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?

[amberlite]

Hi to all, yes I just find I read a lot of threads and posts then Feel disorientated/ confused and I wish it were simpler. I even get lost and cant remember and then cant find a thread that I have just posted on. But I'm here trying, so good luck to you all out there.

[geoff]

Hello Amberlite, if you click on 'My Threads' next to 'New Threads' all the comments you've made will appear in My Threads, otherwise you can type your name in the search bar on the top of this page, this will also tell you what you've replied to.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[quirkywords]

Amberlite

Thanks for explaining how you find the forums. I remembered feeling confused like you.

I know Beyond Blue are working on a simplified method to help people new to the forums and people finding it confusing.

Geoff has explained about My Threads,

If I want to post later I might just say hi and welcome so it will appear on the My Threads posts.
Yiur comments help others here or have similar concerns.
thanks again

[ecomama]

Hey amberlite

You've done well explaining what's difficult about navigating the forums.

It can be mind boggling at first until we get used to the layout and processes.

Layout:
- As geoff said 'Your Threads' will show the Threads you've replied to.
You can bypass any Threads at any time even on Your Threads.

Processes:
- Sometimes it takes a while for our replies to show on My Threads for reasons usually involving the Moderators reading, editing thread and such.
That's okay, they usually show up after a while.
- Threads show in time order. The most recently replied to Threads are at the top.
- I like how Threads are left on here. Sometimes members leave for a while and come back! When their Thread is STILL here, it's a more welcoming feeling for them, like they haven't been deleted or forgotten. They can revive their Thread. Hence the volume is understandable.

Sometimes our post disappears for reasons unbeknownst to me too!

Please feel free to post anywhere you feel inclined to post.
You may feel like you're imposing, as I've felt so too at times, but really people are posting to an audience and have come on to the forums to be seen and heard in a safe and supportive space.

SO glad you're here amberlite!

Love EM

[amberlite]

So glad you guys are here THANK YOU all so much for your help.

[quirkywords]

Amberlite

i think the helpful people on this thread is a strength of the forum.
Also people like you who speak honestly will help the forum improve.

Well done everyone.

[blondguy]

Hi Amberlite

So many super caring people providing their heartfelt support!

There is no hurry...it took me a long time to get used to these forums

You have a great writing style and thankyou for being a part of the forums 👪

Happy Easter😀

Paul

[Matchy69]

Is their any news on when these new changes will happened that they have promised.I hope they do make the site a lot easier to navigate.I feel people leave as they find it to hard especially when you are struggling with a mental health problem it needs to be easy for people.

[ecomama]

amberlite said:So glad you guys are here THANK YOU all so much for your help.

You are so very welcome amberlite!

And thank YOU for being part of the forums. We all love the constructive suggestions you and others make.

It helps BUILD a stronger network of support!

Big hugs!

Love EM

[geoff]

Hello Matchy, any news on when these new changes will happen that they have promised, well this has been an ongoing promise for the online forums for quite a while, a long time, but still waiting and whether the BB budget includes us we'll have to wait and see.

The forums are such a significant part of BB, even though they maybe seen as a small contribution, it's important because people want to talk about their own mental issues with others who have experienced them themselves, that's why a small part of the budget needs to be directed.

Take care.

Geoff.