Private Groups?

Private Groups? Why would a group have private membership? This is a question I encounter from time to time. One of the main reasons would be to prevent certain types of memberships. A private group allows the creators and administrators to create a group focused around like-minded individuals. For instance: If you want to create a group that focuses only on Automotive Engine Rebuilding, but you want to exclude advertisement for services not related to the subject, by making the membership private you now have the ability to review each member who applies by going to their business blogs and seeing what they have been writing about. Do they know Engine rebuilding? Have they written about it? Or are their interests in another area entirely? They may know everything there is to know about Laundry Detergent, but nothing about engines!! Should you apply for membership in a private group? ABSOLUTELY! If the group title or description suggests an area in your interests, and abilities, or it's an area you want to learn more about, you should apply! I have a group called Quality Content Writers Group. It is a private group, but that is only to keep out spammers, and the like. When you apply for membership, the first thing I do is go to your profile and check to see what you have written. I have had several applications from people whose profile contained only headlines like: "The newest... The Greatest.... Free... etc." They had no evidence of quality content, which is what our group is about. Perhaps they DO have the ability, but just haven't demonstrated it yet. We do have a very small percent of members in the group who have nothing posted at Apsense yet, but that is because I invited them here from another blog site, where their ability was very well demonstrated. It's true some of the groups are just a few friends who just want a place to themselves, but usually it's about creating group focus. If you apply for membership, and are declined, likely the group admin. has reviewed your profile and decided allowing you group membership would not benefit either yourself, or the group. AND, you can always re-apply at a later date! All The Best. David