How to set up a group

Although any Patron can create a group, it’s best to see if a similar group exists elsewhere. If there is a similar group to the one you have in mind, then you can either join and if it’s an inactive group, ask to be made group leader, or still create your own.

You will have to pay 1500 sestertii (site currency) out of your personal cashbox when you create your group. This money is non-refundable, so be sure you are willing to spend it on your group.

A group chat can also be set up once you have enough members. When a persona joins your group, they pay a one-time fee of 250 strti, which is not refunded if they leave the group. This fee goes to the cashbox and once there are enough members, you can then buy a group chat. This chat costs 1000 strti. Group members can use this chat to discuss just about anything they wish (within the CoC).

Leaders

If you create the group, then it is yours to create as you’ve envisioned. You can appoint others to the level six position (leader) or be the sole leader of the group. You can promote and demote other members as you see fit. You can also change the position names, create boards and threads and decorate.

If you are appointed leader of an existing group, you are not allowed to do any of the above without the permission of the other leader(s). In the case of an existing group leader being absent, you can make some changes. First however, you must try to contact the other group leader(s). In the event that there is no answer to your requests, you may redecorate as long as you save the old graphics and codes. It is wise to save all things you change in case the group creator comes back and is not happy with your changes. A newly appointed leader must not change or delete existing boards or threads without the permission of the group creator. Also, the new leader must never bump an existing group leader down to a lower position.

As the leader of a group, you can also place people who do not follow group rules or are being destructive in the number one position (default “Reader“). In this position they can read, but not participate until they’ve decided they wish to be productive group members again. If, after the cooling off period, the persona is still not being a good member of the group, you can “retire” them from your group. This removes them from the group and if your group is closed, they will have to reapply to be let back into your group. Whether you allow them back in is up to the group leader(s).

Members and Joining a Group

Before joining a group, check it out thoroughly. Make certain that you understand the rules (if there are any) of the group and whether it is closed to outsiders or open to newcomers. Also, it is wise to check the dates on the last posts listed within the group Daily Index. If they are six months to years old, it is likely the group is “dead”. This should not sway you toward giving up, however. You can always contact the group leaders and/or members to see if there is interest in activating the group once more.

If you do join, after you’ve informed yourself that the group is active, has the potential to become active or your interest in the topics is too great to ignore, then it is up to you to post where you see fit. These posts need to comply within the code of conduct, but most topics will be open to you. Some groups have topics which are for the group admin’s eyes alone, so you will not be able to read or post on those threads.

The price to join is 250 strti (a one-time fee) which is non-refundable. Before you join, a screen will pop up explaining "Group Admission Policy", "Group Membership Limits", "Group Membership Dues" and "Group Mission and Rules ". These are all an automated responses, explaining how the group leader set up the group. If you click the box next to, "I agree..." and then click, "Sign Me Up!" you will be signed up for the group. This is where it's best to check that the group is active or the group leader is still around before you join. If you don't and join a dead group with a missing leader, you could very well be out 250 strti from your cashbox.

Group Positions:

Leader (level 6): The group leader is responsible for nurturing and growing the group
Editor (level 5): A group editor has tools to encourage participation from the group members (with the group leader's permission)
Author (level 4): A group Author may start discussions and write Articles (with the group leader's permission)
Voter (level 3): A voter may not create Threads and Articles at the group but may have a say in group affairs
Member (Level 2): With this position a group Member may post comments but not create Board Threads or Articles.
Reader (Level 1): A reader is someone who has associated themselves with a group but has not yet been promoted to a higher position yet.

It takes more than one person to make a successful group. If you have the cooperation and attention of all levels, from leader down to reader, then your group will be a success. There are many old groups out there which do need a little TLC to become what they once were, but it does take team work.