For the veteran forum members

[Quixotic1]

Okay, what I mean by veteran forum members are those of you who have been posting for a while and are committed to this forum and being a part of it.  That may mean a month or so or 6 months.  The definition is in your own minds.

I have been working with MedHelp to put up a permanent "Welcome" Thread (discussion) that will always be the first one on the first page.  What I would like to see is a series of posts from the veteran members welcoming new people and speaking of what draws them to the forum, what benefit they have gotten from posting here, directing them to some of the good things we have to offer (easy and intimate communication, Health Pages, whatever), or why they come back.

My goal is to make the Welcome page/thread much more than a welcome written by one member.  I would love it to have the voices of many members.  I would like to see a permanent community "welcome."  This will do much more to give newbies a sense of who we are, what we do and what we can offer.  Probably mid-week, I will post it for people to add their own welcome in their own words.  Then MedHelp will sticky-note to the top of the first page.

You are welcome to respond to this with more ideas, but for a few days I will keep this near the top of the first page so that everyone can be thinking about what they would like to say.  And maybe give the "heads up" to people they think would have something good to say.  In general, I am thinking that this will NOT be a place to tell one's whole story, but I think for some people a brief summary of what they went through and how this forum played a role would be great.

This thread will remain open for anyone to add to.  If posts get added that are inappropriate we will delete them, PM the people and invite them to post on the regular page, sot the thread stays with it's original purpose.  If we get the software capability we will redirect them to another thread.

What do you all think?

Quix

[grannyhotwheels]

This is a fantastic idea and I will be happy to contribute in any way possible.  I'm sorry your feeling a bit down but I know you well enough to know that not even MS can keep you down for long.

I'll be praying,
Carol

PS.  I'm hoping that now that things have settled down a little in my life that I can spend more time helping answer those who need words of encouragement.

[Quixotic1]

My next new post will be the "Welcome thread"  which will end up permanently at the top of the page.

I am feeling bad, with increased fatigue, and pain and weakness in my right arm.  I am not able to be on the forum much right now.  I know this is a recurring whine of mine and I'm sorry.  I hope you will continue to do the great job you are doing with keeping everyone answered.

There is some great information flowing here!

Quix

[Barbie51]

bump

[TiredPT]

Sounds great!  I know that I searched for answers far and wide, and this was the first place that I could get any assistance.  It has been a tremendous support group for me for the past few months!

Teresa

[Quixotic1]

I'm keeping this high for the committed forum members to consider.

Q

[pennst8r]

I'm in!

Penn