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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by lucie lu on November 11, 2008, at 10:24:19
In reply to take care everyone, posted by raisinb on November 10, 2008, at 20:07:10
Aw Raisin,
I understand your feelings but hope that you feel comfortable posting again soon. It will help to know that you will be lurking and step into the fray occasionally. In the meantime, I will miss hearing from you.
Take care,
Lucie
Posted by lucie lu on November 11, 2008, at 10:27:23
In reply to Re: Research project » lucie lu, posted by twinleaf on November 9, 2008, at 19:59:31
Posted by lucie lu on November 11, 2008, at 10:41:00
In reply to Re: Research project, posted by Dr. Bob on November 10, 2008, at 2:39:37
If this project was supported by NIMH, it was probably designed within a hypothesis-testing framework. I would venture the following guess about the project ;)That the hypothesis, based on feedback about this site written in our posts, is that this sort of forum is helpful as adjunct to therapy. The project would therefore be to test this hypothesis by taking people in therapy or maybe in different stages of therapy, suggesting that they use this site, and getting feedback from them and also their therapists about whether participating on Babble helped them or not. At least that's what I would do in Bob's position and given his clinical interests. So we are not the subjects (we couldn't be anyway since we are anonymous) but the hope is that we will keep on doing what we do and participate with any new Babblers who were referred to the site. There's nothing to say that they couldn't stay on if they find it helpful.
So that's my entry for the "guess the study" contest :) If true, I wouldn't have a problem with the experiment per se unless, as discussed, there was an avalanche of new users. But I know I would feel a little weird at first and might not welcome newcomers as warmly as I would normally, maybe a bit more warily. Not proud of that, just being realistic about myself and that I tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers anyway.
Lucie
Posted by muffled on November 11, 2008, at 11:06:24
In reply to Re: Research project, posted by lucie lu on November 11, 2008, at 10:41:00
lotsa good stuff said.
well said lucie.
Raisin, hope you keep posting.
Just post to those you know if you want.
Take care all
M
Posted by stellabystarlight on November 11, 2008, at 11:49:01
In reply to Re: Research project, posted by lucie lu on November 11, 2008, at 10:41:00
> If this project was supported by NIMH, it was probably designed within a hypothesis-testing framework. I would venture the following guess about the project ;)
That the hypothesis, based on feedback about this site written in our posts, is that this sort of forum is helpful as adjunct to therapy. The project would therefore be to test this hypothesis by taking people in therapy or maybe in different stages of therapy, suggesting that they use this site, and getting feedback from them and also their therapists about whether participating on Babble helped them or not. At least that's what I would do in Bob's position and given his clinical interests. So we are not the subjects (we couldn't be anyway since we are anonymous) but the hope is that we will keep on doing what we do and participate with any new Babblers who were referred to the site. There's nothing to say that they couldn't stay on if they find it helpful.
So that's my entry for the "guess the study" contest :) If true, I wouldn't have a problem with the experiment per se unless, as discussed, there was an avalanche of new users. But I know I would feel a little weird at first and might not welcome newcomers as warmly as I would normally, maybe a bit more warily. Not proud of that, just being realistic about myself and that I tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers anyway.
Lucie
I agree with your guess, Lucie...I had the same thoughts about the study. Thanks as always for articulating my thoughts so well.So, late last night I was babbling about hoping that all 230 participants post here...well, if I'm being honest, I'm finding myself suspiciously looking around this morning to see which poster might be part of the study by guaging sincerity of their posts and whatnot. And feeling a little anxious about seeing a flood of green colored "new" flags all over the boards. And relieved and reassured to see familiar names like Lucie, Twinleaf, Dinah, etc...
I'm also scared of the unknown possible changes, but at the same time fascinated by what this research has brought. Maybe I've been reading too many psych books lately, but I can't help but notice all the transference/countertransference on the board since the research announcement, and be fascinated by it. I feel like a little kid nervous and excited at the same time...waiting at the top of the stairs to see who's going to come through the door.
Stellabystarlight
Posted by Deneb on November 11, 2008, at 12:02:36
In reply to Re: Research project » lucie lu, posted by stellabystarlight on November 11, 2008, at 11:49:01
Hmmm...I don't remember who wrote the post about comparing the new participants to new siblings, but I thought that might be true for me.
I'm wondering if I'm anxious and maybe a bit jealous.
I wonder if they will be special etc.
LOL and Dr. Bob is like our dad. ROFL I think, will they get special treatment?
I think I'm OK with this for now.
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 11, 2008, at 15:44:52
In reply to Re: Research project, posted by muffled on November 10, 2008, at 17:10:49
> Did you tell us originally out of consideration or because you HAD to to get approval....?
Out of consideration.
> unlike us, they will be reporting back how it goes for them?
