Frequently asked questions
Each topic below opens to a full explanation. New topics are added as Luminum grows.
Most of us love reading the clever, thoughtful advice that "Dear __" advice columnists write online. So we built a dedicated place for a thoughtful advice-giving community to grow, so that we can give and receive helpful advice when decisions and our life situations get hard. And sometimes you'd rather ask embarrassing questions to someone anonymous instead of your friends or family! Members post questions and other members give advice drawn from their lived experiences. Advice is rated so the most helpful answers rise to the top. It's Wisdom of the crowds we can rely on.
We're better! Here everyone can give advice freely, not just experts. Advice is rated on substance because the system also "rates the raters" to keep quality high. Both question askers and the community reward helpful contributors with Mentor status and real credits. And we have a unique system of double-blind advice rating to keep everything fair.
Yes. Our real names are never shown; we all use a fun username, and while a question is open the community sees the question but not who asked it. Once a question closes, usernames are revealed (if you allowed) so the community can get to know you over time. For deeply sensitive questions you can hide your username from the question permanently.
Mentors are members who consistently post helpful, well-rated advice. You can be a mentor! Mentor status is earned through contribution, and comes with recognition and credits earned as a thank-you. Tip credits can be used towards membership passes, added to your questions to attract more advice, and to start or subscribe to member newsletters.
You pick a username, verify your email, and you're in. You can start browsing questions, giving advice, and asking your own questions right away. You'll get email notifications when your questions receive advice. You can subscribe to our member blog, too.
We have a freemium model: browsing questions and rating advice is always free, and free users can ask 1 question per month. To ask and answer unlimited questions, you can buy a super-affordable membership plan for 1 month or 6 months. If you earn tips by giving good advice, you can easily cover the cost of your membership!
If you are a counselor or therapist you're very welcome to join! While we're not to be used for clinical advice or medical issues, everyone is welcome to share their wisdom. Actual therapists can accept clients here, too.
Visit the Support page any time. Members get priority response.