SUGGESTION FOR SJOGRENS WORLD STAFF

[inga]

I think a lot of posts could be in the social section....such as those support threads.

I would appreciate a Scientific Inquiry section, for those that are interested in those aspects.

I see most posts as

Personal Stories  (Case histories)
Emotional Support (Vents, rants, diaries, humor, etc)
Scientific (Research)
Nutritional
Symptoms (What are the symptoms? Symptom management)

It all boils down to that.

It is probably hard for mods to be on here constantly reading every post, especially if long or difficult, and people would need to use common sense as to what went where.

[anita]

I like Inga's topic suggestions.  I might add that one for testing/diagnosis would be nice.  We have many (steady amount) about the various tests for a diagnosis.

I can't see how dividing topics is more reading for the mods...the total number of posts won't change.

Shortening the length of posts would certainly help.  I think the max characters could decrease more.  I didn't even notice a difference in the last "change/reduction". 

Maybe the mods can let us know what things might help them (like shortening, breaking up paragraphs, etc).  I'm sure they would have suggestions, particularly if they start using topics.

[inga]

Yes, diagnostics and labs is a good idea.

I agree on post length.  I am too wordy myself and am trying to keep things to the point and brief.

[Lily]

Anna,

Of course it's okay that you expressed a preference - that's all it is, not a criticism by any means.  You are a very nice lady.

Whichever way it goes, we'll continue to learn and contribute.

Take care,

Lily

[irish]

I have to add my 2 cents cause I just thought of something. I always forget about the "social" section and when I go over there I see that the threads are usually short and it seems like everyone else must forget about that section also.

I was just on a site for lupus the other day and they had the sections divided so that the social stuff was on top and then a few heavy lines dividing this section from the other physical/emotional/whatever section. I wonder if there would be more interest in the social section if it was moved over above the discussion section. Just a thought. I have seen quite a few site like that. Irish

[Linda196]

This suggestion was brought to the staff via e-mail before the staff meeting, so everyone could carefully consider it and not be required to make a hurried decision during the meeting.

All aspects were considered, and the decision was; there would be no separation of the boards. Many of the deciding factors have already been mentioned here, not the least of which is the involvement of several systems in almost every aspect of this disease, which (in the "topic" years) lead to multiple "cut and paste" postings of the same reply in several threads. Also, as Scottie mentioned, the fact that the topics were divided between moderators didn't really help much, since each one read every topic anyway since there was so much overflow and crossreference from one topic to another.

As members, you can help on you're own when starting new topics, by clearly stating in the subject line exactly what your post deals with. This will help direct others to posts that are of more interest to them. Vague subject lines like "anyone else have this" or "how can I do that" in no way tell readers what they might find in a post, and for those who wish to deal only with certain aspects of the disease, it can be very frustrating. Possibly a subject worded with the general system being discussed might help...something like "NEURO- foot tingling concerns" or "EYES- meaning of new Schirmer's results?"

PLEASE......try to make more use of the Social Hour Board......that's meant to be our playground and friend time, an escape from the daily grind of Sjogren's!

[Katybarstool]

Linda

Thank you for that - and to all the staff team for considering how to make the site more useful. I will certainly bear your comments in mind when posting.

Kathyx

[ohiolady]

Thanks to Linda and staff for your consideration.  I like your ideas on posting a new thread. 

Anna