I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.


- Groucho Marx

You can find me in the club, bottle full of bub.


- 50 Cent, In Da Club

Gangs, groups, cliques – call them what you will. We've all, at some stage in our lives, been part of a select group. It begins in the schoolyard, as first friendships are formed and allegiances forged. We all remember the cool kids, the in-crowd that sat at the back of the bus, flicking the Vs at passing motorists and cocking a snook at the teachers. Maybe you were one of those cool kids. If you're not sure, then you probably weren't. Maybe you formed your own group, embracing your uncool status. But from the Cubs to the Crips, the world revolves around, and is governed by, such collectives. Heck, you're part of one now.

But is it always good to go with the herd? Tell us what you think.

• Are you a member of a club? What's it called? What's it like? Can we join?

• Is better to follow the example, quoted above, of the wonderful Mr Marx (Groucho not Karl, who wasn't known for his hilarious after-dinner bon mots) and follow your own path?

• Is setting yourself apart from the crowd the key to success and betterment?

• Or is it possible to belong to a group without sacrificing your individuality? To have your cake and jolly well eat it.

And remember, if you're not with us, you're against us. Or possibly to the side of us. Or refusing to settle on any particular strategic position on the matter. Over to you.