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_1643]

No way Not_Batman

I cannot imagine you had done such a thing as your posts are absolutely wonderful

[Guest_4643]

Hey Not_Batman, nice to see you around.

I'm sorry you feel that way, but I promise you, as Sleepy said, you've never done anything wrong here. I often feel that way too though. And your suggestion is a good idea.

[geoff]

Hello Everyone, many times people may not be recognised by name in a return reply then you shouldn't feel disrespected seeing that your message hasn't been acknowledged, there's no one who's better than another person, we all have our different experiences and each one of us has made an enormous contribution to the forums.

How you feel on one thread will be picked up on another one and someone else may miss out on being mentioned, it's happened with me on countless threads, but remember those people who only read the comments know exactly what you're talking about and sincerely appreciate all the work you're doing to help others.

Please take care.

Geoff.

[Matchy69]

Hi Not_Batman you definately haven't said anything wrong Your words and advice is really valuable on these forums.
The suggestion you have is a great one.Cost and how hard it is to do seems to the biggest challenge with changing things on these forums
Take care,
Mark.

[Guest_1643]

that's a good point Geoff

To remember that others read the thread

Maybe if there is not support in one forum, still another will read that u are struggling and ask about it another place.

[monkey_magic]

I think it's easy to second guess our replies to others especially since many people don't reply back.

I encourage everyone to not let that deter you or make you feel like you've said something wrong.

The simple fact that you voluntarily put yourself out there to help someone in need of expose something private is more than enough. It is so good of us to do what we do sometimes with no feedback and without knowing the outcome.

I think it's amazing of us to contribute here.

[quirkywords]

Not Batman,

I agree that words here can be interpreted in not the way intended because it is hard to convey tone in text.

I suppose if the main topic branches out , a new thread can be started. I know that is not what you are saying.

I like the idea of a tree.

[Not_Batman]

Hello all.

Thank you for you replies.

just re-reading, and it looks like Summer Rose shared the same fear that we have said something.

The curse of the overthinker!!! Obsessive thoughts, i cast thee out!!

Not_Batman

[Guest_4643]

Hi everyone. Here's a suggestion from me. I know that others may not be into the idea since some of the earlier comments said so, but:

Would it be possible to get another MH Professional of some kind please, whatever profession (GP, Nurse like Nurse Jenn, etc). I ask this because for me personally, it helps to talk to a professional while I can't see mine, & ask certain questions, within the forum rules of course, & get a professional answer (for example about medication).

Just a thought, I know I would prefer it myself.

[Guest_1643]

Hey Tayla I think that's a bit risky as they would be giving answers on medication to someone they have not met properly so it would potentially be risky to u to follow the advice...