The document provides tips for creating and participating in discussion groups, including how to start new discussion threads, reply to existing discussions, and attach documents. It recommends writing long posts in Word first to avoid timeouts, and getting early replies from friends to encourage others to participate. The best way to get people to visit a group is to post downloadable educational content rather than pure marketing materials.

1. Creating and Replying to Discussions in Discussion Groups

2. Reading and Replying to Comments

3. Scroll down the groups’ page. Links to discussions can be seen below the pictures of the group members. Discussion Threads

4. Click a link to view an individual discussion.

5. After clicking the link, you can see the discussion. To add a comment, click Reply to discussion.

6. Starting a New Discussion Thread, Attaching Documents

7. To start a new discussion thread, click “Create a new discussion”

8. A small form will appear below. Just enter what you’d like to say. When done, click Save Post. Required fields. Be sure to enter a title in both. They can be the same or different. You might want to use a different Post Title for something specific in the middle of a broader discussion.

9. To attach a document, give it a name (Attachment Label). Then just browse to it on your computer...like attaching to an e-mail. Then Save. You can attach almost any type of material. If you have video, YouTube, podcasts or Slideshare presentations, you can put a link to them in your Post Body. We can also help you embed them in the page. Just let us know you need a hand.

10. TIPS! When writing long discussion posts, it’s best to write in Microsoft Word first. Then copy and paste into the Post Body. This prevents you from experiencing the frustration of a “time out” error from inactivity.

11. When pasting , your browser may tell you that you can’t copy/paste. But you can. Instead of right-clicking or using CTL-V, use the Edit>Paste menu at the top of your browser. TIPS!

12. If you put a link in your discussion post, put it in Microsoft Word first. Then click one space after the url. Word will automatically convert it to an active hyperlink. Then copy it and paste into your discussion post. Remember to use Edit>Paste TIPS!

13. To stimulate discussion, it’s best to give your audience something to think about and comment on, then invite comments with questions. The discussion post below is a great example. TIPS!

14. Most people are reluctant to be the first to respond or comment. They’re fearful of looking foolish in public. Try to get a couple of friends, co-workers or clients to respond to your discussion posts. It’ll help others feel comfortable in joining in. TIPS! Some people just don’t like to be the first to do anything!

15. The BEST way to get people to visit and join your group is to post something they can download. An article by or about your topic, a white paper, survey results on the topic. Anything members can download. This is known as “content marketing”. For the best results, materials should have some “educational validity”. In other words, something the member can learn. Not just pure marketing materials. (Posting marketing materials only causes people to lost interest quickly and view your group as a ploy for marketing.) Be sure to include info about your or your company somewhere. More>>>> TIPS!

17. Questions? Need help? We’re providing info in this form as a convenience for you, but we’re happy talk with you or help any way we can. If you need a hand, just contact Gary or the VFTNetworks support team any time.