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Dialog Alerts Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How can I get general Alert information while online?
  2. Can I set up an Alert on DialogWeb?
  3. If I deactivate my account, will my Alerts be automatically deactivated, too?
  4. Can quarterly Alerts be run?
  5. How can I know what the default frequency is for a file's Alert? How many records are included free?
  6. Will my Alert arrive at the same time each day, week, or month?
  7. Will I be notified if an Alert run retrieves 0 records?
  8. Are eLinks available in Dialog Alerts?
  9. Can I put more than one PRINT command in my Alert?
  10. Are there any formats that cannot be used in an Alert?
  11. Can I have a user-defined format in an Alert?
  12. Can I copy an Alert from another user number to my own?
  13. Can I access my Alerts in DialogLink 5?
  14. What are some of the features of the Alerts Editor in DialogLink 5?
  15. Can I use Dialog ERA with an Alert?
  16. How can I run an Alert manually?
  17. Does the postal surcharge apply to Alerts?
  18. If I receive duplicate prints for an Alert (i.e., two runs), will I be billed twice?
  19. Do my Alerts have to go to my default address?
    «
  1. How can I get general Alert information while online?

    Type either of the following commands while in a database to get information about Dialog Alerts.
    HELP ALERT  <—general overview of Alerts
    HELP SAVEALERT  <—instructions on creating Alerts
    HELP ALERTRATE   <—list of databases with Alert service and prices
    2. «
  2. Can I set up an Alert on DialogWeb?

    Yes. In Command Search, once the search strategy is complete, click the Alerts button, then Create Alert from Current Search, and fill in the appropriate information on the form. In Guided Search, click the Save as Alert button from a picklist or records page.
    3. «
  3. If I deactivate my account, will my Alerts be automatically deactivated, too?

    Yes. When an account is deactivated at the user's request, all Alerts under that account are also deactivated within 30 days.
    4. «
  4. Can quarterly Alerts be run?

    No, not at this time. But an enhancement to allow user-defined frequency is being developed. Currently there are daily, weekly, biweekly, and monthly frequencies available, but typically only one to three options per file.
    5. «
  5. How can I know what the default frequency is for a file's Alert? How many records are included free?

    Type HELP ALERTRATE to get a list of all files with Alerts and their default frequencies and costs, and an indication of how many, if any, prints are free. For a price list that shows all frequencies, type HELP ALERTALL; it's a long list, but very helpful.
    6. «
  6. Will my Alert arrive at the same time each day, week, or month?

    Delivery depends on when you set up scheduling to run. To view the scheduling, use the RECALL command followed by the name of the Alert.
    7. «
  7. Will I be notified if an Alert run retrieves 0 records?

    Notification is the default situation—you get a "cover sheet" (or email, etc.) indicating zero records. If you don't want this, choose no notification when you create or edit the Alert.
    8. «
  8. Are eLinks available in Dialog Alerts?

    Yes. eLinks (e-journal linking) are available in HTML inline, HTML attachment, and TAG format Alerts delivered by email. You must select a format that generates eLinks (MEDIUM, LONG, FULL, or equivalent UDF). Additionally you need to have been set up for eLinks. See the Dialog eLinks FAQ page for more information, or contact your sales person or the KC.
    9. «
  9. Can I put more than one PRINT command in my Alert?

    Yes. There is no limit on PRINT commands. However, it may be more cost-effective to create multiple Alerts if you typically get more than the 20 records in an update in those files that have bundled prints.
    10. «
  10. Are there any formats that cannot be used in an Alert?

    Yes. The KWIC (K) format cannot be used in any PRINT command. Alerts that have KWIC in the PRINT command will not run.
    11. «
  11. Can I have a user-defined format in an Alert?

    Yes. But the user-defined format (UDF) must be defined in your Alert profile so that when the Alert is run the system will recognize the formats included in the UDF.
    12. «
  12. Can I copy an Alert from another user number to my own?

    Yes. See Alerts: Copying an Alert using the Dialog Online Editor for instructions on copying Alerts.
    13. «
  13. Can I access my Alerts in DialogLink 5?

    Yes. In DialogLink 5, use the command RECALL ALERT <Alert name>. If you wish to edit it, use the syntax EDIT ALERT <Alert name>. Similarly, Alerts can be deleted with the command RELEASE ALERT <Alert name>.
    14. «
  14. What are some of the features of the Alerts Editor in DialogLink 5?

    In DialogLink 5, the Alerts Editor provides you with visual cues that let you access the full range of powerful options for Dialog Alerts. You can easily add or delete files for your Alert, view and revise the Alert frequency scheduling options by file, select the "remove duplicates" option, and view your list of alias addresses as part of editing your Alert. An additional power feature is the ability to create a delivery alias on the fly, without having to leave the Alert editing interface.
    15. «
  15. Can I use Dialog ERA with an Alert?

    Yes. To calculate the charge, you calculate the total charge for the Alert, i.e., profile charge plus prints and copies or archive (using the proper multiplier), then subtract the cost of prints, up to 20 records if the Alert charge includes 20 records. See Understanding Dialog ERA Pricing with the Dialog Alert Service for a detailed explanation. See also Dialog ERA™ (Electronic Redistribution & Archiving Service for more information about ERA.
    16. «
  16. How can I run an Alert manually?

    BEGIN in the file where you want to run the Alert and follow these steps:
      Enter E UD=9999
      Enter S E3  <—SELECT the desired update code
      Enter LIMITALL/S1  <—Restricts the search to set s1
      Enter DELETE S1
      Enter EXS <Alert name> (e.g., exs ddran)

      Type or print from desired set.
    17. «
  17. Does the postal surcharge apply to Alerts?

    Yes. It applies to hardcopy Alerts.

    18. «
  18. If I receive duplicate prints for an Alert (i.e., two runs), will I be billed twice?

    No. There is an automatic "failsafe" feature on the system that prevents double-billing if there is a duplicate run.
    19. «
  19. Do my Alerts have to go to my default address?

    No. To send an Alert ton alternate postal address, follow these steps:

      Enter EDIT ADDRESS POSTAL  The system will prompt you for the company name and address information.
      Save the address code.
      Use this address code in the Alert PRINT command

 
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