Because I haven't the technical skills needed to create and manage a forum
(also termed discussion group, community or bulletin board), I'm using
Google Groups to house and power a site called "CSTN Friends in Travel."
Following are some how-to tips and answers to questions that arose during testing.
Diane: For technical superiority and handling of privacy issues, I trust Google more than other companies that provide messaging solutions. Google is our watchdog for spammers and other unscrupulous characters that misuse the Internet.
Diane: Google Groups consist of a worldwide Internet community of organizations all using Google's messaging system yet separate one from the other by interest and how the group owner uses the technology. The purpose of our group, CSTN Friends in Travel, is to extend communication between members of Connecting: Solo Travel Network – with a focus on matters specific to solo travelers. Other groups cover an A-Z gamut of interests.
Diane: Because of my concerns about privacy and security, I have, for the present, elected to make CSTN Friends in Travel a semi-private group – only bona fide members of Connecting: Solo Travel Network may participate – people whose name, address, and traceable payment information have been duly recorded.
I will list the group in the Google directory which will allow interested persons to find the site and view postings then, hopefully, be inspired to join.
Diane: First, I will add members' e-mail addresses to the group list, and everyone will receive an invitation to participate. That e-mail will include a URL (address) link to the CSTN Friends in Travel site.
Diane: Yes. As Google powers the service, you must have a Google account and password to be allowed access to any Google Group, including CSTN Friends in Travel.
Diane: You can try, but it may not be accepted by Google.
Diane: I expect CSTN Friends in Travel to replace the Adviser, Host, and travel companion aspects of Connecting: Solo Travel Network, but Solo Travel News will still be published and posted on my website – cstn.org. The format may change over time as inspiration dictates.
Diane: Google Groups masks your e-mail address on the web to prevent automated computer programs from harvesting it for spamming purposes. When you see an e-mail address on the CSTN Friends in Travel site, it will look something like this: add...@example.com instead of address@example.com.
Please note, this masking only occurs on the web. If your message leaves CSTN Friends in Travel (or any Google Group), your e-mail address will be visible. Messages leave Google Groups in two ways:
From Marie R: Right now, it looks to me as if the Google group is duplicating the same information as what is published on the Connecting website (offers of advice, hospitality exchange, etc). That's static, more like a reference that people access when they're looking for something specific (if they remember it). How about making it more like a forum where travelers can ask questions? That might motivate other people to check in regularly.
Diane: My intention is that the CSTN Friends in Travel group will replace the Adviser & Host list. But, good idea! It can just as well be a "forum" for questions, comments, and recommendations.
From Jo S: Will we still go through you for information to connect with a travel host? I have been hesitant to put my phone number up there because of confidentiality.
Diane: Messages can be just between one member (the poster) and another (respondent(s)) using the "Reply to Author" function, or visible to everyone using the "Reply" function.
Including your telephone number in "Reply" messages allows passing visitors to see it, and so is not recommended.
From Jo S: Can we get advertisements from tours that waive, or significantly reduce the single occupancy prices?
Diane: The ads you see on CSTN Friends in Travel are Google's sponsors. Google provides the messaging technology free to group owners and in return Google posts their sponsored links, quite unobtrusively, to the bottom right of the screen. The links are supposed to be relevant to each topic, so should a single-friendly travel company choose to become a Google advertiser, there is every possibility its link would appear.
From Nadine A: I can't seem to find a way to have the group messages listed with most recent on top as you can with the Yahoo groups. In Yahoo the user/visitor can toggle between ascending or descending date order, which is convenient.
Diane: It isn't immediately obvious in the normal layout, but those functions are available under "Options" after clicking on a specific topic/message. See "Responding/Viewing Options" (How-to Tips – link below).
How-to Tips