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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 8 to 32 of 194. Go back in thread:
Posted by Fivefires on October 10, 2007, at 14:19:54
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards » Dr. Bob, posted by happyflower on October 10, 2007, at 9:07:16
>
> >
> > I've been thinking about opening a new board for medication-related discussions that people new to medication might find intimidating or overwhelming.
>
> You want us to feel intimidated?I was thinking along the same lines as happyflower, above, after Dr. Bob's initial statement.
I'm not able to fully understand some pharmocologic explanations of medication issues, but often 'get the gist of them', which is very helpful. Wonder I'd feel unwelcome on an 'advanced' board.
Med discussions in layman's terms on a 'new to meds' board would also helpful, but I'd not want to feel as if I should only post there.
It should be acceptable to post or followup on the 'advanced' board if we feel our medication issues aren't addressed on the 'new to meds' board.
I would hope those w/ advanced knowledge of pharmcology don't wish to carry on private discussions amongst themselves which may intimidate those w/ lesser knowledge from joining and benefiting from their posts.
imo, 5f
Posted by Jamal Spelling on October 10, 2007, at 15:25:28
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards, posted by Fivefires on October 10, 2007, at 14:19:54
Having different boards for beginner and advanced medication issues is a bit like seating children separately at dinner. How are the rest of us supposed to get smart if we are not allowed to interact with the smart people? You're gonna have a dumbed-down board for laypeople and eventually babblers will just stop posting there because the quality of the posts will be so stupid. Besides, there are maybe five posters here who are "advanced" in their knowledge of psychopharmacology. And where exactly do you draw the line between elementary and advanced psychopharmacology? If I post a question on the board "Medication for dummies" and the content is deemed too advanced, will it get redirected to the other board? Or if I post a message on the board "Medication for smart people" and the content is deemed to be too basic, will it get redirected to the dummies board?
No I say, NO!
Jamal Spelling
A concerned Psycho-Babble patriot
Posted by Netch on October 10, 2007, at 16:08:37
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards, posted by Jamal Spelling on October 10, 2007, at 15:25:28
> Having different boards for beginner and advanced medication issues is a bit like seating children separately at dinner. How are the rest of us supposed to get smart if we are not allowed to interact with the smart people? You're gonna have a dumbed-down board for laypeople and eventually babblers will just stop posting there because the quality of the posts will be so stupid. Besides, there are maybe five posters here who are "advanced" in their knowledge of psychopharmacology. And where exactly do you draw the line between elementary and advanced psychopharmacology? If I post a question on the board "Medication for dummies" and the content is deemed too advanced, will it get redirected to the other board? Or if I post a message on the board "Medication for smart people" and the content is deemed to be too basic, will it get redirected to the dummies board?
>
> No I say, NO!
>
> Jamal Spelling
> A concerned Psycho-Babble patriot
Jamal, I second that.
There's a risk people will still get offended just by posting on the wrong board.Netch
Posted by Fivefires on October 10, 2007, at 18:02:02
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards, posted by Jamal Spelling on October 10, 2007, at 15:25:28
I want to comment on Psychology and Psycho-Babble boards.
Re: Psychology. Believe it is mainly discussions concerning psychotherapy.(?) I've had 'light bulb moments' during psychotherapy, yes, but I've also had them here in discussions w/ my friends.
Psychology opens a door for a lot more than just therapies. Perhaps should be broken down in sub-sections i.e. 1) psychoanalysis, 2) self-esteem, 3) self-help. Just some ideas. The board name remains Psychology, but is followed by a breakdown into sub-sections.
For example, I'd been thinking I'd like to post *What ingredients go into developing good self-esteem?*. I loved the idea of a self-esteem board, but it doesn't seem to get enough attention. Think it would certainly apply under the Psych board.
One could discuss w/ others feelings about certain types of therapy, help one another w/ healthy skills, and aid one another in 'where to go' or 'what to read' to be well-informed and to self-nurture. It might also be a place for debating our beliefs re: psychology and psychotherapy.
Re: Psycho-Babble. I've always felt it needed to be specifically identified as Medication board. That one threw me off from the get-go. To me, it sounded like it should be the Social board. Ya' know, just us psycho-babbling back and forth about daily life funnies and not so funnies.
It's title would remain the same, but sub-titles = 1) Social, 2) Venting(?), I dunno; runnin' out of ideas.
Just my 2cents.
5f
Posted by B2chica on October 11, 2007, at 8:08:42
In reply to opening boards and closing boards, posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2007, at 1:43:52
Very interesting idea Dr.Bob, but i've been thinking about it. initially liking the idea. but i realized that when i first came here i knew Absolutely NOTHING about what goes on in my brain. its because those 'technical' posts were on main board that i've learned So much. it has also helped me learn more so that i can ask more questions. i think that had there been a separate board i would have felt too stupid to go there..like i didn't belong and dont' think i would have learned 1/2 as much.
and still, if the conversation makes my brain hurt..i just don't read the rest of the thread.
good thought, but please please leave the integrated board as it is.
it has helped me so much i hate the thought of others missing such opportunities.thnx.
b2c.
