What are Groups

Can someone give me a better idea of what the GROUP module actually does? What are uses that one would use a GROUP for? Sorry for the newbie questions, I just don't see much literature on them and want a better idea on what they are and can be used for.

Thank you,

Delaney

I am starting a Group called CVP71s. This group is for persons who own a Crown Victoria P71 (Police Interceptor) If you get the Group Chat module, it would allow for members of a group to chat with eahc other within the group. I have to say - in my opinion, without the group chat, the groups module is rather dull.

In m=one of my sites, I use groups as a way to "advertise" Therapeutic Groups for those with mental health issues. In this usage, I am just displaying groups such as NA/AA meetings, Family counseling and things like that.

To be honest - you could use groups for anything you want just about. I have duplicated the groups module a few times and renamed for different usages.

I think of the groups as targeting a more specific subject that is shared by like-minded people, as opposed to the free-for-all of content posted in the general newsfeed.

People who enjoy model trains for example, would have an area of your site that would deal primarily, if not exclusively, with that subject. How specific you make that (e.g. certain gauges of trains), is entirely up to you.

Groups narrows the focus similar to topics on a forum, but with more flexibility for sharing common interest information.

I read that ProfessorSr did duplicated the Groups module several times ..... I tried to do this but had issues withn database coherence specifically when I had to upgrade from version to version.....

Could you explain how you did it (is there a simple way ?) since my method failed at a certain point ???

Thanks

Without knowing what you plan to do with your site, it's a bit hard to give a definitive answer. Let's say it's an XBox games site and you have a couple of thousand members. each member is sure to have a favourite game or two and they will want to meet others with a similar interest.

You can set up groups for specific games and your members can choose to join any group that interests them. In the real world, you will allow members to create their own groups and the person who starts a group is the group owner. it's up to him or her to monitor the group's activities and ensure that the group's rules are being honoured. If it's a busy group, the member may invite other trusted members to help moderate the group.

The site owner can control who creates groups or he or she can create groups for other members to use. If the owner doesn't keep an eye on things, hundreds of clowns may start similar groups to the point of stupidity.

I'm not a games person, but let's say there's a game called Mayday and another called Pan Pan. Members could form a group for each of the games, but some dork will come along and start a group called Mayday for left-handed players.

Another example of groups would be a sporting club site. If it's a footy code, you can have groups for Under 18, A grade and B Grade etc.

If you haven't already noticed, Groups are a little like a Forum but there are in fact vast differences. The best thing to do is set up a couple of groups and play with the various options.