Re: Qualifying to be a recognized group
Re: Qualifying to be a recognized group
- Subject: Re: Qualifying to be a recognized group
- From: email@hidden
- Date: Sat, 15 Oct 2005 15:19:24 EDT
Hi Em,
Thanks for the question. It is one that comes up a lot. Although it wouldn't be fair to comment on individual group applications unless the group requests clarification, the general priciples are the same. It is not the content of a site but the function of an organization and number of contacts/members that is generally the determinant, although (as you might expect) we do look at content and steer away from rumor sites.
The fact is that anyone can start or run a user group and each group is a private, self-directed organization that does not have to answer to any outside accrediting body. Rightly, no person needs an okay to start or run a group, and groups prize their autonomy (groups regularly say what they think, regardless of Apple's opinions <G> ).
Still, there are guidelines for groups that want to be listed in Apple's Locator, since they are being advertised by Apple, not the private group. For example, there is a distinction made between regional or privately-run organizations (Like Greg's organization, the MUG Center, etc.) and user groups. In the same way, there is strict policy against recognizing the same group twice if they apply in two different formats, or approving both a group and a SIG for that same group. Finally, groups that list only a single person, or a person with their spouse and child are groups that raise a flag in the approval process, since a group where there are few members or all contacts share a surname and addresses or phone numbers is a group that may disappear when a family loses interest. A potential user group member (often a new Mac user) may find a group near their home via the locator, try the web site and email, and, finding both bounce, never try another. Thus, we may lose that new user permanantly. Our primary concern is the potential new member, looking for a possibly life-long relationship with a group and that is the guiding principle in the recognition process.
So, the groups listed in the Locator are those that fit some pretty careful criteria because the main function of the Locator is to help a newbie or potential member find a user group that suits his or her interests or exists in a specific location. As you can see, it does not (and should not) list all groups; a group can operate without listing and a large number do so.
Hope this helps. Let me know if I can be of use.
Sandy Foderick
Locator maintenance
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