Looking for Fun cat_16.xml 196 16 Looking_for_Fun Groups A group is a set of There members who share a common interest or purpose -- like racing Buggies, exchanging fashion tips, running a business, or improving the community. Participating in groups is a great way to meet new people who like the same things you do. Groups can get together and plan activities and events; you can even rent a clubhouse that's only accessible to members of your group!
You can join an existing group or create your own. When you create a group, you automatically become the group leader. The number of groups you can join or lead changes according to your Skill levels .
Joining a Group
Creating a Group
Quitting a Group
Transferring Leadership
Setting Permissions
Inviting and Adding Members
Group Info Page
Group Payments
Group Affiliates
Sports Teams

Joining a Group
There are two ways to join a group: by invitation and by application. If you receive an invitation from the group leader, all you have to do is accept, and you're in!
If you'd like to apply to a group, browse or search the listings on the Groups home page in There Central. You can find out more about the groups that interest you by clicking on their names. This will bring you to an info page, with further information about the group, as well as an application form which allows you to send a message (512 characters max) to the group leader.
If you do not meet the basic requirements for joining the group (as determined by the group leader), you will automatically receive a message telling you so.
If you do meet the basic requirements for joining the group, your application will be sent to the group leader for consideration. Once the group leader makes a decision, you will receive notification of the results via ThereMail.
Please note: Due to the distributed nature of There's systems, you may occasionally be allowed to join more groups than your Skill level allows. If this happens, you will be allowed to remain in the new group, but you won't be able to join additional groups until you level-up in the Socializer Skill , or quit some groups. You will have to quit enough groups to return to your official limit.
Creating a Group
To create your own group, click the "Create a Group" link from the Groups home page. There are five types of groups to choose from:
  • Teams and Leagues : Form a paintball posse or grab a Buggy bunch. Race or play as a team, and compete against other teams to see where you stand! More info below
  • Businesses : Want to start your own business in There? Place a classified, hire some employees, and manage your group with special business-oriented tools.
  • Social and Recreational Clubs : Start your own social club and meet people who share your interests and hobbies. Talk about your favorite things, or just hang out!
  • Community Organizations : Feeling philanthropic? Start a community service organization and help make There a better place for everyone!
  • Neighborhoods and Households : These neighborhood-oriented groups are a great way to get to know your neighbors! Throw block parties, organize garage sales, and more.
You'll need to fill out some basic information, like your group name and a brief description. You can set also set minimum requirements for joining the group (optional), like required Skill levels.
Then, decide whether or not you want to list your group. This is sort of like having a listed vs. an unlisted phone number. If you want the general public or casual acquaintances to find out about your group, you should list it. Listing your group does not mean anyone can join; you will still be allowed to review all applications for your group.
On the next page, space is provided for additional information about your group. These fields are all optional, and include space for a group photo, and a URL for a group website.
Once you're finished, remember to click save. Your group is now official!
Quitting a Group
You can quit a group at any time, by clicking the "quit" link from that group's info page. If you are the group leader of a group with active members, and you wish to quit that group, you must first find a new group leader (see below).
Transferring Leadership
A leader may choose to transfer the leadership of a group at any time by clicking the "Change Leadership" link from the group administration page. Group leadership can only be transferred under the following conditions:
  • The group is not currently renting a clubhouse.
  • The new leader is a member of the group.
  • If the new leader does not have the same Club Leader Skill level as the former leader, the group cannot accept new members until the new leader levels up in the Club Leader Skill.
Setting Permissions
If you are a group leader, you can set or edit permissions for your group at any time, by clicking Administration from the group info page. You can set the following permissions for your group:
  • Invite new members: If you uncheck this, only you (the group leader) can invite new members.
  • Send group email: If you uncheck this, only you can send group email. Emails are sent via ThereMail.
  • Decorate clubhouse: If you uncheck this, only you can decorate the group's clubhouse (if you are renting one).
  • Hold events in clubhouse: If you uncheck this, only you can host or manage events in the clubhouse.
  • Apply for membership: If you uncheck this, your group will be invitation-only, and no unsolicited applications will be accepted for your group.
  • View member list: If you uncheck this, the group's member list will be hidden.
  • View Forums: If you uncheck this, the group's private Forums area will be inaccessible to non-members.
  • Edit links: If you uncheck this, only you can edit the web page links that appear on the group's home page.
  • Transfer funds: If you uncheck this, only you can transfer Therebucks to group members from the group's member list.
When you are finished, remember to save your settings.
Inviting and Adding Members
There are two ways to add new members to your group: by invitation and accepting applications.
To invite members, click on the Invitations link from your group's info page. Enter the avatar names of the group members you wish to invite. You can also add a text message to include in the invitation. You can invite more members at any time.
If you wish to accept applications, you will have to leave this box checked on the club administration page. As the group leader, you can change this setting at any time. View pending applications by clicking on Applications from your group's info page. Once you've reviewed the application, you will be prompted to accept or decline the new member. They will receive an automated ThereMail with your decision.
Group Info Page
Every group has a group info page. You can view the info page of any listed group by clicking the category links on the Groups home page in There Central.
You set up the info page when you create your group, and (if you are the group leader) can edit it at any time. Some of the info on this page includes: your status (leader or member), founding date, whether the group is accepting memberships, number of members, clubhouse location and permissions, a link to that group's private Forum, a link to start an IM with all online group members, and links allowing the group leader to change the group's settings and permissions (See Setting Permissions ), above).
Group Payments
You can use the "transfer funds" button from the club member list to send Therebucks to up to 25 members of a group. The recipients do not even need to be online! The Therebucks will automatically be transferred to their accounts.
If you are the group leader, you can always use group payments. If you are a member, the group leader must give permission for all members to use group payments. (See Setting Permissions , above).
Group Affiliates
You can create your own network of groups in There, and share privileges, Forums, and more! As a group leader, you can create affiliations with other groups by clicking the "Affiliates" link from the group info page. You can return to this page at any time to edit your affiliates. Your affiliate groups will be listed on your group's info page.
All the members of your affiliate group(s) can:
  • View your private member list (they cannot use payments)
  • View your private Forums (they cannot post)
  • View your private links (they cannot edit)
In addition, the leader of your affiliate group(s) can send email to the members of your group, and post on your Forums. Affiliate groups cannot share your clubhouse.
The number of affiliates you can add is determined by your Club Leader Skill . There is no limit to the number of groups that can add you as an affiliate. A group may have affiliates regardless of the group type (e.g., a Buggy Racing Team may have both a Business and a Community Group as affiliates).
Sports Teams
A sports team is a group that competes for ratings, so if you live for the thrill of competition, a sports team may be what you're looking for! You may only join one team for each ranked sport, so choose carefully. When you compete in races, your results will be applied to the rating of your team (in that sport), as well as your own rating. We'll even be holding special team events that you can participate in with your fellow teammates!
Listings of the top-ranked sports teams are on the Groups home page on There Central.