Posted by stargazer2 on October 11, 2007, at 10:19:20
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards, posted by B2chica on October 11, 2007, at 8:08:42
I find many of the current posts often intimidating myself, but if I'm not interested or not in the right mindset, I just skip them. I do think two separate categories, distinguished by content, one for personal experiences with meds (Meds;personal), the other for more technical explanations (Meds;technical) could be very helpful.
I too find the name Psychobabble confusing for the medication category, and think a breakdown by general vs scientific would be clearer.
Another thing that would be helpful in the medication category would be breakdown by med type, i.e. SSRI, SNRI, AP, neuroleptics, mood stabalizers, tricyclics, MAOs, sleep meds, med combinations, off label use, etc. (This may be in a future release)
I personally don't see the separation of the general and technical categories as being a problem with "us" and "them" mentality. I think both categories will be useful. It just depends on your level of interest or even your time constraints. Even now, it is clear who has a scientific background and I have not seen any blatant intimidation by "scientists" towards the "generalists". And people will always feel intimidated by what they do not know so you can't eliminate that feeling anyway.
Thanks for asking...
Stargazer
Posted by Lonely on October 13, 2007, at 0:59:48
In reply to opening boards and closing boards, posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2007, at 1:43:52
Did you perhaps mean something like "newly diagnosed" ?
> Hi, everyone,
>
> I've been thinking about opening a new board for medication-related discussions that people new to medication might find intimidating or overwhelming. So they'd find the main board more user-friendly instead.
>
> And I've also been thinking about closing a board or two. How about if we come up with a policy? Maybe involving inactivity?
>
> Let me know what you think,
>
> Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 14, 2007, at 12:58:53
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards » Dr. Bob, posted by Lonely on October 13, 2007, at 0:59:48
> How would posts be archived on closed boards so that posters could access their posts?
>
> TophThe boards could stay, so the posts would remain accessible, but posting to them could be turned off...
--
> > I've been thinking about opening a new board for medication-related discussions that people new to medication might find intimidating or overwhelming.
>
> You want us to feel intimidated?
>
> happyflowerSorry, that came out wrong!
> Did you perhaps mean something like "newly diagnosed" ?
>
> LonelyRight, newly diagnosed or diagnosed before, but newly considering a medication, newly prescribed a medication, etc.
> Wonder I'd feel unwelcome on an 'advanced' board.
>
> 5f> Having different boards for beginner and advanced medication issues is a bit like seating children separately at dinner. How are the rest of us supposed to get smart if we are not allowed to interact with the smart people? You're gonna have a dumbed-down board for laypeople and eventually babblers will just stop posting there because the quality of the posts will be so stupid. Besides, there are maybe five posters here who are "advanced" in their knowledge of psychopharmacology. And where exactly do you draw the line between elementary and advanced psychopharmacology? If I post a question on the board "Medication for dummies" and the content is deemed too advanced, will it get redirected to the other board? Or if I post a message on the board "Medication for smart people" and the content is deemed to be too basic, will it get redirected to the dummies board?
>
> Jamal Spelling> when i first came here i knew Absolutely NOTHING about what goes on in my brain. its because those 'technical' posts were on main board that i've learned So much. ... i think that had there been a separate board i would have felt too stupid to go there..
>
> b2c.I agree, the new board would need to be welcoming. I'd want anyone who wanted to learn more about more complicated topics to feel comfortable asking questions. It wouldn't be limited to "experts". Posts might be redirected one way or the other, but that would be based on the topics, not the posters. It wouldn't be civil to refer to anyone as "children" or "stupid" or "dummies".
The idea would be to give posters more control over what kinds of discussions they were exposed to.
I agree, where to draw the line would be a question, and we'd need to discuss that, too.
--
> What were you thinking of in terms of criteria?
>
> DinahI don't know, something like a month without any new threads?
--
> Re: Psycho-Babble. I've always felt it needed to be specifically identified as Medication board.
>
> 5fThis has come up before, but I haven't changed it partly because the name of the board is connected to its URL and I didn't want to change its URL. But I guess I could change the name and keep the URL the same...
Bob
Posted by Dinah on October 14, 2007, at 13:24:48
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards, posted by Dr. Bob on October 14, 2007, at 12:58:53
> > What were you thinking of in terms of criteria?
> >
> > Dinah
>
> I don't know, something like a month without any new threads?IMO, I don't think anything that mechanical would do. For one thing, people might post on a board if they see it's there because they think they're supposed to. So you might get a post a month, or a post and a few replies.
