<h2>Welcome!</h2>

<div class="instruction-wrapper">
<img src="http://www.journalismaccelerator.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/janrain_profile101.png" alt="Connect to JA" /><p>Click on the button of your preferred social network to log on and comment on the JA. Complete your JA profile to showcase your work, describe your interests and expertise, and better connect with other people you see contributing on this site.</p>
<p>Click on one of the social network buttons at the top right of any JA page to sign in.</p>
</div>

<div class="instruction-wrapper">
<img src="http://www.journalismaccelerator.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/emily.png" alt="Edit My Profile" /><p>Once you're in, be sure to click "edit my profile," which is located in the upper right corner of any page when you are signed in. You can point people to your website or other work, check off areas of your expertise and interest and tell us what you're looking for.</p>

<img src="http://www.journalismaccelerator.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/profile-expertise.png" alt="Profile Expertise" width="465" height="304" /><p>Completing your JA profile is a great way to let us know what you'd like to see more of on the site, and helps you find people who share your interests!</p>

<p>You're in! Now you can participate in the discussion with others on <a href="http://www.journalismaccelerator.com/members/" target="_blank">the JA network</a> already exchanging ideas and sharing cautions insights! You can update your profile, manage your subscription(s) to comment streams or make suggestions at any time. Or just <a href="http://www.journalismaccelerator.com/contact-us/" target="_blank">reach out to anyone here at the JA</a> if you need more help or wish to share feedback.</p>
</div>

<a name="why-ja-profile"></a>
<div class="instruction-wrapper">
<h3><a href="http://www.journalismaccelerator.com/blog/login-profiles-and-authentication-janrain-the-journalism-accelerator-and-you/" target="_blank">Why should I create a profile?</a></h3>
<p>"For those who choose to interact and connect on the web, the profile(s) we create are how we reference ourselves. <strong>Our online identity defines who we are in terms of what we do, what we say and who and what we are connected to.</strong> While many choose a pseudonym as their profile, rather than their "real name," that profile is still attached to what that person says, does, and IS on the web. <strong>It is this association that provides authenticity, which enables relationships, conversation and connection.</strong>"</p>
</div>