More Threads Is Better

More threads potentially make for easier access to information, not more difficult access.  

With more threads, topics can be quickly scanned on the page, without having to unwind threads to see what exactly has been posted. More threads means that threads no longer have to be "hijacked" with two, three, four or more unrelated topics. More threads means that new visitors will post their concerns more readily since they probably don't understand that it's OK to post in someone else's thread.

And pertinent to the previous closed thread, more threads mean that if you aren't interested in a particular thread -- or somehow find it frivilous -- you can simply ignore the thread rather than go through what happend and has happened before.  

I don't see the problem so much as too many threads, but the fact that many here are used to the old system and therefore don't open their own threads when they have a topic of interest. By not opening their own thread, i.e. hijacking a thread, they perpetuate the same problem tehy object to by making it harder to sift through a single thread for multiple subject topics.

This doesn't mean that folks should open a thread for every whim or thought -- that kind of stuff could probably be put into someone else's thread or into one of the many fun threads that are opened to keep our spirits up. But if someone has a question or a topic they think should be discussed -- then by all means open a thread. Just like I did. Easier for those interested to respond and easy for those not interested to ignore...

TO BE CONTINUED

[jmjm530]

One improvement I'd like to see would be for MH to change the formatting of the main thread page so that instead of having 5 posts appearing at once per thread, you only have the thread title. That would make it much easier for people to scan the main page for thread subject titles as it would give us five times the amount of titles per glance. Still, even as it staneds it's simply a matter of scrolling down the page which I find easier than opening and reading threads because I don't want to miss something important like someone's SVR that they buried in someone else's thread either because a new thread wasn't available or because of habit they don't like to open new threads. This suggestion is no way meant as a criticism of MH and indeed may not be feasible or desirable by MH, just a though.

I thank MH for opening up new threads to better serve this community. Hopefully more threadswill work out, if not I'm sure they are wise enough as demonstated in the past to make whatever changes are necessary.

That's my two cents.

-- Jim

[DoubleDose]

I agree totally.  The more threads, the more subjects...less confusion...more focus.  

DD

[jmjm530]

To expand a little on my previous thoughts -- some have objected to the "chat room" nature of MH lately. More threads potetially can address that issue by as DD said, putting  "more focus" into each thread. I also see no reason why someone can't open periodic "chat" threads where those who want to catch up with this or that personal sort of stuff can -- and for those who find it frivilous can ignore. We already have our Friday songs and occasional joke threads. Personally I find the diversity of it all is what makes for a good discussion group. As someone recently said, it's not all about information, it's also about people and support.

[NYgirl]

Honestly - I don't agree with having a chat room feel to this forum at ALL...  It's NOT a chatroom and people who come in for the first time...while it's important they see people get along and joke around...are coming in for HELP and need to be able to access topics.

I think we need to use WISDOM in balancing to make sure there aren't TOO MANY posts that are completely off topic. For example if you see that 4 posts are on ants, tide, weather and ice cream and only one post on HCV - perhaps just shelve your idea for the chat type post until another day.

It IS important to remember this IS a medical HELP forum. While I can be the biggest chatter of them all...the REASON I come in here so faithfully is to HELP new people in the way that I was helped when I was scared and lonely and needed someone to talk to about my disease really badly.  And you all were here for me.

[jmjm530]

Thanks! Like I said, in a funny way it's nice to have something "normal" like a common cold for a change.

Take care.

-- Jim

[sfbaygirl]

I like the "more" threads. We were always complaining about newbies that opened a couple of threads in a day not knowing they were limited by 6 or 8. I think this is a much better idea to have more.

It is easier to find where you posted before by looking at the threads and seeing if someone responded to your post, if the names are shown. I like this.

Sometimes it does have a chat like feel, because of how fast we post sometimes. I know that some people posting and getting immediate responses continue to chat about this of that for a while. I think this is great. It's one of the things I really like about this board. Other message boards you could wait a couple of days to get a responce to your post or questions. Fast moving threads and posts are what make it 'feel' like chat. But I don't think it is a 'chat room' at all. There is a much different feel about it than a chat room, as I experienced the other day.

I totally agree Jim, this is a much better system.

