What is OpenID?
OpenID is a technology that allows you to use a single user log-in at any website that supports OpenID. This means that for sites that support OpenID you will never need to create and remember another username/password combination.
For more information see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenID

How does it work?
Once you enter your eXtensionID or other OpenID and click login, you will be redirected to the provider website to login. When you have logged in successfully; you will redirected back to the Master Gardener site. If it is your first time accessing the Master Gardener site with your eXtensionID or other OpenID that provider will ask you if you want to allow the Master Gardener site to verify your identity.

What is an eXtensionID?
eXtensionID's are provided by eXtension.org to individuals closely associated with the U.S. Cooperative Extension system (either those working at a Land-Grant Institution, State college or U.S. Government personnel affiliated with Cooperative Extension), or individuals in Extension-related organizations workings on projects with Cooperative Extension staff. eXtensionID's are automatically OpenID logins that can be used on any OpenID-enabled site.

How do I obtain an eXtensionID?
To obtain an eXtensionID, contact your local Master Gardener Coordinator and ask them to send you an invitation email.

What if I already have an eXtensionID but don't know my OpenID for it?
Your OpenID version of your eXtensionID is just your eXtensionID tacked on to the end of "https://people.extension.org/" If your eXtensionID is joesmith, your OpenID would be https://people.extension.org/joesmith

Why should I use an OpenID for the Master Gardener site?
Besides the already mentioned benefit of having one less username and password to remember, you can also use this same OpenID to share your contact information between the online 4-H Master Volunteer system (which requires OpenID for login).
Basically, if you need to update your basic contact information, like your address or phone number, you would only have to update it once on either site and the update would be reflected on both sites.

What if I already have an LMG account but want to attach an OpenID to it?
Simply login to your account using your current username and password. Once logged in click on the Edit/View Login Info link in the left hand menu of your homepage. From there you will have the option to attach an OpenID to your account, and thus get rid of your username and password as means of future authentication.