How to Create Groups

Want to build a community around a specific interest? Here’s how to create your own group within The Convergence Lens.

Who Can Create Groups

Group Creation Privileges:

• Observers – Cannot create groups, but asking a paid-tier friend or a moderator to create one for you is more than okay! We’re not trying to be unfair, but we also need to mitigate the risk of spam, since anyone can sign up for free.
• Critics and Insiders – Can create unlimited groups, but you must be able to maintain them or transfer ownership. You can transfer ownership to an Observer! If you’re just creating one for a friend, you can make them the admin immediately after creation and demote yourself to moderator or participant-only.

Before You Create a Group

Make Sure:

• A similar group doesn’t already exist (check group directory)
• You have a clear purpose and focus
• You’re willing to moderate and maintain the group, or have someone to transfer to
• There’s likely interest from other members

If Unsure:

• Post in General Discussion forum to gauge interest
• Ask in existing groups if members would be interested
• Reach out to [email protected] for guidance

How to Create a Group

Step 1: Access Group Creation

1. Click “Groups” in main navigation
2. Click “Create a Group” from the option bar
3. If you don’t see this option, check your membership tier
4. If you are a paid member, but the option still isn’t showing, contact [email protected]

Step 2: Set Up Basic Information

Group Name:

• Keep it clear and descriptive
• 50 characters or less
• Examples: “Cozy Mystery Book Club,” “Digital Artists Collective,” “TV Show Analysis”

Group Description:

• Explain the group’s purpose
• Who should join?
• What kinds of discussions will happen?
• Any specific focus or ground rules?
• 300-500 characters recommended

Example Description:

A space for fans of cozy mysteries to discuss recent reads, share recommendations, and analyze our favorite detectives. We choose one book per month to read together and discuss. All mystery lovers welcome!

Step 3: Configure Settings

Choose one:

Public:

• Anyone can join instantly
• Visible in group directory
• Best for: General interest topics, broad communities

Private:

• Members must request to join
• You approve/deny requests
• Visible in directory but content is members-only
• Best for: Sensitive topics, curated communities

Hidden:

• Not listed in directory
• Invitation-only
• Best for: Small working groups, special projects

Additional Settings:

• Which members of this group are allowed to invite others?
• Select all members, mods & admins, or admins only
• Enable Group Messages (automatically create a group chat, new/future members will be added too)

Forum Settings

• Enable/disable group forum

Step 4: Customize

Group Avatar:

• Upload an image representing your group
• Recommended: 250×250 pixels minimum
• Keep it relevant and appropriate
• PNGs do work, you can use them to create cool icon effects!

Group Cover Photo (Optional):

• Larger banner image for group page
• Recommended: 1200×300 pixels
• Not required but adds visual appeal

Step 5: Review & Create

• Check all settings
• Invite friends if you want
• Click “Finish”

Your group is now live!

After Creating Your Group

Immediate Next Steps:

1. Write Group Guidelines:

Write out specific rules for your group in a new post. Include:

• Keep posts on-topic
• Respect spoiler warnings
• No personal attacks
• Any topic restrictions?
• Posting frequency expectations?

Example:

Group Guidelines:
1. All discussions must relate to cozy mysteries
2. Use spoiler warnings for recent releases (< 6 months)
3. Respectfully disagree, no attacking other members' taste
4. Our monthly book selection is chosen by poll on the 1st of each month
5. All TCL community guidelines apply

2. Create Welcome Post:

• Click “Quote” at the bottom of your guidelines post
• Explain your group’s purpose
• Encourage members to introduce themselves in the replies
• Share any regularly planned activities
• Make sure to select your group in the “Post in” setting at the bottom of the pop-up
• Hit post
• Pin that post to the top of the group by selecting the three dots at the top and clicking “Pin”

3. Recruit More Members:

• Post about your new group in relevant forums
• Share in your profile activity

4. Set Up Structure:

• Create initial forum topics if needed
• Add any resources or relevant information
• Plan first group activity or discussion

Managing Your Group

As group admin, you can:

Manage Members:

• Approve/deny join requests (for private/hidden groups)
• Promote members to moderators or admins
• Remove disruptive members
• Ban users if necessary

Manage Content:

• Pin important posts
• Delete inappropriate content
• Edit group settings
• Moderate discussions

Access Admin Tools:

1. Go to your group page
2. Click “Manage” or gear icon
3. Access admin dashboard

Promoting Your Group

Within TCL:

• Post about it in General Discussion
• Mention in relevant forum conversations
• Add to your profile widgets
• Share group highlights in your activity feed

Group Events:

• Plan events to attract members
• Announce in main forums
• Create excitement and buzz

Appointing Moderators

As your group grows, you may want help:

To Add Moderators:

1. Go to group admin dashboard
2. Members tab
3. Find member’s name
4. Hover and the options will appear
5. Select “Promote to Mod”

Moderator Responsibilities:

• Help approve members (private groups)
• Moderate discussions
• Remove rule-breaking content
• Help admin maintain group culture

Choose moderators who:

• Are active members
• Understand the group’s purpose
• Handle conflict well
• Are trustworthy and reliable

Group Growth Tips

Build Engagement:

• Post regularly yourself
• Ask questions
• Create weekly/monthly recurring discussions
• Highlight member contributions

Be Responsive:

• Reply to member posts
• Welcome new members
• Address concerns quickly
• Stay active and visible

Keep It Focused:

• Don’t let group drift off-topic
• Gently redirect off-topic discussions
• Maintain the group’s original purpose

Celebrate Milestones:

• Acknowledge member count milestones
• Highlight anniversary of group creation
• Recognize active members

Group Management Best Practices

Set Expectations:

• Clear guidelines from the start
• Consistent enforcement
• Lead by example

Foster Community:

• Encourage member interaction
• Create opportunities for connection
• Be welcoming to new members

Stay Organized:

• Use pinned posts for important information
• Keep group description updated
• Archive old forum topics if needed

Handle Issues Promptly:

• Address guideline violations quickly
• Communicate clearly with members
• Remove toxic members if necessary

Deleting or Archiving Your Group

We encourage transferring ownership over deletion, but we also understand that sometimes deletion will be necessary.

How to Delete:

1. Group admin dashboard
2. Go to “Delete”
3. Confirm your decision
4. Click “Delete Group”

Transferring Ownership

To transfer group to another member:

1. Go to group admin dashboard
2. Members tab
3. Find member’s name
4. Hover and the options will appear
5. Select “Promote to Admin”
6. You can stay on as moderator or participant, or leave the group entirely
7. Note that you will not be able to leave until you promote someone else to admin, there must be one at all times

Getting Support

Questions about group management?

• Use the support portal or:
• Email [email protected]
• Subject: “Group Admin Support”
• Include group name and your question