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?

[Guest_4643]

True. In my opinion I think its a place to connect with others struggling but also make friendships

[Summer Rose]

Hi Quirky, mb20lover, Grandy and all

Thanks for your support and clarification on when to report a post. I know I will now be more confident making a report.

Quirky, thank you for your kind reassurance. I am happy to answer your question.

I recently had a conversation with someone thinking about ending their life. I felt a meaningful connection and that I was doing some good. Then this person disappeared.

I can't stop wondering if I inadvertently said something wrong. My rational brain knows there are a multitude of reasons why the conversation may have ended and it's not all about me. But I can't stop worrying about them. I keep hoping to see them on the forum, just to know that they're ok.

Words have meaning. And it's a huge responsibility to provide support to others who are seriously unwell. I think I just have a growing awareness of how easy it would be to unintentionally cause harm and it scares me.

Has anyone else ever felt that way?

Kind thoughts to all

[Guest_4643]

Hey SummerRose, I'm sorry to hear that.

I have also had these conversations with people about SH & the same things as you. I have tried to talk them out of it and be supportive but they've disappeared too, or some people have come back and I've said I'm glad to see them but got excluded. I always worry about these people and if I did something wrong too, I just want to know that they're ok

[Guest_1643]

Hi SummerRose i think it's understandable to feel that way.

These forums are tricky with things like that.

I hope that ppl are okay also and sometimes am concerned or feel those connections u mentiond - feel like there is a meaningful connection.

Then it is hard to not know if the person is okay. It's very temporary here, a place where ppl stop by, but many do not stay.

[Guest_4643]

That's true Sleepy. I went away for a bit and came back. I want to try and make it a New Years Resolution to come on here more, and try to get off Facebook for a bit, or use it less at least. I also like here that there's a bit of anonymity, so we don't know what each other looks like, etc. but at the same time it would be cool to meet everybody. So we all still have our privacy here and we can share experiences with people who get it.

Plus I get bored & don't have much else to do, I like coming on here at night, & during the day too.

[quirkywords]

Summer Rose the forums as you know are moderated especially those involving SH.

If there was a risk involved the person would be contacted . I think it is natural to wonder if something you said caused someone to not return. In fact statistically the average posts and I stand corrected is about 2 or 3.

Sleepy you are right not many stay very long. thy may reach out get help and then go.

Every person who answers another is a real support and a vital part of the forum.

These discussions are helpful.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Quirky

Yes, I realise the forum is moderated. But the moderators can't possibly catch everything. That's why I think how and when to use the report post button really needs to be explained and understood. I think we all need as much "back up" as possible, given the high stakes.

I can't remember the process when I first joined. Perhaps users could be asked to sign a "memorandum of understanding" when joining? Don't know how people would feel about that.

Kind thoughts to you

[Summer Rose]

Hi Sleepy and Mb20lover

Thank you for helping me feel less alone with my concern.

Kind thoughts to you

[Guest_4643]

Good point Summer Rose. Maybe it could be something like when you join a Facebook group how it says "I agree to all rules"?

And you're welcome, that's what we're here for

[Guest_1643]

hi Summer Rose

I agree with what ur saying about the high stakes and that the report button should be demystified a bit and explained how to use.
Also that you can report a user who is not necessarily upsetting you, but may be causing harm to others - if you "catch" something for example.