So....
You are interested in creating a club, yes? Think of it as your future baby. You know the gender of it but you are unsure of how they'll turn out as they get older. That's fine. Clubs in this section work differently than other threads in other sections of the community. As most talk about the current episodes or a certain episode, or favorite characters, or why we hate a certain thing. A club will encompass EVERYTHING in a whole topic or fandom. Theories can be discussed in it, experiences, the future of said topic/fandom. Anything, really. Because of that, they will last longer, but it's all up to YOU: the future club owner in question.
With this guide, you'll understand how clubs work, and tips on maintenance.
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When reviewing clubs, I look at some or all of the main components of the club. I don't accept clubs that do not have the basics. Like a set of rules, or a title, or a sufficient description of what the club is about. Your club needs to be concise enough to be approved and for members to know what it's about.
Here are some basic components that should be included when you create a brand new club:
This is pretty much straightforward. No one's gonna know what your club's about if you don't have a title. Encrypting your title will confuse and drive away future members. Be direct on your title.
Examples: Crystal Power, Make Up! ~ A Sailor Moon FC
I'M READY! - Spongebob Squarepants Fan Club
Disney Fan Club – Where Dreams Come True
Most of us might not know what you might be talking about in your club, which is why it's very important to provide some background information in your club opening post. This is ESPECIALLY if you are doing a club on TV shows, movies, books or any media out there. There will be members who'll join your club with little or no background info on the fandom/topic they're interested in, and want to learn more about it. Example: if you are doing a club on Social Media, you must state information about the various social networks around you, and how it impacts our lives.
Club owners must include their own set of rules. You own the club, so that makes you in charge of what goes on in the club. We don't wanna go THAT crazy, do we? It's always best to set boundaries. However, always state that members should also follow both Global PokeCommunity Rules and the FC&G rules. Don't worry! If there's a problem in the club that you cannot control, you should always PM myself or a higher staff member and I/we will control it ourselves.
Some examples of basic rules:
-Follow all PokeCommunity and FC&G Rules
-Respect is a must in this group
-No trolling, flaming, bashing.
-Remain on topic
-Have fun!
The above are some basic, straightforward rules that should set enough boundaries for your members in your group. You may add more to reflect your group, but it's not necessary to create a giant rulebook. :P
There is a big difference between a discussion thread in a section and a club in this very section. Clubs are restricted to members who are willing to join in and discuss anything and everything about a certain topic...while discussion threads are open to everyone and don't have any boundaries set, so anyone, whether they like the topic or not, will come in and post in the thread. Clubs have rules, so you are in good hands, which is why we ask for your names when you join up a club, so that way owners can put them on their member list! Each club has their own sign-up sheet, outlining certain requirements or options for you to introduce yourself to other club members. As owner, you should update this list whenever a new member joins.
Example Sign Up Sheet:
Username:
Favorite Character:
Additional Information:
Topic answer (optional):
Doctor Who's Companions [Member List]
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Axeliira
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Astinus
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Sheep
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Buoysel
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Kanzler
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Jeff Gordon
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Synerjee
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Tsutarja
The layout is how you will format the club post. CSS skills are not required to create your club, however, as long as you have the above basic components, you're pretty much good to go! (I mean, you can even hire me to make your thread look prettyful, but that's all up to you haha. :P). Your club must be readable, and understandable for everyone to read and know what it's all about. Pictures, pretty fonts, and accessories are allowed in the club for decorative purposes, but I do recommend them because they can enhance the environment of the club.
Scroll down in this guide, and you will find example CSS templates for you to use.