[jmjm530]

I hope I didn't give the impression that I was advocating a "chat room" feel.  I was just responding to some concerns raised by others. However, I do think that more focused threads, with less topics per thread, will allow people to get both the information and support they want as well as get out some of the funny stuff that can often make our day. That "Ant" thing did go on maybe a little too long, but in my opinion it also acted as a safety valve to let off some pressure on what was becoming a very tense group at the time.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Just to go off topic a bit -- cause what's coming really isn't worth a new thread IMO :) -- I recently came down with a bad cold, sore throat, and fever. Doctor gave me a Z-Pack, some Mucinex and told me to take it easy and have some Chicken Soup. Really!

It's interesting because I haven't had a cold in over a year and I figure it was because the interferon had my immune system jacked up. So in a way, even though I feel like c*ap, it's somewhat reassuring that I'm experiencing something as normal as a common cold for a change.

So the question is. If it doesn't get better soon -- I still have a few peg shots left in my fridge. Do you think it would do any harm to take a shot or two and try and blitz the cold away?? Just kidding. LOL.


-- Jim

[mkeela]

Ok, I feel better knowing that we are supposed to post more on others threads!!! Bieng new here I didn't know that!!! AWESOME!
So, ok here is my question jmjm, I took my first shot on Thursday. The site where I gave the injection was just fine.Then yesterday morning (4th day after) it was and still is all swelled up, red, hot and sore. Isn't that strange? Should I have it checked? Or maybe its a belated reaction like my sx. I didn't have any sx until Friday afternoon and then was out of it for 3 days,it was horrible. Anyhow, what about that nasty site injection??

[mkeela]

NO you shouldn't take a shot or two (unless your dr says so :)...is that a joke??????

[mkeela]

Dunce cap on.....sorry didn't finish the post all the way through...LOLOL.

[jmjm530]

While it is customary here to post different topics within the same thread like you just did, my point actually was that it might make more sense to open your own thread for a new topic. Just my opinion.

In any event, injection site reactions are common and my NP gave me an rx for a cream should it get bad. You might call your medical team and ask them.

Yes, that was a joke. No way I'm gonna take another peg shot. LOL.

-- Jim

[new-sojourn]

Who appointed you sheriff?  People use this forum as they see fit--not according to Jim!

If you're new, you read everything.  If you're supremely bored, apparently, you rule the forum.

Personally, i think you post more and post more b.s. than all the rest of us together.

If you want your own forum, go creat one like 'Out of Bounds' and then everyone will play by your rules.

I'm tired of your constant attempts to hijack threads, topics and now the forum!

There's always one every couple of months.  I guess this time its you.

[sfbaygirl]

Why do you have to be so negative? I am glad he brought up the topic and has so much information. If you don't like it, why don't you skip his threads and posts? Many of us here apprieciate Jim and all the knowledge he has.

[jmjm530]

Interesting you didn't criticize those that said the old system was better, i.e. less threads than now. I'm just offering my opinion here like they offered their opinion. Both opinions are valid. It seems every time you post lately it's something negative and a personal attack. Go attack someone else. I won't respond to any more of your posts.

-- Jim

[mkeela]

Love and prayer to you Jim for your cold.

[Kalio1]

My only commennt on the thread issue is I feel some thought should go into the titles and they should be titled precisely so when you try to search a topic they will come up.
Whe I was new here, that was helpful. If the title doesn't describe the thread content, the info gets lost and you can't access it.

[jmjm530]

Kalio,

I agree. This is a problem with many discussion groups.


Chev,

My old email address is closed and I decided some time ago that I'd prefer to keep all my Hep C correspondences limited to online.

To let you know, I do appreciate your viewpoint regarding less rather than more threads, but given a lot of talking lately how it's not working, I thought it might work better if the concept was expanded so that threads had less topics in it.

Would it really work in practice? I have no idea. Beyond that, I have no interest now in "behind the scenes" stuff but I do thank you for alerting me.

I'm sure your suggestions to this board are based on more information than I may have and all the best in your efforts of making this a better place.  

I know you said "don't answer here" but I didn't want you to think you were either snubbed or unappreciated. Take care.

-- Jim

[can-do-man]

Fisherless posted twice with a question, Mikesimon answered her, both times it got buried and she hasn't been back since. Not all of us can be on here like some 24/7

[Myown]

Kalio, great suggestion as to post titles being specific for easy access. I guess we all sometimes forget that this info will be viewed from the archives down the road over time also and it needs to look almost like chapters in a book for the easy access.
I appreciate your quick response to posts always with encouraging words and great info.

Jim, I want to thank you for all the info you share. You have a great attitude and a very calm way about you. I am glad you are here and appreciate all your answers.

