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?

[Matchy69]

Hi Tayla I have been having trouble to changing my profile picture.I had to use a different phone to change it but still I had to have a couple of goes at it for it to work.
Take care,
Mark.

[Guest_4643]

All good Mark, I changed it. Thanks.

[Croix]

Dear Mb20lover~

I saw you post a couple of days ago about not being perhaps as taken into the fold or replied to, not only here but external places too. This is something you simply do not deserve. Due to my own hassles I've not been able to get back to you till now.

By now between Quirky and Paul and Match you probably are feeling this may be passing and what I'm saying unnecessary, however if you want a guaranteed reply at some stage in the future post to me at my contact thread

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/bb-social-zone/croix-parler

and let me know your home thread, I'll reply there. If you do not have a thread talk to me on mine. I cannot promise to answer quickly, but it will come. You are valued here.

What do you need to talk about? No real rules, it has a lot of interesting things about art, theater, books and life, but also a place where some have simply vented -and that's been OK too.

For what its worth the offer will always be open

Croix

[Guest_4643]

Hi Croix and everybody else. Thank you for commenting back.

Here's my thread I stick to if anyone wants to check it out. All the info is on the 1st page obviously.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/depression/hi-everyone-i-39-m-back-/page/6#qyWWwHHzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

[Summer Rose]

Hi Croix and others

I've been reading the posts over the last few days with intetest, as I've very recently been questioning my own value here.

The "report post" button is a great tool but I've been wondering if it needs to be promoted more.

And something I've never been clear on is when to report a post. I understand from the rules, "if you see abuse, report it to us". But, here's the dumb question, what's abuse?

I assume a post that is hostile, a personal attack or something malicious. Not sure about condescending, rude or belittling. A fine line between assertive and aggressive, that's always open to interpretation. And what about cliquey conversations that isolate and leave people out.

I know the forums are moderated to enhance safety, and understand and value their role. Always wondered if they are mental health professionals. Not sure if it's okay to even ask, so no pressure to respond.

Kind thoughts to you all

[Guest_1643]

Hi Summer Rose

100 percent yes agreed.

[Guest_4643]

Hi Summer Rose.

I agree with you also. But I can assure you that you're very welcome here. I often feel unwelcome too, but maybe that's just me and my paranoia and self hatred. But everyone here is welcome, I try to make everybody, current or new members, feel that way.

With the thing you said about the report button, I agree. I've been excluded in posts myself, even if I just say hi or try to offer some advice or something. I try to move on to other threads if that happens but I still get upset by it. I know how it feels to be excluded in real life and online so I try not to make people like that.

[quirkywords]

Summer rose

you are a very valued member of the forum community. I always find your posts so understanding and I wish I could write like you do. I wonder if you font mind asking why you have been questioning your value here. Don’t answer if you would rather not.

The report button is for all the reasons you mentioned and when you may feel unsure or uncomfortable.
sometimes moderators explain why they have left a comment while acknowledging my concerns .

If anyone is feeling excluded or bullied or upset by another’s words they should hit report button.

Thanks again Summer Rose for making very relevant points.

[Guest_4643]

Hi quirky.

For example, do you mean if someone were to comment on a post and they continually get ignored, then they should report and say they're continuously ignored or?

[Guest_1643]

Hi All

i do think the using of the Report Button should be normalised, promoted and encouraged

Subtle types of bullying often go through unnoticed. I am also like you mblover20 quite sensitive to exclusion and even if its not me being excluded, I think it's hurtful to see it on the forums as I can understand what the person is experiencing.