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?

[Guest9337]

Actually, I've just remember I used to frequent "livestrong" which is an american health site, but I stopped once it was proven Lance Armstrong broke doping laws in cycling, livestrong was one of his, so I drifted away.

[quirkywords]

David

SANE is a forum for mental health.

They sometimes have live discussions.

I think people find a forum that suits them BB encouraged me to give support and get support.

[Guest_1643]

hi all - thanks for the thoughtful responses. that's so harsh david'n'goliatch - blocking u?!

I don't know nor have i ever seen BB block anyone.
I think BB does share the same rule regardng not beng able to mention moderation rulings.
Sane Australia has a nice and supportive forum as well, and so does ReachOut for ppl under 25. That's a really great space also. I guess the question is also how the rules are enforced. That must take a lot of careful clinical consideration. I guess u'd sometimes want to give someone a chance and the benefit of the doubt.

Sometims I wish there was more moderation here or maybe sort of unofficial moderation, from long-term users (peer support). That's good that BB is one of the better forums!

[Guest_1643]

some of the main rules i've noted here are

- not to use medication names in posts, general medication groups eg "ssris" seem ok

- not to distress anyone with aggressive language...

i'm not sure when medications come up, and ppl aren't mentioning the meds name but still maybe indiciating about which theyre on in other ways, or if they're also advocating for or against medication, or explaining uses of medication... it can get a little dicey. It's a pretty divisive issue and u'll have ppl here who have been harmed by medications or had them forcibly administered who may not have had the best experience.

occasionally the convos get to a opint of users telling others that medications will help them, i think it's a bit concerning, as we do not know someone's genetics, medical history, age, preexisting conditions, and medications need to be handled delicately.

[Sophie_M]

Hey David,
Thanks for posting. This could be a really fun idea! We understand other forums allow gifs and funny photos which would definitely provide an uplifting space/atmosphere. We’ll make a note of your suggestion. 

Hi Sleepy21,
Thank you for your contribution. We share your concern and consider medication use and value a tricky topic to moderate. Do you feel it would be best that users don't recommend medication as a treatment to others? However, could state whether medication has worked for them or not?
 

[Guest_1643]

hi Sophie, I like David's idea too.

In my opinion since medication is so sensitive and needs so much study to be able to understand how it can impact ppl short and long term, ppl here should not be able to advise others to take, not take, or stop medications. I think we need to normalise how risky meds can be for some ppl so proceed with caution, in my opinion.

[Guest_1643]

it does stress me out a little when ppl recommend others take medication. i feel like it's 100 percent crucial when taking any form of treatment, be it psychotherapy or medication, that it is administered by someone u know well, who can monitor it, and check/review it's progress etc. there are so many factors in safely engaging in any service/treatment (including psychotherapy). Psychotherapy with the wrong person can also be dangeorus,. Medication can also be dangerous. We don't know the persons situation on this forum so I think it can be really risky to advise or pressure someone to take medication, and some other treatments.

[Learn to Fly]

Hello All,

Love your ideas Brothers and Sisters.

My little suggestions:

- being able to check who endorsed your response. The so called “like button” can be a very powerful tool. I will understand, if some will think this might appear to some as potentially manipulative. But I still think it might be useful.

- BB icons like Community Champion, Blue Voice Member etc . Maybe it would be good to include a very short role description which could be viewed if a person placed a cursor on an icon. Role description giving an idea on what sort of assistance the person might expect.

- Geoff had already mentioned this and I will only second the idea: being taken back to the list page, once a response is sent.

- automatic “Hi John,” once we hit on the respond button.

- Sentences starting with capital letters when we move to the next line. Atm, I have to change it manually. Unless it’s my device only?

- Ability of choosing to set up alerts if someone responds directly to your message.

Thank you All and enjoy a peaceful evening.

Take care.

LTF

[geoff]

Hello Sophie_M and everyone else, the naming of any medication, firstly has to be authorised by our doctor, it's not as though someone can go to the pharmacy and ask for medication A or B, you need a script and the doctor won't give you something that they believe is not suitable for you for various reasons.

The only problem is that we all check on Dr google the side effects and that's where people worry, but these may never happen to you and if you start talking to yourself into believing that's what's happening, the doctor may just dismiss the idea.

Ask your doctor as soon as they prescribe any AD what are the side effects and remember there is a chance we may get a side effect but once our body begins to accept this AD then we adjust.

Maybe if I give you an example, when you buy a new pair of shoes, they are tight, but over time they adjust to your feet and adapt to how your feet are, the same applies to AD's.

Geoff.

[Guest_1643]

hi geoff could you please elaborate ... understand that medications cant be obtained without a prescription, however if u request them from a doctor, u will likely be able to find a doctor who will prescribe. there are many doctors who presscribe a little unethically. so although it isnt so easy to get medications, unfortunately, it also isn't so hard, so greatest precaution must be taken that ppl don't stumble into takng things that could hurt them.

fr example i myself was given an addictive medication with little supervious by my gp - it ws the wrong choice and harmful for me. i would not take ads from my gp in the future, just my choice, but i was not properly informed to say no and was also a minor. consent to take meidcations is one thing but i feel informed consent might be different, that means being able to research and make a choice without pressure and remembering that it's our body etc