So, yeah, with this new upgrade thing, it looks like the software supports “Social Groups” on the Dope. I’ve started one: Military Dopers
Just thought I’d point it out–the feature, not necessarily the group.
Tripler
Creator, Group ID #4
A favorite topic of discussion at Cleveland Dopefests.
Ok, um…
So what does it do?
Facilitates dopefests?
Makes it easier for us to laugh at people who don’t know what the grassy strip of land between the sidewalk and the street is called?
I don’t know but one popped up on me all of a sudden. Also I got something about “friending” someone and I approved it but I had never done that before - has that always been there?
I don’t think so (but correct me if I’m wrong!) Looks like you can view someone’s profile and chum up. I’m curious how this differs, not technically but in intent, from a private message.
I just made one for Central Florida Dopers. We occasionally have Dopefests, so it might be more useful than, say, having multiple threads about it.
Damn, more cliquish groups to be shunned form.
I’ve just started one to with a truly awful acronym (HIM – for Health Issues: Mental) and a welcome for anyone who’d like to stay within the actual board to discuss things like depression, etc.
Go to http://boardstest.straightdope.com/sdmb/group.php?groupid=13 if you’d like to be a part. Everyone welcome!
It doesn’t DO anything. That’s the beauty of it!
How do you make a social group? I’d like to make one for either Calgary Dopers or Canadian Dopers (or both)?
I created one for all us BADs. Join now! Here!
featherlou, go here: http://boardstest.straightdope.com/sdmb/group.php and then scroll to the bottom of the window. It’s on the bottom blue bar where it says “Create a New Group.”
Hope that helps!
Never mind - I found it.
ETA - Thanks, faithfool.
By the way, how does one post a message to the group? I’ve tried to do that and so far it’ll only let me click the “Go Advanced” button, then does nothing. Yet I see messages everywhere else. Anyone? HELP!
I joined. Although I’ve been to two OrlanDopes, I seem to have missed meeting you. Maybe third time’s the charm!
Because you can’t spell! 
(Just kidding.)
Maybe I’ll make a Feud one. Then I can send out notifications to everybody at once, instead of 5 at a time.
I just had to create one for the Mafia players.
I just created a group for Librarians.
Neat. I made one for martial artists.