Yes, post-study questionnaires will be collected from them. You can of course let me know how this goes for you. Would you be interested in reporting as part of the study, too?
> > a large influx of new posters could be disruptive. Do you think there should be some sort of limitation?
>
> Limitation?How could you ask that?For example, the number during a particular time period could be limited, and beyond that they could be asked to wait.
> There may come a time (I hope) where I am well enuf that I would rather not have my old 'stuff' ever be possibly connected to me.
I can understand wanting to leave the past behind, thanks.
> I am sure impressed with how others responded here, there sure are some wonderful people here :-) and obviously they really care for this community enuf to express their concerns. I think that its cool so many posted to this.
Me, too!
Bob
Posted by lucie lu on November 11, 2008, at 16:46:20
In reply to Re: Research project, posted by Dr. Bob on November 11, 2008, at 15:44:52
> > > a large influx of new posters could be disruptive. Do you think there should be some sort of limitation?
> For example, the number during a particular time period could be limited, and beyond that they could be asked to wait.Bob,
Thanks for the clarifications. I think a limit might be a good idea, at least for the Psych board, if a satisfactory mechanism can be found. (I really can't say anything about the other boards, which perhaps present less of a problem in this respect; my comments really only concern the Psych board.) Apart from the more abstract concern of disrupting the community, there is a more practical consideration: we can only respond to so many people at a time! The usual response to new posters is to welcome them but also to respond to their threads. This initial response is really important to help someone enter the community and feel that they might really matter. It is important enough that many of us still remember our first posts and people who responded to them! The reality is that there is rarely enough time to produce a considered reply to than a handful of threads at a time; this in addition to any we might introduce ourselves. Let's say we get three new posters one night, for example, and one or all start threads that require something other than "welcome to Babble." If they are new, I would want to respond to them. However, I want to still have time for the people I know who have threads going, and there are often a number of those too. I realize that the "burden" (pardon my saying that, you know what I mean) is spread among the community but in reality there are a finite number of people who actually post regularly at any given point in time. We all feel guilty when we get busy and don't have time to respond to the threads of people we know and care about; then add in new people as well and, well, you get the picture. There wouldn't seem to be much value for the study if the new posters overwhelmed the board so it couldn't operate as business as usual.
It might be helpful to hear from others, specifically from the Psych board but maybe also people who post on other boards, how many new people they think the board could handle, say, per week? Specifying the board they are referring to would be helpful; clearly they do not all have the same issues.
Lucie
Posted by Dinah on November 11, 2008, at 17:22:41
In reply to Re: Research project, posted by Dr. Bob on November 11, 2008, at 15:44:52
Maybe I'm just perverse. But while I wasn't too crazy about the idea of change, I'm also not crazy about the idea of limitations.
I suppose the sheer volume, given the volume of the board right now, does bother me a bit. Yet the idea of putting a numerical limit also bothers me, for some reason.
I suppose my thought is that not all will have issues that will draw them to any one board. They'll probably have differing degrees of comfort at jumping in vs tiptoeing in. As others have mentioned, they may or may not find Babble all that engaging for various reasons.
Or maybe my anxiety just wars with my feelings of obligation to be hospitable and welcoming.
It seems a bit unfortunate that this will happen before Dr Bob had a chance to get around to some of the housekeeping he's discussed over time. The closing of some boards, and trying to fix the issues regarding Newbies. The setup is a bit confusing, and given the low volume on some boards, it could be a bit less than welcoming as well.
Posted by Dinah on November 11, 2008, at 17:47:14
In reply to Re: Research project, posted by Dr. Bob on November 11, 2008, at 15:44:52
I do think it would be a good idea for you to block out enough time to keep an eye on things.
Posted by seldomseen on November 11, 2008, at 18:01:31
In reply to Re: Research project » Dr. Bob, posted by Dinah on November 11, 2008, at 17:47:14
> I do think it would be a good idea for you to block out enough time to keep an eye on things.
I think that would be a very very good idea as well.
Posted by muffled on November 11, 2008, at 18:06:23
In reply to Re: Research project - Dr. Bob » Dinah, posted by seldomseen on November 11, 2008, at 18:01:31
Posted by muffled on November 11, 2008, at 22:54:59
In reply to Re: Research project, posted by Dr. Bob on November 11, 2008, at 15:44:52
> > Did you tell us originally out of consideration or because you HAD to to get approval....?
>
> Out of consideration.* well I AM pleased to hear that :-)
> > unlike us, they will be reporting back how it goes for them?
>
> Yes, post-study questionnaires will be collected from them. You can of course let me know how this goes for you. Would you be interested in reporting as part of the study, too?*I think there would be MANY babblers who would fill out a questionaire if one was posted, or a link to one.....
