Do "Invitation Only" Groups Defeat the Social Networking of FFN?

It's with interest that I look through the many groups that have now been created on FFN and I notice that a few are by "Invitation Only".

Does this defeat the purpose of FFN being a social network?

Does this create an elitist type of mentality amongst some members who have been invited, versus others who haven't?

There's also some that you have to apply to join, but there's no information given about conditions or selection criteria required.

Should all groups be open to anyone who wishes to join them?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joe Stoltz on September 3, 2008 at 10:51pm

Amen!

Permalink Reply by O'Kitty on September 5, 2008 at 8:11pm

A few of you have mentioned learning from the forums here and apparently feel shortchanged by not having access to private groups. I have not done a statistical analysis on how many groups are public or private, but I suspect that the vast majority of them are public. This means that you have ample opportunity to interact with people here. I really don't think you're missing out on anything by being denied access to the few that are restricted.

Permalink Reply by Jay Nicholson on September 5, 2008 at 8:58pm

There are many groups here that I have no interest in. I'm not a chief, medic etc. Joining these groups wouldn't help me.

Permalink Reply by Wes Anders on September 5, 2008 at 9:25pm

I do understand that there is an abundance of info on here even with the private groups but I guess its just the thought of it not being open to all is what bugs me. I know sometimes on sundays if the kids are to loud in the classrooms at church someone will always close the door to the santurary, this I guess is silly but it always bothers me I feel like that should always be open for anyone wanting to enter thats is all I am trying to say, not that everyone should enter just that it should be optional.

Permalink Reply by Wes Anders on September 5, 2008 at 11:16pm

Actually I do leave my house open.Its only locked if I leave town for several days, the neighbors or my friends might need in. I understand your thoughts I just disagree. Ive been going to fireschool for years and in every class there is that one student that dosent seem to get it or doesnt seem to understand the one that seems to drag the class down but they have the right to be there same as me and if you try to help them most of the time you learn as much from the experiance as you do from the class.

Permalink Reply by Engineco913 on September 6, 2008 at 8:41am

You have to watch out for this West Philly charector. He has the potential to go all "cheesesteak" on your ass. (or is that postal?)

Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on September 6, 2008 at 8:48am

Wes, I really appreciate your position on openness. It's a refreshing change from all of the elitism and cliquishness that some FFN members have been accused of. In order to further your cause, would you please post your street address, a description of your house, and the location of your valuables - especially money, jewelry, or flat-panel TVs? You could also post your schedule so everyone with internet access will know when you'll be gone again.

I probably won't make it there in time to protect your stuff for you, though.

Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on September 6, 2008 at 8:51am

Or...a "Search Warrant".

Permalink Reply by Firefighter Nation WebChief on September 6, 2008 at 11:25am