Below are some frequently asked questions about how the Global Ideas Bank 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. As we don't accept product or gadget ideas, this is rarely an issue 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 (see the 'Product Bin' category)

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. Submissions that simply state a problem, and no idea or solution may also fail at this initial stage, as can suggested "new" science (human photosynthesis), as can things which are known widely to exist (like spam e-mail systems and pieces of software). Also, suggesting that "everyone should recycle" etc. is not an origianl idea.... [Submitting an idea multiple times will not help your cause.] But the vast majority of all other ideas get through: the GIB's voters provide judgement soon enough. The editorial team's judgement is final, though.....It's also wise to remember that this is a global site and ideas that can apply in many countries are particularly welcomed.

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 MyGIB work?
Once you've registered, you can submit an idea, sign up to support ideas, comment on ideas and choose to receive ideas by e-mail in a particular category each week. You can alter your preferences/profile whenever you want by logging in and checking out MyGIB.

9) What does signing up to an idea do?
It displays your support for an idea above and beyond voting, and enables the inventor to e-mail you with updates and, possibly, ways you could help take the idea forward. Privacy of e-mail addresses is maintained at all times.

10) How can I make my idea happen?
Check out the Practical Help section, which offers advice in a range of areas. Also see the Success Stories which show you how other people managed to do it. Use the goodwill of the people who have signed up to support your idea...or simply ask their advice.

11) How does the GIB survive?
With your help: buying books from the Store or Donating directly provides us with the funds to keep our work going. We are a project of a registered UK charity, the Nicholas Albery Foundation, so you can be sure any money from book sales and donations goes directly to fund our work.