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]

Hi Sophie

thanks for taking the time to give us so much info

really appreciated

sorry i feel like i've been so negative and critical

i'm thankful tht you take the time to explain and help us along

[Sophie_M]

Hi Sleepy21,

No need to apologise at all, we can see you are only trying to make these forums as kind, welcoming and useful as they can be!

We look forward to hearing any other suggestions you may have for us on how we can best support the community.

Kind regards,

Sophie M

[geoff]

Hello Sophie, after we reply to a thread/post is it possible to then take us straight back to the page that says All Posts, New Posts, My Threads, rather than going back to the thread we have just replied to, then we have to press 'Forums / Welcome and orientation / How can we improve the forums? Your suggestions and comments please', all I do is press Forums to bring me back to the main page.

This would make it quicker for those replying.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[Matchy69]

I agree 100% with that one Geoff.

[Guest_1643]

the rules of this place need to be put together in one place clearly. That is a must.
In addition, the process for offering additional support to members in crises needs to utilise more informed consent.

Peer workers and those who have been recognised as having been around here for ages - (those lovely volunteeres who dedicate times to these forums)

should have say in some of the processes as well. voices of members needs to be given more credence. Thanks

[Sophie_M]

Hi everyone, 

We have just opened an expression of interest for Forum members to give input into the upcoming changes to the online community. There is another thread (linked below) where you can find some information about the process and the link to register your interest.

We thought that it be good to advertise it here as well as you have all shown an interest and commitment to improving this site. 

To learn more please vist this thread:
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/welcome-and-orientation/exciting-opportunity...

Kind regards, 
Sophie M

[blondguy]

Hi Sophie_M

This is an excellent concept/link (above) as member participation will help our national forums grow and more importantly help provide additional support to our new posters/members too!

Thankyou to the super proactive moderator that helped me with some logging in issues I was experiencing on Thursday

kindest always

Paul

[geoff]

Hello Paul, love the new photo.

I have replied to this thread but it hasn't been posted.

Geoff.

[geoff]

Hello Paul, my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Prince and know that it is so incredibly sad to lose part of the family because that's exactly what they are to us, a family member who relies on us to feed them, even entertain us by their own small idiosyncracies they love to perform, while we watch them because we rely on them to protect us, just as we do with them and just as we want to give them their favourite treat and enjoy watching them munch away.

There could be nothing better than having a pet but when the time comes it rips our gusts out more than anyone could ever believe and by saying sorry, certainly doesn't fill that hole that we ourselves are not able to fill, it's of great concern Paul we feel so much for you.

My deepest thoughts for you Paul.

My best wishes.

Geoff.

[Matchy69]

Paul I am sorry for your dad lost of Prince.My deepest thoughts are with you.

Take care,

Mark