Transition from Google Groups to the New Nonsuch Community Forum

Google Mirror
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Hello Nonsuch Google Groups Users,

The INA has been supporting online discussion groups since the early 2000s, beginning with the original Listserv on AOL. We transitioned to Google Discussion Groups in May 2009 — that’s over 16 years of shared knowledge! During this time, the email- and browser-based system has been an invaluable resource for Nonsuch owners and enthusiasts, helping us exchange ideas, solve challenges, and share techniques. The generosity of those who have contributed over the years has been a cornerstone of our strong community.

However, it’s now time to move on. Google has not kept pace with modern needs — its spam filters increasingly block valid posts while letting junk through, and some members are experiencing inconsistent message delivery.

We’re excited to announce that the Google Groups platform is being replaced by the Nonsuch Community Forum, hosted on Discourse.org. This new platform works seamlessly across email, web browsers, and a dedicated mobile app. Launched in early 2025, The Nonsuch Community Forum offers powerful new features including better organization, support for rich media (photos, diagrams, videos), and improved administrative tools.

After January 1, 2026, Google Groups will no longer be active for posting, and the INA will discontinue support. To preserve our shared history, all Google Discussion Group threads will be imported into the new Nonsuch Community Forum, and will also remain viewable (but frozen) on Google.

As of today, more than 200 members are already active on the new Forum — and it’s running smoothly! If you haven’t joined yet, visit this link and follow the simple signup instructions at the top of the page.
Once you create your account, you can customize how you receive notifications and participate by email or directly through the website. We also encourage you to download the Discourse app — it provides an excellent, easy-to-use interface for mobile access.

A heartfelt thank-you to all the volunteers helping with this transition — especially Jon Lewit for spearheading the effort!

Fair winds,

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Just underlining what Bob said: " If you haven’t joined yet, visit this link and follow the simple signup instructions at the top of the page."

Signing-up has been found fairly easy by the 200 people already on the Nonsuch Community Forum. So come on in – the water’s fine.

Nevertheless, those of us working on this transition are preparing some additional materials for those who need help signing up. If you want to make the change before those are posted and have trouble doing it unassisted, feel free drop me a private message. I’ll be happy to get in touch with you and help; learning what problems you have will make the help docs better.

Repeating a second thing Bob said, just in case anyone missed it: “To preserve our shared history, all Google Discussion Group threads will be imported into the new Nonsuch Community Forum, and will also remain viewable (but frozen) on Google.” Nothing’s going to be lost in this transition.

– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch e26U #233

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Hi all

I’m glad to see that this move is done. I made the mistake of trying to re-initiate my membership in discourse and download the app. Come to find out. I’m already on the app. So I imagine if you’ve been communicating here you also are on the app so there’s no need to reinstall it. Am I right or wrong?

Brian

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Hi Brian,

You are correct. Think of it this way - the web page and the app both draw their content from our Discourse site, and both store any changes (postings) there. They are always in sync.

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so I just signed up for Discourse. I definitely do not want to be notified every time someone posts or likes or what not. I do not see anyway to get a once a day email of what has been posted, as I have been getting on Google for ages. Is it possible?

lloyd herman
Rendezvous, 30U
Port Washington, NY

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I think I figured it out. Time will tell

lloyd

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January 1 2026 will be a sad day. Neither of the web browsers I use on my desk top are not supported by Discourse. Aside from buying a new computer are there any browsers that function on an old iMac that are supported?

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Mark,

You are currently posting on Discourse. What is changing on January 1?

Options (I guess) - use mailing list mode, use a cell phone with the Discourse app, get a used but newer iMac or iPad…

Jon

The official answer on browsers is:

For older iMacs and older versions of macOS, this means:

  • Safari: You generally must be running at least Safari 12.5+ (which requires macOS 10.12 - Sierra). Users on Safari 11 or below (such as those stuck on El Capitan 10.11 or older) may find Discourse unusable or limited to a plain, degraded “basic HTML view.” There is no guarantee of functionality or security on older Safari versions.
  • Chrome & Firefox: Discourse only tests current and, informally, very recent versions. Once Chrome/Firefox drop support for your macOS version, your browser will quickly become incompatible with new versions of Discourse. There are no guaranteed workarounds.

Summary for old iMacs:

  • Only guaranteed: Latest Safari (macOS Sierra/10.12+) and up, or latest Chrome/Firefox that still gets OS support.
  • Browsers on OS X El Capitan (10.11) and earlier do NOT have reliable access.
  • If your device cannot run a supported browser, you will only get a limited, non-interactive experience, or be outright blocked.
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I am using my iPad to respond on Discourse. I much prefer typing on a standard keyboard. My iMac is a 2009 so I can’t run the latest Safari or Firefox.

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Thanks Bob, I think I’m glad for the full changeover to Discourse, (just as I felt I was mastering use of Google groups). Looking forward to figuring out Discourse and a simpler life. Seriously, I concur it’s a good move.

Greg Silver
Misty Cat 26C #121
Cape Breton

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After I enter my email, the site says my user nbamne is already taken, ??? Bob Horne

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Thanks for your help.

Ward Woodruff

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A post was split to a new topic: Creating AI Tools and Summaries

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Volunteers like me who moderate the Google Discussion Group strongly support moving to the Nonsuch Community Forum:

If you’re wondering why, here’s a typical message that I get from Google…

hluna6572@gmail.com has asked to join the INA Nonsuch Discussion Group group.
Message from hluna6572@gmail.com

I want to join a google group where the description says INA Nonsuch Discussion Group and the question asked is “Reason for joining” you need short answer that would increase the chances of getting approved for the group give me a perfect and unique annswer

Discourse catches this stuff. Google doesn’t.

Have mercy upon your poor, innocent INA volunteers. If you are a real human being and not a bot, accept the invitation and move over to Discourse: The Nonsuch Community Forum

– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch e26U #233

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Bob when I try to join I get a message that says my browser is not supported. I use Safari on an iMac. Does this mean I have to use a different browser like Chrome or Foxfire. If so why?

Rob Powers
Respite
26C #50
Sidney BC

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Rob,
Are you on an old release of Safari? Safari is supported but not old versions. You could try updating Safari and if your Mac doesn’t let you update then try Chrome.

Jon

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Thanks will do.

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Discourse is a fine replacement for the long serving Google Discussion Group.

The app available on the Apple or Android platforms is great and simple to use, easier than receiving email IMHO.

A job well done to all who worked hard to make this transition happen

Thor

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Jon,
Please post the url to enter into the Discourse Hub app.
The Discourse app has no way to do that on my phone.
Also the pictures you posted will not open on my iPad?
Brian

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Ok Jon I got on but I had to download the Discourse Hub app after failing to log in on the Discourse.
Thanks and
Fair Sailing
Brian