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
I agree totally. The more threads, the more subjects...less confusion...more focus.
DD
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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??
NO you shouldn't take a shot or two (unless your dr says so :)...is that a joke??????
Dunce cap on.....sorry didn't finish the post all the way through...LOLOL.
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
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.
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.
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
Love and prayer to you Jim for your cold.
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.
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
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
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
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
What am I, chopped liver? :(
LOL. Oh, I forgot to add, "besides SF girl" Must be the fever :)
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!