Create your own ''Groups'' on Blue Horsey

Introducing our newest feature to you all 🙂 Groups - bringing together mums, those pregnant and those TTC based on living in the same county, same date of birth (or age of children), but also based on similar interests, passions, hobbies and beliefs ...

Where are Groups?

Groups can be found under ‘’Photoblogs’’ on the left hand side.

What are Groups?

There are two types of Groups, the ‘automatic’ ones and groups that you can create on your own - on any topic that you like! (PS. Please be assured that all group posts are only visible to its members and not public to the world wide web/google).

Automatic groups are formed by the system based on information you entered into your personal profile: the county you live, expected due date (or age of children), and if you’re trying to conceive.

• Group By County: Many things interest us for the simple reason that we live in the same area. For example, you may want to share local neighbourhood walks, playgroups, a good GP, playgrounds, a good shop to buy maternity clothes, ideas for days out with the kids …

• Group By Due Date (or age of kids): Pregnancy is a wonderful thing but if at times a little scary! It throws up lots of questions about what is normal, all that you need to prepare for the baby amongst many other daily pregnancy thoughts. What better place to help and support one another. The same is true having kids of a similar age - wanting to know and share tips about recipes, schools, kids games, child development etc…

• Group By TTC: So you know you want to have a family and you’re trying to get pregnant. Not enough attention is given to the journey that this involves - the highs, the lows and the different lengths of time. Tracking yourself on the ovulation calculator, or looking out for pregnancy symptoms during the two week wait etc ...

Groups that you can create can be based on any topic or subject that you like!

Whether you want to talk about and share photos of recipes, nursery inspiration, your pets, DIY creations, to photography, losing weight, breastfeeding, c-section, reusable nappies, dealing with defiant kids, latest discounts/promotions, decorating your house, mums with tattoos … just about anything goes!

Take a look at an example below from our sister site in France:

:

All main groups are public (only the group name and description is visible on google - all content is only visible to members, ie once registered on the site), where anyone can join and within these groups three of the members will be moderators. Moderators create the rules of the group and are responsible for checking that all messages are in line with these and respectful to all members.

You also have the option to create private groups. Before I go on to explain what Groups actually are and how to make one, I will first go over the 5 main categories under which all groups will fall under:

1.  Hobbies

   For those who share the similar interests, passions and hobbies.

   For example knitting, DIY, sewing, cooking, gardening, pets, painting, any sports.

   Basically, anything your heart desires!

2.  Same Views

    For those who share similar opinions, beliefs, philosophy or religion.

    For example vegetarians, alternative medicines, Christianity, schooling methods ...

3.  Same Life Situations

     For those who are in similar situations.

     For example those trying to conceive, first-time mothers, single mums, working mums, adoption ...

4. Advice

     For those who are looking for some help or seeking answers to their questions.

     For example breastfeeding, post-natal depression, advice on benefits or legal rights.

5. Other

    For all other groups that do not fall into the above category.

How does a Group work?

The Group consists of messages like in the Photoblogs. Within these messages, you can add one or more photos.

Once you post the message, it is not possible to edit, add or reduce the number of photos.

Messages and comments can only be deleted by its author. The Admin (that’s me 🙂 can also delete posts and comments if they do not respect the rules.

How do I create a Group?

Basic information about Groups:

• A group must have at least 3 founding members from when it is created
• These founding members are the moderators, whose duty it is to ensure the rules are being respected.
• Group messages are invisible to those who are not members
• Within the Group category Advice, at least one of the founding members must be able to competently advise people on that particular area of expertise.
• The Group category Advice, must be pregnancy or motherhood related. Other areas must be agreed in advance.
• Groups are created individually after you request to form one.
• Members may leave at anytime, by clicking the Leave Group on the bottom right.
• You can report posts which you feel do not respect the rules by clicking on the triangle with the exclamation mark inside.

When you create a Group you should include:

• The exact name of the Group.
• Description and goals of the Group (why was it created? For what purpose? Why should mums join?).
• 3 founding members who will be the moderators of the Group.
• Rules for the Group (Group rules that you draft and those from the site are both applicable within Groups).
• Within the Group Advice, at least one of the founding members should write up a short description of their experiences and qualifications that enables them to competently advise others (this will be displayed in the Group).
• Which category you want to place the Group in.

Differences between Private and Public Groups

• In Private groups, only moderators are allowed to invite new members.
• There is no list of Private groups.

Just to reiterate that the main ‘’Photoblogs’’ content should be photos and posts that at a glance, any new member can see we’re all about trying to conceive, pregnancy and motherhood. Anything off-topic should be posted in Groups or your ''Friends'' feed on Photoblogs - like photos with pets, house etc.

I think that’s about covered it all! I hope you enjoy the new Groups feature and that everything is clear. Have fun creating your own Groups and if you need any help or have any questions, I am always here 🙂

Your Admin Boycee

Asmira Team