Also, some boards fit more easily into the purpose and culture of larger boards, so it would be just reversing a decision to try out a single purpose board that really never got its feet. Like work or parenting could easily go back on social, as could relationships, I think.
And the reverse is true. Some boards should be kept regardless of activity because their inclusion on the larger boards would not work as smoothly. For example, if you're going to allow the discussion of religion and politics on Babble, I think Politics and Faith should remain open.
And some boards should be kept separate because what's being discussed is something that can be more openly discussed in a single purpose board. Because there is less chance for misunderstandings or hurt feelings if it is clearly understood that the board has a specific purpose.
That's my thinking at least.
Dinah
Posted by Fivefires on October 14, 2007, at 15:03:55
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards, posted by Dinah on October 14, 2007, at 13:24:48
I'm not feeling well enough to comment on the prior Dinah, but wanted to comment on something else.
Where should 'philosophy' be discussed Dr. Bob or any1?
Is it not welcome on psychology?
As I said, seems psychology is pretty much all about therapy & relationships w/ therapists.(?)
5f
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 14, 2007, at 16:47:51
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards, posted by Fivefires on October 14, 2007, at 15:03:55
> people might post on a board if they see it's there because they think they're supposed to. So you might get a post a month, or a post and a few replies.
So then it would stay open?
> Some boards should be kept regardless of activity because their inclusion on the larger boards would not work as smoothly.
Right, there might be exceptions to the general policy.
> And some boards should be kept separate because what's being discussed is something that can be more openly discussed in a single purpose board. Because there is less chance for misunderstandings or hurt feelings if it is clearly understood that the board has a specific purpose.
>
> DinahFor example? And wouldn't inactivity still mean there wasn't much demand for them?
--
> Where should 'philosophy' be discussed Dr. Bob or any1?
>
> Is it not welcome on psychology?
>
> As I said, seems psychology is pretty much all about therapy & relationships w/ therapists.(?)
>
> 5fPsychology focuses on psychology and psychotherapy. Social is the board for general discussion, including everything that's not covered by a specific board.
Bob
Posted by Dinah on October 14, 2007, at 17:52:51
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards, posted by Dr. Bob on October 14, 2007, at 16:47:51
You missed the other part of what I said. I said some people (myself included) will post on a board because it's there, and because we think we'll be redirected if we don't post on the correct board.
That doesn't mean a board needs to remain a separate board, if the same posts could be made on social in the absence of another board.
After all, they sprang from Social, and perhaps the siphoning off of those topics hurt both the other boards and Social. Perhaps they can more happily nestle in the place from which they came.
Posted by Dinah on October 14, 2007, at 17:56:47
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards » Dr. Bob, posted by Dinah on October 14, 2007, at 17:52:51
Perhaps for that matter, Social should be renamed "General". It might free people up to feel they can post there in the way you intend.
Posted by muffled on October 14, 2007, at 23:20:53
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards, posted by Dr. Bob on October 14, 2007, at 12:58:53
> But I guess I could change the name and keep the URL the same...
Bob
**Bob the builder, YES YOU CAN!
(Its a TV show...)
M
Posted by Fivefires on October 15, 2007, at 2:19:04
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards, posted by Dr. Bob on October 14, 2007, at 16:47:51
Tks DB for this answer. This would have been my assumption, but I wasn't sure.
5f
Posted by zenhussy on October 15, 2007, at 14:20:35
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards, posted by Dr. Bob on October 14, 2007, at 12:58:53
>>How would posts be archived on closed boards so that posters could access their posts?
Toph<<>>>>Dr. Bob replies--The boards could stay, so the posts would remain accessible, but posting to them could be turned off... <<<<
would you bring back the archives for 2001 then please? if posting is stopped but archives remain for other 'lesser traffic' boards why not bring back the 2001 archives?
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 15, 2007, at 20:02:13
In reply to Bob the builder he can do it...., posted by muffled on October 14, 2007, at 23:20:53
> some people (myself included) will post on a board because it's there, and because we think we'll be redirected if we don't post on the correct board.
>
> That doesn't mean a board needs to remain a separate board, if the same posts could be made on social in the absence of another board.
>
> After all, they sprang from Social, and perhaps the siphoning off of those topics hurt both the other boards and Social. Perhaps they can more happily nestle in the place from which they came.
>
> DinahAh, I see what you mean. I guess I was wondering what *could* remain separate, not what *needed* to. I think it would be hard to know where topics would be happier...
--
> > But I guess I could change the name and keep the URL the same...
>
> Bob the builder, YES YOU CAN!
>
> MYou were right, thanks for the encouragement. :-)
Bob
Posted by Dinah on October 15, 2007, at 21:14:30
In reply to Re: closing boards and renaming boards, posted by Dr. Bob on October 15, 2007, at 20:02:13
> I think it would be hard to know where topics would be happier...
