What kinds of things can I do here?

Here at iBelong, you can showcase your interests and find friends who share them. Set up your own place to communicate with your family and organize its activities. Talk about a hobby with other enthusiasts.  Join a study group or create a community action group.  Make your group as big or as small as you like.   No matter what your interests or background, iBelong is where you belong.

We’ll give you the tools to express yourself, and to communicate with others in a way that suits your unique needs.  Currently our list of tools (we call them gadgets) includes Calendaring, Managing Contacts and Group Members, Profiles for both individuals and Groups, Newsfeed Creation, Content Creation for Groups, User-customized eAlerts.

I use Yahoo Groups or Google Groups now, what’s different about iBelong?

• iBelong gives you more options to customize your group page.
• iBelong makes it easier to share and discover information and groups both inside and outside of iBelong.
• Calendar function, photo album and other gadgets are more integrated into the group page view.
• iBelong makes it easier to administer your group, using features like calendars, newsletters and eAlerts.
• iBelong let’s you use a user name and password from another group so you don’t have to make up another that you have to remember.
• Let’s you get the information you need when you want and need it.
• Visual representation is better so you don’t have to weed through lots of stuff to find what you really want

How much does it cost?

Joining iBelong Networks is free.  It’s also easy. You don’t need to be a computer whiz – just point and click to create your page and your group. After registering, you’ll have your own personal place on the web, with its own unique address.

By placing advertising on your group’s pages, we’re able to offer this service free to you.  Coming soon, we’ll be providing you with enhanced services that you’ll be able to add and we’ll make sure to notify you when those are available.

Will you sell my information to marketers or other lists if I register?

Absolutely not.  We take your privacy as seriously as you do. For more details, please read our official privacy policy.

What kinds of things do people use iBelong for?

Whether you’re starting a formal group or organizing an informal event, iBelong can help you get organized and efficiently manage communications and information.  You’ll be able to do things like:

• Organize a community association
• Coordinate a  sports team
• Manage a scout or youth group
• Set up a command post for a school club / group
• Coordinate a fund raiser for school or non-profit
• Plan a family event (e.g., a 10th anniversary party)
• Organize special trip or outing (e.g., a golf trip, camping trip)

Can I lead one group and be a member of another one?

Of course!  One of the best things about our groups is that your network of friends has the potential to grow and grow.  It’s a good idea to browse through our groups by using the Search feature in the blue bar at the top of any iBelong pages to see if one of them fits your interests – they may be looking for someone exactly like you.  If you start your own group, you’ll not only be able to invite your old friends, but also those that you’ve met in the groups you join here.  To start your own group click here or navigate to the appropriate page by clicking on “My iBelong” in the blue bar at the top of any iBelong page and choosing “My Groups” and then “Start Group”.

Can I have a private group?

Yes.  This is an important feature for groups with specific requirements for membership, or if you want to control who can participate (scouts, youth team, your family, a dinner group, golf buddies).  You can arrange your group to be private so that invitations are required in order to join, or potential members need to request membership from your group leader. You determine public/private settings when you create your group and we’ll walk you through the process.

Who are the group leaders?

They’re people just like you, who want to talk with their old and new friends about their interests.  To become a group leader, all you have to do is invite friends to join your group.

How can I be a good group leader?

• Provide a simple name and brief description of your group.
• Set up your group page to facilitate the purpose of your group.
• Invite others to join and tell them specifically how you want them to participate. There’s a place within each gadget that will let you tell members exactly what you want them to contribute to that gadget.  It’s a good idea to be as specific as possible. 
• Update your group page regularly to keep members involved in the group.
• Keep it fresh -- add pictures of people and events.
• Post interesting articles and encourage members to comment and provide their own content.  This is a great way to get a conversation going.