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 rx, this is something slightly different, where a person's thread was deleted by moderators, and the person did not want so.

[Guest_1643]

Hi rx, glad they could help

It may happen that someone was unaware why a thread was deleted and it was a more general type thread, which I was unaware happened but apparentlytcan

From what I heard unless a person requests directly for deletion, threads aren't removed

Thanks for that insight, valid point I had missed.

[golden82]

Hi Sleepy,

I think it is unhelpful to only post the glowing reviews of hospital experiences. I feel to show 2 sides of the coin is a good idea. It is the truth and reality. Reality is not always pretty. And for vulnerable ppl to be led to believe this is risky for if they get a bad experience what does it do to them? I know it was v difficult for me; as i heard the messaging it would all be good and i would get help; and presented. And what i got did not match what i had been told i would get. If i went in with more 2 sides of what it could be like i may not have felt so let down. It also helps to have our experience heard i feel. Only with open discussion can we see the areas that need improving and work to improve them for all. To close it down and effectively have our heads in the sand we do not make improvements - as nothing needs fixing...but obviously that is a much bigger issue than forums.

[Guest_1643]

Hi Golden,

What is helpful is as different as each person is.... a unique way that ppl get well.

I honestly feel that meeting ppl who were honest and realistic about the pitfalls and truth of getting help, gave me so much courage.

[golden82]

Hi Sleepy,

I empathize with u. I get censored a lot too and struggle with it. Out irl too. Actually it is extra tough from the backgrounds we have. But please try not to take it personally. You always offer support and from a good heart. Everyone here knows that. It is a shame it is gone as it is helpful i feel. And yes, you are right no one discouraged ppl from getting help. It was a supportive topic to feel not so alone in our experiences. It helped ppl...just keep hold of that 🙂

[Ggrand]

Hello Everyone,

Dear SummerRose, their is no need for you or anyone to apologise at all....

I said wrong on this thread and I do acknowledge that...

My kind thoughts everyone,,

Grandy...

[mmMekitty]

Hi Grandy, ❤️❤️❤️ mmMekitty

[Summer Rose]

Hi Grandy

I deeply appreciate your graciousness and please know that I don’t feel that you have done anything “wrong” at all.

Everyone is different, but I liked the way you explained why it is important to you that discussions remain on topic. You provided a very personal story and shared a perspective that demonstrated why we have the “on topic” rule in the first place.

Perhaps as a way to improve the forums the rationale for each of the different rules could be further explained, particularly where it might not be obvious.

Your presence here is valued and welcomed, just like everyone else is Grandy. 

Kind thoughts to you

[Quercus]

Hi All,

Summer Rose has made an excellent idea here...

"Perhaps as a way to improve the forums the rationale for each of the different rules could be further explained, particularly where it might not be obvious".

I think this is a very helpful idea. There are multiple threads outlining the rules and also posts scattered about like Grandy's that try to explain issues such as the importance of trigger warnings on threads.

But these are not organised. It would be good to have these posts grouped so they're easy to find.

Nat

[Guest_1643]

Hi Querqus, agreed and also if they were all together, if someone was new to the forums, and confused, I'd appreciate that I, as a member and valued contributor, could then help the new person out by linking them in to the info.

Ie we could write, here's some helpful info on the Rules, and attach the link, as part of helping newbies orient themselves and a welcome-pack type situation