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]

Hi everyone, this is just a friendly suggestion.

I don't know if there's already a thread, but can someone (I don't feel comfortable doing it myself, but no pressure to anybody) please make a thread to go on of a night, so for example like 1am or earlier when people like myself can't sleep/are bored/lonely? So like a night time/insomnia thread.

Just a suggestion.

[Croix]

Dear Mb20lover~

In response to your post there is now a thread called Night Owls, for AFTER MIDNIGHT use.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/night-owls-(for-those-awake-late-and-can't-sleep 

The purpose of this thread is as a meeting point for those that can’t sleep and it is late.

It can be a useful space for users to share their issues with insomnia as well as coping strategies. It can also be a general space for users to converse and support one another throughout a difficult night.

Please note – for those that are just bored or lonely we already have a place - the café, which I suggest you use.

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

Croix

[Guest_4643]

Hey Croix, thanks for that.

I do use the Cafe but no one seems to be on it when I am.

[Croix]

Dear mb20lover~

Yes that can happen, why not encourage others to the new thread, you might start off by saying in it how much of a problem insomnia is for you,maybe some of the reasons why (up to you) , then invite others to share their experiences

Croix

[Guest_4643]

I'll do that shortly. Thank you for making it.

[blondguy]

Hi mb20lover!

Its always great to read your posts and thankyou again for being a part of the Beyond Blue family... and your thoughts on forum development/improvement too!

The Beyond Blue Cafe may not have anyone there at the moment yet it has been a very supportive thread for new members that are 'finding their way' on the forums including myself in January 2016

I just read a post that mentioned "for those that are just bored or lonely we already have a place - the café"

Fortunately that post doesnt reflect the reality of the Beyond Blue Cafe

my kind thoughts .....Paul

[golden82]

thank you for your kind words Mark - same goes for you 🙂

[Quercus]

Hi all,

I was reading the conversation about feeling rejected, ignored or left out and agree it is an ongoing issue. I think Quirky made a very important point... We all have issues, are human and can only do what we are able.

One thing that has helped me combat feeling isolated or out of place on the forums is bookmarking (in my favourites on my phone) this thread by Dr Kim...

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/taking-things-the-wrong-way-(on-the-forums-and-in-life)#qmTvZ3HzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

Whenever I feel hurt I go to this thread to remind myself to give people the benefit of the doubt and to remember most slights are unintended and not personally directed at me.

As someone who is anxious and depressed it is so easy for my mind to immediately go down the path of thinking I'm being snubbed or rejected even if I'm not.

An example of unintentionally snubbing people is obvious in my own behaviour lately. I haven't been able to post. Have taken a break from being a CC and post only when I can in threads that feel safe to my mind. It is simply self care and managing risk. But I'm sure others feel hurt.

I agree when people disappear it is upsetting. But it helps to remember that people may want to stay anonymous. I do. Sometimes that is the only reason I feel safe to post. Whenever the idea of private messaging here is suggested it freaks me out.

Just throwing out a different point of view in the hope it might help when people feel hurt.

Nat

[Guest_4643]

Hi everyone.

Croix - thanks for the kind words. Yeah the BB Cafe hasn't been very active lately, sigh. I'm happy to talk to anyone anywhere on the forums of course.

Quercus/Nat - I see your point, but for me, I have a Social Phobia believe it or not. It's extremely hard for me to make friends online and in person, especially in person. So if I get ignored by someone I know or don't know, then I feel like it's personal and then I beat myself up so to speak. It makes me feel horrible. I know and understand people feel comfortable with certain people but it's still a nice thing to acknowledge somebody, even if it's just a hello or thank you.

[Matchy69]

Hi Quercus thanks for that thread link .I hope it helps people out.The problem with some of us we have depression,anxiety and depression and have been rejected through out our lives.Their are many reasons why people don't respond to a post and it is not necessarily bad.It just happens some times.I find most people on here genuinely friendly and compassionate.
Take care,
Mark.