Using Groups

Members wishing to start a Group can do so using the Groups feature (outlined below) or in the Buddy Groups forum. All groups in the BG forum must be opened to new members. If you'd like a closed or private group, please used the Groups feature.

What Are "Groups"?

The Group function replaces the former "Buddy Group" Forums on our old forum platform.  This new functionality gives full control of groups to membership.  You can decide who joins your group & who can read / lurk in your groups.

How to Create a Group

Select the "Groups" Option from the top menu of the website.  Under the shortcuts menu on the right side of your screen will be an option to "Create a New Group".  Here you will name and describe your group.  Please be sure to comply with the TCOYF Message Board Courtesies and avoid using obscenities in your Group name and description.

Controlling Group Settings (Including Privacy)

Group Owners control settings to determine whether or not a group is public or private and whether or not it is listed in the Group Directory.  These options can be changed at any time.  In other words, a Group might start out public and then close to new members at some future date.

Your options are as follows:

• Public (Open Membership) Everyone can read your group, it is listed publically, and any registered user can join it without approval.
• Public (Closed Membership) Everyone can read your group, it is listed publically, and users must be approved before becoming group members.
• Private (Listed) Only members can read your group, it is listed publically (title and description), and users must be approved before becoming group members.
• Private (Unlisted) Only members can read your group, it is not listed publically, and users must be approved before becoming group members.

Membership Types

When adding members to a group, the group owner can assign a membership type to each member. Member roles can be changed at any time by going to the Member list and clicking "Edit" under a member's name.

There are three types of memberships:

• Members can view and reply to all content. Members can start discussion threads if enabled by the owner. Members can edit their own posts by clicking the "More" dropdown at the top of each post and then selecting "Edit". Member roles are similar to your role on the forums.
• Managers can edit, moderate and delete any discussion posts. Managers can also add/edit/delete their own pages and blog posts. The manager role is similar to a forum moderator.
• Owners can add/remove members, change the group's permissions and edit the group's homepage and theme. The owner role is similar to a forum administrator.

Each group must have at least one owner, the other roles are optional.

Advanced Options

By selecting the "Advanced Options" checkbox, you'll make available a number of additional settings for your Group.  These include creating a separate Forum for your group and allowing the creation of Blogs, Wikis, and Media content. The Group Description section controls what displays on your group's main page and can be used similarly to a message header on our old site.