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

[Quercus]

Nah Tams please don't worry for even one second.

I didn't take what you wrote personally. I just needed to remind myself the world and the forums wouldn't fall apart without me haha... What an ego huh 😊.

And that the sole responsibility is not mine. Everyone (even new posters) have the ability and the right to reach out to others. What's lovely is that I've seen a lot of that lately.

There's a reason Chloe M is our valued contributer for the month. She just took it on herself to support others and that is so lovely to see.

CCs are no different to anyone here. We've just agreed to commit time formally. And in some ways it feels easier. Having that CC label gave me more confidence to just stick my beak in anywhere 😊.

This conversation has been really helpful actually.

It's important to know what our limits are. After all we all do know it is vital to care for yourself otherwise you aren't able to help others.

Feedback is important especially constructive criticism. That's the point of this thread. We could all be ticking along clueless to how new members feel because we have been here long enough to feel comfortable.

So Tams please don't hesitate to give feedback of any sort ok. It is appreciated.

Hi anyone and everyone come say hello and tell us how you see the forums?