Groups - A discussion
I've been trying to think about how to make groups better, more useful and more active during the last few days. It has always been a difficulty for us here, even in the old days when we had many more groups, after a certain period of time they all dropped to a point of inactivity.
I don't know if this is just an inherent flaw in combining groups with a forum. In many instances, it just makes more sense to make a post be in the forum, since more people can access it.
So as a minor step, I added a section to the "New Posts" page that shows you the most recent topics in groups which you are subscribed to. You can find it under the list of forum topics. This functionality has been around since we have had groups, we just never had it somewhere that was easy to get to.
I'm hoping that if group discussions are more easily tracked, there will be more activity.
Ultimately, though, the point of this post is to get ideas from you guys. What do you dislike about groups? Do you think they are even necessary? Do you have any ideas that could make them better? Those are just the questions that come to mind, but please, let me know your thoughts and ideas.
I don't really know anything about groups.
Well that was helpful! 
I almost think the new group posts should go ABOVE the new forum posts. You're only gonna see them if you're subscribed, right? And that way, you're constantly reminded what new activity there is, etc etc...
My group, the postmaster one, always gets over looked. it was made for a reason, so that people join it who are really serious about sending shit and doing it on time, and what not. No one ever makes threads about sending things in there. I tried to make one about that damn camera, but no one read it. not. one. reply.
So, it better be different when I start secret santas around here soon. I feel like it'd be better if I started it just the normal general discussion, but if I do it in groups, i can say 'no' to the newb who has literally just started posting and who wants to join in....I'm not saying i'm saying no to those people, but if it's in a group, at least there's some say, you know?
Help me out here.
Brentinlouis Wrote: What was that rule about being intentionally annoying?
I almost think the new group posts should go ABOVE the new forum posts. You're only gonna see them if you're subscribed, right? And that way, you're constantly reminded what new activity there is, etc etc...
I thought a lot of people would get mad if I moved them up there... If you guys think it is worth trying, I can certainly do it.
but if I do it in groups, i can say 'no' to the newb who has literally just started posting and who wants to join in
This is what I like about groups. It gives someone some oversight. For instance, my Xbox group... I only let in people who proved me with a gamertag and have more than 25 posts. I do this so there is at least a little assurance that they won't abuse the list of gamertags.
Anyhow, I'm still really interested in any ideas you all might have.
I always thought it was a case of out of sight, out of mind. I like the idea that they show up on the new posts page. I'm wondering if there's an easier way to let people know where/what the groups are? They're kind of a forum within a forum, which would be great for more focused discussions on sports, movies, whatever.