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Re: Discussion Group Updates

Yefim Kogan
 

Hello Avrami,  team,

I think that File Attachments should be permitted here.  It is an important feature which is missing from our current groups, and some people can provide links, others cannot.

I also have a question about other SIGs groups.  Are they going to use the same tool?

All the best,
Yefim


-----Original Message-----
From: Avraham Groll <agroll@...>
To: JewishGen@groups.io Group Moderators <JewishGen@groups.io>
Sent: Fri, Jul 26, 2019 1:11 am
Subject: [JewishGen.org] Discussion Group Updates

Dear Beta Team -

Thank you to everyone who is helping to test this platform. You have contributed tremendous feedback. I am including a summary below of some questions/issues that have been raised and steps we have taken as a result of your feedback and suggestions.
Avrami

Security
  • The site is very secure. It will eventually be hosted on the JewishGen domain, and the actual groups have SSL certification.

File Attachments
  • A concern was raised about people submitting infecting files. Facebook groups do allow participants to upload files. However, we will initially restrict people’s ability to upload files. We have analyzed what other groups do, and it seems to be split. We will initially err on the side of caution in this regard. Note: While file attachments won't be permitted, users can provide links to files. For example, they can provide links to a file on Google Drive,etc).

Guidelines
  • Politics: We have updated the guidelines to include language which precludes any political language. As such, it will read: Posts should relate to Jewish genealogy. We do not discuss politics or religious issues (such as "Who is a Jew" and other discussions which are frequently raised within the context of researching one's roots).
  • Fundraising: We will initially not permit fundraising from any other groups. We are still studying this matter.

Functionality
  • File Attachments: A concern was raised about people submitting infecting files. Facebook groups do allow participants to upload files.
    We have analyzed what other groups do, and it seems to be split (some allow it, and some don't). We will initially err on the side of caution in this regard, and restrict the ability to upload file attachments. Note: While file attachments won't be permitted, users can provide links to files. For example, they can provide links to a file on Google Drive,etc.
  • Images: Users can submit images in most formats (such as JPEG, etc). TIF files are not able to be embedded within messages (if we decide to permit attachments, then TIF files could be included in this way). All images will be automatically resized to 488x488. The ability to upload images is not designed to supplant ViewMate - we will see what tools and options users take advantage of. Our experience on the Jewish Genealogy Portal is that researchers who need translation help will tend to quickly and easily share images on their phones. We want to provide this functionality on the groups as well.
  • Languages: The official language of the group is in English, but users can post in any language they would like. Obviously, they should be mindful that most people are speaking in English, but if people want to try and post in Hebrew or another language, we will allow it unless we see it is getting out of hand.
  • Email Options: People can choose to receive emails in 4 ways - see the image: image.png

Moderation
  • Signature: We should encourage people to include their name and location at the end of their posts.
  • Member Screenings: A concern was raised that we might be spammed by people who should not be in the group. As such, we have setup automation so that each time someone seeks to join the group, they receive an automatically generated email as follows: 
Thank you for your interest in joining the JewishGen.org Discussion Group. 
In order to ensure the security of everyone on the group, please answer the following questions then reply to this email. - The JewishGen.org Team
Question 1: Are you already registered on JewishGen.org?
Question 2: Why do you want to join the JewishGen.org Discussion Group?
Question 3: What are your Jewish genealogy research interests, e.g. list specific surnames, towns? (We recommend introducing yourself and posting them as soon as you are admitted to the group.)
We will not approve any requests of applicant who do not answer the questions and/or in a satisfactory way.
Note: We need some volunteers to help with the screening of new member requests. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me.

Thank you again for helping test this new system. Please continue to post your comments and ssuggestions! We greatly appreciate your input and hope this new platform will be setup in a way that will help many thousands of people throughout the world.

Avrami
--
Avraham Groll
Executive Director
JewishGen.org
Edmond J. Safra Plaza | 36 Battery Place | New York, NY | 10280
646.437.4326 | agroll@...
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