Quick Start Guide
Get started with 200 Mates in minutes. This guide will walk you through exploring the interactive globe and submitting your first mate to join the global community.Access the Application
The 200 Mates application is a web-based platform accessible from any modern browser: Live URL: https://paintingcreatures-a11y.github.io/200mates/No account creation required! You can explore and contribute anonymously, respecting your privacy.
Explore the Globe
Open the Application
Navigate to the 200 Mates website in your web browser. You’ll be greeted with an animated 3D globe showing mate submissions from around the world.
Interact with the Globe
Spin the Globe: Click and drag to rotate the globe and explore different regions.Zoom In/Out: Use your mouse wheel or pinch gestures to zoom closer to specific areas.Auto-Rotation: The globe rotates automatically when idle. Interaction temporarily stops rotation.Country Highlighting: Countries with mate submissions appear in green on the globe.
View Mate Submissions
Hover over markers: Move your cursor over the 🧉 emoji markers to see preview cards with:
- Submitter’s name (or “Anonymous”)
- Country location
- Yerba brand used
- Submission ID number
- Photo of their mate (if available)
Browse Recent Mates
Scroll down to see the gallery section displaying the three most recent mate submissions. Click any gallery card to view its details.Statistics counter: At the top of the page, see real-time counts of:
- Total mates submitted
- Number of countries participating
Submit Your First Mate
Ready to add your own mate to the global map? Follow these steps:Prepare Your Submission
Before you start, gather:
- A photo of your mate (JPG or PNG format, maximum 5MB)
- Your name or choose to remain anonymous
- Your location (country)
- Your preferred yerba brand
- Preparation style (bitter, sweet, tereré, or mate cocido)
- Optional: Type of mate vessel (calabash, wood, steel, glass, etc.)
Find the Submission Form
Scroll down on the homepage to locate the submission form section titled:
- “Cebate uno” (Spanish)
- “Make yourself a mate and join in” (English)
- “Faz um mate” (Portuguese)
Grant Location Permission (Optional)
The form will request your GPS location to pinpoint your submission on the map more accurately.Allow location access: Click “Allow” when prompted for the most precise placement.Manual entry: If you decline or GPS is unavailable, you can manually type your country name - the system will use your country’s capital coordinates.
Complete the Form Fields
Fill in all required fields marked with an asterisk (*):Name* - Your name or pseudonym (or leave as “Anonymous”)Country* - Auto-filled if GPS is enabled, or type manuallyYerba Brand* - Your favorite yerba mate brand (e.g., “Cruz de Malta”, “CBSé”, “Rosamonte”)Favorite Style* - Select one:
- Amargo (Bitter)
- Dulce (Sweet)
- Tereré (Cold mate)
- Mate Cocido (Brewed tea)
Upload Your Photo
Click the upload area or drag and drop your photo:“Arrastrá o hacé clic para subir” (Spanish)
“Drag or click to upload” (English)
“Arraste ou clique para enviar” (Portuguese)Requirements:
- JPG or PNG format
- Maximum file size: 5MB
- Shows your mate moment
To protect privacy, avoid photos showing faces clearly, personal information, or exact addresses. See moderation guidelines for details.
Review and Submit
Double-check all your information, then click the “Enviar” / “Submit” / “Enviar” button.You’ll see a loading indicator while your submission is processed and uploaded.
Confirmation
Upon successful submission, you’ll see a confirmation modal:“¡Mate enviado!” - “Your mate is on its way!”Your submission will be reviewed by volunteer moderators before appearing on the map. This typically takes a short time.
Understanding Moderation
All submissions go through a review process to ensure quality and safety:What Gets Approved
✅ Photos and information about mate drinking traditions ✅ Anonymous or pseudonymous submissions ✅ Submissions from any country ✅ Various preparation styles and vessel typesWhat Gets Rejected
❌ Privacy violations: Full names, phone numbers, emails, social media handles, addresses, clear face photos ❌ Hate speech: Content degrading or discriminating against anyone ❌ Spam/advertising: Commercial content or repetitive messages ❌ Off-topic: Submissions unrelated to mate traditionReview time varies depending on volunteer availability. Thank you for your patience!
Managing Your Submission
Find Your Submission
Once approved, your mate will appear:- As a marker (🧉) on the globe at your location
- Highlighted country in green on the map
- Potentially in the “Recent Mates” gallery
Request Removal
To delete your submission:- Note your submission’s ID number (shown in confirmation and lightbox view)
- Email: [email protected]
- Subject: “Delete my post” / “Eliminar mi registro”
- Include your submission ID
- The team will remove it as soon as possible
Tips for a Great Submission
Lighting
Take photos in good lighting to showcase your mate clearly
Composition
Include context - your workspace, outdoor setting, or accompaniments
Privacy First
Ensure no personal information or identifiable details appear in your photo
Tell Your Story
Choose details that represent your unique mate tradition
Explore the Menu
The application includes additional sections accessible via the menu:- El proyecto / The Project - Detailed mission and background
- Colaborá / Help Us - Ways to support the project
- Convivencia / Getting Along - Community moderation guidelines
- FAQs - Frequently asked questions
- Privacidad / Privacy - Privacy policy details
- Contacto / Contact - Get in touch with the team
Technical Requirements
Browser Compatibility
The 200 Mates application works best on:- Modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- Desktop and mobile devices
- JavaScript enabled
- WebGL support for 3D globe rendering
Accessibility
The application is designed with accessibility in mind and includes:- Keyboard navigation support
- Screen reader compatibility
- Responsive design for various screen sizes
Get Support
Need help or have questions? Email: [email protected] Common Questions:Why can't I see my submission?
Why can't I see my submission?
Your submission is likely still under review. All mates are reviewed by volunteers before appearing on the map to ensure safety and relevance. Check back after some time.
Can I submit multiple mates?
Can I submit multiple mates?
Yes! Feel free to submit mates from different locations, times, or contexts to show how your relationship with mate evolves.
What if I don't have yerba mate?
What if I don't have yerba mate?
This project is specifically for documenting the mate tradition. If you’re curious about mate, we encourage you to try it first, then share your experience!
Can I submit on behalf of someone else?
Can I submit on behalf of someone else?
While the platform is designed for personal experiences, you can help someone submit their mate if they need assistance with the technology.
Next Steps
Now that you know how to use 200 Mates:Start Exploring
Visit the live globe and discover mates from around the world
Learn About Mate
Dive deeper into the cultural significance of this tradition