I wanted to let you all know about two new features that we have just launched, following the "Give a Hug" that seems to be quite popular:

1. Tell a Friend: You can now invite friends and family to join and participate in your group.

By clicking the button at the top right, you can send an email invitation with your own message, asking friends to join the groups here at MDJ.

This feature was requested by members who wanted to send a link to the group homepage or to a specific discussion that they thought could interest and educate their friends and family.

2. Join this Group: At last, you can click the button at the top right and "officially" become a member of a group.

The list of groups you're a member in is displayed in your Public Profile Page. There's no limit to the number of groups you can join.

For now, joining a group allows you to notify your other group members about a new discussion you're starting and you want everyone to know about (this is the place to say that I hope this option will not be abused, if it is, I'd like to be notified - if you'd like, you can always opt out from these New Group Discussion notifications by editing the settings in your profile page).

that's it for now, please join the groups you participate in since more features will be based on this one in the future.

As always, we'd love to know what you think about what we're doing here - don't hesitate to email us or PM us with any question, suggestion or comment.

Thank you for making MDJunction what it is - keep help each other and support each other the way you do.

warm regards,

Alon

I joined the Lyme Support Group and saw where it was added in my profile. I didn't understand if we can choose to have the group notified when starting a new discussion, or if everyone in the group will automatically get it (because you mentioned abuse and I'm not sure how that could happen if it was automatic). Also, I didn't see where I could opt out of getting the new discussion notifications, but with all of this, I will just cross that bridge when I get to it.

Thank you again for the new features!

Lori

You can choose to have all the group members notified when you start a new discussion (the option is ticked by default, you will find it above the "submit" button when you post a new thread).

As a member, you can also disable all notifications for new threads (so even if somebody chooses to notify all members, you will not be notified), and you can play with this feature in your profile editing menu ("Edit Your Details"). Just go to the fourth tab ("My Support Groups").

You can get to this menu by clicking "Edit" and choosing "Update Your Profile" in your profile page, just under your avatar (picture).

I hope this clarifies the use of this new feature. If not, please, drop me a line, and I'll try to be of further assistance . Just remember that I'm here to answer questions and help in any way that I can.