Chevy, You have added alot of info and helpful advice to this site. Everyone is needed here, including you. Sometimes living under one roof as a family, things happen, words fly, people say things that are uncalled for, but most times family members make up and forgive or correct the situation. Why do families try to make up? The answer is, they are blood related. The old, "blood is thicker than water." Well, we all aren't blood related, but what we all have in our blood makes us related. That nasty virus. The virus is what drew us to this site, but now I think the effects of the virus is playing with our minds at times and causing us (at times) to be moody. Nobody is looking to be sherriff. I'm new here, but i am usually a good judge of character. Lets all try to remember that there will always be problems whenever there are 2 or more people in a room, but there are always solutions to problems. let's all try a little harder to remember we are all different and can't please everyone. thanks

[jmjm530]

Thanks for the nice words, they mean a lot.  From the few posts of yours I've read, you have a rare blend of intelligence, compassion and guts that I haven't seen here for a long, long time. Welcome to the discussion group and all the best luck with your treatment.

-- Jim

[sfbaygirl]

What am I, chopped liver? :(

[jmjm530]

LOL. Oh, I forgot to add, "besides SF girl"  Must be the fever :)

[Forseegood]

Hey Jim, just wanted to say that I hope you feel better - you've been there for me often...drink your chicken soup will ya! throw a little wasabei in there, that oughta clear out your sinuses, ha ha!

[sfbaygirl]

Thanks, I feel MUCH better sweating all over the place. ;)

I was thinking about the email thing. I was wondering why we need to email each other anyway. I don't even check my email everyday anymore, just another sx I guess. It seems most of what we have to say can be said here. It would sort of feel like a secret club and someone could feel left out of the loop. Not many of us do email here, at least anymore, it seems. Of course, I could just be left out of all the emailing. WAAAAAA Nobody likes me!

I know I had one email early on giving me dr. info. I suppose it could be good for checking on someone that is not posting to check up on them. Otherwise, I'm not sure of the value.

[Gonna beat it]

I had made the comment before how much I have appreciated your knowledge, to many some question may seem silly, but when your just out the gate with this, sometimes you just want to hear that your normal, or somewhat normal. Thanks again for all you have given, all of you. I would never want to trivialize this disease or any of the good people that are fighting the good fight. Good Luck




Diana

[Snookmiester]

It is sad to see what Medhelp is quickly becoming... Soon it will be nothing more than "Jim's Blog", and the only members left a few scared, misinformed, and confused few lingering off every word he expresses. Anybody remember David Koresh?
Now that is scarey..There has been others before, most of which started their own forums or blogs, where they could satisfy their need for superiority, which in turn allows them control over anything and everything related.
Medhelp is not the place!! <strong>If you have suggestions, take it up with the administration..Do not dictate to members as though you hold authority or prestige.. We are all members, nothing more.</strong> Everyone is entitled to opinions, but everyone is at the same time expected to follow Medhelp's rules and guidlines. How about only opening two threads within a certain timeframe?
Making a contribution is one thing, but dictating and setting personal agendas and guidlines is another..This is not "Jim's Blog", it is a patient to patient support forum governed by MedHelp.. It just aggrevates the hell out of me when I see one person dictating continuously about how the forum should be run, when in fact their opinion is meaningless, and actually destructive...
This will be one of my last posts here, as I too will be jumping ship.. To those that I have corresponded with, you know how to find me.. To everyone else, live everyday as if it was your last, no regrets!!!!!

[sfbaygirl]

It is unfortunate that we have to critize each other at all. I for one, know I can't take conflict or stress at all during tx. I am very fragile and this is certainly not the place I want to come and be put down. We are all sick here or have loved ones that are. I don't understand why posters feel the need to critize each other personally. I know we can debate and disagree, but there is no reason I can think of to disrespect other members for what they ask questions about or how they post. If we don't like someones' style or questions or posts WE can just skip them over. This is the beauty of having more threads. It really isn't that hard to pass them by

Sometimes tx does make us more angry, but it's still no reason to go off on someone else.

[lilmoma]

OMG!!! I am reading this stuff today and can hardly believe the ugliness. Why pick on Jim? I just dont get it. Havent all of us walked around with one of our feet in our mouth at one time or another. I dont have to be txing to be an a$$ from time to time either. Why is there so much of this hostility going on, the blame game is unattractive, to say the least.
I am so glad I have found "other" places to visit, this place has turned into "cuckoos nest"
I hear the "meow" coming from every direction, men and women both.
anybody care for a DISH of MILK?

