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?

[Sophie_M]

Dear Sleepy21, 

Thank you for your feedback. You've made some great suggestions. 

We're sorry to hear that emails from moderators feel like an act of power over you. We just wanted to reach out and say that is not our intention at all. 

Thank you again for your suggestions, and feel free to provide further feedback in this thread, or through our website (https://www.beyondblue.org.au/about-us/contact-us). 

[blondguy]

Hi tranzcrybe!

Thankyou for mentioning..'Would that also extend to the CC private forum? - PM by any other name perhaps...'

I did post to you just after you posted and unfortunately it has vaporised!...I dont know how...

Private messaging has been considered at senior level for a while now for CC's yet the forums would require a total revamp to make that happen. Just from my own experience as a volunteer...I dont think it would work as it may defeat the purpose of the peer support structure that is currently in place

Happy Christmas tranzcrybe 🙂 always great to have you on the forums

Paul

[mmMekitty]

I would appreciate a more direct way to alert staff to anyone posting content which indicates they may be in need of immediate assistance, from either yourselves or emergy services. While my post, written mostly to bring the previous post to the attention of moderators, is itself being moderated, someone in need of assistance won't be getting it.

& the algorithms take the content of my post out of context, & you send up sending me emails when I use certain words in my post to alert to the one I'm responding to...do you understand what I'm saying?

mmMekitty

[geoff]

Hello mmMekitty, I know what you're saying and it's always good we are looking out for people we think are in trouble, so there are 2 ways to notify the moderators, you can click on 'report the post' and mention all your concerns or you can email them by using 'Modsupport@beyondblue.org.au' and also express your concerns.

It's good you are looking out for comments that worry you, that's being part of the family, so thank you.

My best.

Geoff.

[Croix]

Dear Geoff, Paul, Sleepy and all~

I know it is not the right thread, however I'd like to wish you a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful, productive and enjoyable year ahead

Croix

[geoff]

Hello Croix, many thanks for your Christmas wishes, I hope and everyone can keep safe during this time of the year.

Hope Croix you can also enjoy your day.

Many thanks.

Geoff.

[Guest_1643]

Thank you...I really appreciate it.

Same to u Croix sending good beginnings for 2022

[quirkywords]

Best wishes to everyone and I hope today was ok.

Questions from everyone I hope they keep coming.

[Added]

Does anyone know if there is a way that a particular forum you have left a response on can be unpinned if you no longer want to be involved in that forum.

Thanks (I hope this makes sense)

[Sophie_M]

Hi mmMekitty, 

Sorry for the belated response!

Thank you for raising this concern with us. We can see why it is a concern that your supportive post was not made immediately available to a user who may be at risk of harm. It also adds stress onto you who may feel concerned about the user’s comments and would like to know that they have received support. 

It appears your post got caught in the system (wasn’t made immediately public) due to containing “risky” words itself. Which as you’ve pointed out, was the system reading your post out of context. 

Ideally, the user’s post should’ve been attended to earlier and your post made public sooner, however, this cannot always be guaranteed. As other members have mentioned, a few ways to get the attention of moderators is by reporting a post and emailing modsupport@beyondblue.org.au

If there is a post you’re concerned about and feel needs the immediate attention of moderators, we would suggest using the “Report Post” function (which we believe is in the top right corner of all posts in red text). In this report, please feel free to let us know if you think we may have missed something (which we regrettably do).

For more substantial requests and concerns, it may be better to direct an email to modsupport@beyondblue.org.au but either method of contact is appropriate.

Thank you again for sharing your concerns and we do really appreciate your dedication and investment in the forum community.