As requested, we've added an Online Now feature that tells you when you a MedHelp member is online. By default, your status is displayed to your friends only. If you'd like to change your privacy settings, go to My MedHelp, then Settings in the upper right corner, then Privacy. There, you'll be able to change who sees your online status to everyone, friends only, or nobody.
I vote no. No color change, chat, or the online feature. I was sort of borderline towards the online, but I think I'll side with no. I may set mine to off.
Please keep in mind that many people who use this forum are VERY ill and some have many sight issues, and constantly changing the background colors, as was done recently, would not be helpful. The current blue background had to be tweaked, glare reduced, is working well now, but was quite an issue when it happened.
Also, due to the personal issues several members have here, an "on line" icon, if used, should be optional in the settings as are the notes, photos, journal, and friends settings.
We must remain cognizant of the fact many come here looking for advice and direction for some serious medical issues, and although this is a public access forum, issues still remain personal and anonymity is desired.
Let us not lose sight of the true purpose here.
Thank you.
I'll be the odd man out.
I don't want the forum changing colors, period. It is very disconcerting. I belong to another forum that changes the background every month and I quit going there.
As for the "who's online feature", I don't much care for that, either. I would have mine turned off permanently. You know I'm online if you see me posting every ten minutes.
Chat forums are a completely different animal. That type of format is not apropriate here, in my opinion. You can chat all you like via Private Messaging. Exchanging information via chat does not benefit the community or the site, would be a nightmare to monitor, and could be used as a conduit to introduce things to the site that the owners want no part of.
But then, I'm old, crotchety, and change is not my favorite thing.
While I'm being Negative Ned, I don't see the point of the new "notes" feature, either. Seems redundant to the Private Messaging feature, only more silly and less private. But, whatever. Mine is turned off. I don't really want people leaving me notes for everyone to read.
But I like the site. :-)
the option "let other people see that I am online" is a good one in my opinion too
It doesn't even have to be the whole forum getting a new color.. just something on it that grabs attention..
I don't know if I go for the part about changing colors. Many on my forums desire sameness.
It's all up to the users whether or not they want to be shown as online or based in a chat room.. etc...
but I believe this is a great idea so many of us who make friends on this site can communicate with them better. And not play... ring around the message. :)
I forgot to add that I correspond with a few people via private messages. These people DO NOT feel well. As "spastic" states some do not feel well enough for a chat. They would rather find support via private messages and not let people know that they are online. They can't do this if they are not signed on.
Respectfully
The problem with not signing on is that you can't retrieve your private message or send someone a note. I think it should be the person's choice whether they want people to know if they are online. The feature is simple and is offered at all the social websites like MySpace, Facebook, Tag.com, etc.
The colors for the various forums is a great idea!
I agree with Mid. That would be something nice.
It would be a great idea
for those who dont feel like a chat and just want to lurk at posts.
dont sign in that way you are free to lurk and not have to chat.
As for the changeing of the colour i would like to see all Cancer communites have the colour of that Cancer OvCa Teal, Breast Pink and so on.
Some people like to lurk and don't want to be noticed, some of us sometimes don't feel well enough to chat but like to look at the posts. I think it would be best to let the individual decide if they want to have an online icon.
Online now would be a great feature. Very useful.
We've been thinking about adding an "online now" feature for quite a while now. It's nice to know that our members are interested in it. We're not sure when this feature will be available, but when it is, we will definitely let you know. If there are more members interested in this feature, please leave us a comment. Thanks!
yes, make sure they can hide their online now if they please. But it would be really helpful to get this idea going!
This is a good suggestion. However, give the user a choice whether they want other people to know if they are online. This is the way it works over at MySpace.com. I think a better idea would be to just create a chat room. I've seen this at other sites.
All excellent suggestions!
I second cntrygrlluvins thoughts.
oh and by the way ... I would even be cool with a simple yellow checkmark beside a users name to let me know their online under Recent Activity... =]