A warm hello to all,
I too have moved over from Blueboard (nice to see other members on here - waving 🙂 ) - but I must say quite hesitantly because of the way the process of the closure occurred on BB (no pre-warning to participants/members, no consultation, no given opportunity to have an input into the lead up of the decision of closure due to funding cuts; left a lot of people whom were most vulnerable feeling adrift, shocked and quite distressed - let's hope with some not tragically so) - this experience of late has left me wary of online forums now and how members are truly valued.
But up until that point I found BB to be a mostly safe place where people where free to express themselves (which I am doing here 🙂 ), and found wholesome, caring effective support. It was a very successful online forum that saved countless lives through the intervention of members and it was closed because of funding cuts (without funding we know that other factors that came into the decision were futile - no funding, no forum). At a time when we all know the nation is in a national emergency with our desperate acts statistics. This warrants more funding - not less. Lobbying for such should of been an option.
The highest level of activity on BB was of recent times (22nd March, 2016) with 2,013 at 4:45am of active online users - the highest peak achieved on BB ever - so online use of the forum was actually picking up not declining - a good indication of its ongoing recent success and the ongoing need of BB and other such similar forums. They are a vital support to prevent tragedy, suffering, loss and grief in society and families and are in urgent need.
My feelings about my experience there (being a member for approx 4 yrs) resonates with BeeGee. What made it a special and successful forum was the degree of life experience that we could utilise to help those struggling similarly with offering life saving strategies and coping abilities that worked for us, but with the difference of truly caring for and having compassion for every individual without judgement. All were treated as unique individuals with value and worth by most members genuinely. The latter being of the upmost importance to successfully supporting others.
Gaining knowledge through our own lived life experience of mental illness many were able to discern if other members struggling similarly were not acting and thinking in the best interests of their recovery; we would then point this out with genuine concern/compassion void of judgement or self interest. This was the essence of the success of BB.
Adequate moderation protecting vulnerable people from angry attacks, volatile arguements (respectful debate encouraged though "without prejudice"), protecting them from attacks on their beliefs or non-beliefs as others were free to express this (which is so important to the overall growth and mental wellbeing/healing of individual's as we are all unique), protection from offensive posting, insults, aggression and the like all incorporated BB to be the safe forum is was; attracting others to freely post how they were feeling, what they were experiencing without intimidation.
All have the right to expression - none have the right to abuse, as the latter being a primary cause/trigger of mental illness. Moderation is highly important for this reason towards the success of a forum I have experienced on BB (if done swiftly). But heavy handed editing oppressing the member to speak freely as BeeGee mentioned will turn people away from online support forums. So everything in moderation (no pun intended 🙂 ) There was no restrictions on how much or little they can post - let them vent.
On the subject of heavy handed editing - not being able to express feelings of harmful or desperate acts is oppressive for those struggling with such. In my life experience most people who are successful at desperate acts don't talk about it. They are discouraged to because of fear of intervention and detrimental consequences. They need to be incouraged to talk about "S" to be able to reach out.
"But" any who talk or discuss about the right to assist or commit a desperate act or verbally support it is "inciting" or "encouraging it", and this is highly triggering as I have personally experienced and am lucky to be here today - moderation here in this regard for safety is a must. I would flee from a forum for my own safety if such were allowed, which is in direct contradiction to the aim of an online forum which is to "save lives". That is what I have experienced and is my personal opinion. This wasn't allowed on BB contributing to its success.
My own personal life experience with mental illness, trauma and abuse has been on a horrific scale. I have been to hell and back and hit rock bottom. I have climbed out of that black whole, even though still experiencing the odd crisis because of recent DV in the home (from adult daughter), but the situation is starting to improve much with the odd set back that I am dealing with as I am not allowing her to cross the line anymore. I am growing in strength and determination.
I have gained much insight, resilience, hope, strength, knowledge, heart and compassion over the years through my struggle with depression, grief, trauma and anxiety - which is the positive that has come out of the bad. There is always the good which I look for in every situation and that gets me through. I am also very honest and open in my relations with others. And I hope I can not only seek support here but be of support to others. Will see how it goes.
I must say I do like the open dialogue with moderators here which was lacking on BB causing some to leave disgruntled and feeling undervalued - not a big issue really until the last few weeks when closure of BB was made known through a closed public BB notice giving members no avenue of reply. People had so many questions and did not receive adequate answers to their personal questions/concerns as open dialogue with mods was refused by them in an open public forum. This did not aid in the transition of change that was forced upon them which was ultimately their duty of care to undertake.
Some people became distressed depending on how much they were currently struggling - being a mental health forum that would of been countless behind the screens who may have been unable to verbalise it; but some brave others did express their distress/questions/concerns through posting on BB threads ( still visible) with the added written expression of their fear of having their posts deleted/edited through unintentionally offending them with criticism - which they had every right to express. That's being treated with contempt.
Moderators then went onto state that members with any questions/concerns directed at them due to the closure can only be asked and addressed privately through a report a post function, ending with "the decision is final". Attempting to stop any further discussion. Very condescending cold treatment of our most vulnerable.
When members did try and contact moderators through a "report a post" they would receive "a cut and post" indifferent reply that did not directly answer their questions or concerns. If they politely verbalised disappointment and frustration with this type of interaction they were warned they would be put on DT. A really demeaning situation for members already distressed and traumatised by having their life saving support forum pulled from under them adding to their mental decline.
They were left in the lurch and I still worry for them as they are the most vulnerable in need of such services. Very off putting and a guide of "what not to do" towards creating a successful online forum where members feel valued.
So it's good to see there is healthy open interaction with moderators here making me feel welcomed. And yes!! - you have an editing function, wonderful!! Thank you and I look forward to getting to know you all.
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