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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by paulb on January 9, 2002, at 21:43:02
Hi,
I have concerns about the frequency with which messages are being posted at Dr-Bob's.org.
If you look at the archives back to 1998 with each year you can see the boards turning over with increasing regularity.This concerns me because one of the reasons I believe this may be occuring is because of the subject of the website. People with depression are in need of support and post messages frequently. People with social phobia may find the website a good means for communicating with other people. People with OCD may post messages very frequently. This has occurred in the past but would be unethical to mention any names. I would add that the person stated he/she had OCD.
I think there is a dilema here. On the one hand you have the issue of letting people submit posts as much as they want for support and to learn more about their condition which I think is very important and encourage. Yet on the other hand we have people I THINK who are addicted to Dr-Bob's website and submit posts without any purpose due to an internet. addiction. Internet addiction is not uncommon.
Dr-Bob has installled the anti-addiction limits which is great.
I have some suggestions but would be interested in yours:
-Deleting posts that are not of relevance i.e Is Klonopin an antidepressant
-Opening a PB/PSB two
-Dr-Bob, you know my other suggestion. Therefore I will not state it here as you do not think it is a viable option.
Its tough because people with mood disorders deserve support but, on the other hand I would hate to see this website cluttered with posts that are submitted by persons with internet addiction.
I will not submit a post like this again. It is at Dr-Bob's discretion to decide whether or not action should be taken regarding the overloading of posts which is at its peak now.
Any suggestions:
PaulB
Posted by Dinah on January 9, 2002, at 22:35:14
In reply to Over-posting-Please Read, posted by paulb on January 9, 2002, at 21:43:02
I, and probably every other oversensitive person who posts here, am wondering if I am overburdening the system. If so, Dr. Bob, please drop an unsubtle hint. I have a pathological fear of being a burden.
And I'm not fishing for reassurance. If my posts aren't a problem, you can just ignore this one, or even delete it.
Posted by kiddo on January 10, 2002, at 13:30:47
In reply to Over-posting-Please Read, posted by paulb on January 9, 2002, at 21:43:02
> Hi,
>
> I have concerns about the frequency with which messages are being posted at Dr-Bob's.org.
> If you look at the archives back to 1998 with each year you can see the boards turning over with increasing regularity.
>I think the frequency of posts are due to the fact that the PB sites have become quite popular since 1998, not only in the amount of members, but issues discussed as well.
> This concerns me because one of the reasons I believe this may be occuring is because of the subject of the website. People with depression are in need of support and post messages frequently. People with social phobia may find the website a good means for communicating with other people. People with OCD may post messages very frequently. This has occurred in the past but would be unethical to mention any names. I would add that the person stated he/she had OCD.
>One reason you are concerned is because of the subject of the website? I IMNSO believe this is the exact purpose Dr. Bob created the website. What concerns me is that depression and social phobias seem acceptable, but OCD isn't, going so far as to mention the past discussions regarding the topic where posts are concerned. Would it make a difference if I told you I count on my fingers and toes in 7's before I can stop? Does it matter that I HAVE to have lists for everything, including the lists? I don't see how someone with OCD is relevant to their posts.
> I think there is a dilema here. On the one hand you have the issue of letting people submit posts as much as they want for support and to learn more about their condition which I think is very important and encourage. Yet on the other hand we have people I THINK who are addicted to Dr-Bob's website and submit posts without any purpose due to an internet. addiction. Internet addiction is not uncommon.
I think the dilemma is saying that it's alright for support and encouragement, yet censoring the amount of someone's posts because they admit to being OCD, or you THINK they do. That would be likd Dr. Bob telling me I can't post to PSB or chat because I'm agoraphobic and have anxiety and panic attacks (IMO)>
> Dr-Bob has installled the anti-addiction limits which is great.
>
> I have some suggestions but would be interested in yours:
>
> -Deleting posts that are not of relevance i.e Is Klonopin an antidepressant
>
I've never seen Dr. Bob delete a post for it's 'relevance'. Civility yes, relevance no...however, I've not been here since it's inception, so I could be wrong. I'm not sure that Klonopin used as an antidepressant isn't a valid question-meds are often used for different purposes.
> -Opening a PB/PSB two
>This is/has been discussed..third topic (thread) from the top here on Admin
> -Dr-Bob, you know my other suggestion. Therefore I will not state it here as you do not think it is a viable option.
>
> Its tough because people with mood disorders deserve support but, on the other hand I would hate to see this website cluttered with posts that are submitted by persons with internet addiction.
>So, people with mood disorders deserve support, but those with OCD don't? How does one tell who needs support and who doesn't? Cluttered with posts like this one?
> I will not submit a post like this again. It is at Dr-Bob's discretion to decide whether or not action should be taken regarding the overloading of posts which is at its peak now.
