How to Join This Network: Ensuring new members are also community members

This might be the first private online network you've joined - or maybe you can't even count the number of groups and networks you belong to online. Either way, we want this network to be a safe place for ideas, an easy way for people interested in the issues discussed to find each other, and a secure place for members to find and network with each other. As all online spaces are, we are susceptible to spammers and trolls (not the under-the-bridge type, but the ones who may want you to find cheap viagra).

In order to ensure that this space remains as safe, secure, and focused as possible, we ask for a few important things from you when you register.

Use your real name.
This helps us ensure that you're a person, and also lets other members recognize you and connect.

Include a photo.
This also helps us ensure you're a person, but also helps people connect with you on and offline - as we plan to continue offering chances for members of this network to meet up face-to-face.

Provide a little context.
Use the box for Profile Information to let other members know more about you. Consider including where you work or your job title, areas you are most interested in learning or sharing about (especially as they relate to the intersection of social technologies and social impact work), projects you are currently working or new ideas you are hoping to explore with the community.

Start talking.
We'll be notified when you join and can, using the areas above, identify you as a human and approve your request to join. After that, you're invited to start connecting and start talking! You can find blog posts or other recent content using the homepage, search for topics or areas of interest using the search box at the top of the page (this will help you find content and people you may be interested in), or start a conversation yourself using the Blog function.

Commercial free zone.
In order to maintain an ecosystem of sharing, openness and collaboration - an ecosystem that promotes the gift economy - we intend to keep the Social by Social network a commercial free zone. This includes promoting the purchase of your own services or products in a way that moves past resource sharing.

We're here to help! Just send us an email or post a comment on our walls and we'll help you get connected and comfortable in the network.

Thanks for joining - we are glad you're here!

Amy Sample Ward & David Wilcox
Co-Authors of Social by Social and managers of the Social by Social network