New/Update - Groups on Scrap Metal Forum

We just opened up the Groups feature for all registered members of SMF.

Create groups, join groups, create discussions, post messages, upload photos, network.

Members can create groups with various options to best manage your topic and network.

• Create publicly joinable groups.
• Create Invite Only groups.
• Option to limit group discussions to group owner.
• Join-to-View groups. (Must be a group member to view photos/discussions/posts within the group)
• Upload group image.
• And of course, more.

We never really fully rolled out this feature on the forum because we weren't sure how it would be used or what specific benefits it would provide to members. Until now only a small percentage of members had permissions to participate in, create, join or even view Groups.

The ability to CREATE groups is limited to members who have made it to "experienced" status (or above) on the forum. However now ANYONE has the ability to join public groups AND the ability to be invited to invite-only groups.

Guests (non-registered members) can view public groups, however they cannot join them.

We will try to incorporate the Groups feature more prominently over time.

For now, you can access Groups on SMF by clicking on the "Community" link in the navbar at the top of the forum and selecting the "Groups" option.

Alternatively you can use this link, Groups - Scrap Metal Forum - The Official Scrap Metal Recycling Community

There you can view groups, join groups, and create groups.

Any questions, feel free to post them here!

Are we allowed to talk about anything in our groups or will that be monitored?

Well for the most part I'd have to say the same general rules of the forum should apply to the groups as well. One thing I should note though is as of now we don't want to see groups being used as a form of advertising, as that's not the intention. We're seeing it more about networking and creating social groups with "similar interests" or "locations" of sorts, if you will.

At this point I'm not really sure what type of groups are going to be created and what types of discussions will be started within them. For the most part we'll just have to see where it goes and adapt as we go. As far as "monitored", moderators and admins still have the ability to view all groups and/or reported items to address things as needed just like the rest of the forum.

Feel free to send me a PM if unsure of anything.

When creating a group, there are currently 4 categories (subject to change) to choose from for your group.

General - Otherwise uncategorized groups on SMF.

Local - Local groups to network with other SMF members near you.

Interest - Groups for SMF members with similar interests.

Fun - SMF groups just for fun.

Speaking as a group starter/owner....

Thanks for the changes. I know in the Clubhouse, we have a general rule of following the "public" forum rules. Granted the whole stay on topic thing is thrown out the window in the Clubhouse but my folks are good about it for the most part. no need for me to delete much or ask for help from staff.

I do dislike the censor in the groups, but hey I understand it an most of us can use our brains to figure out what somewhat meant.

I think you answered this in your first post but can group conversations be kept in the groups? What I mean is...I think the old way, anyone who is friends with me can follow my group without being a member. Is there a way to change that, or did the recent upgrades change it? I'd like for it to be kept within the group an it's members.

I didn't see much group activity before I made the Clubhouse, other then ones that were created long ago an abandoned. So your all welcome..me an my cooler pullers have created so much activity you all get to join the fun! ;)

I kid I kid.

Thanks Admin! More group stuff is awesome.

Sirscrapalot - Still using Brojer's tipjar for Clubhouse suds.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sirscrapalot

I think you answered this in your first post but can group conversations be kept in the groups? What I mean is...I think the old way, anyone who is friends with me can follow my group without being a member. Is there a way to change that, or did the recent upgrades change it? I'd like for it to be kept within the group an it's members.

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Yes. I'm not sure where the setting is for an existing group but you should be able to edit your group to be "join-to-view" which would mean only members of your group can see the posts.

Awesome, thank you Admin!

One last thing...if it wasn't done in the recent round of upgrades, any chance in the future we can access groups via the SMF App? In the past it wouldn't let me read any group threads.

Anyhow...thanks again!

Sirscrapalot - Suitably impressed.