About Groups
Creating a group enables you to set up an area where like-minded PTC product professionals can put their heads together and share information on the group subject. Before you create a group you may want to consider the purpose of the group, the types of content you'll create to support the group, and how you can attract members who will participate regularly. The way you name the group and the tags you assign to it are different ways you can make it available to those who are interested in participating.
Steps to Create a Group
- Go to "Browse" in the top navigation and then select "Groups" from the drop down menu
- On the left hand side under "Add a new place" select "Group" to begin creating your own group
- In the Create group page, enter details for the group you're creating including: the group's name, description, tags, and group type. (Group options are described in detail below)
- Select which content types will be available to group members, such as blog posts, discussions, documents, etc. by selecting the gear icon next to "Group Features and Activity"
- Add a group icon by selecting the gear icon next to "Avatar" and selecting an image from your computer
- Click "Create Group" at the bottom of the page
Setting the Group's Options
- Group Name: The name you want to show up at the top of the group page. This will be used at the end of a URL that links to the group, though you can change the URL by clicking the Edit link. (Note: you are only able to chance your URL once on group creation to avoid URL errors)
- Group Description: This shows up on the group's main page. Capture what the group's about in a way that will attract other people who might be interested in participating.
- Tags: Enter keywords and phrases that describe your group's focus and can help other people find your group.
- Group Type: Choose a type that will determine whether your group can be seen by others and whether they can participate.
Types of Groups
A group's type (open, members only, private, or secret) determines who can join, see content, participate, and invite new members. Use the following table to help you understand the different types of groups that can be created:
Secret Group | Private Group | Members Only | Open | |
---|---|---|---|---|
What's visible to non-member? | Nothing | Group Name Only | All Content | All Content |
Who can see content? | Members | Members | Anyone | Anyone |
Who can participate? | Members | Members | Members | Anyone |
Who can invite new members? | Members or Admin | Members of Admin | Members of Admin | Anyone |
Who approves new members? | Admin | Admin | N/A | N/A |
To find out a group's type, go to Brows then click Groups in the top navigation bar. From there, select an option from the groups types pull-down menu at the top of the page. (Note: you cannot see Secret groups unless you are a member of the group.)