> > Limitation?How could you ask that?
>
> For example, the number during a particular time period could be limited, and beyond that they could be asked to wait.*Mebbe ask Dinah or somebody, or there's some smart folks out there who will post bout it. Mebbe start a thread bout it if they care. I REAL bad with numbers.
> > I am sure impressed with how others responded here, there sure are some wonderful people here :-) and obviously they really care for this community enuf to express their concerns. I think that its cool so many posted to this.
>
> Me, too!*:-) Just left this cuz its a happy thing.
M
Posted by obsidian on November 11, 2008, at 23:19:50
In reply to Re: Research project, posted by Dr. Bob on November 11, 2008, at 15:44:52
> Yes, post-study questionnaires will be collected from them. You can of course let me know how this goes for you. Would you be interested in reporting as part of the study, too?
yes, I would
> > > a large influx of new posters could be disruptive. Do you think there should be some sort of limitation?phasing them in seems like a good strategy, just not all at once, we can get to know them hopefully a little at a time
green flags remind me of little surrender flags
you can't respond to too many little notes in a bottle all at once
Posted by muffled on November 11, 2008, at 23:38:53
In reply to Re: Research project » Dr. Bob, posted by obsidian on November 11, 2008, at 23:19:50
just cuz
:-)
Posted by Deneb on November 11, 2008, at 23:51:35
In reply to Re: Research project » Dr. Bob, posted by obsidian on November 11, 2008, at 23:19:50
> > Yes, post-study questionnaires will be collected from them. You can of course let me know how this goes for you. Would you be interested in reporting as part of the study, too?
>
> yes, I wouldI wanna be special too! LOL Guinea pigs are soooo cute. ROFL
Just kidding, I mean, um, I would also like to contribute to medical research. LOL
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 12, 2008, at 1:46:41
In reply to Re: Research project, posted by muffled on November 11, 2008, at 22:54:59
> *I think there would be MANY babblers who would fill out a questionaire if one was posted, or a link to one.....
I'll ask, it wasn't part of the plan...
Bob
Posted by muffled on November 12, 2008, at 9:37:27
In reply to Re: Research project, posted by Dr. Bob on November 12, 2008, at 1:46:41
mebbe we don't fit criteria for study cuz we SPECIAL!!!! :-)
Posted by rskontos on November 12, 2008, at 17:48:31
In reply to lol, posted by muffled on November 12, 2008, at 9:37:27
Posted by antigua3 on November 13, 2008, at 10:22:27
In reply to Re: Research project » Dr. Bob, posted by lucie lu on November 11, 2008, at 16:46:20
I'm sorry. I don't think of myself as paranoid, but this whole situation just doesn't sit right with me. I know it's just me being me, but I don't trust the boards already. Good-bye. Love to all.
antigua
Posted by Dinah on November 13, 2008, at 11:56:55
In reply to Re: Research project, posted by antigua3 on November 13, 2008, at 10:22:27
I of course honor your decision to do what you need to do to keep yourself safe.
But it's early days yet. We don't know how it will play out, and we don't know which boards will be affected or how.
There are times when I frankly don't feel safe at Babble for one reason or another. Where I back off and don't post anything that exposes me too much. But even then I often find it useful to stay close and concentrate on the support and bonds I've developed here. Even if it isn't terribly deep or revealing.
However, that's me, and I totally understand if it doesn't suit your needs. I'll miss you, and welcome you back if and when you feel that Babble can be helpful to you again.
Posted by antigua3 on November 13, 2008, at 14:36:47
In reply to Re: Research project » antigua3, posted by Dinah on November 13, 2008, at 11:56:55
Posted by JohnnyBLinux on November 14, 2008, at 4:30:53
In reply to Research project, posted by Dr. Bob on November 8, 2008, at 2:22:01
A research project, eh? Nice. Maybe I'll "observe" or something.
Posted by Lou Pilder on November 14, 2008, at 8:52:56
In reply to Re: Research project, posted by JohnnyBLinux on November 14, 2008, at 4:30:53
> A research project, eh? Nice. Maybe I'll "observe" or something.
JohnnyB,
You wrote,[...eh?...]
I am unsure as to what meaning you are wanting to have understood here in your use of {eh}.
Some generally accepted meanings of the word, {eh}, is in a surprise or sometimes to indicate{doubt}, or something else.
If you could declare as to what you are wanting {eh} to mean here, then I could have the opportunity to respond accordingly.
Lou
Posted by Justherself54 on November 14, 2008, at 13:14:11
In reply to Lou's request for a declaration-eh » JohnnyBLinux, posted by Lou Pilder on November 14, 2008, at 8:52:56
Lou..it could just mean the poster might be a Canadian. We're famous for putting eh's at the end of some of our sentences!
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