Med Help Improvements

[Willy50]

I had a PM in my box this morning because MedHelp had taken the time to read one of my posts.  They actually wrote me and asked if I was still having the issue of the forum being "laggy".  (And yes, if fact that issue has improved)

I saw a post by Cindy on the Hep side (as opposed to community) where she laid out a link to a MedHelp Suggestion Board.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/suggestions/wwwboard.html

In reviewing them I saw that many of the issues that we have had are not unique to this forum.  I'd like to pitch a plea to give them some time to make adjustments and to also be kind when making them.  I'd also suggest that I've seen many other examples where they have proven to be responsive to suggestions.  I've seen;

1) "do you find this post helpful" was removed
2)  The background was changed pretty promptly
3)  Some border issues have been improved
4)  MedHelp people have remained in contact with us and have remained polite, even though we have not always been so.  (I'm guilty of being a complainer and not as nice as I could have been).

I'd like to explain that the people that run this board end up probably having to use a bulletin board format that is already "in the can" and that they can adjust.  These boards are complex and it takes some tweaking and some time to get them adjusted.  Let's give them some time.

I'm used to a different bulletin board format (SMF).  I've long been a little critical of the old board for a variety of reasons, but it also had it's charm too.  They have made a number of advances on this board and I have enjoyed them.  I like;
1) Being able to see pictures of members (although I don't need to see them in every post)
2) Being able to see past posts (of any member)
3) Being able to contact people
4) Improved search engine
5) Profile page and all attendant controls and features

The thrust of what I want to say is that along with the criticism it might be "helpful" to throw in a few compliments.  I have a feeling that these people that are trying to improve the board might appreciate hearing that they've done SOMETHING right.  : )  I'd bet that they've been working hard trying to get things changed, changed so that it is a better forum for all of us.  Give em some time and please be kind.  : )

I'm not trying to undermine any criticisms, complaints, suggestions....as I've made a few myself.  These can be very useful when they are delivered constructively.

I'll end this post with a joke that seems to fit the situation;

How do Helen Kellers parents punish her?
(answer)  They rearrange the furniture.    (now that's an old joke)  : )

The Med Help people aren't trying to "punish" us.  They are trying to make some positive changes to the forum.  Some of we may like, some we may not.  Lets give them good feedback on the things we like as well as well as the not-so-good.  We also have to understand that they can't easily have a different format for every board.  What we want may not be what other forums want.

best,
willy

[orphanedhawk]

Did you notice the date on the post your replied to ?
A lot has changed since 2008.

[knowitallboss]

Sure having medhelp in your E-MAIL list gives confidence in talking about topics and I can understand the round the clock work you have to do to maintain and develop .
I firmly believe any change by you will be best for US.
Regards,
Knowitallboss .

[Med Help]

Thank you so much for your wonderful messages, suggestions and support!  We hope you'll continue to let us know what changes or additions you'd like to see.  We want to work together so that we can continue to have the best hepatitis support forums on the Internet!

I promise we're not "punishing" anyone, but I confess that I laughed out loud at the Helen Keller joke!!

Cindy Thompson
MedHelp

[jmjm530]

Some good comments.

And not everyone enjoys the same cup of tea so I hope MH filters the suggestions, as some member suggestions are excellent (For example MY suggestions) and some are not so excellent.

And any new format does take time to get used to. Took me the longest time to adjust to Microsoft Windows from that old DOS black computer screen with green letters. Hmm now there's a very retro idea for the forum.

Anyway,  once the color situation situation gets adjusted (center and sidebar colors perhaps user definable) I think we'll be on our way.

-- Jim

[Proactive]

I just don't see how these recent upgrades are any improvement to the forum at all, sorry...It has become very difficult to determine is one wants to spend the time to read an individual subject, not enough info is present...The result for me has been spending much less time here (which in retrospect has been a very good thing), I'm more apt to skip reading various subjects, hoping I land on the ones I'm interested here...Judging from the drop in posts made here since the upgrade, I don't think I'm alone in my actions....The additional scrolling is just horrible, I echo the thoughts of feeling isolated, reading in a tunnel...I as well will mention my appreciation to medhelp, but remind them the road is paved with sites who went to a subscription based model....
I see very little difference now between medhelp and say this site, except this site has much less flash and maybe more functionality (access to info), but more spam, and less participation. One wonders if they changed their original format as well....
http://www.medkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx/hepatitis-forum/200801/1

[Forseegood]

hey, thanks for askin! yeah, my NP already ordered the meds, going through the insurance company...maybe they'll lose em in the river:) guess it's pegasys....and alinia too...I like you too.... just having a really exciting evening on itunes loadin up my Ipod...the kicks never stop around here....

[GoofyDad]

Very well reasoned and balanced. Thanks.

PS - I thought they left the plunger in the toilet.

[ladywhy]

Hi,
I just wanted to stop and say hello to you. I am starting to get the hang of this newfangled format. I hope all is good with you? You mentioned possibly starting tx soon? What's up with that? ...and which tx option are you leaning towards? Aren't I the nosy one? I like you and I just want to know how you're holdin' up.
Sincerely,
y

[ladywhy]

Hi,
I just wanted to stop and say hello to you. I am starting to get the hang of this newfangled format. I hope all is good with you? You mentioned possibly starting tx soon? What's up with that? ...and which tx option are you leaning towards? Aren't I the nosy one? I like you and I just want to know how you're hodin up.
Sincerely,
y

[Lady Lauri]

I agree, let's give them a little time here (to bring back the old:} j/k

Considerate post,Willy.

Ladywhy and all .........with trouble loosing post....a tip I do, have for awhile due to loosing long post and so hard to do on tx.....
I always highlight, rt. click 'copy' THAN 'post' as if it does screw up, you can just hit reply again and rt. click, hit paste and it's back :}

LL

[Forseegood]

here's to you always being the kind, peaceful negotiator here...we could use you in the UN:) the world needs more thoughtful gentleman like you, great post...

[ladywhy]

you're right as usual...

I had written a longer message (IMO...a funny one) a minute ago and once again...didn't I hit the 'Back to Forum' button rather than 'Post Comment'...(long sigh of frustration)
I wish they would get rid of that BtF here at the bottom, Left side!....

I have written a ton of useless info that i needed to share!
Let's try again..try to hit the right one...