Aa
To MedHelp
We're not afraid of constructive debate......why are you? The moderating is particularly heavy-handed lately. By the time you remove a post and it's response, other people have already read that post but aren't able to see any kind of rebuttal or discussion on it and any issues remain unaddressed. People don't come in here to be patted on the head and sent on their way with a lollipop. These are very real gritty issues that get discussed in here by adults. It's time the moderating got in line with that instead of this environment of stars and "Best Answers" that are virtually meaningless. If you continue with the stripping of humanity out of our posts and insist we answer with the most robotic of responses, you might as well come up with a series of FAQ's and have your moderators post those in response to questions on here.
Trish
Trish
________________________________________________
** CLOSED DISCUSSION**
NO MORE COMMENTS PLEASE
________________________________________________
Pro
** CLOSED DISCUSSION**
NO MORE COMMENTS PLEASE
________________________________________________
Pro
"patted on the head and sent on their way with a lollipop"
-----------------------
Explains why I have these headaches and my teeth are falling out of head.
LOL @ Pro
-----------------------
Explains why I have these headaches and my teeth are falling out of head.
LOL @ Pro
Medhelp has always been afflicted by Pollyanna syndrome.
Supposedly the Social side is so we can be social.
They conceded to political comments by starting a "current events" group.
But I don't like going there, its not the same as discussing stuff with my buddies here on the hep C side.
Most on the CE group don't understand what happens when you mix riba into heated debate.
Supposedly the Social side is so we can be social.
They conceded to political comments by starting a "current events" group.
But I don't like going there, its not the same as discussing stuff with my buddies here on the hep C side.
Most on the CE group don't understand what happens when you mix riba into heated debate.
I agree with you Trish. I've been told that they don't want anybody to leave because of an 'offensive' post, but the other side of that is people leaving because they are bored to death.
The sport for me now has become reading between the lines of posts where people are contorting themselves upside down trying to say what they want to say but at the same time not write a post that gets removed.
dointime
The sport for me now has become reading between the lines of posts where people are contorting themselves upside down trying to say what they want to say but at the same time not write a post that gets removed.
dointime
When people are treated badly here (it does happen) I do appreciate the efforts made by mods to address that and I'm not meaning to sound ungrateful.
However lately it seems there's some extreme focus on sanitizing the forum and what MedHelp deems as offensive is any post that isn't strictly "Just the facts, Ma'am". So what's the point then? Might as well be a series of FAQ's. We're real people talking to real people. I had a post removed because I responded to someone who was not only seriously misguided about HCV and promoting incorrect information but abusing alcohol too and came right out and said so. Am I supposed to mollycoddle that person? I asked her directly - "Why are you abusing alcohol if you have HCV?" and the reason I asked her that was because she was so casual about it so therefore I was direct. Then proceeded to explain...not tear into her...but explain why her information was incorrect so that other people reading her information would, at the least, question what she was saying and think twice. I suppose I could have said..."there, there....life is hard...if it takes a drink to get you by..." but I don't want her to *die*. Perhaps my approach was too blunt, I don't know. But we are real people talking to real people about serious and gritty issues and those kinds of conversations are bound to occur here.
I read online newspapers and participate in the commentaries/debates that follow after those articles. It's the most informative part many times, taking all the knowledge and points of view shared and it helps broaden a perspective and we learn from each other. I would hate to see that lost here.
I don't know what the push is to sanitize but there's no point in being here if we're simply to be FAQ's. People come here to talk with other people, not only just to regurgitate facts.
Anyway...sorry...off the soapbox for now. Appreciate the input.
Trish
However lately it seems there's some extreme focus on sanitizing the forum and what MedHelp deems as offensive is any post that isn't strictly "Just the facts, Ma'am". So what's the point then? Might as well be a series of FAQ's. We're real people talking to real people. I had a post removed because I responded to someone who was not only seriously misguided about HCV and promoting incorrect information but abusing alcohol too and came right out and said so. Am I supposed to mollycoddle that person? I asked her directly - "Why are you abusing alcohol if you have HCV?" and the reason I asked her that was because she was so casual about it so therefore I was direct. Then proceeded to explain...not tear into her...but explain why her information was incorrect so that other people reading her information would, at the least, question what she was saying and think twice. I suppose I could have said..."there, there....life is hard...if it takes a drink to get you by..." but I don't want her to *die*. Perhaps my approach was too blunt, I don't know. But we are real people talking to real people about serious and gritty issues and those kinds of conversations are bound to occur here.
