Last post Wed, Feb 06 2008 10:58 by Tim. 0 replies.
Disaboom.com has Discussion Boards (also called Forums) and Groups.
Discussion Boards are for question and answer; they are for discussion on a subject where every participant's contribution to the dialog is given equal visual emphasis. The Discussion Boards are organized by topic, but within the topic very wide ranges of sub-topics may be explored. Additionally any disaboom user who is signed into the site may participate in any Discussion Board.
Groups are a place for greater focus and specificity. A Group can be very narrow in focus or very wide in focus, depending on the Group leader's desire for the Group. That brings us to another distinction: Group membership is select and only members of a Group can contribute to a Group by writing a blog post on it or adding a photo to it. Every member of the site can comment on Group material. What this means is that visual emphasis of material is only given to Group member submissions. The Group's leaders or moderators are responsible for granting admission to the Group. In a Group with a very specific vision the Group moderator may also establish rules for Group participation (as long as they are not contrary and do not contradict Disaboom rules and terms).
Groups allow people to come together and raise a combined voice on a very specific topic or subject. They allow information and ideas of a number of people to be shared in an entirely different format than the Discussion Boards and also grant Group members the option of adding Group photos.
So, who decides a Group's Vision?
The person who requested the Group. Disaboom has also created some Groups with a more general focus.
What is appropriate to post to a Group?
A blog post or picture in line with the vision and purpose of the Group as described by its description and title. For example, a blog post about your adaptive skiing adventure will go quiet nicely in the Sports and Rec Group as will any pictures from that adventure.
But Couldn't I just Post that on the Discussion Boards or in my Blog?
You could, but if you post it in the Discussion Boards the focus can quickly change to a different story or adventure and your submission will not be as prominent. Using your blog works better than the Discussion Boards, but if you use the applicable Group instead you may have a larger audience of similarly interested individuals for your story.
I want to Start my Own Group, How Do I Do That?
Submit an application to start a new Group or send me a PM with your Request. You need to have selected a possible Group Title, Tagline and Brief Description. Your Group will also have to have a Group Avatar (size - 79x79, square). You should also be prepared to write the first post to your Group with a welcome and vision statement so potential members can decide if they'd like to participate.
I hope that helps! Join a group today, and contact me if you still have questions.