[sfbaygirl]

I don't get it either!

[jmjm530]

Well, maybe I should take a little break mself, or at least cut down significantly in my participation here.

While I don't think I post any more than some other old-timers, I do post more than most -- and the last thing I want is for it to become a source of irritation/division here. And I certainly don't want to spend my time defending myself cause I've been through that before here.

Frankly, it's probably a good thing because I do have to start getting back to my old life, in spite of some difficulties I'm having with post treatment side effects both physical and psychological.

I wish everyone the best and will be checking in from time to time. Hearfelt thanks to all who have helped me. Good luck in treatment and beyond. Love you all.

-- Jim

[sfbaygirl]

Please don't let some negative people run you off. You are needed and loved here. As many have said, just ignore it! We don't want you to go away!

[Gonna beat it]

I have to admit I was more than a little dumbfounded yesterday, and now I see Jim is on the block, I really have always tried to only make valid points for my threads, which makes me feel even more (foolish), I'll think maybe alittle break is needed. I have only been here less than a month, I'm usually more persistant than this but, you know energy, both physical and mental are hard to come by I surely don't need to be upset by strangers nor would I want to upset people who happen to have the same disease I do. I really did have alot of fun joking with you, time for lunch now. Take Care.

[lilmoma]

You are one of the sanest(sp?) ones here. I have always enjoyed reading your very knowledgable posts.
Its not you,............its small people trying to feel big on an anonymos hiway. If they had to "Look at you" (literally) in the morning, they might pay more attention to their behavior, but this internet stuff allows people to "HIT and RUN" like the cowards they really are.

[jmjm530]

No one is running me off. If that were the case, I would have been long since gone because earlier during treament things got a lot uglier with basically the same issues and the same people. No, I'm running myself off cause QOL is very important to me and coming here is starting to become a negative experience which I can't imagine is good for my health. Lil' Moma said it very well in her post above.  This will be my last post for a while.

Take care.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Whoops, Lil Moma is fast on the trigger and our posts crossed :) I was referring to her post C31 cause I don't want to try and characerize what is in the mind of others.

-- Jim

[sfbaygirl]

I understand. I know I can't take the negativity either. This whole chain of events has me questioning why I come here. Even when we try to keep our sides of the street clean, so to speak, we get hit.
I thought maybe things would pass yesterday and I see they aren't. Perhaps I need a break too.


What is it? A full moon?

[Gonna beat it]

I would enjoy keeping in touch with you, let me know if that is a possibility.



Diana

[sfbaygirl]

Sure, perhaps the whole email thing isn't a bad idea. lindacal at sbcglobal dot net. Where do you live anyway?

[amommy]

I am not sure what I have missed around here, but I just want to reiterate how important each and every perspective is to this forum.  You are all amazing people in your own way and contribute differently to the forum.  It is sad that ANYONE feels like they can't post here for any reason.  It is certainly not how MH is meant to be.  I hope no one disappears permanently from here!

[EquineLori]

Good grief!  Please, let's not loose the good folks that make such inportant comments to a few negative people!  I don't often have much to contribute and my weekends are often spent with hubby.  It pains me to come back on Monday and see the bickering.  I would much prefer those who are mean spirtited take a break.   Lori

Jim, congratulations on your 'cold'!  Thank you for all the energy you've given us.  If you take a break for yourself, have a good one.  Know you will be missed by Lori.

[l-horn]

I've run a few political forums in my time and finally got tired of it all and shut em down. I don't see any of the major problems that I experienced, here. My largest had close to 1000 members and generally around 50 or so online at any given time. This was at the height of post 911 mania, so that was expected. I got so many emails threatening to sue me I got tired of it.

My experience here, mostly reading, is the people are civil and chocked full of info, but IF I do post I'll be damned if I care what some self appointed board cop thinks of what I have to say. Not calling anyone out here personally, I'm simply stating it's not anyones role to state ANYTHING about the worthiness of someones rantings unless it's just waaaaay out of bounds. In that case, you contact management.

As I stated in my first post I am into sports and spend a great deal of time on sports forums and some on political sites where flame wars and establishing dominance and 'ruining' posters is SOP, part of the game. This is not what this is. This is about my LIFE, which I take a tad more serious than football. ( wait a minute let me think about that.....) yeah, this is more serious.

