As the primary categories on the forum. We are wanting to make it easier for us to identify what a User ACTUALLY needs when they are posting, and we see there are two primary kinds of support people are /usually/ asking for:
Advice
Be Heard
What if we were to change the categories on the forum so when someone creates a topic they select one of those two options so they can let us know what kind of support they are looking for?
Vote below by saying:
→ Keep things as they are
→ I like the changes
I like the idea of making it more simple and straight forward, also sometimes its hard to know when to give or not give advice from your own experiences as a way of helping, this would make it far simpler, if they someone wants advice they ask for it, if not then great. Lisa.
I really like those changes. I can only speak from my own experience, but I know sometimes when I vent or try to talk about what I’m going through I find it a tad frustrating when the other person is trying to “fix” it, when all I want is to simply get things off my chest. Totally no offense to the listener! I appreciate the gesture and the willingness to help, but sometimes I just need an opportunity to let it out. I feel like when unneeded suggestions are offered, I have to further defend my point of view and explain myself more about why those suggestions won’t work or why I am unwilling to try their suggestions. Then I feel bad and the listener feels bad and it becomes something more than it originally was.
Sorry if this was a lot or confusing, just thought I’d give another point of view!
I like the changes a lot for the same reasons others have said. Could there still be an option for journal/progress though? Because sometimes I don’t need to be supported by being heard or given advice, sometimes I just want to share something with people who get it/post for my own reference without expecting replies. I’dfeel like I’dbe detracting from the people who really need support by choosing be heard. Maybe more of an update or reflection? Idk
Really like the changes. Especially when people can feel comfortable selecting if they want advice/input.
I know how it feels to smile and nod and want to choke someone because all you wanted is for someone to hear you and feel like you’re not alone.
Sometimes I run across something inspiring I’d like to share. Other times I’d like to share my own thoughts (that I think may be helpful). Such things don’t quite fit in the current categories.
However, I think the last two should be added, instead of replacing the ones that currently exist. Sometimes a person wants support in the form of validation, but may not be interested or ready for advice. “Be Heard” may fulfill that need, or the need for venting. “Advice” may need a subcategory of “requesting,” or “offering.”