How to Start a Yahoo Group

Yahoo Groups are interactive message boards where Yahoo members can discuss a wide variety of subjects in a common atmosphere. If you can't find a group for the subject you'd like to discuss, you may want to start your own Yahoo group. Like the Web site's other useful features, Yahoo Groups are simple and free to use. Here's how to start your Yahoo group today:

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Sign in to Yahoo and Designate Your Group Category

1. Visit Yahoo's home page and sign in to your Yahoo account (see Resources below). If you don't have a Yahoo account yet, click on the 'Sign Up' link and follow the instructions to create your account. You need an account to start a Yahoo group.

2. Click on 'Groups' on the Yahoo home page once you have signed in to your account. Select 'Start Your Group.' You will be led through the 3-step process to start a Yahoo group from here.

3. Perform a search in the field provided to find the category where your group best fits. Try to be specific when choosing your category.

4. Browse the list of categories beneath the search box if you have trouble finding your category via search. Select 'Place My Group Here' when you find the category that best describes your group.

Finish Creating Your Yahoo Group

1. Type the name of your group in the field provided. This is the name that will identify your group to Yahoo users looking to join a group, so be specific and try to stay brief in the naming of your group.

2. Create a group email account to send and receive correspondence regarding your group and its members. It is helpful to use the name of your group as the email ID so that it is easy to find and remember.

3. Describe your group. Type in a synopsis of the subject that will be discussed in your group. This description will be what people read to learn more about your group and decide whether they want to join.

4. Click on the 'Continue' button when you are finished.

5. Select the email address where you would like to receive group messages.

6. Choose a profile to appear when posting messages at your group. You can choose to use an existing profile or create a new one for use with your Yahoo group.

Tips & Warnings

• View the Yahoo Groups Help page any time you want to learn more (see Resources below).

• Never post adult or sexual content in groups other than those in the 'Romance' category. Breaking this and other Yahoo Group rules can get you barred from Yahoo Groups and put your privacy at risk.