topic Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts in Welcome and orientation

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Chris_B — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 01:41:41 GMT

Hi everyone,

Regulars may have noticed that some of our long-running threads from different sections have been moved today to the BB Social Zone. We've been reviewing threads over the last few weeks and have noticed that threads that go past 100 posts have usually drifted away from the original topic and have become more about checking in on a daily basis on any number of aspects to do with wellbeing, as well as the social interaction that has become such a great part of our community here. In some of these threads, the journey is quite incredible, where a person has started out feeling suicidal and has moved to a place where they've recognised how well they're coping and are putting those skills into practice every day.

Although the BB Social Zone is billed as a place for discussing topics other than mental health, anxiety and depression seeps into every aspect of our daily lives and it's not realistic for those of us using the forums regularly to put up walls and make compartments for what's going on.

So from now on, we'll be reviewing threads that go past 100 posts and seeing whether they are suitable for moving to the Social Zone, in order to keep our subject sections focused on specific topics where members are looking for a resolution or support in moving forward in the short term.

Hope this makes sense.

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

blondguy — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 01:53:14 GMT

Hey Chris, what a good idea! The forums will be easier to understand for new people who post as a result 🙂

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Starwolf — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 02:33:40 GMT

Yes, it does make a lot of sense.

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Guest_5218 — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 02:59:47 GMT

Hi Chris. In theory, this is a good idea. However when I looked at some of the threads you have transferred to the BB Social Zone, I really do wonder whether the content is really appropriate for the Social Zone. I agree that many of them have become more social in theory and more of a support network, but isnt that what these forums are all about?

I think a far more appropriate action would have been to leave these threads in their appropriate sections, lock them, and ask the person to create a new thread for future support.

An additional problem I can see happening now is that anybody new coming onto the forums may be looking for threads within specific sections - say PTSD, Physical Health, Suicidal Thoughts, etc. And now these very worthwhile threads, which could be very helpful to others, cannot be found within those relevant sections.

I'm sorry, but I see far more negatives to your decision than positives in this case. In fact I personally cannot see any positives or benefits to it at all.

I hope this decision is not as a result of something that occurred recently between Paul and myself where he asked me how I was in the Cafe and I did not respond because I thought it inappropriate to respond in the BB Social Zone? I know Paul was upset about that, for which I am sorry.

With my thread now appearing in the BB Social Zone I do not feel comfortable in speaking my mind or in discussing some of the issues that I have going on in my life. I feel as though I have been silenced or sensored somehow! I expect some others who have had their threads deemed "Social" may well feel the same way.

Does it also mean that from now on when I choose to speak of my past trauma or the related aftermath that my posts are now going to be held up due to moderation processes necessary to ensure it is "G" or "PG" rated content?

I'm sorry Chris, but I am disappointed with this decision.

Sherie xx

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Chris_B — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 03:27:38 GMT

Hi Sherie,

I'm sorry you're disappointed about this. You may recall there have been past situations where we have locked threads and upset people to the point where they have left the forums, so we aren't able to keep everyone happy all of the time. This way, the members involved in these long-running discussions (usually a handful of people per thread) can keep the flow of their discussion going without interruption - the opposite of being silenced or censored! 🙂

I'll try and answer some of your other concerns below.

I no longer feel comfortable speaking my mind in my old thread, now that it is in the Social Zone

Please feel free to start a new thread in the appropriate section if there's something you specifically wish to talk about, eg. the benefits of EMDR therapy, dealing with PTSD triggers etc.

People looking for related threads will not be able to find them

The longer a thread gets, the lower the number of people participating in it. New members are likely to be overwhelmed by threads with hundreds of posts in them, so will not read through. There are plenty of shorter, topic-focused threads in our respective sections where members can find what they're looking for.

My posts will be held up if I discuss certain issues

All posts are subject to moderation regardless of where they are posted on the forum, that includes the Social Zone. Nothing has changed there.

*

I hope this address your points adequately, anyone else concerned about this change please post in here and let me know. How we best organise the threads on the forum so we keep the majority of existing members happy, while continuing to encourage newbies to engage will always carry tensions with it.

I don't consider the Social Zone to be "less important" than any of the other sections here, connection with others is a cornerstone of wellbeing and this section is one of our busiest.

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Guest_5218 — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 03:42:34 GMT

Chris, thankyou for attempting to explain the reasons for the changes. However you still have not given any valid reasons or benefits in making these changes. I am still extremely disappointed. I agree that the Social Zone remains a very important section for everyone and yet you dont even count posts to the Social Zone, so surely you are being a little contradictory in this regard?

I also disagree with your comment that some long-running threads have merely a handful of people contributing to them. Some of these threads you have moved have much more than a handful.

And some of the threads, especially some in the suicide threads, I find it almost beyond belief that you would consider them suitable for the Social Zone.

