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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 463 to 487 of 536. Go back in thread:
Posted by gardenergirl on May 25, 2005, at 11:47:32
In reply to Yeah, I had to think about that one for a minute. » Dinah, posted by gardenergirl on May 25, 2005, at 11:46:39
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 26, 2005, at 2:23:57
In reply to Re: Small boards » Dinah, posted by alexandra_k on May 25, 2005, at 3:29:10
> it is inevitable that some group members will fall into the comfort zone of their own board and neglect the main boards.
>
> JahI think if they'd be more comfortable on a smaller board, then it would be nice to be able to offer them that alternative...
--
> I don't really see the point if they are public, although I guess you would at least know that if you posted something, only X number of people could possibly respond.
That would be the point, there would be a smaller number of people interacting.
> I do NOT want to be someone with my nose pressed up to the glass wishing I were part of a group. And I WILL NOT be inside the window seeing the nose prints and wondering who stopped by.
>
> ggYou wouldn't need to press your nose up, you could just keep walking... And you could focus on who's inside instead of who's outside (as tends to happen in rooms with one-way mirrors)...
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> that's what's enabled me to ... keep the gun in the cabinet.
>
> J.I'm glad it's in the cabinet, but what about giving it to someone else instead?
--
> > > what would be the possible benefits of making the posts of a private conversation public?
> >
> > One might be to make the posts searchable, just like they are now.
>
> The main benefit of searchable posts is for information, right? I would assume that if someone was looking for information, he/she would probably post on the medication page, or appropriate page.
>
> DinahIf the poster was looking for information, it might be better for them to post on an open board. But they might be looking for support and others for information...
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> 1) A new indicator on the link so that Babblers can see how active the board is.
>
> 2) And / Or all or part of the title of the newest thread
>
> alexandra_k> [3] How about just a brief statement of purpose, and a count of # posts in the last xxx days.
>
> Dinah> [4] a list of all the members of a board
>
> alexandra_kI think the activity level and a list of the members would be the most helpful. Since titles might not be very informative and statements of purpose might be vague...
Bob
Posted by TamaraJ on May 26, 2005, at 14:06:06
In reply to Re: Small boards, posted by Dr. Bob on May 26, 2005, at 2:23:57
You know, Dr. Bob, I really just don't know how much of an appetite there really would be for small, limited participation/membership boards. I have said it before, and perhaps I am talking out of the wrong side of my anatomy, but I think that those who are going to "join in" will do so, but creating a cozier and perhaps a less intimating atmosphere won't necessarily persuade others to be more active. The 2000 board serves a unique purpose, and is a nice forum for the babble "pioneers" if you will. But, I don't feel slighted or shut out because I can't post there.
If the small boards do become a reality, I personally think that establishing topics for discussion or specific themes (more narrow than just "Social" or "Relationships") would make the concept a bit more palatable. Now, I don't want to be presumptious, but, Dr. Bob, I don't think you have completely made up your mind about the utility of small boards and whether it is truly in the best interest of the babble community to establish these forums. But, I am not a mind-reader, so I will leave it to you and others to continue the discussion.
Just my two cents.
Tamara
Posted by justyourlaugh on May 26, 2005, at 23:18:03
In reply to Re: Small boards, posted by Dr. Bob on May 26, 2005, at 2:23:57
to kid us..
i will drop out..drop off ...if you felt this was the way to go..how many lurkers would love to jump in? and do and still feel unwelcome?..
not my cup of tea...
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 28, 2005, at 10:14:53
In reply to try not.., posted by justyourlaugh on May 26, 2005, at 23:18:03
> how many lurkers would love to jump in? and do and still feel unwelcome?..
I don't know, but maybe people would be more likely to feel welcome at boards that weren't so busy?
Bob
Posted by gardenergirl on May 28, 2005, at 12:48:02
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by Dr. Bob on May 28, 2005, at 10:14:53
How many and how likely?
gg
Posted by alexandra_k on May 28, 2005, at 17:04:33
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by gardenergirl on May 28, 2005, at 12:48:02
People quite often say that they don't feel like they are part of Babble.
That it feels a bit like there are clicky little groups and you have to be part of a group to get a thread going.
It doesn't feel like that to me anymore. But it did feel that way for quite a while.
Maybe the difference is to do with how new you are and how frequently you post.
If you don't post for a while (a few days... a week...) then most threads are 'new' and it can be hard to get back into the swing of it again.
It probably won't make much of a difference to the posters who feel accepted here already.
But it could be the difference between staying and leaving for posters who don't feel like they are part of the more active boards.
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 29, 2005, at 13:39:22
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by gardenergirl on May 28, 2005, at 12:48:02
> How many and how likely?
As many as there's demand for and pretty likely?
Bob
Posted by gardenergirl on May 30, 2005, at 0:23:54
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by Dr. Bob on May 29, 2005, at 13:39:22
So you are just guessing or assuming?
gg
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 31, 2005, at 3:09:41
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome » Dr. Bob, posted by gardenergirl on May 30, 2005, at 0:23:54
> So you are just guessing or assuming?
Sorry, just guessing or assuming what? Now I'm not sure what you're referring to, I may have misunderstood...
