For the past several years, MWSA has used scoring forms (Google Forms) rather than Excel spreadsheets for our evaluations and tracking (reviewer preferences, review copy receipts, etc.). The system integrates with our tracking software and has been working smoothly for several years. However, recently (sometime in 2022?), Google implemented an autosave function in all its forms. This was Google's idea, not ours.
The good news is that Google records your scores and comments while you’re working on the form.
The bad news is that the form now “requires” a Google account email sign-in.
We used scare quotes around “requires” because you can actually use the forms without being signed into a Google account.
For more details, see the “Opting Out” section below
Form with a recognized Google account
Click for larger image
Filling out MWSA Forms
If you have a Google account, its associated email will automatically appear at the top of the form.
Have a look at the screenshot (right) and notice that on Betsy or John’s computer, the form automatically uses our MWSAAwardsDirectors @gmail.com email.
Whatever email appears in that part of the form is NOT transmitted to MWSA and does NOT need to be the email you use with MWSA.
According to Google: “Google Forms automatically saves your progress for 30 days when you’re signed in to your Google account so you can work across devices or take a break without losing a step.”
If you’ve ever lost several pages worth of comments due to a Google Glitch, you’ll appreciate how helpful this might be. :-)
Your awards directors strongly recommend that you accept this “big brother intrusion” and use all our forms without fear. However, if Google makes you uncomfortable, please continue reading the next section.
Form without a recognized Google account.
Click for larger image
Opting Out
If you use an “Incognito Window” on your browser to fill out your form, it won’t recognize your Google account.
In this case, the form looks like the example on the screenshot to the right.
Even though it says “Sign in to Google” and includes a red “*Required,” it is NOT required!
When you click on “Sign in to Google,” you’ll see a pop-up like the one below and to the right.
Notice that you now have the option to “Continue without signing in.”
Once you click on that link, you’ll return to the form and can fill out your MWSA form.
Current as of February 2023