A question for our new members (and regulars too 😊).

[Quercus]

Hi everyone,

I've been thinking lately about inclusion on the forums and wondering...

What it is like to be a newbie on the forums?

Anyone feel like answering?

In the offline world we all deal with cliques. And feeling like we don't fit in or belong sometimes.

When I joined the forums I remember seeing members with thousands of posts and people greeting eachother like old friends.

I wanted so badly to feel like part of this community. I know I'm not alone... Sometimes I see a thread where someone is disheartened by a lack of response.

My question (sorry for the waffling) ...

What helped you to feel welcome here?

Here is my list (yep quite keen on lists)

• For newbies start your own thread in welcome/orientation. If you post your story in a social thread or someone else's thread you'll get lost in the system.
• On that note... Try not to make multiple threads on the same topic. If you are finding you need support speak up in the social threads or in a thread you contribute to a bit... Give the title of your thread and ask if someone will come have a chat.
• Read the rules and the posts in the welcome orientation section. Seems obvious but I don't think everyone does... And there is a lot of useful stuff in there!
• Remember the forums are not immediate. If you need immediate help there are the support numbers. Everyone on here is just like you (voluntarily contributing and dealing with a mental illness) so if you flood the forums with posts getting angry or upset about a delay in response or a post held up in moderation people tend to get overwhelmed and upset too. The helplines are there for a reason please use them 😊.
• Take the time to respond. There is nothing worse that writing a reply and then the new user never comes back online. There isn't a notification system. You've got to log on and check. Please do.
• Write to others. You don't have to know what to say. Or have advice. Sometimes it is just nice to have someone aknowledge you or to know someone is listening.

Enough waffling from me.... What does everyone else think?

Nat

[Just Sara]

What a brilliant post Nat!!!

As Flick, (sorry, not going to say 'Snot'; no way, now how! Ah ha ha ha) has stated, you've summarised this issue wonderfully.

Really helpful! Thanks to Unbeliever too for his comments.

I'd like to remind people that a thread addressing this issue is currently asking for comments from members. It'd be great if more opinions were offered up for consideration;

*'Change 'mark this post as helpful' to 'thankyou' in the Welcome and Orientation section of the forum*

Having your say re the default program application is important to BB and the future of our new system when it's up and running, and may even change things before then.

Please think about it...

Sez x

[Flick_SnotGrass]

Hi Just Sara,

I'm not sure if my reply to you got through or not, there may have been a system glitch but I wanted to ask you about your comment "Having your say re the default program application is important to BB and the future of our new system when it's up and running, and may even change things before then."

Are you/BB looking for user requirements and system feature upgrades in functionality?

If so I have some thoughts.

Cheers,

Flick SnotGrass

[Just Sara]

Hi Flick;

Your offer is really appreciated for sure; thankyou!

The new BB forum platform is in the hands of managers and tech heads in corporate HQ. System changes have already been decided. I'm talking about our opinions re what's workable and 'meaningful' as members and 'users' .

I'm sorry if I confused you. Thankyou for highlighting what I wrote, as it does look to be more of a tech issue than what to call a 'red button' on our thread page.

If you're still confused, please visit the thread I suggested above and read the first post from our forum manager Chris.

It's encouraging to know there's people like yourself who're willing to share their knowledge/expertise on the forum; much appreciated indeed.

Kind thoughts;

Sez

[startingnew]

Hey guys if any one can take a look at a thread i created called 'self assessment questions' id appreciate it

[Guest_64]

Hello

how do I start jusy joined

thank you

[Guest_64]

Hello

where do I start I really am feeling stressed just trying to work out where to post

[startingnew]

Hello and welcome to bb. Its quite daunting when you first joined but try not to stress.

My first suggestion is to click on all posts then go to the catagory you think your story fits into and then click start new thread then write your story or introduce yourself 🙂

Hope this helps

[meercat]

Hi and welcome from meercat

To change your name.. i called the contact moderators. They replied with this email address.

"modsupport@beyondblue.org.au"

Cheers

meercat xx

[meercat]

Hi Sara. How are you going?

Just saw your post re threads and forums october. I have a suggestion, if it has not been noted before. I know when i joined recently my concentration wasnt the best.

Im still trying to join threads and forums after approx a month and im still lost! When i become lost i run to the cafe. I notice other new members are having diffficulty navigating forums too.

May i suggest a simple list of forums, and threads, say after login page.

Thankyou..

meercat xx

[Just Sara]

Hey Meercat;

Thanks for asking; I'm doing great.

The first place newbies should go is 'Welcome and Orientation' section. There are heaps of pinned threads by management on issues new members face and what they need to know like our rules.

Navigating, as you say, can be really confusing. As I'm a person who's pretty savvy with online stuff, it only took me a few goes to get in the swing of things. But I know others struggle.

I think a step by step process that can be printed out to sit next to the PC might help. What do you and others think?

Hi and welcome to Guest 64!

Trying to navigate the site is indeed difficult enough, but doing it with a confused and full on mind is even harder. Please don't despair as it does get easier. It just takes practice and a bit of perseverance. We're here for you so please write back and just talk ok.

It doesn't matter if this is the right thread or not. Being new, others will help you as much as they can to get you on the right track. I'd love to hear back from you.

How about writing an intro about yourself here if you can't find a space you feel comfortable in?

Warm thoughts;

Sez