The Virtual GFWI
A former National Chairman made the suggestion that we might work towards creating a facility where members could share information and chat by means of the internet. Many Gloucestershire members have internet access, so we thought that we could give it a try, and have set up a "mailgroup" which we'll refer to as the "Virtual GFWI".

What's the purpose of the list?
The list is here for all members to use as they wish. We hope this list will be used to advertise events, to discuss recent happenings and developments and to share news and information. If you've heard a good speaker recently, this is the place to tell everyone about it. If you have an idea or suggestion you think might be helpful, make it here - the executive and the office are always glad to hear of your thoughts.

How do I post a message to list members?
Use the mail address: virtualgfwi@yahoogroups.com or reply to a message addressed to you.

Having signed up, members of the list will receive copies of all emails sent to virtualgfwi@yahoogroups.com and will be able to read and participate in conversations. It's OK to "lurk" - members do not have to chirp up and can merely read what everyone else is saying. However, it's likely that sooner or later they will want to reply to someone, or post a message of their own! We hope that will be the case.

Who are the members of the list?
The list is open to all members of the Gloucestershire Federation of WIs. The "list owner" is Gill Thomas , who is not the "owner" in the traditional meaning of the word, but who just keeps an eye on things, and is otherwise a "normal member" of the list. The service is free to all members of GFWI, and members of the list can be reassured that their email addresses will not be shared with anyone else.

How does the Virtual GFWI work?
Having subscribed to the Virtual GFWI, you will begin to receive email messages from the mailgroup. Any message sent to the Virtual GFWI will be automatically sent to all members of the list - even though you send only the one message. If you would like to respond to the message, you hit "reply" and your email will then go to all members in the same way. The conversation begins and several people can offer their thoughts and opinions in reply, as well as starting new conversations. Remember that everyone can read what you've written in your message, and so confidential information and personal details must not be shared openly. Relax - it's far easier to use than it is to describe!

Can I join the Virtual GFWI online?
Yes you can. Just go to the Yahoo! Groups web site. You will be asked for information about yourself when joining the list. Although some questions are optional, it would help GFWI to know a little about who's here. Because this is a private list, the "list owner" will restrict membership to members of GFWI and any information shared will be treated confidentially.

Can I leave Virtual GFWI if it isn't for me?
Of course you can. You'll need to "Unsubscribe" online at the Yahoo! Groups web site, though.

Why are my messages delayed sometimes?
Yahoo! Groups is a free service and usually does pretty well with all the messages that come into its servers, but sometimes it gets a little cranky. We are a moderated list at the moment. Messages will be checked by Gill before they reach you to ensure they are okay and to assist us in these early days of our Virtual GFWI.

Needless to say, dissention is okay. Nastiness is not okay. We all seem to understand those rules.

© GFWI 2005-2008. All rights reserved