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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about using TermStorm.
General
What is TermStorm?
TermStorm is a real-time collaborative concept modeling tool designed for semantic data modeling workshops. It helps groups collect, discuss, and prioritize concepts through a structured four-stage process: Collect → Discuss → Vote → Copy.
Do I need to create an account?
No. TermStorm is designed for zero-friction access. Just enter your name when you join a workshop—no account, password, or email required.
Is TermStorm free?
Yes. TermStorm is free to use at termstorm.com.
What browser should I use?
TermStorm works with modern browsers:
- Chrome (recommended)
- Firefox
- Safari
- Edge
Make sure JavaScript is enabled and local storage is allowed.
Privacy and Data
Is my data private?
Yes. TermStorm runs entirely in your browser:
- No external server stores your data
- Workshop data is synced directly between participants
- When everyone leaves, the data only persists in local browser storage
Where is my data stored?
Data is stored in:
- Your browser's IndexedDB: For persistence across sessions
- In memory: During the active workshop session
- Synced via WebSocket: Real-time sync between participants
No data is stored on external databases.
What happens when I close my browser?
Your workshop data is preserved in your browser's local storage. When you return to termstorm.com:
- Check Recent Workshops in the workshop manager
- Click your workshop to resume
WARNING
If you clear your browser data, your workshop history will be lost. Export important workshops before clearing cache.
How long is data stored?
Workshops are automatically cleaned up after 2 weeks to free up browser storage. Export your workshop if you need to keep it longer.
Participation
Can I join a workshop on my phone?
Yes. TermStorm works on mobile devices:
- Scan the QR code to join quickly
- Full functionality on mobile browsers
- Consider landscape mode for better viewing
Can I change my vote?
Yes, but only during the Vote stage. Once the facilitator advances to the Copy stage, votes are final.
What happens if I disconnect?
When you reconnect:
- Your previous contributions are preserved
- You'll see all changes made while you were away
- You can continue participating normally
Can I join late?
Yes. You can join at any stage:
- Collect: Submit concepts (if still open)
- Discuss: View and add notes
- Vote: Vote on existing concepts
- Copy: View results
What's the maximum number of concepts?
TermStorm limits each submission to 200 concepts at once. There's no practical limit on total concepts, but performance may slow with hundreds of concepts.
For Facilitators
Can I go back to a previous stage?
No. Stages are sequential and cannot be reversed. This is by design to maintain the integrity of the workshop flow.
If you need to re-do a stage:
- Export the workshop state
- Import it to create a new workshop
- Manually advance to the desired stage
How do I delete a workshop?
Workshops are stored in your browser. To remove them:
- Browser will auto-clean workshops older than 2 weeks
- Clear your browser's local storage/cache
- Use browser developer tools to clear specific IndexedDB entries
Can multiple people be facilitators?
No. The workshop creator is the sole facilitator. Others join as participants with limited controls.
What if I accidentally close my browser?
Your workshop data persists in your browser:
- Return to termstorm.com
- Go to Recent Workshops
- Resume your workshop
As long as at least one participant is connected, the workshop remains active.
Can I import concepts from a spreadsheet?
Not directly. However, you can:
- Copy concepts from your spreadsheet (one per line)
- Paste into the concept submission field
- Submit them all at once
How do I share results with my team?
Several options:
- Export to Termboard: For further modeling
- Export Workshop State: Share the JSON file
- Screenshot: Share screen captures of results
- CSV Export: For spreadsheet sharing
Technical
Can I run TermStorm offline?
Partially. Once connected to a workshop:
- Local changes are saved
- Changes sync when reconnected
- You cannot create or join workshops offline
For fully offline use, export your workshop and continue later.
Why do I see a rate limit warning?
To prevent spam, TermStorm limits:
- Concept submissions: 5 per minute
- Votes: 10 per minute
- Notes: 20 per minute
Wait for the countdown to expire, then retry.
What does the pulsing red timer mean?
This indicates less than 1 minute remaining. It's a visual warning that the stage is about to end.
Why don't I see other participants?
Check:
- They've actually joined (entered their name)
- Your internet connection is working
- Try refreshing your browser
- The other participants may have disconnected
Can I customize the timer durations?
The facilitator can adjust timers:
- Use +60s / -60s buttons during a stage
- Changes apply immediately
- There's no way to preset durations in advance
Integration
How do I import into Termboard?
- In TermStorm Copy stage, select concepts
- Click Copy Selected
- In Termboard, open Bulk add → Import JSON
- Paste and import
See Export to Termboard for detailed instructions.
What gets imported into Termboard?
| TermStorm Field | Termboard Field |
|---|---|
| Concept name | Term name |
| Facilitator notes | Description |
| Participant notes | Explanation (Additional Info) |
Votes and submitter information are not imported.
Can I export to other tools?
Yes:
- JSON: For any tool that accepts JSON
- CSV: For spreadsheets
- Workshop State: Full backup for TermStorm
Troubleshooting
Concepts aren't appearing
- Make sure you clicked Submit
- Check if they were merged with similar concepts
- Try refreshing the page
- Check your network connection
I can't vote
- Verify you're in the Vote stage
- Make sure the timer hasn't expired
- Refresh the page
- Try a different browser
The workshop link doesn't work
- Verify the full link was copied
- Check if the workshop still exists
- The facilitator may have started a new workshop
- Contact the facilitator for a new link
Changes aren't syncing
- Check your internet connection
- Refresh the page
- Close and reopen the browser tab
- Clear cache as last resort
Contact and Support
Where can I report bugs?
Contact the TermStorm team through the feedback options on the application.
Is there a user community?
Check the TermStorm website for community links and resources.