Frequently Asked Questions
What's your policy on privacy?
You can read our privacy policy here. The super-summary is that we are fully committed to respecting and protecting the privacy of our users.
You can read our privacy policy here. The super-summary is that we are fully committed to respecting and protecting the privacy of our users.
How come the service is FREE?
It's free for one simple reason, we wanted to create something that was as accessible to as many people as possible. If we charged for it, chances are the adoption rate would be severely curtailed. Just like Tesla, we have no profit. Unlike Tesla, we also have no income. Like Tesla, the founders are intelligent. Unlike Tesla, the founders are not influential billionaires. Like Tesla we have grand designs for the future. Unlike Tesla, we're more ... restrained ... with our communications. If you'd like to donate, so that we can continue developing and add more functionality, you can do so by clicking here.
It's free for one simple reason, we wanted to create something that was as accessible to as many people as possible. If we charged for it, chances are the adoption rate would be severely curtailed. Just like Tesla, we have no profit. Unlike Tesla, we also have no income. Like Tesla, the founders are intelligent. Unlike Tesla, the founders are not influential billionaires. Like Tesla we have grand designs for the future. Unlike Tesla, we're more ... restrained ... with our communications. If you'd like to donate, so that we can continue developing and add more functionality, you can do so by clicking here.
I heard that location data can automatically be added to "I'm OK"/"I'm not OK" alerts, how do I do that?
You just need to enable location on your mobile device. Once enabled, latitude and longitude data will automatically be added to any I'm OK/I'm not OK alert. If you cut 'n' paste this data directly into Google, you'll get a beautifully formatted map showing the exact location when the alert was sent. Thanks Google.
You just need to enable location on your mobile device. Once enabled, latitude and longitude data will automatically be added to any I'm OK/I'm not OK alert. If you cut 'n' paste this data directly into Google, you'll get a beautifully formatted map showing the exact location when the alert was sent. Thanks Google.
Can I create activity plans on a website rather than on my mobile?
No. not yet! Right now, the service is exclusively app-based but this is functionality that we want to add in the not-too-distant future. We have plans for expanding the scope of the service so that you can create (and edit, delete, activate, extend and close) activity plans from lamlha.com.
No. not yet! Right now, the service is exclusively app-based but this is functionality that we want to add in the not-too-distant future. We have plans for expanding the scope of the service so that you can create (and edit, delete, activate, extend and close) activity plans from lamlha.com.
How come Twitter is the only social media channel that you offer for alerts?
Because it's the only one that provides easy interface. We'd love to connect with facebook, instagram, snapchat, WeChat, Tumblr etc., but there are technical (and financial) challenges with doing so. We do hope to add other social media channels in the future.
Because it's the only one that provides easy interface. We'd love to connect with facebook, instagram, snapchat, WeChat, Tumblr etc., but there are technical (and financial) challenges with doing so. We do hope to add other social media channels in the future.
How come you don't use messaging services (WhatsApp/SMS) to send alerts?
We'd really like to do that, but unfortunately there's a cost associated with doing it. Every SMS message has a cost. Admittedly, it's a small cost. But it soon adds up. The same is true for WhatsApp. It's free for consumers but it's NOT free for businesses. Even though we're not making money, Lamlha would be considered a business and there'd be a transaction cost associated with every message sent. That said, if we can develop a revenue stream for Lamlha, we WILL add messaging services as an option.
We'd really like to do that, but unfortunately there's a cost associated with doing it. Every SMS message has a cost. Admittedly, it's a small cost. But it soon adds up. The same is true for WhatsApp. It's free for consumers but it's NOT free for businesses. Even though we're not making money, Lamlha would be considered a business and there'd be a transaction cost associated with every message sent. That said, if we can develop a revenue stream for Lamlha, we WILL add messaging services as an option.
I changed my Overdue Alert Tolerances, but the changes didn't affect my active plan?
Yes, that's true. When you activate a plan it is effectively 'sent' to the Lamlha server immediately. Any preferences (such as Overdue Alert Tolerances) are assigned to the plan at that time. If you then change any of your preferences or settings, they won't have any impact on any currently active plans.
Yes, that's true. When you activate a plan it is effectively 'sent' to the Lamlha server immediately. Any preferences (such as Overdue Alert Tolerances) are assigned to the plan at that time. If you then change any of your preferences or settings, they won't have any impact on any currently active plans.
Why call emergency contacts "sentinels" instead of just "contacts"?
In an attempt to avoid confusion. Sentinels are individuals (typically soldiers) that watch over something or somebody. In Lamlha, Sentinels are the contacts that you've designated to watch over you.
In an attempt to avoid confusion. Sentinels are individuals (typically soldiers) that watch over something or somebody. In Lamlha, Sentinels are the contacts that you've designated to watch over you.
My Sentinels aren't receiving any alerts?
Hmm! There's a couple of reasons that this might be happening. At the risk of appearing condescending, please first check the individuals email address and then check that the alerts aren't being automatically directed to the persons junk mail folder. If that's not the problem, then get in touch via the contacts page and we'll take a look and see if we can figure it out.
Hmm! There's a couple of reasons that this might be happening. At the risk of appearing condescending, please first check the individuals email address and then check that the alerts aren't being automatically directed to the persons junk mail folder. If that's not the problem, then get in touch via the contacts page and we'll take a look and see if we can figure it out.
I'm getting an error - "There was a network error" - when I try to create or activate a plan?
Unfortunately, although the Lamlha service will alert sentinels when a plan is overdue, even if your mobile device is lost, damaged, stolen, out of power or unable to acquire a signal, it can't create or change records when you're not connected to the network. There's really no way around this! However, in future releases we hope to add functionality where you can create or edit plans 'offline' and they'll be updated whenever you regain connectivity.
Unfortunately, although the Lamlha service will alert sentinels when a plan is overdue, even if your mobile device is lost, damaged, stolen, out of power or unable to acquire a signal, it can't create or change records when you're not connected to the network. There's really no way around this! However, in future releases we hope to add functionality where you can create or edit plans 'offline' and they'll be updated whenever you regain connectivity.
I'm getting an error - "There was a network error" - when I try to send an "I'm OK" or "I'm not OK" alert?
Unfortunately, right now, you need to be connected to a network to be able to send an "I'm OK"/"I'm not OK" alert. However, in future releases we hope to add functionality where you can queue an alert while offline and it'll send as soon as you regain connectivity.
Unfortunately, right now, you need to be connected to a network to be able to send an "I'm OK"/"I'm not OK" alert. However, in future releases we hope to add functionality where you can queue an alert while offline and it'll send as soon as you regain connectivity.
Where does the name 'Lamlha' come from?
Lamlha is a Tibetan diety that provides protection for travellers. It seemed appropriate for an app that is designed to provide a measure of protection could be named after a diety that also provides protection.
Lamlha is a Tibetan diety that provides protection for travellers. It seemed appropriate for an app that is designed to provide a measure of protection could be named after a diety that also provides protection.
Comments, suggestions, and ideas are welcome. But, be aware that once submitted your comments are public and can't be deleted. So ... be nice! If you'd prefer, you can contact the Lamlha team privately using the contact page.
