How can we improve the forums? Your suggestions and comments please

[Chris_B]

Hi all, this thread is a running commentary for all members on things for improvements to the forums. This can be anything from how it looks, the categories, to moderation, community rules etc.

While we might not be able to implement everything straightaway, or keep everyone happy all of the time, we'd like to hear about what you think we can do better.

This is not a thread for discussing the moderation or editing of individual posts - if you have questions about this please contact the team offline via email modsupport@beyondblue.org.au

To avoid repeating suggestions already received, below are some results from our last user survey giving an indication of which new features people would like to see on the forums. This survey was answered by 1,597 users:

44% - Email notification when I have a reply on the forum
39% - Access to the forums via an app
27% - Ability to block seeing posts by specific users
25% - Ability to contact users privately
25% - Ability to use emoticons
25% - Ability to follow posts by specific users
24% - Ability to share links
23% - Forum posts visible only to registered users
22% - A profile, viewable by others users, where I can introduce myself
21% - Ability to quickly access all posts by a particular user
15% - Ability to tag users in a conversation
10% - Ability to share images
6% - Ability to share videos
17% - None of these

Update July 2022 - This discussion has now been closed. Please go to the updated version below to share feedback and follow our updates:

How can we improve the Forums?

[Sophie_M]

Hi eight, at the moment there is no option to customise the size of one's avatar. An avatar may appear to be formatted differently based on the size of the image that is uploaded.

[tranzcrybe]

Hi eight,

I think the window for uploaded pictures is about 900 x 900 pixels. Have you tried resizing the image with the grab handles?

If not possible, then using your own editing software, rescale your original to 900px (y axis) to fit in the whole image - might take a few goes to get it right. BTW, I think what you have now looks great.

t.

[eight]

i stg geoff has Long Avatar??? is it some optical illusion that i can't break out of it looks very not square to me mate

[tranzcrybe]

Hi Eight,

Kudos for your powers of observation!

I had a look too - you are absolutely right, a bit of copy & paste revealed that Geoff's is about 10% taller.

Maybe there is some favoritism for 10k + posters? lol. Perhaps that was the format back in the 'old days' (sorry Geoff!) to have rectangles - sooo circa 2000's. I think we'll need an official inquiry to get the bottom of this, but you have a sharp eye, Eight. Well done!

-t.

[blondguy]

I wish there was a Pixel bonus to 10k+ posters Tranzcrybe!...and kudos to eight for mentioning profile picture

It may not be super helpful Tranzcrybe yet kudos to the previous online forums management who worked so very hard for a long time to provide us with a new forum platform that was due in Feb 2019

be well

Paul

[geoff]

Hi Eight, I'm sorry about this, it was only that I couldn't log in to my account to try and change the photo, it wouldn't accept my password, so in the long and short of this, while I was talking (online) to Modsupport, they asked me if I was happy for them to replace the photo, which they did.

Best wishes

Geoff

[Guest_1643]

hello i like the idea of threads for people to support each other with similar age groups/concerns

but i also love that the threads can be a mix of ages - as someone in my 30s i can gain so much from listening and learning to people both older and younger than me.
When i was in hopsital recently (where the age range was 18 - 64) the young ppl taught me how to use tiktok and the people older than me shared amazing ways they had contributed and helped others in their recovery.

I'm all for different ages accross different threads and spaces here but also love there to be spaces where all ages are welcome, if thats possible.

[monsie]

I need someone to help me to join a forum. I do not know how to do it... I have never been in a forum. Thank you

[Sophie_M]

Hey Monsie, welcome to the Beyond Blue forums! It's great to have you join us. 
 

We'd recommend reading over our FAQ thread here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/welcome-and-orientation/the-forum-faq-thread... and the 'forum etiquette' thread here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/welcome-and-orientation/forums-etiquette-giv.... They both have a lot of useful information for beginner users. 

[mocha delight]

I wish there was section were we could post pictures of our distractions we use when we are down in the dumps say like if that happens to be say like a 1000 piece puzzle or say if it’s something arts wise ect ect ect and to be able to post progress pictures would be good. Plus I think not only would that benefit new members but long time members as well who hadn’t thought of trying something as a distraction or hobby/s if that’s want you want to call it or something else that they never thought of trying out before.