As the proliferation of gather groups increase in number and variety, the decision of where to publish a given article becomes increasingly difficult. While some group names are clearly suggestive of appropriate content, the titles of other groups are somewhat more cryptic. The problem is exacerbated by the article options page which presents the author's group memberships in the form of a list with absolutely no clarifying information. This results in articles being published to the wrong groups, articles being deleted by group owners, mass emails being sent and feelings being hurt. There's gotta be a better way, but I'm too technologically challenged to find it.
While I don't know the correct terminology, a partial solution doesn't seem difficult. In most computer applications I can receive clarifying information by running my mouse pointer over buttons, icons and other elements. If I point to the clipboard on the standard toolbar, the message says "paste", if I point to the tilted A on the drawing toolbar, the message says "insert word art". I would like to be able to point to a group name on the article options page and get a 4 or 5 word hint about appropriate content for that group.
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 67
I have this same problem! Some of the group names are catchy but don't really define the groups purpose. This wouldn't be a problem if I only belonged to a couple of groups! But unfortunatley that's not the case! Sometimes I publish a photo and then have to go back and edit after I double check the groups description after publishing and discover it isn't appropriate. It's a real pain!
I also printed out all the groups I belong to on paper one day, and stapled them together like a notebook kept near to be handy. I flip through it to remind myself sometimes when required, and also to help other members occasionally by referring to the addresses in comments.
I may get real energetic one day, and create my own format in Word, of groups and descriptions in alphabetical order, that would also make it easier to add and delete, as well as using less paper; ha ha. For now though, I've just page printed them all out and written some notes on a few.
Take it easy.
As for going back and reading each group label occasionally???? Who has time. I am a stay at home mom, so I can pretty much get on the computer whenever I want and I do not have time to enjoy any reading and still read each group description often enough to remember. I go by the title of the group. That is the best I can do. If it seems that it will fit ok, if it's iffy i just skip it and move on. Not only does Gather need a system but people need to think about this when naming their group.
You are apparently very organized and diligent, John. I appreciate your suggestion (no offense intended) and I always read group descriptions before joining. I just don't have the time to reread, study and memorize the rules for each group. It would be so much easier if I could get a hint on the article options page.
I don't think the powers that gather ever expected the number of groups to grow so rapidly or vary so widely.
I have suggested, and still do when I can, that Gather have a master index by category of groups so we could know what is available, and also let us organize groups we join on our pages how we want. I really like the idea of that little bubble window opening up as you pass the cursor over it in the group selections page when publishing. That would be cool.
Thanks.
Ex: Rant - any type / Politics - Debate only / Specific - uplifting only
By doing this I do not have to read the whole posting, but still have it available if there is a question in my mind about it.
The second list is just the name of the group in the order and columns they appear at the publish page. I go through the first list adding an X on the top of each group name that allows such an article and then I use it at the publish page to get through quicker.
I don't have to try to remember or guess and the group owners do not feel insulted by misuse of their groups. As I accept group invitations I add them to both lists. May take a little initial work but it is just maintenance from there.
I understand why you're hesitant to publish to groups Linda. But no one really sees your article if you don't. I just try my best and hope that the gather gods will see fit to accept my suggestion or something similar.
Who does Jesus root for?
Go Minnesota Twins.
How about if someone wrote an article, did some research and gathered up all the summaries of the groups together. Then the article could be put in a place for everyone to refer to when needed. I love cheat sheets.
Support Group: To Be or Not to Be, Do I Have a Choice?
Strategies for Living With a Mental Illness Tip #1
PAY IT FORWARD
I always wished I could put my groups into groups with my own headings like, "Adult only" "Anything goes" "freebies" etc. Teh I would send some erotica to some one who is offended and deletes me, even tho the group said send me anything. :)
Maybe the grouping of the groups is coming soon.
I have been trying to locate more active groups to involve myself with
More King Hostile Comment Graphics