Wednesday, August 15, 2007

The Hidden Danger of Groups

We all love groups. In fact, as I mentioned previously, there is currently a campaign to allow us to join more at any one time. They allow us to feel part of something bigger, we get a neat tag, and get updates on things like cool things to see, or new releases from our favourite shops. We can even make them ourselves, so you can identify who really IS cool enough to be in your gang. And the only danger is that you might get sick of the group IM's and Notices from and certain group, and have to leave it, in favour of joining a new one. Or is it?

It is worthwhile to remember that if you join a group, no matter what level you join at, you can be held accountable along with all the other members for any debts the group may run up. For example, if the group owns land, and wishes for that land to be listed in "Places", the charge for this is not accounted to the owner, even though they would probably be the only one able to make the choice to list it. It is in fact spread between all members of the group. This may not be a lot of money with larger groups, but over time it can build up, and there is no warning that you may be accountable for such costs when you join up.

So, the moral of our tale: Next time someone generously offers you the chance to join their exclusive group, remember to read the fine print.

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