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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 45 to 69 of 89. Go back in thread:
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 29, 2009, at 5:18:25
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Dr. Bob, posted by Phillipa on August 23, 2009, at 12:33:16
> > Would you like more people to stick around? Or to come in the first place? Would you like old friends to return?
> >
> > If so, can you think of anything you can do to help?
>
> Dr. Bob, if you really need more deputies, I can offer to be one if you think I am able.
>
> Deneb> Dr. Bob yes I'd love the old posters to return and have asked them via e-mail or another site and none are inclined to. Some ... said " Babble made me sicker"
>
> PhillipaThanks for volunteering to be a deputy and for asking old posters to return, I do think those are ways to help.
What is it about Babble that made them sicker? Is there something we can do about that?
I wonder if current posters feel ambivalent about new posters joining. Since current posters don't always welcome new posters. For example, I did a mini-survey of the last archive at Medication and found 13 flagged posts by new posters. 9 were replied to, 4 weren't. 7 of the 9 who were replied to posted again, but only 1 of the 4 who weren't. I know it's oversimplifying to consider posting a second time staying, but if the 4 posters who weren't replied to had been and we extrapolate, 2 more would have stayed. 2 new posters every 9 days isn't a ton, but it would add up.
Another example is allowing posts to be tweeted. That might lead readers to some of the many thoughtful and intelligent posts here, after which they might join, but some current posters seem not to want more people reading their posts. Which of course would happen if Babble grew.
Bob
Posted by muffled on September 29, 2009, at 8:53:54
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on September 29, 2009, at 5:18:25
"What is it about Babble that made them sicker?
Is there something we can do about that?"Blocks, excessive blocks.
Apparently not...
Posted by Kath on September 29, 2009, at 19:05:03
In reply to Re: Dr Bob, time for some plain talk?, posted by SLS on August 21, 2009, at 13:42:27
People now come and go and don't stick around. Just my thoughts. Phillipa
>
> Yiah. We gained two great people on the Psychology board in one week, only to see them both disappear the following week. That's a trajedy.
>
>
> - Scott~ ~ I noticed the same thing also.
Kath
Posted by Kath on September 29, 2009, at 19:08:55
In reply to Re: Dr Bob, time for some plain talk? » Phillipa, posted by gobbledygook on August 21, 2009, at 14:11:33
>
> I miss Twinleaf, Fayeroe, Verne, and many others...they've been gone for so long.
>
> They brought a lot of spirit and heart here...void and sadness...that's what I feel.
>
> I hope all of you are doing well if you're reading this. I miss reading your posts.
>
> Ava
>~ ~ Ditto & lots of other also. :-(
Kath
Posted by Kath on September 29, 2009, at 19:13:44
In reply to Re: Dr Bob, time for some plain talk?, posted by Sigismund on August 21, 2009, at 15:43:43
> Lrrrrp
~~ Lurrrppp for sure & kk & Auntie Mel & Midnight Blue - lots!
Kath
Posted by Kath on September 29, 2009, at 19:20:17
In reply to Re: Dr Bob, time for some plain talk? » Partlycloudy, posted by rskontos on August 21, 2009, at 20:26:39
> I feel like Åva, the babble I used to cherish has eroded to something I don't always recognize. Maybe Phillipa is right, the trouble really vamped up after that announcement of students, then the Twitter thing, and all the unseemly blocks that I feel aren't warranted.
~ ~ I agree with the above ~ ~
> I felt like the Babble I first experience in 2006 is nothing like the Babble of today. that is just my 2 cents.~ ~ Me too. ~ ~
> I remember when I couldn't keep up with all the posts and threads, and now I come back every 10 -14 days and its easy to catch up. I miss all the traffic and posters. I long for those days but I am afraid it is the end of an era. so many friends gone now.~ ~ Me toooooo. Well I'm here mostly every day, but the # of posts, at least on Social is VERY small ~ ~
Kath
Posted by Kath on September 29, 2009, at 19:28:24
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on August 23, 2009, at 4:42:58
I have no plans to retire this site.
>
> Bob~ ~ Thanks for making that absolutely clear.
