( I + P )

When explaining the use of Convos Groups to a complete stranger, many people think to themselves "I'm not a part of any groups".  In the past, I would probably say the same.  After launching Convos, I've found myself using Convos Groups for things that could use just a little more structure than a mass email but less structure than a traditional online group. 

I use private, informal groups to bring some organization and context to things that matter to me.

Here's an overview of some ways I'm using Convos Groups:

• Brandt Updates - A temporary, private mailing-list group that my family uses to communicate updates on the health of my new nephew
• Bryant Park Films - A temporary, private listserv group that a group of my friends use to see who's can make the weekly film screenings in Bryant Park
• Downtown Supper Club - A private listserv group that my friends and I use to coordinate a monthly dinner party
• NYC / PHL Trips - A private listserv group for my friends that live in Philadelphia that are planning trips to come to NYC (and vice versa)
• NYC Film Nights - A private listerv group that my friends use to coordinate a periodic movie night
• Roadtrip with Nana - A temporary, private listerv group that my family is usinguse to organize an upcoming roadtrip from FL to NJ
  
• The Trush Family - A private listserv group for my immediate family to communicate upcoming visits and holiday events
• Trush Yankee Tix - A private listserv group where my dad coordinat dates where we have Yankee tickets and who can make it
  
• Vinyl Exchage - a private listerv group where my friends share information about records they're looking for, record store sales, etc.

If I used traditional online groups for these topics, I would spend all of my time navigating between each group, upgrading content, etc.  With the Convos interface, everything is on one page so when I login, I do what I need to do and sign off.

Have an interesting way you're using a Convos Group? Let us know here. 

"The talented design walks in and proves itself on sight."

- Jacob Jensen

Chief designer for Bang and Olufsen (1965 - 1985)

Next week, Internet Week kicks off here in NYC. From June 3rd to June 10th, there will be events covering a wide range of topics and hosted by local NYC internet companies and groups.

Here's a full schedule if you're in town. 

You've got a new group setup and you're ready to invite some people to join you.  Convos gives you a couple of options when sending group invites. Here we'll cover the easiest way.

Click the green "+ Members" button

Type or paste email addresses

Click the "Add to List" button

Add some text to the invite and click "Send Invite"

An email will go out to new users that looks like this:

Hello,

Bob Smith has invited you to join the Smith Family Group on Convos.

To view this invitation, simply click here http://live.convos.com:8080/group_websites/signup...

or

paste the following URL into your browser:

http://live.convos.com:8080/group_websites/signup...

To learn more about creating your own groups or using your account, visit the Convos Help Center at http://help.convos.com.

When your user clicks the links in the email, they will be able to sign up for Convos and your group!

For a complete guide on this and the other ways to invite members to your group, visit this section of the Convos Help Center.

We just put a new feedback form up on the Help Center for you to share your experiences with Convos. Over the past month, we've seen some really interesting uses for Convos, received some great feedback, and learned more about the types of problems that groups face both online and off.

We invite you to share your experiences with us in our simple feedback form.  Where appropriate and with your permission, we would like to share these experiences on our website and with others.

Click here to send us your feedback.