From what I can tell, they send out tons of invites.
It's all about marketing baby.
Some groups have systems geared toward getting more members. Some groups utilise "feeder" groups. Some groups require each member to invite X number of people a week.
I think a lot of groups get members because they have cool names. That's why I joined Flaming Skulls.
I think a lot of groups get members because they have cool names. That's why I joined Flaming Skulls.
In that case you might also be interested in joining the ETS:
http://www.chess.com/groups/view/egalitarian-troll-society
I don't get how groups have so many people.