I read online newspapers and participate in the commentaries/debates that follow after those articles. It's the most informative part many times, taking all the knowledge and points of view shared and it helps broaden a perspective and we learn from each other. I would hate to see that lost here.
I don't know what the push is to sanitize but there's no point in being here if we're simply to be FAQ's. People come here to talk with other people, not only just to regurgitate facts.
Anyway...sorry...off the soapbox for now. Appreciate the input.
Trish
From my perspective there is a very high degree of self moderation in this forum and the mods should rarely need to step in. They have it easy in this forum compared to some others I visit. I've seen a few threads get heated, some go off topic, but that's not always a bad thing if the question was addressed and the thread wanders on.
As dointime said, some days I'm bored to tears and seeing the same old questions, the same cut and paste replies or links gets very old. Allowing some levity is critical, even if it does go off topic. As long as it doesn't directly attack or poke fun at the OP. And please, get rid of the stars and top answerers - it serves no purpose.
If anything, I wish the moderators would pay more attention to the OCD posts rather than wait for us to report it to them. Or the ones the come back under the same or different names to ask the same questions - like this one http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/HR-Refuse-to-Give-Vaccination-/show/1633961 ;
As dointime said, some days I'm bored to tears and seeing the same old questions, the same cut and paste replies or links gets very old. Allowing some levity is critical, even if it does go off topic. As long as it doesn't directly attack or poke fun at the OP. And please, get rid of the stars and top answerers - it serves no purpose.
If anything, I wish the moderators would pay more attention to the OCD posts rather than wait for us to report it to them. Or the ones the come back under the same or different names to ask the same questions - like this one http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/HR-Refuse-to-Give-Vaccination-/show/1633961 ;
Hi everyone -
We don't delete constructive debate. We only delete posts that are in violation of the Terms of Use that you all agreed to adhere to when you joined. This forum gets a lot of abuse reports, and some posts are removed, others aren't. We aren't seeking to remove humanity, but we do have to remove posts that are in violation of the Terms of Use.
Unfortunately, the moderators can't be in all forums at the same time, so often, you will find the OCD posts before we will. All we ask is that you just hit Report and we will check it out if you get to it before we do. We aren't asking you to repeat the same answers again and again, or to be anyone's therapist.
MedHelp is equal parts information and support, and if the levity comes at the expense of a member, the support is lost. We don't see why levity is needed with OCD questions when you can take less time to hit report than it takes to post something that pokes fun at the members. We check out all reports.
The stars and Top Answerers may not help you, but they do help others. Many times, they help members make connections when they first come to MedHelp and are overwhelmed with a new diagnosis. A new member can see who has experience with a topic and reach out for help, support, whatever. Some people like the stars, others don't. If you don't like them, just ignore them.
If anyone has a specific question about a post that was removed, please feel free to shoot me a PM. I can't address specifics in the forums without breaking member confidentiality.
For those in the US, Happy Thanksgiving.
Emily
We don't delete constructive debate. We only delete posts that are in violation of the Terms of Use that you all agreed to adhere to when you joined. This forum gets a lot of abuse reports, and some posts are removed, others aren't. We aren't seeking to remove humanity, but we do have to remove posts that are in violation of the Terms of Use.
Unfortunately, the moderators can't be in all forums at the same time, so often, you will find the OCD posts before we will. All we ask is that you just hit Report and we will check it out if you get to it before we do. We aren't asking you to repeat the same answers again and again, or to be anyone's therapist.
MedHelp is equal parts information and support, and if the levity comes at the expense of a member, the support is lost. We don't see why levity is needed with OCD questions when you can take less time to hit report than it takes to post something that pokes fun at the members. We check out all reports.
