What happened to "hoopness score" (for Windows or Mac)? The vast majority of our users of this software switched to using our on-line service, "hoopness web". When
the NCAA expanded to 68 teams, the cost to retrofit this software was not justified.
What about hoopness plus? There is no need for an on-line service to capture entries if the score program (see above) can not handle the data.
If I pay for hoopness, how long can I use the service? You can use the site to administer one pool for one NCAA tournament (from February 1 to May 1).
Player "A" has been mathematically eliminated, but player "B", who currently has
a lower score has not been eliminated. How can that be?
This is possible because even if the player with the higher possible score attains that score,
he may be behind enough other entries to be out of the running. This program uses a "brute-force" approach of
trying every possibility and the algorithm has been verified over 20 years of use with very large pools.
If you don't want the questions, don't use the option, but it does make it more interesting for those not eliminated.
What are the browser requirements? The hoopness web pages have been tested with many browser/version combinations.
It is recommended that version 3 or above of Firefox or version 6 or above of Microsoft browsers be used. Note that
the entry form requires that Javascript (not Java applets) be enabled on the browser.
What security features are used? First, if you pay for hoopness using your credit card, that transaction is encrypted using SSL. Standard methods
for protecting the confidentiality of the transaction are employed.
Once you start using your pool, unique id's and passwords secure your pool. You pick a password
that lets you (the pool administrator) set parameters including the password that the players will use to create their entries.
The pool administrator can view, change, or delete any entry. Each user is required to create their own password for each entry.
This allows them to come back later (before the games begin) and update or delete an entry.
The pool reports are secured with each pool. If you choose, a cookie will be set for each player that will let them easily come back to check the progress of their picks.
What is the hardest part of running a pool using hoopness web? Probably collecting the entry fees from the players. However, hoopness web even helps with that by letting you
keep track of who has paid by letting you set an indicator on each entry, sorting the entries into paid and unpaid groups, and producing
a paid/unpaid report which your players can see and use as a reminder.