:-)
Kath
Posted by Kath on September 29, 2009, at 19:35:37
In reply to maintaining Babble, as I see it » Angela2, posted by 10derHeart on August 23, 2009, at 0:21:41
Thanks for that post.
:-) Kath
Posted by Kath on September 29, 2009, at 19:37:14
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Dr. Bob, posted by muffled on September 29, 2009, at 8:53:54
((muffie)) _ I love seeing you here.
xoxo Kath
Posted by Kath on September 29, 2009, at 19:40:06
In reply to Re: Dr Bob, time for some plain talk?, posted by Kath on September 29, 2009, at 19:05:03
Sorry for the big row of posts by moi!
I read the whole thread & just answered as i went along.
Kath
Posted by Phillipa on September 29, 2009, at 20:09:22
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on September 29, 2009, at 5:18:25
Hi Dr. Bob don't think as far as sickness goes that's a problem that can be fixed. Seems the ones I've spoken to got scared and frightened by thinking they had conditions they didn't. One in particular comes to mind that no longer posts, takes meds, and is excelling in University. Some sorry to say it privately expressed to me they were "tired of hearing about MAOI's". That they were on SSRI's and maybe one other med and that was it. So joined as an example facebook to allow themselves a place to socialize and if choose discuss their med. Now the ones I know usually privately e-mail me when meds are discussed and focus more on quizes and games there. And everyday life. Hope this is civil. No criticisms here that I'm aware of. Just the honesty of the others I know. As for welcoming people when I do it's amazing how many babblemails I receive thanking me and viola another friendship is formed. Thanks for asking. Love Phillipa
Posted by MidnightBlue on September 30, 2009, at 0:48:07
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on September 29, 2009, at 5:18:25
>
> Another example is allowing posts to be tweeted. That might lead readers to some of the many thoughtful and intelligent posts here, after which they might join, but some current posters seem not to want more people reading their posts. Which of course would happen if Babble grew.
>
> BobDr. Bob,
Quite a large number of people requested that you not tweet their posts. Please honor that. Being on the "no tweet" list does not necessarily mean you want a non-vibrant Babble.
MidnightBlue
Posted by Kath on September 30, 2009, at 16:47:28
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Dr. Bob, posted by MidnightBlue on September 30, 2009, at 0:48:07
Hi MB,
I just mentioned missing you in another thread! How lovely to see your name.
:-) Kath
Posted by Justherself54 on October 2, 2009, at 9:53:17
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on September 29, 2009, at 5:18:25
I've been around Babble since 2002. Lately I find myself doing a lot of lurking but recently I posted about having to do another med change. Two posters replied to it. I had another question about the new med I was going to be taking and guess what..the same two posters were the only ones that replied to it (bless their hearts).
Something is wrong with this. I know that a lot of posters on the meds board have refractory type depression issues (as I do myself)..hence all the MAOI, augmenting meds and technical posts (even though there is a board for the more advanced discussions.)
These are my opinions and feelings. I've been on the med merry-go-round for over 35 years and I now find myself intimidated by the meds board. If I feel like this, what about the newbie struggling with their first med, let alone their first post? I have a feeling they come, they look, they go, which is a shame.
I know I'm guilty of not reaching out to new posters. I used to be better at it..
I sometimes feel I'm not smart enough for the meds board, which brings conflict in me, which isn't healthy. I find I'm usually frustrated and upset after visiting the meds board.
I'm too apathetic right now to continue (this took all my brain power to write)!
Posted by Deneb on October 2, 2009, at 11:22:14
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Justherself54 on October 2, 2009, at 9:53:17
I think we should bring back greeters here. We should have a bunch of volunteers at Babble who specifically look to welcome and explain things to newbies. That way there won't be that bystander effect, where people think other people will welcome better and other people think that too, so no one welcomes anyone.
Maybe lets try to have several greeters. I'll be a greeter! I'll make an effort to interact more with newbies.
Anyone else?
Posted by Kath on October 5, 2009, at 10:58:12
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Deneb on October 2, 2009, at 11:22:14
> Maybe lets try to have several greeters. I'll be a greeter! I'll make an effort to interact more with newbies.
