The time has come to put spammers and certain film groups on blast. I have joined a few film groups with the anticipation of getting news on screenings, film festivals and other fun information related to my field. However, some of these online film groups are being filled with spam. This is exactly why filmmakers and actors can be skeptical of joining online groups like Yahoo Groups, Google Groups, Myspace Groups or any other collective online community. This is beyond annoying as members endure a combined posting list of stock market tips, Sexual enhancement pills and other irrelevant services, products and information.

Stock market information has no place on a filmmaking message board. I am not interested in naming names, but this does not make filmmakers want to join online groups or even participate in forums, message boards or anything that is supposed to be focused on filmmaking news. When actors and filmmakers go to the current listings on a messageboard or group website, they are susually looking for information that can assist them with furthering their career OR supporting fellow members and other talent. It all comes down to the act of proper moderation, which seems to be lacking for some online film groups. I have a recommendation....GET IT TOGETHER! Or else, just close the friggin' group because no serious filmmaker or actor is going to be interested in The Secrets of Making Money in the Stock Market or anything of that nature.

If they were, they would have joined a Stock Market or Financial Group instead of your filmmaking group. If you need more assistance, try and implement the helpful tips in FREE Advice for Yahoo Group Moderators. It can be useful for ALL online groups and group moderators, not just Yahoo Group moderators.

Are you a member of an online group on Google, Myspace, Facebook, Blackplanet, Yahoo or another online community?
If so, tell us some stories about your experiences with Spam in the group by leaving your comments below.
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