New user interface -- not user-friendly - Part 2

[JackieCalifornia]

[Read part 1 below, then this part 2:]

Unfortunately, the new layout for the questions and comments sections of this website has recently introduced a short and narrow question-then-answer approach, instead of the previous "everybody-with-a-suggestion-please-join-the-conversation" approach.  

I don't have a printed page of the new format in front of me, but overall the new approach appears intentionally to narrow the questions and answers to produce limited discussion.  That may work in many discussions online, but only when the information is already known and confirmed:  
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Q:  I have a headache.  What should I do?
A:  Consider taking aspirin or ibuprofen and call your doc if you're not better soon.
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In contrast,  in the world of Lyme, things are still a food fight with much uncertainty:
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Q:  I had a circular red rash on my leg, with a little black dot in the middle of the rash.  What should I do?
A:  Get yourself to an MD who understands Lyme and other tickborne diseases to see if you should take some antibiotics quickly, to try to kill any possible infection from the ticks.  Definitely see a knowledgeable doc asap.  (The little black dot could be a tick carrying infectious bacteria like Lyme.  It takes a good MD to know and what to do, if anything.)
===================================================
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This is me, the poster here, talking now:  

We who come to this website are looking for information and ideas on
   -- how to find a good and knowledgeable doc and
   -- figure out what ailment we have and
   -- what the possible approaches are to dealing with it.  

By narrowing discussion and sharing of experiences and ideas here as the 'upgraded' main page is now structured, however, the site is far less valuable imo, because 'We the Readers and Contributors' here want to find out what others may think and have experienced, so that we ourselves have ideas of what to do for ourselves or our families.  

The open forum we have here is invaluable -- please do not turn this site into canned 'call a doctor' site.

Y'all take care, now.

[TheLightSeeker]

Thanks for the info.

Merck has about 500+ subsidiaries around the world and keep continuously
acquiring , changing, restructuring, merging and it is next to impossible to keep up with all they're doing!
They are the 2nd largest pharmaceutical giant in the world, second to Pfizer.
What they really do and how they do business from the inside, we will never know.
We are given information, "they" want us to have.
Make no mistake, they employ the sharpest accountants, attorneys and consultants in the world to save billions in taxes, increase their revenues,
lobby and influence governments and their health departments in decisions regarding health policy, approval of drugs and vaccination programs,
medical education and so on.
One of the most shrewd Corporate Conglomerates on the Planet, to my opinion!

Cheers and Happy Holidays to All !
Niko

[JimmyMose]

http://www.aptushealth.com/

scroll down excerpts

READING, MASSACHUSETTS – November 17, 2015 – Physicians Interactive today announced that it has become Aptus Health, reflecting its mission of advancing health engagement and its role as a global digital health engagement partner for life sciences companies, payers, employers, and health systems.  

Aptus Health is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, U.S.A. (known outside the U.S. and Canada as MSD) (“MSD”), with its own independent employees, editorial process, business and financial operations, and governance. Aptus Health maintains its information independent from MSD and maintains confidentiality of its customers’ information from MSD. More information can be found at www.AptusHealth.com.

[TheLightSeeker]

Hmm, I decided to do a little googling regarding the new owners of MedHelp
"Physicians Interactive" now owns  MedHelp.
Merck & Co has controlling interest in Physicians Interactive. Merck is one of the most profitable pharmaceuticals in the world,  which also financed the purchase of MedHelp through Merck Global Health Innovation Fund last year.
They are basically a sophisticated digital health marketing company, helping build brands by drawing mainly behavioral data from physicians and and patients in local & global markets.
It seems that their aim is to become  the world's #1 (highly targeted) medical advertising network.
I can see why this top heavy Merck-owned Corporation, is implementing this new MH format, which likely fits its Corporate ideology best.
( Jackie California, if you're reading this, you were BTW spot on with your comment )
With 14 million users per month in MH, as they claim, I guess losing a few hundred or thousand members due to the format changes, won't put a dent at all in their operations.
It's time for me to consider my exit. Merck has always left a sour taste in my mouth anyway.
And this might be the trigger I need.
A few considerations first for ongoing mutual communications with so many MH members.
Cheers!
Niko

PS. I know that by posting this comment:
--My post can get deleted.
--My post can get deleted and I get a warning.
--I get banned from the forum and my post gets deleted :(
-- Nothing happens... but at least you get to read it,lol! :)

[Lira_MHModerator]

Hi Jackie - thanks for your feedback about the difference between a question-then-answer versus open discussion approach. I will be sure to pass this along.