I think since Dr. B has passed med school, can maintain a site of this magnitude he's probably smart enough to figure this one out as well.>
> http://www.psycom.net
>
> Any suggestions:
>
> PaulBSorry, I've never even been warned about civility before, if you want to ban me, feel free....I'm going to be admitted, maybe by the time I get out, I'll be able to come back
Posted by kiddo on January 10, 2002, at 13:34:27
In reply to Well now my paranoia is really acting up., posted by Dinah on January 9, 2002, at 22:35:14
I don't blame you for feeling that way, I get that way as well, but I always read what you have to say, regardless if I reply or not. Your posts have always been insightful and encouraging to me. Keep posting please :-)
> I, and probably every other oversensitive person who posts here, am wondering if I am overburdening the system. If so, Dr. Bob, please drop an unsubtle hint. I have a pathological fear of being a burden.
> And I'm not fishing for reassurance. If my posts aren't a problem, you can just ignore this one, or even delete it.
Posted by Krazy Kat on January 10, 2002, at 13:48:07
In reply to Over-posting-Please Read, posted by paulb on January 9, 2002, at 21:43:02
PaulB:
Why is this a concern? The internet is the place to communicate as freely and as often as we like - it's free (pretty much). If the space that archives take up is too much, Dr. B. could make his own decision re: what to archive and what not to.
I think what you propose is very dangerous and potentially discrimating. If you want to avoid OCD's, go to a site specifically for depression.
- KK
Posted by kiddo on January 10, 2002, at 14:44:41
In reply to Over-posting-Please Read, posted by paulb on January 9, 2002, at 21:43:02
I like KK's suggestion...it's sad that people with any kind of mental illness get treated differently-I hinted to that in my previous post, but now that I've actually read KK's I will agree wholeheartedly....
It really infuriates me the way you used the word 'clutter' up the website with posts. Now that this is my 3rd post on this thread, with two of them being directed at this 'concern' (I use the term loosely) am I considered to have OCD? What about over-posting? Should I be told to quit posting, or what?Do you think we should be required to pay for dumb posts? Should we have a dumb questions committe?
Maybe we should send all of our posts to you for review first before they are posted so that you can approve what's relevant and what isn't....
Or maybe we should set up a 'relevance' police department with you as commissioner?
Of course it's Dr Bob's discretion, it always has been. He can probably tell most of us 'how we feel' on certain issues almost as good as we can.. I think that would be a good poll, or would that be irrelevant?
It kills me about the mood disorders deserves support but Internet addiction 'clutters' where do they get their support? How about we send them to an anti-psychiatry website, where they can post all sorts of 'irrelevant' things, ya think?
You say it's 'tough because....' does that mean you possibly need support, but can't find what you are looking for because what's posted isn't relevant to you???
Just asking....Kiddo
> Hi,
>
> I have concerns about the frequency with which messages are being posted at Dr-Bob's.org.
> If you look at the archives back to 1998 with each year you can see the boards turning over with increasing regularity.
>
> This concerns me because one of the reasons I believe this may be occuring is because of the subject of the website. People with depression are in need of support and post messages frequently. People with social phobia may find the website a good means for communicating with other people. People with OCD may post messages very frequently. This has occurred in the past but would be unethical to mention any names. I would add that the person stated he/she had OCD.
>
> I think there is a dilema here. On the one hand you have the issue of letting people submit posts as much as they want for support and to learn more about their condition which I think is very important and encourage. Yet on the other hand we have people I THINK who are addicted to Dr-Bob's website and submit posts without any purpose due to an internet. addiction. Internet addiction is not uncommon.
>
> Dr-Bob has installled the anti-addiction limits which is great.
>
> I have some suggestions but would be interested in yours:
>
> -Deleting posts that are not of relevance i.e Is Klonopin an antidepressant
>
> -Opening a PB/PSB two
>
> -Dr-Bob, you know my other suggestion. Therefore I will not state it here as you do not think it is a viable option.
>
> Its tough because people with mood disorders deserve support but, on the other hand I would hate to see this website cluttered with posts that are submitted by persons with internet addiction.
>
> I will not submit a post like this again. It is at Dr-Bob's discretion to decide whether or not action should be taken regarding the overloading of posts which is at its peak now.
>
> http://www.psycom.net
>
> Any suggestions:
>
> PaulB
Posted by paulb on January 10, 2002, at 17:37:12
In reply to Re: Over-posting-Please Read » paulb, posted by kiddo on January 10, 2002, at 14:44:41
Having reviewed the responses I seem to have invoked resentment among other members. Thats Okay. We can agree to differ.
I think since Dr. B has passed med school, can maintain a site of this magnitude he's probably smart enough to figure this one out as well.