I am actually quite distressed that you have made these changes, and I could well become another casualty and leave the forums because I no longer feel free to talk about things that I am not able to do on the outside. I had thought this place was better than that!

A very disappointed,

Sherie xx

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Guest_5218 — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 03:59:44 GMT

Chris, another thing I wish to comment on is your total lack of inconsistency with regards to your classifications.

How come there is a Cafe for youth and a Cafe for the LGBTI community and they are not considered BB Social Zone? Huge inconsistencies here Chris. One rule for one group and a totally different one for others it seems. Bordering on discrimination in fact.

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

james1 — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 04:28:50 GMT

Hi Chris,

Thank you for the explanation. I held off replying at first because I feel relatively new here and I'm not sure whether I like or dislike the change.

I can understand the desire to keep the specific topic boards separated for short term concerns and advice, rather than long term support. I think that is worthwhile as it can be intimidating for a new member to join in on a thread which is very long.

That said, I don't feel comfortable starting a new thread for each new issue. My issues are linked, they recur, I don't want to fill a board with just my threads, and I would just get lost in all the different conversations and topics.

To be honest, there've been times where I've held back posting something new just because I didn't want to start a new thread, but I was also afraid of bumping my own existing one. So I just didn't post.

And maybe this is just me, but I feel like "Social Zone" could be a bit demeaning. I'm really glad none of my posts were moved there, because my problems feel a lot more real than what befits a "Social Zone", even if it is just seeking some emotional support.

If the goal is to ensure the specific boards remain short and punchy, then it seems like we need an intermediate board between Social Zone and the others. Something for longer term support. I can see the logistical problem of deciding what goes in, but...I don't know. I can understand the frustration with having your problems classified as social.

Anyway, just my few cents. Not entirely happy with the change, but I can understand the rationale, if not the execution. I understand it's hard to keep everyone happy, but I just hope we don't lose the community feel.

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Guest_5218 — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 05:03:20 GMT

Thankyou James for having your two bobs worth. I agree with you that perhaps there is a need for an intermediate area where longer term problems can be transferred to for ongoing support of legitimate major mental health issues. Mental health issues do not suddenly go away, we live them every day, every month and for many every year of our lives.

I too find it utterly demeaning to suddenly have my personal issues of PTSD as a result of rape and then domestic abuse suddenly classified as Social and up for discussion as coffee table gossip!

In fact the more I think about it, the more disgusted I feel.

Sherie xx

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Chris_B — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 05:04:53 GMT

Thanks for the feedback. This is an evolving discussion, and some interesting points have been raised. Post counts for the Social Zone will be reviewed, I'm aware of the inconsistency this now creates, likewise with the Cafe threads in Young People and Sexuality.

In terms of worrying about starting new threads, I think it's reasonable to look at what's happening with any thread you've started once it reaches 100 posts. Is it still on topic? Has it evolved to a point where a new thread would be more reflective of the discussion, and be more conducive to including others? Structured discussion on topics of interest is what sets forums apart as an online discussion medium from other channels like Facebook or Twitter.

I'd be keen to hear from others whether they find "social" to be a trivialising term - the topics discussed on our forums (including those in the BB Cafe) would probably be quite scary dinner party conversation for anyone not familiar with the struggles mental health conditions can bring. I would argue that "social" has a very different definition for us here on the forums, it's about speaking with others who know what we're going through. Some days that'll involve talking about our pets, and other days revealing how we're coping with severe trauma. That's the reality of life for many of us here.

Finally, I realise how emotionally invested we are in the forums, but I'd ask for a little bit of perspective here in equating threads being moved with discrimination - that's a bit demeaning for those experiencing prejudice in the real world on a daily basis.

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Guest_5218 — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 05:19:28 GMT

Chris we all face discrimination and prejucide in every day life - whether we be black, white, brindle, gay, straight, of ethnic background, whatever. But also because of our mental health, or even the colour of our hair. Me being a redhead for example. I am not belittling nor demeaning anybody, I understand prejudice in the real world. I too see it, but we need to be consistent.

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Guest_5218 — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 05:24:21 GMT

Thankyou Chris B for closing off my Anniversary Thread. You're right, I no longer consider it a safe place.

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Chris_B — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 05:31:37 GMT

Hi Sherie, I appreciate you have strong feelings about this. We have moved your closed thread back to the PTSD section. You will also see that all the Cafe threads have been moved to the BB Social Zone, and post counts have been turned on for the BB Social Zone.

Really keen to hear what others think on this issue as well.

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Guest_5218 — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 05:52:25 GMT

Thankyou Chris for moving my thead back where it belongs! I appreciate that you did that, as I was not happy with it being in the Social Zone, closed or otherwise. I note you removed my previous post to everyone on my thread. I wanted them to know that I appreciated all those who had been supporting me and explaining my reasons for taking a break. My intention for a break still applies, and I feel sick and horrible right now as I truly hate confrontation. You have helped a little by moving my thread off the Social Zone though. (-:

Good move to treat all threads the same, at least you are showing some consistency now.

