult it is to create an entry (see point #2). (4) Certain contests are more successful than others. We've had especially good luck with photography and singing contests.
How can I report a user that's harassing me?
Tell them to stop. If that doesn't work, you can easily report users for violations or harassment. Simply Contact Us and tell us the problem you're having.
What should I do if I find someone underage?
According to our Terms of Service, users under the age of 13 are not allowed on Lafango without parental consent. This is a safety and security measure to protect us, and more importantly, our users from scams, ad-bots, online predators, etc. If you suspect that a user is underage and does not have parental consent, or is not a legitimate user, we ask that you click the "Report" link on their MyStage to let us know about it. Thanks.
How do I get featured on the homepage?
Unlike some sites which undermine the very principle of a level playing field, Lafango's home page is entirely user-generated. All featured content is automatically updated based on user-generated responses, rankings, and feedback. You can also contact us and let us know you'd like to be considered for our "Stage of the Day". So work hard and be involved in the site and maybe, just maybe, you'll find yourself on the home page.
I've got a great idea for your site. Who can I share it with?
Excellent! We'd love to hear your idea. Contact us and speak your mind.
I am a developer and want to build a widget for the site. Who do I contact?
Unfortunately, we do not currently have an active API. In the future we fully intend to provide a powerful API that will allow third-party developers to add new functionality to our site. Stay tuned!
I'm a talent seeker. How can I use Lafango?
Please register for an account to gain access to the entire universe of Lafango's talent. We are working on different account types for different types of users. Stay tuned!
How can I advertise on Lafango?
Contact our marketing wizards who would be glad to assist you.
Can I create more than one EPK?
At this time, each user is limited to only one EPK.
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