One of the completely new bits of functionality on the new and improved Fan Profiles app is the addition of Groups. Like minded fans of whatever can now join forces under the same group and discuss whatever it is that they fancy.

Whether you're a fan of the Raiders Nation, Cowboys Nation, the Red Sox or Yankees, or you love fantasy games, poker, or bass fishing, there is a place for you in Fan Profile Groups. And the beauty of it is, if there isn't then you can go ahead and create your own.

I'm a huge Dodger fan so I had to be the first to create that group. If you bleed blue too then you should check it out and join up.

Here are some of the ins and outs of groups...

Currently, there are two types of groups:

1) Public - anyone can join

2) Private - you must request and invite or receive an invite from the group admin.

All groups are viewable by anyone but you must be a member in order to contribute to a group.

The functionality included with a group from the regular member's point of view is:

1) the ability to post a photo

2) tag a photo that you uploaded

3) comment on the Comment Wall

4) comment on any photo in the group

There will be additional fun things added to groups but that's pretty much it as a member at the moment. If you are the admin of a group, meaning you are the person that started the group, then you can do quite a bit more.

Being an admin is pretty fun actually. You get to do a number of things that distinguishes if from other groups. As a group admin, you can:

1) upload a group logo

2) set the theme for the group

3) tag the group with meaningful words which in turn makes it easier for other fans to find your group

4) you get to moderate all the content that is contributed by all the members. For example, if a member of the group posts something that just doesn't belong then you can delete it. In my Dodgers group a Giants fan thought he was all sneaky and joined up and posted some nonsense about the Giants. I deleted the comment because this just wasn't the place for a Giants troll to make his statement. As the admin I am also able to invite others to join (via their Fan Profile user name or personal email address)

5) Admins can message all the members of the group.

6) Blocking. Oh yeah, that Giants fan is now blocked from my Dodger group. Since the group is open for anyone to join, I have a little control over keeping people out that are just out to ruin it.

Give it a try! Look for a group that suits you or, even better, start your own! And if you have any feedback or thoughts on what you'd like to see added to the groups functionality, then post a comment and let us know.