The stars and Top Answerers may not help you, but they do help others. Many times, they help members make connections when they first come to MedHelp and are overwhelmed with a new diagnosis. A new member can see who has experience with a topic and reach out for help, support, whatever. Some people like the stars, others don't. If you don't like them, just ignore them.
If anyone has a specific question about a post that was removed, please feel free to shoot me a PM. I can't address specifics in the forums without breaking member confidentiality.
For those in the US, Happy Thanksgiving.
Emily
A new member can see who has experience with a topic and reach out for help, support,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your post seemed to make some sense till you got to that part
These stars are nothing but dedicated to quantity of posts and have nothing whatsoever to do with quality of answers.
So in fact....if a member continuously gives wrong info. and gets all these silly stars then a new member comes aboard and thinks that because of stars they will seek the answer from that person ??
It"s ok to ignore the stars ,however in that instance it could be dangerous to a new member following advice of someone who has no idea what they are advising....
Will
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your post seemed to make some sense till you got to that part
These stars are nothing but dedicated to quantity of posts and have nothing whatsoever to do with quality of answers.
So in fact....if a member continuously gives wrong info. and gets all these silly stars then a new member comes aboard and thinks that because of stars they will seek the answer from that person ??
It"s ok to ignore the stars ,however in that instance it could be dangerous to a new member following advice of someone who has no idea what they are advising....
Will
Good point will and I totally agree with you on that.Maybe the so called stars should represent the time that the member has been on the forum.A new member could then make the decision if they want advice from a New member or one that has been around for awhile I know who Id take the advice from-just my $$ worth cindy
I think it is up to an individual member to separate the wheat from the shaft. This forum and website is not a degree-granting institution and cannot give its imprimatur to anyone individual who provides support or information. It is up to the membership to decide what meets their own needs.
But there needs to be continual acknowledgement that no one here speaks as a medical professional and only offers info because they have been "around the block" in terms of experience and reading public access documents. Sometimes members do get a bit taken with their own knowledge on a subject, refusing to entertain or tolerate other opinion. Yet I have seen no opinion expressed at this site which matches what a good physician or researcher will convey.
A violation which appears to occur with impunity is a tendency to condemn or severely criticize the medical community and individual physicians I have noticed. I have not seen lately what I first noticed on the forum and that was people recommended that posters dump their physician and get another. I was appalled when I read some of these texts advised without really knowing either the doctor or the poster. Yet these posts which do violate terms of use I believe, were getting overlooked by the mods.
But there needs to be continual acknowledgement that no one here speaks as a medical professional and only offers info because they have been "around the block" in terms of experience and reading public access documents. Sometimes members do get a bit taken with their own knowledge on a subject, refusing to entertain or tolerate other opinion. Yet I have seen no opinion expressed at this site which matches what a good physician or researcher will convey.
A violation which appears to occur with impunity is a tendency to condemn or severely criticize the medical community and individual physicians I have noticed. I have not seen lately what I first noticed on the forum and that was people recommended that posters dump their physician and get another. I was appalled when I read some of these texts advised without really knowing either the doctor or the poster. Yet these posts which do violate terms of use I believe, were getting overlooked by the mods.
"We don't delete constructive debate. We only delete posts that are in violation of the Terms of Use"
------------------
"Constructive" is very relative. There are innumerable instances when posts are deleted not because of violation of terms, but because *moderation* deemed them non-sequiter after deletion. Too often here the baby gets thrown out with the bath water.
"at the expense of a member"
-------------------
With all due respect, we also know many members who invested their time and caring only to be declared expendable by MH... the cost of losing one member over another is not always an equitable expense in my eyes.
"people recommended that posters dump their physician and get another... I was appalled"
-----------
To me it's more appalling when posters come here recounting inaccurate or incorrect information by their physician or health provider. Personally, I encourage people to get second and third opinions especially in the setting of medical consultation -- the objective here is for folks to understand what good health care is and enable them to recognize it and achieve it for themselves.