>
> Anyone else?~ ~ I am mostly only on Social & sometimes Psychology. Sometimes I go to the Newbies board to check.
I can't take on a commitment to go around & check for new people on various boards. As far as explaining things, etc. I don't have the energy to do that.
What I can do, is, if I'm on a board & see a New Person, I will be glad to say Hi & Welcome. It's something I sometimes do anyway, but I can do it more frequently.
Kath
Posted by Deneb on October 5, 2009, at 11:11:17
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Deneb, posted by Kath on October 5, 2009, at 10:58:12
Thanks for doing that Kath! Just a simple Hi and Welcome would probably make newbies feel a lot more comfortable. I do that often when I can't help the person with a question.
Posted by Justherself54 on October 5, 2009, at 17:34:14
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Kath, posted by Deneb on October 5, 2009, at 11:11:17
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2009, at 15:21:05
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Deneb, posted by Kath on October 5, 2009, at 10:58:12
> > What is it about Babble that made them sicker? Is there something we can do about that?
>
> Blocks, excessive blocks.
> Apparently not...
>
> muffledIf someone isn't willing or able to be civil, they could be blocked repeatedly, which might of course be painful for them. And I guess we're both limited in our ability to help others be civil.
--
> Being on the "no tweet" list does not necessarily mean you want a non-vibrant Babble.
>
> MidnightBlueNo, but it does mean you don't want, or at least are ambivalent about, new Babblers, doesn't it?
--
> I think we should bring back greeters here. We should have a bunch of volunteers at Babble who specifically look to welcome and explain things to newbies.
>
> Maybe lets try to have several greeters. I'll be a greeter! I'll make an effort to interact more with newbies.
>
> Anyone else?
>
> Deneb> I can't take on a commitment to go around & check for new people on various boards.
>
> KathI had a new idea about greeters. Maybe instead of them having to go around and check, there could be a mailing list that would send them links to posts by new Babblers?
Bob
Posted by Deneb on October 10, 2009, at 15:48:12
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2009, at 15:21:05
> I had a new idea about greeters. Maybe instead of them having to go around and check, there could be a mailing list that would send them links to posts by new Babblers?
>
> BobThat is an excellent idea Dr. Bob! That way no new posts will be overlooked! It's good because I don't check all the boards all the time. You can send me the links Dr. Bob. I want to help out in whatever way I can. It also makes me feel good to do something good for Babble and help people out. :-)
Posted by Kath on October 10, 2009, at 18:53:51
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2009, at 15:21:05
> > Being on the "no tweet" list does not necessarily mean you want a non-vibrant Babble.
> >
> > MidnightBlue
>
> No, but it does mean you don't want, or at least are ambivalent about, new Babblers, doesn't it?I don't see that 'no tweet' = not wanting new Babblers (speaking for myself). I don't feel ambivalent about new Babblers. I like there being new Babblers. Babble has helped me greatly & I like to see others getting support here.
The thing that makes me feel uncomfortable is the thought of people reading Babble posts out of sheer curiosity. Although I'm not "up on" the details of twitter, due to the fact that it is (if I understand correctly) a new popular internet 'thing' - I have the impression that there might be more of a chance of people reading out of curiosity. This, as opposed to someone discovering Babble as a result of doing a Google search on a psych med (the way I discovered it) or searching online for a support forum. Just thoughts.
> I had a new idea about greeters. Maybe instead of them having to go around and check, there could be a mailing list that would send them links to posts by new Babblers?
>
> BobI think that sounds like a good idea. For me, I can't make a commitment to welcoming all newbies; my ability to do so depends on what's happening in my life, hence 'how I'm doing'. Any thoughts on what commitment is involved in being a 'greeter'?
Kath
Posted by 10derHeart on October 10, 2009, at 18:56:38
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2009, at 15:21:05
>No, but it does mean you don't want, or at least are ambivalent about, new Babblers, doesn't it?
No, no, no and no.
I don't know if you are talking just to MB, or to the more global 'you', but I will answer anyway.
I'm more than a little surprised you posted that question. Why would you even think A means B? I don't remember much of anything - if anything at all - in the No Twitter thread that even hinted at not wanting new people here.