Ill second that Kiddo. End of posting on this topic on my part.PaulB
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 10, 2002, at 20:22:40
In reply to Re: Over-posting-Please Read » paulb, posted by kiddo on January 10, 2002, at 13:30:47
> I'm going to be admitted...
Hope it goes well! Best wishes, and hurry back...
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 10, 2002, at 20:25:07
In reply to Re: Over-posting-Please Read, posted by paulb on January 10, 2002, at 17:37:12
> I think there is a dilema here. On the one hand you have the issue of letting people submit posts as much as they want for support and to learn more about their condition which I think is very important and encourage. Yet on the other hand we have people I THINK who are addicted to Dr-Bob's website and submit posts without any purpose due to an internet. addiction.
>
> Dr-Bob has installled the anti-addiction limits which is great.But not enough?
> -Dr-Bob, you know my other suggestion. Therefore I will not state it here as you do not think it is a viable option.
Are you referring to the email you recently sent me? Sorry I haven't replied yet, I don't mean to ignore you, I'm just really busy right now. I do appreciate your input...
> Its tough because people with mood disorders deserve support but, on the other hand I would hate to see this website cluttered with posts that are submitted by persons with internet addiction.
One man's clutter is another man's goose... IMO, it's not that some posts are "good" and others "bad", just that there needs to be some sort of organization so people can find whatever it is they're looking for.
So an ongoing question for me is, is there some way to further subdivide what goes on here?
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20010718/msgs/2449.html
Keep in mind that there's been some dissatisfaction recently even with my trying to keep PB and PSB separated. :-)
Bob
Posted by Mair on January 10, 2002, at 20:34:04
In reply to Re: Over-posting, posted by Dr. Bob on January 10, 2002, at 20:25:07
After you've been here for awhile, there are certain posters you gravitate to because you enjoy their writing or point of view or otherwise find them interesting. (this definitely includes you Dinah so by all means don't stop posting) We all have a choice as to what we read - I've long since given up trying to follow every thread. The only suggestion I have would be perhaps to encourage people to subtitle their posts more specifically within a given thread - this might allow for easier selection on the part of readers. Dr. Bob with regard to the suggestion of breaking up the boards more, I can't begin to see how this addresses the problem of over-posting if it is even a problem.
Mair
Posted by fi on January 11, 2002, at 5:29:35
In reply to Re: Over-posting, posted by Mair on January 10, 2002, at 20:34:04
> We all have a choice as to what we read - I've long since given up trying to follow every thread. The only suggestion I have would be perhaps to encourage people to subtitle their posts more specifically within a given thread - this might allow for easier selection on the part of readers >
> Mair
I think this is the crucial point- everyone reading the Board doesnt have to read all the messages. I certainly dont- dont have time at work and too mean at home (phone bill..)!The titles of messages then become v important, as that is the main way of selecting (plus for some people who wrote them- I dont do that but others may). It also means that anyone posting a message is aware that it may not be read much, and if they have something where they particularly want a reply, make this clear in the title of the message.
Then if someone does send 100 messages a day, the only impact on me is to spend a few seconds extra scrolling down the front page (or whatever you call the page with the titles).
From the separate perspective of the welfare of the person doing all this posting, I think Dr B's current option of anti addiction limits is a thoughtful function to offer, and cant see what else can be offered in the infrastructure. It would be another psychological issue which could be discussed as a message thread ('i think I;m addicted to posting- what should I do?'), if someone was wanting some ideas or support on how to cut down (or whether they needed to).
Talking of which....I only came to PBA today as procrastinating at work (without good reason- I'm lucky to have a reasonable job) and I knew it would be more interesting!
Fi
Posted by Simcha on January 11, 2002, at 8:33:01
In reply to Over-posting-Please Read, posted by paulb on January 9, 2002, at 21:43:02
I have a big problem with this post. You have a right to your opinion, of course.
Saying that, I have sexual OCD! (OH MY G-D!!!! THE VERY PERSON YOU WANT CENSORED OUT OF HERE!)
You know, I would think that as someone who suffers from a mental illness you would understand the stigmatism attached to admitting it to others. I would think you would understand the secret shame that others might wish to place on you by saying, "Oh just get over it. etc...."
As I understand it, this board is supposed to be for those of us who wish to discuss medications that we take for various mental illnesses and their effects. There is also a board to socialize and to talk about non-medication issues. There is even this board where we can air our opinions on how this board should be run.
I have read nothing that limits the amount of posting that anyone might post so long as the topic belongs on a specific board.
You sir, are not the judge of whether or not something is relevant. That judgement is up to Dr. Bob, who I believe does a great job around here.
I wish that Dr. Bob would have reacted more strongly to your original post here. It does not strike me as civil. It is an obvious slam against those of us who happen to suffer from OCD.
