Joining a Group

Many groups require that you become a member of the group before you can post to the group. This is similar to moderated Usenet groups. The moderator can choose who is allowed to read or post messages to the group. In some cases, the moderator is allowed to review the messages and reject those not desirable for the group. Google Groups calls these restricted groups. The group owner may elect to have the group be restricted. When you must first become a member of the group you will see the following message: You cannot post messages because only members can post, and you are not currently a member.

To post to a restricted group you must first join the group. Visit the group’s home page, and click Join this group. You may first want to click the About group link to learn more about the group before joining. Clicking the Join this group link launches the group’s Join page. Here you can set the nickname that will appear in posts by you to this group and select the manner in which you receive or view messages from the group. The choices are: No Email and Abridged Email. When you have finished configuring the Join options click Join this group (see Figure 22.5).

Figure 22.5: Select the way you want to review postings, by abridged e-mail or no e-mail.