hey. have posted at a couple of online support groups.

one of the reasons why i post is because other people post things that i can relate to. that helps me feel less alone. another is that i find it easier to get up the courage to share thoughts / feelings / actions that are hard for because of the anonymity. i've found that everytime i've posted something like that someone else could relate. that helps me feel less alone and less ashamed / embarrassed. that helps me a lot.

another reason is that i've found i can actually help people and helping people helps me feel better about myself. that i can do something worthwhile. i post to say that i can relate to people and i post advice and bits as well. just saying 'i'm sorry you are feeling so bad i hope you feel better soon' can be nice for someone to hear.

another reason is that over time i've gotten to know people off boards. i communicate with people i've met on boards by email, over the phone, and in a couple of cases i've met them in person too. i really feel like i've made some friends on the boards.

another reason is that at this board i used to post at i learned a lot about conflict resolution. there was a board that was for processing admin issues and i enjoyed being part of the process there for a time.

another reason is that people can be valuable sources of informtion. if you are wondering about medication or about what this rash might be etc. you need to take things with a grain of salt because you don't know who these people are but as you get to know them over time you get a better idea of who to trust etc.

unfortunately i'm unable to post links to other sites on this board (that is one of the rules of this site)
unfortunately i'm unable to post about what i don't like about posting on this board (that is another one of the rules of this site)

if you suggest changes then sometimes that is perceived as your running down the ways things are currently done etc etc...

i just mean to say that you likely won't get that second part of your question answered (i.e., you won't get balanced responses) on the boards.

take care.