When a new user creates an account for the very first time, GroupSpot doesn’t require a first and last name. Only a first name is needed for account creation. This means that if someone creates their account under the name “Alice,” and they join your group, they appear as just “Alice” unless the Owner of the group requires first and last names from their membership, at which point, Alice would be prompted to add her full name.
For anyone running a large, organized group, having access to a member’s full name – first and last – is a must. You need to know who to let into the group, who’s receiving your communications, and you need to be 100% certain who you're reaching out to.
Therefore, GroupSpot gives Owners the ability to require first and last names inside their group. Here’s how Owners can require full names from their members:
1. Open your group menu and choose Settings.
2. Under Owner Settings, select Members.
3. At the top of the Members screen, you will find a toggle option to Require First & Last Names. Toggle this ON.
Once the Require First & Last Names toggle is turned ON, new members joining the group using a first name only will not be able to join the group until they add a last name. When they try to join, they will be notified that the group requires full names and they will not be able to join until they add a last name. Once the last name is added, they can join the group.
If an Owner turns on Require First & Last Names after the membership has already joined the group, members will now see a permanent blue bar at the bottom of their home screen with instructions to Customize your Group Settings. The blue bar will stay there until members tap the blue bar and then choose Add your Full Name from the checklist. They arrive at their profile page where their full name can be added. Once filled in, members will notice the blue bar has disappeared from their home screen. Win-win for both Owners and Members.
