Help & How-To Guide
Learn how to find resources, share your story, contribute to the directory, and manage your listings.
Install as App (Progressive Web App)
OnlineResources can be installed on your device like a native app for quick access and offline support.
On Desktop (Chrome, Edge, Brave)
- Look for the install icon (⊕ or computer icon) in the address bar
- Click it and select "Install"
- Or: Click the menu (⋮) → "Install OnlineResources..."
- The app will open in its own window without browser toolbars
On Android (Chrome)
- Tap the menu (⋮) → "Install app" or "Add to Home screen"
- Or look for the banner at the bottom of the screen
- The app icon will appear on your home screen
On iPhone/iPad (Safari)
- Tap the Share button (square with arrow)
- Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen"
- Tap "Add" to confirm
- The app icon will appear on your home screen
Benefits of Installing
- Quick access from your home screen or taskbar
- Works offline - browse saved resources without internet
- No browser address bar or tabs - cleaner interface
- Automatic updates - always get the latest features
- Fast and lightweight - no app store download required
Finding Resources
Browse & Search
Visit Discover to browse all approved grief support resources.
- Filter by type, language, delivery format, and more
- Search by keywords in titles and descriptions
- See real experiences: Many resources show quotes from stories where people shared what helped (or didn't help)
- No account required to browse or search
Conversational Discovery
Use Conversational Discovery to find resources through an AI-powered conversation about your needs.
Save Resources
Create a free account to save resources and add notes about what helped or didn't help. Access your saved resources anytime from My Stuff.
Contributing Resources
Resources can be added through direct submission or automatically discovered when mentioned in stories.
Add Resources Page
Visit Add Resources to submit grief support resources using any of these three methods:
🔗 Quick Add (URL)
The fastest way to submit one or more resources - just paste URLs:
- Single URL: No account required - paste one URL and we'll analyze it automatically
- Bulk Upload: Account required - paste multiple URLs (one per line) to submit several at once
- All submissions are reviewed by admins before being published
- AI automatically extracts information from the URL
📝 Detailed Form
Provide complete details about resources manually:
- Single Resource: Fill out a form with title, description, categories, and more
- Bulk Upload: Account required - upload a CSV or JSON file with up to 100 resources
- View format documentation and download templates
- Resources are validated before import
- AI enriches with additional metadata automatically
- All submissions go through standard review process
🌐 Import from Page
Have a webpage with a list of resources? We can automatically extract them for you:
- Account required
- Enter the URL of any page listing grief support resources
- We'll automatically extract links, titles, and descriptions
- Review and select which resources to import
- AI enriches each resource with categories, populations, and metadata
- Resources appear in your submissions within 1-2 minutes
- Custom extractors: If our general extractor doesn't work with your page format, contact us and we'll build a custom one for you - no barriers!
Quality & Maintenance
Our directory uses automated systems to ensure resources remain accurate, up-to-date, and accessible.
Automated Link Health Monitoring
All resource links are checked automatically to ensure they're working:
- Daily checks: Every resource link is tested for broken links and server errors
- Automatic detection: Resources with repeatedly failing links are flagged for admin review
- Auto-disable: Resources with persistent link failures (3+ consecutive failures) are automatically removed from public listings until fixed
- Admin alerts: Broken links are tracked in a dedicated admin queue for review and fixing
- You never see outdated links or "404 Not Found" errors
Content Drift Detection
Resources are monitored for changes that might affect their accuracy:
- AI-powered monitoring: Automated checks detect when resource content changes significantly
- Grief relevance tracking: Resources are flagged if they no longer focus on grief/bereavement support
- Title/description validation: Changes to resource titles or purposes trigger admin review
- Redirect detection: If a resource URL redirects to a different site, admins are notified
- Ensures the directory stays focused and accurate
Duplicate Detection
Automated systems prevent duplicate resources from cluttering the directory:
- Automatic scanning: Daily scans identify potential duplicates by comparing URLs, titles, and redirect destinations
- Smart merging: Admins review and merge duplicates, preserving all stories and ratings
- URL normalization: Different URLs pointing to the same resource are detected automatically
- Keeps the directory clean and focused on unique resources
Why This Matters
Unlike other grief resource directories that become outdated within months, OnlineResources uses automated infrastructure to continuously maintain quality. Resources with broken links are caught and fixed before you encounter them. Content that drifts away from grief support is flagged for review. This means you can trust that every resource you find is current, accessible, and relevant to your needs.
Claiming Ownership
Claim Your Resource
If you represent or run a grief support resource listed in our directory, you can claim ownership to keep it updated.
- Account required to claim ownership
- Visit Owner Portal
- Claims are reviewed by admins before being approved
- Once approved, you can update your resource details directly
Benefits of Ownership
- Verified badge: Display a blue checkmark next to your resource showing it's verified by the owner
- Save count: See how many users saved your resource
- Aggregated feedback (coming soon): View anonymized ratings, themes, and trends from user experiences while protecting individual privacy
- Update resources: Update your resource information without waiting for admin approval
- Quick maintenance: Add or update contact information, descriptions, and tags
- Keep your listing accurate and current
Managing Your Resources
Track Your Submissions
Account required. View the status of resources and stories you've submitted.
- Visit My Submissions
- See which submissions are pending, approved, or rejected
- Edit your stories or add more detail
Update Owned Resources
If you've claimed ownership of a resource, you can update it directly and access owner analytics.
- Visit Owner Resources
- View save counts and see your verified badge
- Changes go live immediately without admin approval
- Keep contact information, descriptions, and tags up to date
- Disable/enable your resource listing temporarily as needed
Reporting Problems
Flag a Resource
If you find a resource with incorrect information, broken links, or inappropriate content:
- Click the "Flag" button on the resource
- Select the issue type and provide details
- Admins will review and take appropriate action
Report Broken Links
Resources with broken links are automatically detected and reviewed by admins. You can also flag them manually to expedite the review.
Request Resource Removal
If you need to remove your resource from the directory, please contact an admin (see below) with the resource URL and reason for removal.
Contact Admin
Get Help
Need assistance or have questions not covered here? Our admin team is here to help.
- Email: admin@onlineresources.org
- Include relevant resource URLs, submission IDs, or screenshots when possible
- We typically respond within 1-2 business days
Common Admin Requests
- Expedited review of important resources
- Bulk upload assistance for organizations
- Questions about ownership claims
- Technical issues with the site
- Content or safety concerns
Still have questions?
We're here to help. Reach out to our admin team at admin@onlineresources.org