------------------
"Constructive" is very relative. There are innumerable instances when posts are deleted not because of violation of terms, but because *moderation* deemed them non-sequiter after deletion. Too often here the baby gets thrown out with the bath water.
"at the expense of a member"
-------------------
With all due respect, we also know many members who invested their time and caring only to be declared expendable by MH... the cost of losing one member over another is not always an equitable expense in my eyes.
"people recommended that posters dump their physician and get another... I was appalled"
-----------
To me it's more appalling when posters come here recounting inaccurate or incorrect information by their physician or health provider. Personally, I encourage people to get second and third opinions especially in the setting of medical consultation -- the objective here is for folks to understand what good health care is and enable them to recognize it and achieve it for themselves.
people recommended that posters dump their physician and get another... I was appalled"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unfortunately some folks were and still are at times getting advice from their doctors that have seemed outright dangerous and thankfully they have been steered to get other medical opinions because of the excellent advice they have received here. And many ,many times after those members did just that they have posted . "their thanks for others suggesting this "
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unfortunately some folks were and still are at times getting advice from their doctors that have seemed outright dangerous and thankfully they have been steered to get other medical opinions because of the excellent advice they have received here. And many ,many times after those members did just that they have posted . "their thanks for others suggesting this "
It is one thing to recommend someone consult other physicians, it is quite another to recommend they get rid of the one they have. Again, without knowing either the doctor and what they actually said and the poster and how the person interprets what is said, Medhelp is skating on thin ice to let this type of advice pass without comment or deterrent.
It's up to the member to police this stuff. MH doesn't have the staff or the expertise "to separate the wheat from the chaff".
You said:
"...I think it is up to an individual member to separate the wheat from the shaft. This forum and website is not a degree-granting institution and cannot give its imprimatur to anyone individual who provides support or information. It is up to the membership to decide what meets their own needs...."
But now you're saying:
"Again, without knowing either the doctor and what they actually said and the poster and how the person interprets what is said, Medhelp is skating on thin ice to let this type of advice pass without comment or deterrent. "
Now which way do you want it because you can't have it both ways?
We members are better able to moderate the board because some members really do know something about HCV and treatment.
Mike
You said:
"...I think it is up to an individual member to separate the wheat from the shaft. This forum and website is not a degree-granting institution and cannot give its imprimatur to anyone individual who provides support or information. It is up to the membership to decide what meets their own needs...."
But now you're saying:
"Again, without knowing either the doctor and what they actually said and the poster and how the person interprets what is said, Medhelp is skating on thin ice to let this type of advice pass without comment or deterrent. "
Now which way do you want it because you can't have it both ways?
We members are better able to moderate the board because some members really do know something about HCV and treatment.
Mike
MH ..has covered that thin ice with a "legal "cement floor of legality's
The contents of MedHelp's website (the "MedHelp Site"), such as text, graphics, images, information obtained from MedHelp's medical partners, sponsors, advertisers, licensors, and other material (collectively the "Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The contents of MedHelp's website (the "MedHelp Site"), such as text, graphics, images, information obtained from MedHelp's medical partners, sponsors, advertisers, licensors, and other material (collectively the "Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Opposition is true friendship."
---------------------------------------------------------------
and 4 out of 3 of us still struggle with fractions :0)
---------------------------------------------------------------
and 4 out of 3 of us still struggle with fractions :0)
"and 4 out of 3 of us still struggle with fractions :0)"
--------
Gives a whole new meaning to being reduced to the lowest common denominator...
--------
Gives a whole new meaning to being reduced to the lowest common denominator...
Curiouslady:
When I first started coming here, there were some horrible things people were being told by their physicians.
Luckily, that seems to have lessened over time.
The obvious thing is, no matter what anyone tells someone online, it is their responsibility to decide what to do.
These are just type written words!!
I don't envy you guys at medhelp.Maybe your job would be easier if you did just look in when someone hits the abuse button.
I've also been on forums that don't delete curse words and people seem to get along just fine.
Personally, I'm very glad the forum is here.
Its been a huge help for me and many others.
