[Blessings2You]

Do you think there are as many new people rolling in and out as there used to be? Does it sometimes seem as though it's the same handful of us saying the same things over and over? Do you think there are "new" people lurking but not posting?

Do you think people are gravitating to Facebook instead of coming here?

It seems as though I used to think, "Well, we've covered this before but since there are so many newbies, I'll bring it up again." But lately I haven't thought that so much. I wonder why?

Or maybe new folks are sticking with the other forums and don't come to the Stumble Inn?

[mrsD]

One way to get new readers/members is to make your
titles of MS threads, Google friendly.

Think of a common search term, and include it in your title.
Threads from NeuroTalk appear quickly on Google and remain high in the first page or so for a long time.

We get alot of newbies on the Peripheral Neuropathy forum, but then there are many more patients with PN... compared to MS.
I saw a statement once that PN affects more people than PD and MS combined. Some just come on and read the informational threads, and don't stop to talk much. Others stop and have conversations.

FB is a competitor but I think NT offers more than FB does in some respects.

[tkrik]

NT is much more private than FB. There is no way on FB I would ever feel comfortable complaining about the hug (my worst symptom). The masses do not need to know about it nor would they even understand. That is what my NT buddies are for and why I feel so much more comfortable coming here to discuss those things.

I also think that things come and go in phases. We'll have a whole bunch of newbies and then nothing. I think supporting each other and discussing various topics that are of interest in MSers does help.

[SallyC]

I notice that when we don't welcome them fast enough, I think maybe they get discouraged and go away. Then we welcome them, but some don't come back.

To me, this is still the nicest place with the most caring peeps..

[ginnie]

I do think there are more people listening. Every day I find one new one that comes to the site. There are more that are listening too, and I have no doubt that this site is needed terribly for those that do find us. If you look at all the different threads, there are more than you think there are. I have welcomed at least five new people this last week. all of them are in need right now. There is a new girl, Samantha on the rare disorders thread, waiting to hear from us, and those that might be able to help her. she has had no other responce except from me. I hope you will check up on this young 17 year old who is in terrible trouble. She may also be on the parkensons site, as one of the medications she mentioned is taken for parkensons. She has Elhers Danlos syndrom type 4 which I have never heard of, but I am researching right now. She needs some more help. ginnie

[mrsD]

pppsssttttt, ginnie.... I've been having a long conversation
with that new member on another thread.

[ANNagain]

I'm new here and although I wasn't expressly welcomed, I feel included. I find this a very warm, supportive forum.

I came from "elsewhere" to deliver a message I was asked to deliver about Sally in the hospital and stayed. People may know me from "elsewhere" so I didn't do the new person razmataz.

And, I read here for almost 2 years before I joined. I am sure there are others.

ANN

[ginnie]

You are welcome here anytime. I am glad you stayed when you found us. After my origional problem resolved and others cropped up, I never wanted to leave. Best place for support I have every found. Including the churches! ginnie

[doydie]

This and facebook are my two only places to talk. I would never bare my heart out on a public forum like I do here.

[Kitty]

This is a public forum, Doydie. A simple google search can put anyone directly to your postings.