The Maine Rare Bird Alert GroupMe is a group message platform to be used for the sharing sightings of rare birds seen within Maine. This platform has advantages of speed and efficiency over past methods, like the Maine-birds listserv or Facebook groups. Please read the following rules and all instructions before joining.
Group Rules and Suggestions:
1) Messages must be concise, non-redundant, and only about rare birds.
-Restating which species and location you are referencing in each post will help reduce confusion.
2) When you join the group, immediately click the heart (♡) button on any message (otherwise the app will remove you).
-Try using the “popular” feature (tap the group icon, and select “Popular”) to see the top ‘liked’ posts from the day, which typically include any confirmed sightings/updates.
3) Please don’t post comments like “Thanks” or “Hello!” Given the size of the group and high number of posts, cutting down on superfluous chatter will make this a lot easier to use. You can always just ‘like’ a post by tapping the heart (♡) to show your appreciation.
-You can send people direct messages through this app if you have questions for them, tapping on their avatar should open a private message.
How to Join:
First, please download the GroupMe app to your phone if you can (available via Google Play or iOS App Store). Using the app will make your experience (and everyone else’s) much easier.
If you cannot download the app: the web browser version of GroupMe (GroupMe.com) is far more reliable than the SMS text commands. If you do not have the GroupMe app on your phone and are joining via SMS texting (often on a non-smartphone/"dumbphone"), please use your web browser to:
- Fulfill rule 2 above (upon joining, immediately click “like” on any message).
- Manage all personal settings. This includes how you receive alerts from GroupMe. See the section below: “Too many notifications?”
To join the Maine Rare Bird Alert GroupMe, go to:
https://groupme.com/join_group/84170428/yK8UXk4M
Too many notifications?
1) Navigate to GroupMe.com and log in, or launch the GroupMe mobile app
2) From the chats panel, select this group
3) Click on this group’s thumbnail image at the top
4) Click on ⚙️ Settings
5) Find Mute and click the gray toggle switch
6) Select “always”
7) If the Mute toggle switch turned blue with a check mark, you’re all set. Otherwise, start over
How to Leave:
1) Navigate to GroupMe.com and log in, or launch the GroupMe mobile app
2) From the chats panel, select this group
3) Click on this group’s thumbnail image at the top
4) Click on ⚙️ Settings
5) Select "Leave group"
Sending “ STOP” does not do anything at all — please do not send that. Contact the admin directly if you are running into issues.
Many thanks to Gates Dupont, the moderator of the Massachusetts Rare Bird Alert GroupMe, for sharing the text that was adapted here.