OH
When I first started coming here, there were some horrible things people were being told by their physicians.
Luckily, that seems to have lessened over time.
The obvious thing is, no matter what anyone tells someone online, it is their responsibility to decide what to do.
These are just type written words!!
I don't envy you guys at medhelp.Maybe your job would be easier if you did just look in when someone hits the abuse button.
I've also been on forums that don't delete curse words and people seem to get along just fine.
Personally, I'm very glad the forum is here.
Its been a huge help for me and many others.
OH
Mike: These are two different issues.
One is about providing information to a poster about the disease and infection. And yes, the member needs to decide for themselves whether the information is useful for them, the forum managers cannot be responsible for that. As you say, much information is very helpful. It certainly has been for me.
The other issue is an instruction to get rid of the doctor and find another. This directive I find to be very problematic. We do not know what the doctor actually said or did or what the poster's condition actually is. The problem comes in when forum members interfere with someone else doing a legitimate business (medicine) bordering on libel. Actually, a critical opinion is not libelous but misrepresentation of fact is libel and making pronouncements about a physician's competence based on hearsay could, I say could, be problematic legally. In any case, we really don't know for sure what is transpiring in these professional relationships and I believe strongly that it should be left alone. I also think there are times when the mods should intervene.
One is about providing information to a poster about the disease and infection. And yes, the member needs to decide for themselves whether the information is useful for them, the forum managers cannot be responsible for that. As you say, much information is very helpful. It certainly has been for me.
The other issue is an instruction to get rid of the doctor and find another. This directive I find to be very problematic. We do not know what the doctor actually said or did or what the poster's condition actually is. The problem comes in when forum members interfere with someone else doing a legitimate business (medicine) bordering on libel. Actually, a critical opinion is not libelous but misrepresentation of fact is libel and making pronouncements about a physician's competence based on hearsay could, I say could, be problematic legally. In any case, we really don't know for sure what is transpiring in these professional relationships and I believe strongly that it should be left alone. I also think there are times when the mods should intervene.
We don't really know what physicians are actually saying or doing with their patients. That is why people need to be particularly careful. I think we are all aware that some people who come here do experience significant distortion of reality, sometimes from their disease status and sometimes based on some pre-existing condition. I have no problem with advising someone to seek out a second opinion and stating what is believed to be correct information. I am also abundantly aware that there are good docs and incompetent ones. I don't know that members of this forum should be so ready to know, based on the sometimes piecemeal information that a post and poster provides, which is which.
I don't see much risk of liability but I haven't practiced law in years. I'll defer to your expertise on that issue.
I had an employee who got a routine exam with blood work. His fasting glucose was 147 and everything else was within range. He was overweight.
At my(?) insistence he scheduled a follow up appointment.
When he returned from his appointment I asked him how it went.
He said his doctor told him to see a nutritionist and schedule another appointment in 3 to 6 months. I asked him if his doctor examined his feet. He said "no, but there were signs saying that diabetics should take off their shoes'.
With only that knowledge I felt comfortable telling my employee to see another doctor. Sometimes it's absolutely clear that the doctor is an idiot and this guy was one of those. I have seen them here here too. While we cannot know with 100% certainty that anything said here is true we have to assume that some of it is or otherwise they'd be no reason to say anything at all.
Mike
I had an employee who got a routine exam with blood work. His fasting glucose was 147 and everything else was within range. He was overweight.
At my(?) insistence he scheduled a follow up appointment.
When he returned from his appointment I asked him how it went.
He said his doctor told him to see a nutritionist and schedule another appointment in 3 to 6 months. I asked him if his doctor examined his feet. He said "no, but there were signs saying that diabetics should take off their shoes'.
With only that knowledge I felt comfortable telling my employee to see another doctor. Sometimes it's absolutely clear that the doctor is an idiot and this guy was one of those. I have seen them here here too. While we cannot know with 100% certainty that anything said here is true we have to assume that some of it is or otherwise they'd be no reason to say anything at all.
Mike
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I know I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Wow. This time last year I was full of virus. Now I am not.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis Social Community
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
