Forum Dynamics

lady_express_44 · 11-16-2007, 11:24 AM

I'm wondering why so many threads here end up going off-topic?

I think it's nice that everyone is so friendly here, and many seem to have the same sense of humor . . . but I would think going off-topic on so many threads might be somewhat intimidating for newbies to the board.

For me personally, I like to read input on specific subjects, but so often the thread goes in completely different direction and the original question is lost in that. I stop reading when that happens . . . while I would STILL like to know, ie. how people are doing?

Would it be worthwhile to start a daily chit-chat thread so that people who like that banter can have a place, but so that more important "topics" don't stray this way?

I realize that the majority of people here are on the same wave-length about "playing" on the threads, but this suggestion would be in consideration of "others" . . .

Cherie

AfterMyNap · 11-16-2007, 11:48 AM

I'm not sure which threads you're referring to, Cherie, but aside from the threads that are intentionally off-topic, hijacking doesn't really happen that much here.

There are threads on topic about meds, pain, diagnostic procedures, grief, and the silly or O.T. threads that are plainly titled. I've noticed that some threads fade into O.T. when the question or comment has been adequately addressed, but not that often here.

This forum doesn't move as quickly as some others and I often wonder if newbies expect more replies and get disappointed.

If you have an idea for a thread, by all means, I say post away! The support I personally get here comes more in the form of finding a way to laugh while I watch my body disintegrate. I appreciate laughing with others who know personally what I am fighting every single day.

SallyC · 11-16-2007, 12:42 PM

Hi Cherie.

We have information/support boards that are of much help to me, but Neurotalk is more that, it's sort of like the old BT used to be...FAMILY.

MS is more than just statistics, studies and meds. It's about people dealing with MS and all it's horrors. Humor is the best medicine offered for any disease. I don't think we misuse it, do we?

Well maybe we are a bit irreverent at times, but I always try to answer and talk to Newbys and most of them appreciate a little humor thrown in.

I hope you're wrong and we aren't chasing anyone away. We wouldn't want to do that. It can look like we are a bit cliquish, but if you notice, anyone who joins in is always made to feel welcome and accepted.

You were one of the Pioneers here, when DocJohn started this Forum. You were a Moderator here and then poof, you went back to BT. It's quite alright if you found Neurotalk not to be a good homebase, for you. To each his own.

We do appreciate your input and support from time to time, though. I hope you keep coming back..

Curious · 11-16-2007, 12:57 PM

every message board creates its own feel. some are more questions and answer. straight to the point and others are more laid back. some are a mix.

they all have their place. i feel this one is a mix. like sally said...family. a big every growing and welcoming family.

pretty cool place if you ask me.

lady_express_44 · 11-16-2007, 02:20 PM

I was referring to this thread, at least for today:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ad.php?t=32169

It started off with Sally telling us that she was feeling bad, and asking how everyone else was doing. I realize that Sally probably doesn't mind that it went off-topic . . . but when I started reading, I was was interested in 'how Sally and others are doing'. Next thing the thread goes off-topic to beer and/or . . .

For me personally, there are certain threads that like to add to and/or read, because they start out to be about something of interest (to me). Often though, the thread switches directions and I end up having to weed through all the banter to actually get to the a posting where someone is talking on-topic.

I appreciate the casualty of this forum, and realize that is it's strength. I'm only suggesting that when there is a specific thread topic, that it doesn't run off onto something entirely different.

I know some MS forums handle this situation by developing separate forums for subjects, ie. "medications", "general", "chit-chat", etc. . . . but I am not suggesting that kind of breakdown here. I'm just suggesting that topics or questions stick to the subject, and separate threads are started for kibitzing, etc.? (No hard and fast rules, just in general...)

JMHO

Cherie

Jomar · 11-16-2007, 04:15 PM

There was a similar posting on the PN forum - threads going off topic.
There are some good ideas mentioned there and I think it was agreed on to try to separate the "info"type posts form the "fun & chatting" ones.

here is the link to that discussion with the ideas -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ad.php?t=32135

Jappy · 11-16-2007, 06:17 PM

I just got on and was reading all your comments about this thread. All I can say as a newbie I am so happy that I found you. All the laughter and humor picks up my spirits. I feel that everyone that responded to my posts always made me feel welcome. I haven't been on in a few days because I have not been feeling well and I just could not get myself to sit down and communicate to all. Don't feel that you are chasing people away. You are a great group and I hope that I can keep on with all of you. I still have to learn how to use this computer better. I get the biggest laugh at all the different signs all of you make. I makes the letter reading so much more fun.

AfterMyNap · 11-16-2007, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lady_express_44

I was referring to this thread, at least for today:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ad.php?t=32169

It started off with Sally telling us that she was feeling bad, and asking how everyone else was doing. I realize that Sally probably doesn't mind that it went off-topic . . . but when I started reading, I was was interested in 'how Sally and others are doing'. Next thing the thread goes off-topic to beer and/or . . .

Apologies, that was my bad. In Sally's title, "crappy day" I sensed that a little cheering up might help her. We know that a UTI is miserable and we know that it's not fatal.

Sally and I have a reciprocal relationship on these threads, as have others. I thought that she just felt like having a little company. Sometimes that's all any of us wants. I will use more care in he nature of my posts.