I don't really like Twitter. The more I've experienced it since that thread first started, the less I like it. It's overwhelming, for one thing, to even contemplate having yet another electronic "place" to keep track of, check, be a part of, whatever. There are other reasons I just don't know how to articulate. I particularly don't like you - or anyone - excerpting my Babble posts on Twitter, for the same reasons I and others have already explained. Babble is Babble and Twitter is Twitter. I may not be able to explain any further, rationally, the "why" of it, but I do KNOW it has nothing AT ALL to do with being ambivilent about new Babblers.
Nothing
what -
so -
ever.I really don't understand why you seem to think it does.
Maybe it's that you cannot understand that safety at (in the unique environment of) Babble does *not* equate to "safety from people I don't know yet" - that it is something else entirely?
Do YOU think links from Twitter are the best and/or ONLY way to achieve the aim of attracting new Babblers?
Posted by BayLeaf on October 10, 2009, at 21:46:10
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2009, at 15:21:05
>I had a new idea about greeters. Maybe instead of them having to go around and check, there could be a mailing list that would send them links to posts by new Babblers?
>Bob
Hey, make sure you add this to their welcome greeting!
"If someone isn't willing or able to be civil, they could be blocked repeatedly, which might of course be painful for them. - Bob"
You are trying to get people to come to a party which has no beer or chips. They'll just leave early. First make the place good, THEN invite guests.
Bay
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 12, 2009, at 0:15:16
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Dr. Bob, posted by 10derHeart on October 10, 2009, at 18:56:38
> > Maybe ... there could be a mailing list that would send them links to posts by new Babblers?
>
> That is an excellent idea Dr. Bob! That way no new posts will be overlooked! It's good because I don't check all the boards all the time. You can send me the links Dr. Bob. I want to help out in whatever way I can. It also makes me feel good to do something good for Babble and help people out. :-)
>
> Deneb> I think that sounds like a good idea. For me, I can't make a commitment to welcoming all newbies; my ability to do so depends on what's happening in my life, hence 'how I'm doing'. Any thoughts on what commitment is involved in being a 'greeter'?
>
> KathThanks, every little bit helps! And the more people that join in, the less there would be for each of you to do. The mailing list is a new Yahoo group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/psycho-babble-greeters
I think I also have the server automatically posting the links to this thread:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20080507/msgs/920478.html
And tweeting them (the links, not any of the text).
--
> I don't see that 'no tweet' = not wanting new Babblers (speaking for myself). I don't feel ambivalent about new Babblers.
>
> The thing that makes me feel uncomfortable is the thought of people reading Babble posts out of sheer curiosity. ... as opposed to ... discovering Babble as a result of doing a Google search on a psych med (the way I discovered it) or searching online for a support forum.
>
> Kath> I don't really like Twitter. The more I've experienced it since that thread first started, the less I like it. It's overwhelming, for one thing, to even contemplate having yet another electronic "place" to keep track of, check, be a part of, whatever. ... I particularly don't like you - or anyone - excerpting my Babble posts on Twitter, for the same reasons I and others have already explained. Babble is Babble and Twitter is Twitter. I may not be able to explain any further, rationally, the "why" of it, but I do KNOW it has nothing AT ALL to do with being ambivilent about new Babblers.
>
> 10derHeartI'm not sure Twitter searches and Google searches are so different. And this doesn't involve posters joining Twitter themselves.
Maybe the ambivalence isn't about all new Babblers, but just about certain new ones. Because they're different somehow? Just curious as opposed to needing support? Twitter as opposed to Babble?
I'm reminded of the concerns about the last research project. Like you, Twitter users are real people who can benefit from support and education. Anxiety is a natural result of change, and I think the reaction here was also a sign of cohesiveness and a desire to protect this community from disruption. As Seldom said back then, good can come of this -- for current posters, for new posters, and for the community as a whole. Let's try to be open to that possibility.
Bob
Posted by 10derHeart on October 12, 2009, at 2:27:00
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on October 12, 2009, at 0:15:16
I feel mostly unheard and COMPLETELY misunderstood.
But I am learning when to just walk away.
Sigh.
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