Sorry to cause so much drama over this Chris, I know you are just doing your best. But yes, my feelings over this are very strong. So thankyou.

Sherie

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Emmy. — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 05:52:47 GMT

Hi Chris

I have to agree with Sherie on this and I'm not trying to cause a conflict or anything but when I "met" Sherie I took the time to read back through her thread and this was a way of getting to know someone.

I understand why you asked me to start a new thread outside of the suicide thread but I did find that very overwhelming. Which thread to I now write on? Do I have to now only be positive on my new thread. A few panic attacks were had but I got that. I wasn't quite as suicidal.

But these threads become a part of you. Hard to explain but almost like your own little story. I wish both my threads could be merged into one. Is that possible? Under my anxiety thread would be fine. But don't think it should go into BB social zone.

like Sherie said a lot of the content is not appropriate.

Sorry to speak out I hare doing this sort of thing as I worry now that you won't like me but I've got to agree with Sherie. Thanks for considering our feedback. Emmy x

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

james1 — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 06:01:41 GMT

Hello,

I hope I'm not stepping out of my place here, or too far off topic, when I say:

I feel for everyone here.

I think it just goes to show that, even for all of us who deal with and are well acquainted with mental illness, there is never a right answer.

But equally, I am glad that we do have such respect for each other. I think it shows in the responses so far.

If nothing else, I know I can take a lesson from here that mental health can be such a minefield, it makes it even more important that we support each other.

Best

James

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Clues_Of_Blue — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 06:02:34 GMT

Chris, I agree with Sherie and James that putting these threads in the Social Zone isn't the right choice. I also agree that creating a new thread for every little thing is just confusing and uncomfortable for a lot of people here. Depression and anxiety aren't good for concentration and keeping track of so much stuff. For some of us it would be entirely impractical and counterproductive.

I also think these long-running threads, though possibly intimidating to some, have attracted a lot of new people to them and are good, safe spaces for many of us to work through our day-to-day struggles. I've noticed people meet and get to know each other in the Café and similar social spaces, then go looking for each other's personal threads, and it's a system that works. Not all or even most of what is on those threads is "social", not all of it is heavy or directed to a specific section. It seems a bit like you've looked at the length of the threads and thrown them in the too hard basket, in this case the Social Zone. A far better solution, in my opinion, would be to create a new forum on the lines of Long Term Support, separate from the realm of mere chitchat, but not required to stay "on topic" either. I don't want my thread locked, but I would be a lot more comfortable with it somewhere more appropriate than the Social Zone.

Blue.

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Chris_B — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 06:15:30 GMT

Hi Emmy, I wish we could merge threads - it would be really useful for when we have a lot of small threads about one big topic.

What we're trying to do here is balance the needs of two different groups of forum members; long-term members who use this space primarily for checking in and letting others know where they're at daily on their journey (I use the term 'socialising' for this), and those members who are looking for short-term, specific discussions on topics (eg. "Has schema therapy worked for you?" vs "No therapy has ever worked for me" which then evolves over hundreds of posts into discussions about anything and everything).

Our user research is telling us that those users (who make up the bulk of our audience) will not read through hundreds of posts in a single thread, they are looking to find stories relevant to them quickly. If you have a look through the threads we moved today, only a very small percentage of the posts in them are actually about the original topic - it's mostly peer-based social support around daily life (very similar to the BB Cafe - Blue's, I did read through them, I read everything on here).

Now this is not a bad thing! We do have long-term members who use the forums over months and document their journey in a single thread, which will cover many aspects of that person's life, not just the subject they originally posted about. But we need to find a place for these long threads to go so as not to alienate others.

There is no compulsion to be happy when posting here on the forums - given that all of us are living with mental health conditions, that would be a very unusual requirement! 🙂 We make an exception for specific discussions around suicide, as our user research also tells us that some members find these topics distressing to read about, so we created a section specifically for discussing suicidal thoughts and how to cope with them. So the only rule about content is that you keep discussions specifically about dealing with suicidal thoughts and self-harm to that section.

What can we agree on here? There seems to be a consensus around having a section for Long Term Support. This could be a section where the 100+ threads go, and where people have the option of following the journeys of others. It could fit all the criteria described above. How does this sound?

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

Emmy. — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 06:17:48 GMT

Got to say I'm now feeling panicked by all of this. What will happen to my own threads? Can they be joined together then closed. So confused. Will I still be able to reach out to Sherie and everyone else with 100+ comments.

Forum housekeeping - threads with 100+ posts

james1 — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 06:20:23 GMT

I like the idea of a place for long term support. Particularly the idea of following someone's journey. And threads could be moved in there as needed.