Because of that, I wouldn't treat this place like I would the ESPN Big XII football forum, where hatred and namecalling IS the entire POINT of it all. No need for pissing contests here. I don't know about you, but I'm trying to stay alive, not win a national championship. And within that even, my participation on the ESPN forum isn't gonna get my team a single yard against Ohio State or Oklahoma. Nor will getting into a pissing contest here lower my viral load.

We all have the same goal here. That's what's important.

I thank you all for your support, though you may not be aware that you have given it to me. Keep up the good work.

Good Luck !!

[slowsouthernstyle]

I have been comming hare for a long long time and I have seen this so many times.a handfull people that come here run this place they have several screen names and get real upset if they loose popularity.they come in under the pretense of a newbie sometimes just so they can get ratings higher for this site over other hep cites.i see people come and i see the smarts one go.i think hep plays with the mind and lets not forget that the majority of us are all junkies anyway so we know how to manipulate and be negative.this is one of the reasons why i always tell people don't take what you see and hear on here as gospel.talk to you doctors.remember none on here has a face and we can be anyone we want to be on the big screen of interent broadcasts.i have a job that takes me away most of the time but most that come here are bored and have time too much time on their hands so when people say they are taking a break you can bet they will be back in an hour with a new name.
slow

[DoubleDose]

I think the last thing we need is negative, critical tirades 'calling someone out' because they make suggestions or express an opinion.  NO ONE is telling anyone what to do, or appointing themselves anything, that I am aware of.  I do believe that Jim has established much credibility and also good will in trying to help forum members by answering questions and citing articles, as well as trying to present thoughts in a balanced objective manner.

I do not see the reason for offense here, and I think we all have a right to make suggestions, or point out ways we might improve our discussions.  Nobody is obliged to listen, or to obey anyone.  I think most of us have a positive attitude, and are looking for input and ideas.  We often disagree, and in the past Jim and I have disagreed on numerous issues....but so what!  That is what the forum is all about.

I do not want to come across as critical of the comments made, but I think personal attacks, no matter how 'veiled' or blatent, are not at all in the spirit of this group.  I think the forum is functioning pretty well myself, and those that disagree can voice their opinions as well, just as I do, Jim does, Cuteus, MikeSimon, Willing, Chevy, etc.  Character denigration is not really very helpful to anyone, I believe.

DoubleDose

[slowsouthernstyle]

thanks you for saying you have falling in love with me i hear that so often in the work i do and i am gateful for my fans.slow

[FlGuy]

Thanks for stopping by infrequently.

[2irish]

Really, I think that number would be more than half...I just wonder why you, yourself, don't take a break from here.  You always stir up trouble.  And for someone who continually stresses that you don't have time to read all the threads, you seem to know everything from everyone of them or have a comment.  You are one of the reasons i no longer post.  This was a great help to me before i started and shortly into treatment but you drive me crazy.  you are the biggest thorn in this board's side!  IMHO.

[Kalio1]

One thing I notice is a lot of the drama and negativity is created by people who are NOT on tx. Just an observation, I am not speaking to any particular individual.


In the year and some months since I was dx'ed and starting visiting here I have had someone imitate my name and be a horrid sh!thead in this room, been called names and accused of really awful things and had what I did say misquoted and mischaracterized, been criticized for how I contracted HCV and basically been called a liar over it just to name a few. I come here for those who do NOT behave that way, there are a lot more good folks than bad. I have a choice, I can ignore the people that act like morons and still benefit from all the good stuff. It is free plus I feel too crappy to physically attend a support group here in town, I figure what do I want for free?  Nothing is perfect. It has been valuable to me during this time ad I do try to be supportive and helpful to others. This is my first encounter with a long term illness and it does help me to speak to others in my shoes. None of us on tx need the hostility or aggravation we have enough as it is thank you! I just use my "virtual ignore" button and CLICK they are gone.
I hope the people who have something to offer stay.
I would like to add that if you think someone is "posting too much" because they are right there to welcome people ad offer aswers to their questions well then you should step up and respod rather tha criticizing the ones that DO respond. I remember when I was new how grateful I was to those that answered my dumb questions I kow ow are the same questions over ad over, they should be thanked not criticized. Often the member is just repeating the same info over and over
and as a newbie I sure appreciated it and I bet others do too and Jm does that a whole heck of a lot, so Jm thanks for doing that.