Bob
Posted by gardenergirl on May 31, 2005, at 3:16:05
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by Dr. Bob on May 31, 2005, at 3:09:41
> > So you are just guessing or assuming?
>
> Sorry, just guessing or assuming what? Now I'm not sure what you're referring to, I may have misunderstood...
>
> BobI was wondering how many people and how likely in response to this:
"I don't know, but maybe people would be more likely to feel welcome at boards that weren't so busy?"
No biggie. I'm not all that invested in the issue. I was just curious about your assessment of how many folks want or would use small boards.
gg
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 31, 2005, at 17:31:36
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome » Dr. Bob, posted by gardenergirl on May 31, 2005, at 3:16:05
> > I don't know, but maybe people would be more likely to feel welcome at boards that weren't so busy?
>
> I was wondering how many people and how likelyOh, sorry. I don't know how many, but most people post very few times. I don't know how much more likely, either, but every little bit helps?
Bob
Posted by AuntieMel on June 1, 2005, at 9:00:34
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by Dr. Bob on May 31, 2005, at 17:31:36
That leads to a couple of questions, doesn't it.
1) WHY do people only post a few times? Did they just decide babble wasn't for them? Did they ask a question, get an answer and that's all they needed?
You have access to their email address. Perhaps asking a few of the recent drop-in/drop-out posters could shed some light.
2) WHAT does every little bit help? Is the goal to get more people on babble, or is it to provide better quality?
Defining the goal - along with information about why people don't stay - would help guide towards the best solution. Maybe small boards would be a solution, maybe not. But this information and a plan seems to me to be better than taking a shot in the dark.
Posted by gardenergirl on June 1, 2005, at 11:30:30
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome » Dr. Bob, posted by AuntieMel on June 1, 2005, at 9:00:34
Posted by AuntieMel on June 1, 2005, at 13:16:34
In reply to Very well put! (nm) » AuntieMel, posted by gardenergirl on June 1, 2005, at 11:30:30
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 2, 2005, at 7:32:00
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome » Dr. Bob, posted by AuntieMel on June 1, 2005, at 9:00:34
> 1) WHY do people only post a few times? Did they just decide babble wasn't for them? Did they ask a question, get an answer and that's all they needed?
>
> You have access to their email address. Perhaps asking a few of the recent drop-in/drop-out posters could shed some light.That's an interesting idea, but I've been reluctant to initiate email contact...
> 2) WHAT does every little bit help? Is the goal to get more people on babble, or is it to provide better quality?
To get more of the people who come to stay?
Bob
Posted by Poet on June 5, 2005, at 12:07:36
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by Dr. Bob on June 2, 2005, at 7:32:00
I normally avoid the admin board, but due to the party I have been here more often.
I honestly don't feel very welcome on some boards now. I'm concerned that small boards would become exclusive clubs that I can barely afford memebership to, but they'll let me in anyway. If there is nobody better they'd have join.
Poet
Posted by AuntieMel on June 6, 2005, at 12:47:02
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome » Dr. Bob, posted by Poet on June 5, 2005, at 12:07:36
I think it's a shame that you don't feel welcome on another board.
Now that I've met you I can say with absolute certainty that it's their loss.
Posted by Poet on June 6, 2005, at 18:35:19
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome » Poet, posted by AuntieMel on June 6, 2005, at 12:47:02
Hi Auntie Mel,
Avoiding another board is better than going there and ending up with my first PBC.
I'd join any group you were in.
Poet
Posted by Poet on June 6, 2005, at 18:36:25
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by Poet on June 6, 2005, at 18:35:19
Posted by AuntieMel on June 7, 2005, at 12:14:26
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by Poet on June 6, 2005, at 18:35:19
"I'd join any group you were in."
Thanks - meeting you was the pleasantest surprise.
But I really don't think I would be comfy in an exclusive group, so would ya hang out on the main boards with me instead?
Posted by AuntieMel on June 7, 2005, at 12:31:53
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by Dr. Bob on June 2, 2005, at 7:32:00
One thing that I learned in Chicago was that many people have made some really good "off babble" friendships.
Sometimes things were talked about that went completely over my head. It wasn't anyone's fault, I just didn't have the history to understand.
But that's ok, because I'm becoming part of the new history.
It occurs to me now that maybe this is what the newbies are overwhelmed by - at least those that are overwhelmed. Not that they are 'unwelcome' as in 'we don't like your kind,' but more like there are conversations going on that they don't understand.
But this happens with all new friendships. People don't meet and become isolated friends, blocking out each other's histories. They learn over time and the friendship grows.
Would that friendship grow better if they were isolated?
Maybe, if you are interested in retention, we should just rethink how we welcome newbies.
Posted by Poet on June 7, 2005, at 13:31:44
In reply to Re: a better idea » Poet, posted by AuntieMel on June 7, 2005, at 12:14:26
Hi Auntie Mel,
I would be happy to hang with you on the main boards.
Poet
Posted by partlycloudy on June 7, 2005, at 17:23:17
In reply to Re: a better idea » AuntieMel, posted by Poet on June 7, 2005, at 13:31:44
Posted by Dinah on June 7, 2005, at 18:45:06
In reply to Re: a better idea » Poet, posted by AuntieMel on June 7, 2005, at 12:14:26
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