Did I just blunder by posting to a group?

[Sue]

I belong to a goodreads group, Obsessed With True Crime. A member posted a question about how to approach writing a true crime book. In my usual helpful fashion (:-)) I responded with some info. Then I recalled reading something in goodreads about not dropping into groups and that authors can be unwelcome/make people feel inhibited. Since it was a writing question, I replied without giving it much thought. Did I err in responding? Thanks for any advice.

[rivka]

In general, as long as you are answering someone else's questions and responding as a group member with information (rather than as someone trying to sell a book), most members will respond positively.

Looks like the person whose question you answered certainly appreciated your response. :)

[Sue]

Phew. I get confused at times on this site Rivka and generally keep quiet :) Yes, the member just "friended" me so I think she was happy. Just concerned about protocol. Appreciate your note. Thanks.
Sue

[Lisa]

Sue, It really depends on the group. Before any of us post in any group, it's always a wise idea to read the rules, the description, and any introductory threads/contents of folders. I'm glad it worked out for you this time.

[Sue]

Lisa, so each group might have different rules/preferences about this, then? Okay, will bear in mind. Thanks for the tip.

Hi again, Pamela! Thanks for the reassurance and glad you found it useful. As for writing, I've fallen down some potholes myself over the decades and I always like to help others avoid the ones where I've left my DNA, if I can. Good luck with your essay. Hope it goes well for you!
Sue

[Lisa]

Sue wrote: "Lisa, so each group might have different rules/preferences about this, then? Okay, will bear in mind. Thanks for the tip."

Sue, Exactly.

I am in groups, as a mod and as a general member, that for authors have different guidelines: everything from absolutely no author promotion, to having specified folders for authors to talk about their own works, to welcoming all author comments once they're active members as readers, to free for all welcoming all authors' comments about their books.

And the different guidelines in different groups often apply to all members; they don't all single out authors. Before any of us posting for the first time in any group (and joining it for that matter!) it's best to get a good feel for the group and what posts are acceptable or unacceptable.

[Sue]

Thanks Lisa. I've been receiving the posts from Obsessed with True Crime for months and haven't posted anything myself until today. And I'm not sure I've noticed authors posting there, come to think of it. Well, at least what I wrote wasn't self-promotion! LOL. I will remember next time. It was just a kind of reflex as am in a lot of crime writer groups in various venues. Thanks for the explanation.