Questions
Frequently asked questions
We have gathered the questions most often asked by organisers of clubs and communities, and by people who arrived here through an old link. If your question is not here, have a look at the guides and the glossary: the answer may be there.
Half of all club disputes can be settled by one sentence in the rules, written before the dispute began.
About this reference
Who is behind this reference?
A small independent editorial team that writes about technology for clubs and communities. We are not connected with government bodies, cultural institutions or the former website on this domain.
Why the name?
It came with the domain. This used to be the website of a municipal cultural institution; we do not restore or continue its content.
Where can I find official information about institutions?
On the institutions' and government bodies' own websites. We explain how to make sure a website is official on a separate page.
Do you run events or take bookings?
No. We do not organise anything, collect sign-ups or take payments. Our job is to explain how clubs do these things themselves.
Running a club online
Where do we start if the club is brand new?
With one place for announcements, one for discussion and a shared calendar. Everything else can be added once it becomes clear what is missing.
Do we need to vote on every question?
No. Polls are good for choosing a date or a topic, but frequent votes wear people out. Save them for decisions that affect everyone.
How do we make an announcement accessible?
Large type, a text-to-background contrast of at least 4.5:1 under WCAG 2.1, and a text description for every image. Key details are best written as text, not only shown in a picture.
Who should run the chat?
Ideally several people with moderator rights. It is hard for one organiser to answer everything without burning out.
Photos and data
Do we need consent to post photos from a meeting?
Under Russian law (Article 152.1 of the Civil Code), a person's image is generally published only with their consent. The law recognises exceptions, such as public events where the person is not the main subject, but apply them only after consulting a lawyer. Other countries have their own image-rights rules, so check what applies locally.
What information can we ask for on a sign-up form?
Only what the meeting requires, usually a name and contact details. Under Russian law, processing personal data generally requires the person's consent, so explain on the form why you need it. Elsewhere, local rules apply, such as the GDPR in the EU.
How long should we keep member lists?
As long as the club genuinely needs them. Exact requirements depend on the circumstances and are best checked with a lawyer; it makes sense to delete lists from past meetings.
Can you help us draft a consent form?
No, we do not give legal advice. For the wording of a consent form and special cases, please consult a lawyer.
Read next
- Guides
Practical guides for club organisers, from announcing a meeting to collecting sign-ups. The article catalogue is here too.
- Safety
Club accounts, member data, photos and video: how not to lose access or let down the people who trust you.
- Comparisons
Chat or mailing list, live stream or recording, cloud or external drive: what suits a club and why.
- Glossary
Terms in plain words: sign-ups and mailing lists, streaming and sound, personal data and accessibility.
- Official info (in Russian)
Old address of the institution page: where to find official information and how to check that a website is genuine.
Sources
- Federal Law No. 152-FZ on Personal Data (Russia)
- Civil Code of the Russian Federation (Art. 152.1)
- W3C — WCAG 2.1
Information on personal data, the use of people's images and accessibility requirements was checked against the texts of the law and guidelines as of the date this page was prepared. Software and services for clubs change quickly, so we describe their features in general terms and do not name specific products.