Chapter 4: Groups

One of the best features of this network is "Groups", where you can create your own chapter for people with common interests or by geographic proximity. There are already wine & food groups, recipe groups, podcast groups, blogger groups, retailer groups and so on.

While groups are a wonderful aspect of OWC, there is one caveat that needs to be mentioned.

A group is not a commercial mailing list. If you have the need to reach out to a large number of people, you will need to create, maintain and to use a real mailing list. This is easy to do, but you do need to allow people to opt-in to your mailings. Fortunately, when you choose to join a group, should you decide the group is not of interest to you, it is easy to leave the group by using the link on that group's page. Whatever you do about mailing, please never opt anyone in who does not ask to be on the list. It's tacky, and opt out is no better.

If you create a group and begin inviting members, it's a good idea to consider each member rather than use a shotgun approach and invite everyone on your list. Why? Because most people are busy. This is a network of thousands now. Every offer or invitation generates a message, the message sometimes generates an email and most busy people don't take kindly to frivolous interruptions.

If you haven't already, go take a look at the groups page. If you don't see your own professional wine interest represented, start a new group and invite people to join it!

• Chapter 1: "My Page"
• Chapter 2: Private Messages and "Friending"
• Chapter 3: Forum Posting
• Chapter 4: Groups
• Chapter 5: Media