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?

[blondguy]

Thankyou Sophie for taking the initiative and providing members with the support/encouragement and transparency with your most recent post 🙂

There are many Members/Valued Contributors and Champions that would feel better after reading your post...I am only one of them. What a wonderful post!

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Croix]

Dear All (I'm too lazy at this time of night to list Sleepy, robthomaslover ....)~

In amongst your interesting and rather protective discussions I've noticed talk about the recounting of suicidal feelings, acts and effects on others.

I know that you know there is a SSH Section where such things are discussed, and yes, at times some thngs will not be accepted. I think it has to be that way as we are not just talking to each other, where we might be able to gauge each others' state (though that's a bit hard anyway) but are also talking ot a much larger audience (far more than post).

As a result one has to err on the side of caution.

That being said I've managed for many years to describe my suicidal feelings, acts and results in such a way others can immediately relate wihtout becoming overly specific, and my method is never deemed unacceptable -so it can be done, admittedly with practice. All the important things can indeed be discussed.

This is not because I'm a Champ, the same rules apply to me as you.

So please do share your experiences, they will be, as you point out, beneficial to others, it is simply a matter of drawing a balance between being overly specific and still getting across the important ideas.

Just as an aside I've never accepted here somone saying "they are safe", not only is it often hard to gauge one's own reactions but matters can change between posting and real time. I always try to support irrespective.

I'd not be over-concerned about sayng the wrong thing, all the happens is your post is not published, so you try again in a different manner.until you become proficient

Does that make sense?

Croix

P.S. Robthomaslover I have a sneaking suspicion you are a "Yes Minister" fan, and if you came over to

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/bb-social-zone/croix-parler/page/40

to discuss the program with a fellow fan I'd be delighted

-C

[blondguy]

Hey robthomaslover/Sleepy and everyone

Just getting back to you re swearing on the forums....Personally I dont mind yet on the forums we also have very young people reading and its unhealthy....probably more suited to Facebook/Social media..not here...

my kindest always

Paul

[Matchy69]

Sorry I am not a big fan of swearing but if it helps people to get out what they need then maby it could be ok.

[Matchy69]

I have trouble putting things in words as I have poor communication skills.Trying to discuss the sh and s topics can be hard for me wording things right way.I just want people know I have been through it and can understand what they might be going through even though we might be going through it for different reasons but I think discussing those topics can be beneficial to people.

[demonblaster]

Hi peeps ☺

Re swearing; to my knowledge Shit is ok which I saw on a morning show is considered to be not middle, brain fog but along those lines as to intensity and crap bloody seem ok.

I think that's fair because they're not quite as aggressive as stronger words with so many poor people who have/do suffer mental/physical abuse the triggers fear and pain with associated memories and happenings would be mighty.

Re suicidal (S) self harm (SH) and suicidal ideations (SI) Croixys pretty much summed it up that as long as details aren't mentioned as in how and what attempts either way which could also give others ideas which isn't good either.

So yes talking is healthy. I agree very open convo would be good but not necessarily productive here which is trying to show from wisdom experience and learning that there's hope for recovery which in many cases there is.

I still would love to see a PM (private message) section. Heard convo about being needed to be moderated. Agree there might be some willing to help there. I would be intermittently.

Something I've on occasion wanted to do is say my bit to some without agro but being straight forward one on one rather than others chirping which is good in a way to hear other reasons but can also create a ganged up situation which is a very strong trigger personally.

It's also about resting my mind that I might have cleared the air or at least defended myself and worse scenario been heard. Others might feel same I don't know.

Truth it's only on occasion cause here's very well moderated but as we know some comments slip through which will happen. Or misunderstandings can be cleared up too which can rest the mind esp if ptsd is a problem.

Thanks for listening.

Hope we can all find some happies in our days to keep us chugging along ☺

⚘ scented virtual flower for your favourite smell.

[britishtvfan]

that is true about swearing with the young people. i'm used to swearing personally so it doesn't bother me like i said. i don't swear myself but i've heard enough of it throughout my life with school & all, lol.

but yeah like i said as long as it's not directed at anyone. i think the private messaging one could be a hit & miss. yeah it would have to be moderated but that could make somebody uncomfortable & they may not want to respond & feel stalked.

personally i'd be happy with it. i guess people don't have to answer. & if that was approved, i would ask someone if i could message them & if not then i wouldn't bother.

PS Croix - haha yes i am, that's my profile picture. not my art, just found it online. i'll check out your thread. nice to see a fellow fan & that you recognised it.

[Guest_1643]

Thanks everyone

I feel exactly the same mark, I don't want to trigger anyone but I have survived attempts and have experience using tools to do so, it's a reality of my life and it helps me when talked about without judgement

I totally and fully grt being cautious and not including triggering details, I haven't really seen that too much here, I think I feel nervous that judt saying the words I'll get censored....I want to feel confident and OK that I can speak about it..I know being censored isn't the end of the world but sometimes it does feel upsetting when it's just that a triggering word Waa used...

[golden82]

Yes Katy... Absolutely.

[golden82]

I agree with an earlier comment by Hanna that the opportunity to say goodbye is nice. And for others to know so they know they are not being ignored.. they are still cared for, but the operations are just too much work sometimes. It can feel like swimming against the tide when u need smooth sailing for mh.