it not just you, but all the group members.

- Be attentive. Give the thoughts, concerns, and questions of others the same attention you'd want others to give you.

- Give group members the benefit of the doubt. One of the pitfalls of online communication is that no visual or verbal cues come with

Like any community, an online writing group is only worth as much as its members put into it. So once you join a writing group, it's important to become a member in good standing. But what does that mean exactly?

To be a member in good standing in an online writing group means becoming an integral part of the group, an active participant. These are some guidelines to consider after joining an online writing group.

- Resist the urge to lurk. The difficulty with online writing groups, unlike real-time, real-world writing groups, is that it's easy to fall back and lurk, let others do the talking. If too many members cease posting and start lurking, it jeopardizes the whole group. So don't hesitate to post in group forums. The benefit of any writing group lies in interaction of members.

- Don't only speak when spoken to. If there's a topic that's been burning in your mind, bring it to the table. If you want to talk about markets, or solicit advice from other members, or share personal frustrations about rejection, go ahead. That's what the group is there for. Group leaders are often grateful to others who bring conversation starters to the table, and such conversations have the potential to benefit not just you, but all the group members.

- Be attentive. Give the thoughts, concerns, and questions of others the same attention you'd want others to give you.

- Give group members the benefit of the doubt. One of the pitfalls of online communication is that no visual or verbal cues come with

t of the group, an active participant. These are some guidelines to consider after joining an online writing group.

- Resist the urge to lurk. The difficulty with online writing groups, unlike real-time, real-world writing groups, is that it's easy to fall back and lurk, let others do the talking. If too many members cease posting and start lurking, it jeopardizes the whole group. So don't hesitate to post in group forums. The benefit of any writing group lies in interaction of members.

- Don't only speak when spoken to. If there's a topic that's been burning in your mind, bring it to the table. If you want to talk about markets, or solicit advice from other members, or share personal frustrations about rejection, go ahead. That's what the group is there for. Group leaders are often grateful to others who bring conversation starters to the table, and such conversations have the potential to benefit not just you, but all the group members.

- Be attentive. Give the thoughts, concerns, and questions of others the same attention you'd want others to give you.

- Give group members the benefit of the doubt. One of the pitfalls of online communication is that no visual or verbal cues come with

f too many members cease posting and start lurking, it jeopardizes the whole group. So don't hesitate to post in group forums. The benefit of any writing group lies in interaction of members.

- Don't only speak when spoken to. If there's a topic that's been burning in your mind, bring it to the table. If you want to talk about markets, or solicit advice from other members, or share personal frustrations about rejection, go ahead. That's what the group is there for. Group leaders are often grateful to others who bring conversation starters to the table, and such conversations have the potential to benefit not just you, but all the group members.

- Be attentive. Give the thoughts, concerns, and questions of others the same attention you'd want others to give you.

- Give group members the benefit of the doubt. One of the pitfalls of online communication is that no visual or verbal cues come with

If you want to talk about markets, or solicit advice from other members, or share personal frustrations about rejection, go ahead. That's what the group is there for. Group leaders are often grateful to others who bring conversation starters to the table, and such conversations have the potential to benefit not just you, but all the group members.

- Be attentive. Give the thoughts, concerns, and questions of others the same attention you'd want others to give you.

- Give group members the benefit of the doubt. One of the pitfalls of online communication is that no visual or verbal cues come with

it not just you, but all the group members.

- Be attentive. Give the thoughts, concerns, and questions of others the same attention you'd want others to give you.

- Give group members the benefit of the doubt. One of the pitfalls of online communication is that no visual or verbal cues come with the words. Online, you can't hear someone's playful tone of voice or see their grin (outside of emoticons, of course). It's easy to take something the wrong way. Always ask for clarification if you're in doubt.

- Fulfill group requirements to the best of your ability. Some groups have strict membership requirements. Be sure when you join that you're prepared to put in the effort to fulfill any requirements of the group. We all understand that things happen and often even those with the best intentions get waylaid on occasion, but always make your best attempt.

- Be positive and encouraging. One reason people join writing groups is for support and encouragement. There's nothing wrong with sharing frustrations and venting to the group. That's part of what it's there for. But remember, group members who are constantly negative can bring down a whole group.

- Give thoughtful critiques. For those involved in more structured, feedback-oriented groups, critiques are an important part of group activity. Take your time when reading another member's work. Be honest and above all, constructive.

- Take feedback with grace. Sometimes getting a critique can be difficult. It might not always be wha