A Word to WhatsApp Groups

*Disclaimer:
The following are purely my experiences and my expressions based on my experiences. I own the responsibility for these being good or bad.

Group as Entity
Every group is an entity by itself. With a clear purpose, even if the purpose is not clearly spelt-out.

Purpose
Mostly the purpose of any group is to bind together as one family, in spite of the many differences, for the sole purpose of promoting camaraderie and happiness. Even in work-groups, bitter notes are not to be shared.

Memories
All group members want to re-live those sweet memories, which they cherish time and again. Only the sweeter memories should be cycled and re-cycled again and again.

Inspiration
Messages promoting positivity and inspiration must be posted regularly, to keep the group live and kicking. However unpredictable, Inspirations can create spark any time and culminate in great actions.

Fun
After all, all of us want to have Fun. Comics, Jokes, and Fun that doesn’t hurt sentiments or feelings can be shared. “Happiness” is the sole aim of any and every group.

Appreciate the Technology
Sincere appreciations for the WhatsApp-technology that has brought us together – from dispersed locations.

Authenticity
While we appreciate technology, the curse is the lack of authenticity of the content. Common sense and rationale must prevail before jumping into judgements, using media and more importantly before forwarding to any other individual or group. Some truths may and should be avoided for the larger good.

Responsibility for Content
Not just the Admins, it is the responsibility of each member to post only (1) validated and (2) relevant content in the group. Avoid posting gory pictures or media, even if it is validated-true, if it is in bad-taste.

Ban Religious and Political Content
Except for the Religious Community Groups or Party-based Community Groups, for the rest, ban religious and political content. These are definite sources of heartburns.

All are not Close-Friends
Blatantly put, not all members in a group are Close-Friends. Some may be closed-friends. So, each and every post, must comply with and be acceptable to the sensibilities of ALL. Do not irritate or hurt any member. Each one can unconditionally contribute to the Happiness and well-being of the others.

Admins
Admins are responsible and accountable for the content in groups. At no point of time, any content that may jeopardize the well-being of the group or the society, be allowed. Exercise your right to remove the content or the member – who bring disrepute, from the group without any loss of time. Weeding out is mandatory for the common collective good.

Moderators
Everyone needs moderators to keep tab on expressions, when we go berserk. Lubricants might be needed to point some wrongs. Always keep it polite. For the sake of making a statement straight, do not hurt the others. To say disagreeable things when agreeable are at hand is like eating unripe fruit when there is ripe (Thirukkural).

Leaving the Group
Take adequate efforts to understand the pains that had gone into creating the group. Reiterate the purpose to the group. After all considerations, if the group members are still not aligned or disciplined – make your reasons known to the group before you leave.

Let’s Get-Together and WhatsApp Responsibly.