Oooooh Dr. Bob! :-)
It's nice to see you back on board.
(We still want Babblechat on bottom of page)
Posted by Netch on October 16, 2007, at 6:32:55
In reply to Re: closing boards and renaming boards, posted by Dr. Bob on October 15, 2007, at 20:02:13
Maybe some boards could be joined as "emotional support". I've noticed some posts on "medication" are not about medication... it's more about people trying to reach out.
Some other boards about emotional support have slow traffic./Netch
Posted by olysi79 on October 16, 2007, at 9:21:15
In reply to Re: closing boards and renaming boards » Dr. Bob, posted by Netch on October 16, 2007, at 6:32:55
Keep it basic in my honest opinion.
Low travelled boards get closed, high travelled boards remain.
To avoid fear, I think that possibly once a person registers and before he or she can post, he or she could be taken through a few explanations of the board's purposes, alongside a disclaimer of the board's intentions, rules, and an understanding that many of the board's posters are expressing their opinions to avoid the newbies becoming frightened, etc... You already do this when one registers, but it needs to be taken further, especially when articulating the diverse array of opinions on the boards. As an example, when I was a newbie to the boards, it was the fact that I was reading alot of what I perceived to be "the truth" about these situations from posters that scared me. I thought that it all applied to me. I did not carefully consider that we all have unique biochemistry, life experiences and diagnoses, etc. That can create an intimmidating experience.Finally, as far as policies are concerned, I think there needs to be an effort to keep threads directed at the questions asked by posters. Often times, a person will ask a question in which they want insight from a person who has perhaps had similar experience, only to have their thread hijacked by someone asking a completely different question or offering irrelevant information. It robs the poster of having his or her question answered, and stops a new thread from being created with an appropriate subject line, which unto itself could create a rich archive of useful answers. I think there needs to be reporting of thread hijacking and a policy against it, then the the hijacker's posting needs to either be deleted or be recreated as a new thread.
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 17, 2007, at 0:31:32
In reply to Re: closing boards and renaming boards » Dr. Bob, posted by Netch on October 16, 2007, at 6:32:55
> Maybe some boards could be joined as "emotional support". I've noticed some posts on "medication" are not about medication... it's more about people trying to reach out.
When I revised the layout recently I actually took out a line about that:
> > If what you want to do is support someone more than discuss an issue, just post to whichever board they posted to.
See:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20070817/msgs/785641.html
Bob
Posted by Justherself54 on November 13, 2007, at 11:24:11
In reply to opening boards and closing boards, posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2007, at 1:43:52
What about placing Alternative into Health (maybe change name to Healthy Living ..change Eating to Eating Disorders..merge Parents into Relationships..Writing..maybe change to Creativity which would let other forms of theraputic creativity such as painting, photography, film, music etc.
Newbies to Introduce Yourself? Might get "seasoned" members to respond and assist newcomers..just rambling!
Posted by Phillipa on November 13, 2007, at 20:38:35
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards, posted by Justherself54 on November 13, 2007, at 11:24:11
I think I like it!!!!!Phillipa but add withdrawal back to meds are they go together.
Posted by Phillipa on November 13, 2007, at 20:42:55
In reply to opening boards and closing boards, posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2007, at 1:43:52
Beginners med board with simple discussions on what different classes of meds do in very simple terms and no scare posts. One that would encourage a person to try the med and the withdrawal would kind of be the same thing. Wasn't the original board kind of mixed with withdrawal too? But no technical stuff this combines newbie thread too. Phillipa
Posted by Dinah on November 19, 2007, at 11:24:41
In reply to Re: opening boards and closing boards, posted by Phillipa on November 13, 2007, at 20:42:55
I think my choice would be to close boards that are not terribly active unless people feel really strongly about it. People actually post that they don't want to post on some of the smaller boards because of the lack of traffic. I doubt that anyone would fuss if work or parenting or perhaps even relationships was closed.
The more technically related topics probably should be retained as separate entities, although they perhaps could be combined.
There are some boards that have a specific purpose quite apart from topic. I think some of the boards were started because it helped people feel free-er to talk about sensitive issues. I'd feel uncomfortable closing those boards.
And I think closing Religion or Politics would be a problem if you didn't outlaw the discussion of those topics at the same time.
That in a nutshell is my idea. No formula for deciding when a small board should be closed. Maybe keep track of posts complaining that the small boards get too little traffic and they'd rather post on Social or Psychology? Or just peruse the activity level and then start separate threads for each low volume board asking for feedback about closing them?
Not everything has to be a formula. Any number of things shouldn't be, IMO.
That's my thoughts in a nutshell, although I suppose I've made them clear elsewhere.
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