Prerequisites

The eComment software integrates with the Granicus Platform; therefore use of eComment requires the following:

  • A MediaManager, Peak, or Boards and Commissions site and user account.
  • Internet Explorer OR Microsoft Edge browser
  • An event must be created for the meeting. "Event" is the term Granicus uses to define a meeting in MediaManager/the Granicus Platform.
  • An agenda must be uploaded for eComment to present citizens with a list of available agenda items on which to comment.

For information about creating events and loading agendas in MediaManager, see the MediaManager User Guide.

New: Learn how to keep comments open during a meeting.

To Enable eComments

  1. Launch the Granicus Platform:

    1. Navigate to your URL (yourjurisdiction.granicus.com).

    2. Sign in with your Username and Password.

      Note: The password is case sensitive. 

  1. MediaManager opens. If using Peak or Boards and Commissions, open the program by clicking the Apps drop-down menu.
  2. Click the Events tab at the upper left.

The main MediaManager window, with the Events tab highlighted

  1. Click the name of the event for which you want to enable comments. A list of sub-tabs displays, and you can edit the event here if needed. 
  2. If you need to make changes or additions to the agenda, click the Agenda sub-tab, publish the agenda, and click Save Changes. 
Editing an agenda on the Granicus Platform
  1. Click the Comments sub-tab. The following figure illustrates the screen:
Editing an event, with the 'Comments' sub-tab highlighted
  1. Click Enable eComment. (Note that the button changes to Disable eComment when you do this).
The 'Comments' sub-tab, with the 'Enable eComments' button highlighted

In SpeakUp, the meeting will now be visible in the list of upcoming meetings under the Meetings tab.

 By default, comments will stay open until the start time of the meeting. However, if you want to keep comments open during the meeting, remain in the Comments tab for the meeting and click the This Meeting Settings button. More settings will appear below. 
Check the box next to Keep Comments Open. This will leave comments open indefinitely. If, after the meeting or at any point you would like to close comments, return to this page and uncheck the box.

The Comments tab, with 'This Meeting Settings' and 'Keep Comments Open' highlighted
Constituents will now be able to comment on agenda items for the meeting in SpeakUp throughout the meeting. iLegislate users can view comments that come in during the meeting by hitting the refresh button throughout. 

Once the meeting begins, it will move to the Past tab in the list of meetings on your SpeakUp site. However, as long as the Keep Comments Open box is checked, comments will still be open. We recommend adding a direct link to the meeting itself on your MediaManager View Page for easy access by constituents once the meeting begins.

List of meetings in SpeakUp, with the 'Past' tab highlighted

You can also enable/disable comments or requests to speak on an item-by-item basis. 

Note: During your meeting, constituents at home may experience a 30-60 second lag in their video stream. When reviewing comments on agenda items during a meeting, allow enough time for constituents to submit their comments before voting and moving on. We recommend allowing 2-3 minutes for comment submission on each item. 

Note for IQM2 and Novus users

In order to use eComment, you must have the Granicus Integration installed for IQM2/Novus. If you do not have this, or are not sure, contact Granicus customer support.