It all has to do with the arguments to the group class generation…  so in your theme, you likely see this:

            if (sp_has_groups()) : while (sp_loop_groups()) : sp_the_group();

but we use some optional ordering arguments to the sp_has_group() function call…  like this:

            $gIds = '';
            if(!$spThisUser->member) $gIds = '19,17,6';
            if (sp_has_groups($gIds, true)) : while (sp_loop_groups()) : sp_the_group();

so if the current user is not a member, we specifically order the group ids 19 then 17 then 6…  notice the change in sp_has_groups() where we now pass the optional ids and the true parameter telling it to order by these IDs…

so for logged in users, it orders it by the order you see on forum – forums – manage groups and forums… when a non member visiting, we order it differently by the specified group ids…

Wow thanks so much!   This works like a charm. 

I again have to say this is the most distinct feature I’ve ever noticed on a message forum.

That and the faded effect for the other forums for guests.  (I’m still trying to work on figuring that one out)

the opacity effect:  https://simple-press.com/support-forum/sp5-general-topics/problem-with-post-edit-buttonow-do-you-make-faded-out-effect-for-members-sections-for-guests/