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?

[Summer Rose]

Hi Not_Batman

It really is a curse!

Because we don't know what might trigger another person, it's really challenging sometimes to feel confident that you're saying the right thing. Sometime the "what ifs" really get to me after a post.

What if, I went too far? What if, I caused upset or worse harm? What if, I'm wrong?

Dealing with it at present by reminding myself that I give the same advice here that I would give to a member of my family or a friend. In other words, it may not be perfect advice but it comes from genuine experience and a good place. Reminding myself that others are free to reject or accept anything I might say.

Just had a thought ... emojis could help to convey tone ... has that ever been considered?

Kind thoughts to all

[Guest_4643]

Good point Sleepy. I was just using medication as an example, sorry.

[Guest_4643]

Hi Summer Rose, I don't think you've done anything wrong but I often feel the same so I understand how you feel there.

Yes I was thinking emojis would be good too, nice ones such as hearts, not the rude ones of course.

And also pictures, like nice quotes, or if someone wants to put up a picture of their Dog or something perhaps? That could make people smile.

[Guest_1643]

Hi Summer Rose and Not_batman I was thinking of this today as I was driving

How hard it is not too feel responsible

And also I wanted to say that ur concern for others here... as you wrote Summer_Rose for the persn you fell out of touch with here - is the most inspiring thing I've seen here really

It's amazing that you really want to be there for ppl here and care about what happens to them

I think some of us never had that in our families or upbringing and I personally really am moved by it.

I also think I have lead someone to leave the forum and I feel upset about it... I wish I'd been more non-judgemental with this person.

It is hard to know how to balance words and find a way that won't harm or shock a person... no one likes to be told off.... I was triggered as I found the users words harmful and said so...then a few ppl agreed with me.... and soon after the user left...

[Matchy69]

Hi Summer Rose your absolutely right you do not know what will trigger someone and I have even found a thread title triggering for me and I might be the only one it is triggering and that's ok.Most of the advice here is given from life's experience and with compassion and never any harm intended to upset anyone .
Take care,
Mark.

[Guest_1643]

It's hard to give advice to vulnerable ppl... but many ppl get so scared about this they don't give advice at all - they don't try. they run. so even trying i believe is deeply appreciated. i agree with mark the advice often comes from the heart and a general desire to help.

In hospital I met a man in his fourties who lived with his family who abused him. There is no way I could ever get him to leave... it was hard for me. He was scared. At one point he asked to move in with me... that was so sad as I could not say yes.

I would want to help ppl and see them be happy and free and yet not now how to... and not be able to spend my own money or sacrifice from my own MH recovery to help.

I think just trying with whatever resources, energy and ability you have - is appreciated and seen by the person, on some level, even if they can't take it in fully. And just being a friend and listening and not judging may help ppl feel confident to make the steps they need in their own lives.... eventually....

[Summer Rose]

Hi mb20lover

Yes, I agree about the kind emojis. But I also think we need one that says, "I read your post but can't respond right now". Like a pause button of sorts. That might help people to feel they're not being ignored.

Kind thoughts to you

[Guest_4643]

yes I agree, something like that would be good, like an automated thing to press you mean Summer? That's a good idea.

I think it would be a good idea to maybe see who has marked yours or other people's posts as helpful, like you could click it on and it could tell you or it would just say above?

[Summer Rose]

Hi Sleepy21

Thank you for your kind words.

When my daughter fell ill with OCD and anxiety at age 13, everything changed for her and our family. Our lives were turned upside down and relationships were tested in ways I never thought possible.

It took a real family effort to help her get through a hospital stay, to find the right treatment (even her and I travelling to one of the world's best OCD clinics for treatment) and support her efforts to reclaim her life. It took unconditional and inexhaustible love.

My girl often tells us that she wouldn't be here if it weren't for the family support she received. This has weighed on my mind for years because I know so many people don't have this.

I know she was lucky. We were all lucky to survive. And that's why I'm here.

If I can share my knowlege and give some of my heart to help another human being then it was all worth while. Being a member of this community gives meaning to the worst events and years of my life.

I hope this makes sense.

Kind thoughts to you

[blondguy]

Hi Everyone

Hey NotBatman....You have mentioned such a very important point " text cannot convey tone very well, so the interpretation of language used is down to the reader"

You are spot on.....the written word can be misconstrued for sure....This occurs very often on the forums as we sometimes have to read between the lines...a few times for sure!

my kindest

Paul