I have learned a great deal by participating in these discussions. Mainly my mind has been opened. I started in a rocky space where I criticized someone for using homeopathy. I have now realized that whatever works is good for the patient even if it is the "placebo" effect and also that I am not the judge of whether or not someone else's treatment is valid or not.
Please try to open your mind and allow others to be themselves. Try to be supportive. And if you can't say something nice then do say anything at all....
Blessings,
Simcha
> Hi,
>
> I have concerns about the frequency with which messages are being posted at Dr-Bob's.org.
> If you look at the archives back to 1998 with each year you can see the boards turning over with increasing regularity.
>
> This concerns me because one of the reasons I believe this may be occuring is because of the subject of the website. People with depression are in need of support and post messages frequently. People with social phobia may find the website a good means for communicating with other people. People with OCD may post messages very frequently. This has occurred in the past but would be unethical to mention any names. I would add that the person stated he/she had OCD.
>
> I think there is a dilema here. On the one hand you have the issue of letting people submit posts as much as they want for support and to learn more about their condition which I think is very important and encourage. Yet on the other hand we have people I THINK who are addicted to Dr-Bob's website and submit posts without any purpose due to an internet. addiction. Internet addiction is not uncommon.
>
> Dr-Bob has installled the anti-addiction limits which is great.
>
> I have some suggestions but would be interested in yours:
>
> -Deleting posts that are not of relevance i.e Is Klonopin an antidepressant
>
> -Opening a PB/PSB two
>
> -Dr-Bob, you know my other suggestion. Therefore I will not state it here as you do not think it is a viable option.
>
> Its tough because people with mood disorders deserve support but, on the other hand I would hate to see this website cluttered with posts that are submitted by persons with internet addiction.
>
> I will not submit a post like this again. It is at Dr-Bob's discretion to decide whether or not action should be taken regarding the overloading of posts which is at its peak now.
>
> http://www.psycom.net
>
> Any suggestions:
>
> PaulB
Posted by Willow on January 11, 2002, at 10:35:59
In reply to Over-posting / Discrimination of other illnesses » paulb, posted by Simcha on January 11, 2002, at 8:33:01
Posted by Krazy Kat on January 11, 2002, at 12:13:30
In reply to Re: Over-posting-Please Read » paulb, posted by kiddo on January 10, 2002, at 14:44:41
"Do you think we should be required to pay for dumb posts? Should we have a dumb questions committe?"
Hee, hee, hee :)
Posted by Simcha on January 11, 2002, at 12:19:55
In reply to Re: Over-posting-Please Read » kiddo, posted by Krazy Kat on January 11, 2002, at 12:13:30
> "Do you think we should be required to pay for dumb posts? Should we have a dumb questions committe?"
>
> Hee, hee, hee :)If we do I vote that we make the fine something like 10 paperclips! :-)
Posted by JahL on January 13, 2002, at 19:55:08
In reply to Re: Over-posting, posted by Mair on January 10, 2002, at 20:34:04
> The only suggestion I have would be perhaps to encourage people to subtitle their posts more specifically within a given thread - this might allow for easier selection on the part of readers.
It's a good point. I don't read PB much any more & part of the reason is that it's hard to find what you're looking for. Plenty of good information is hidden under, say, EFFEXOR subtitles carried over from the original post.
Is there something you could install in the posting process to encourage posters to, when appropriate, alter the header to make it relevant to their post, Dr B?
J.
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 14, 2002, at 19:10:40
In reply to Re: post headers, posted by JahL on January 13, 2002, at 19:55:08
> Is there something you could install in the posting process to encourage posters to, when appropriate, alter the header to make it relevant to their post, Dr B?
I'm open to suggestions...
Bob
Posted by Shar on January 15, 2002, at 17:28:31
In reply to Re: post headers, posted by Dr. Bob on January 14, 2002, at 19:10:40
Suggestion: Every once in a while, someone who wants to encourage posters to make headers more relevant should post a msg on the board(s) saying so. Could even just use the header to let people know.
Shar
> > Is there something you could install in the posting process to encourage posters to, when appropriate, alter the header to make it relevant to their post, Dr B?
>
> I'm open to suggestions...
>
> Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 16, 2002, at 8:19:03
In reply to relevance of post headers--suggestion, posted by Shar on January 15, 2002, at 17:28:31
> Suggestion: Every once in a while, someone who wants to encourage posters to make headers more relevant should post a msg on the board(s) saying so. Could even just use the header to let people know.
Good idea! :-)
Bob
Posted by IsoM on January 16, 2002, at 13:45:51
In reply to Re: post headers--suggestion--seconded, posted by Dr. Bob on January 16, 2002, at 8:19:03
I just bull-doze my way through by changing the headers myself when it's off topic, so if anyone wants to read it, they can get an idea by the new header that I'm on a different tangent.
This is the end of the thread.
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