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?

[geoff]

Hello David, I quite agree, it leaves you wondering, especially when you reply to several threads.

Hi Paul, great to see you back on the forums, hope you are well.

My best.

Geoff.

[Guest9337]

Good morning Geoff, thanks, I am feeling quite a bit of wonder lately.

You got much planned for Friday?

[Guest9337]

Thanks Paul. Good friends are Angels who listen and show they care.

Indeed.

Can software show caring?

[geoff]

Hello David, thanks for asking, I have some family business that needs help with, but looking positive, I hope.

Many thanks.

Geoff.

[Clues_Of_Blue]

Hi all,

I agree with those of you having problems with the "no reply" e-mails. Aside from coming off as rude, they don't give any context like what post and what about that post they are holding it up for. I've had that e-mail and only figure out which post it means by its overall unexplained disappearance. They used to come with explanations and quote problematic bits of posts or what has been edited. Perhaps the software has degraded or isn't being adequately monitored?

I'd like to suggest a new section for neuro-divergent people (i.e. with disorders like ASD and ADHD). I haven't found anywhere really suitable to put stuff related to that and find I'm sorely lacking in support in trying to get my head around my recently discovered ADHD; I think my threads aren't getting any exposure to people who might be in the same boat and would otherwise respond, for that reason. I know I wouldn't think to look specifically for anything ADHD related in any of the available section headings and I don't think there's any real sense of direction or support on the forum in general for people dealing with what I am.

Blue.

[LJpd81]

I would love a notification that someone has responded to my thread and a notification if someone responds to a thread I am following and have responded too.

Otherwise have to keep pressing refresh all the time and check.

[LJpd81]

A search button would be great in the forum, rather than asking a question, that's possibly already been asked.

[quirkywords]

There is a search box on top right hand if page.

[LJpd81]

I'm so sorry. I can't see it?

[LJpd81]

Thank you. I can't see anything that will let me search on the forum.