[Soupe du jour]

I think I was the first person here that brought up "perceived cliquishness" and I followed that up with saying that I don't believe most (or possibly anyone) here wants there to be. I also know that most here are glad when new members "come aboard" and join this great bipolar support forum. However, I also mentioned that there is, indeed, sometimes a bit too little welcoming, encouragement, or figurative arms wrapping around new or struggling members.

Having been a facilitator (group leader) on a different bipolar forum in the past, I know the value of such welcoming efforts. It was part of the "job description" at that website. So was ensuring there are fresh and sufficient numbers of topics on the board. That was something that key members HERE did for a while. I don't know if they were "official" facilitators or just members who assumed a partial role of their own volition. For example, someone brought up blue bicycle further up in this thread. She was a shining example of a member who added topics frequently. Other former members (I won't list names) played a great role in the welcoming. I know that I should volunteer to do more of this, at least to a degree, but I, like many others, am under pressure, having significant life challenges. Nevertheless, I will try my best, especially with newer members. If others do, too, I bet the perceived "cliquishness" will reduce, perhaps more new members will stay on, and many will be happier about a growing and inviting community here. It only takes reaching out to one new(er) person each day, or one person that may infrequently hear from me.

[*Beth*]

I do try my best to reach out to both regular and new members. I don't view anyone as an outsider, I see potential friends. And to be honest I don't think so much about getting support, but I sure enjoy giving it. The "regulars" are people who spend consistent time on the board, that's all. It's not about cliquishness, it's all about participation. I see lots of lurkers on this board and always wish they'd join in.

[busymomof5]

Originally Posted by BethRags

So am I. Initiative can be good like that.

I have initiative, but whenever I come here, there are few threads to respond to. It’s hard as a new person to start new threads. I don’t feel the mega threads are engaging or welcoming to new people who aren’t an established part of the community. I find them unfulfilling and confusing to read. As a result, Ivvisit here only occasionally. This way there are new threads.

[Jmayfair]

I'm with you busymomof5.

[Mountaindewed]

I usually only post in mega threads or new posts asking you what your opinion or experience is. I’m not very good at giving feedback but I like to tell my experiences but since I rarely give feedback I don’t expect it back. And I’m fine if people don’t want to respond or if they do.

[Fuzzybear]

I think that a lot of people, both new and not so new, hesitate at times to start new threads, for a lot of different reasons. I do not think that there is one clique and ''outsiders''.... dynamics on most forums are, in my experience, more complex than this. I think that if you post more, you will find most people here to be friendly As others have mentioned, a couple of members who used to be here and posted a lot were welcoming of new or less frequent posters. I think other members also try to be friendly and welcoming although often do not have as much time to post as might be optimal for the positive growth of the forum. I too would very much welcome it if any lurkers decide to post.

[busymomof5]

I don’t think I ever implied that there was a clique here. I simply was asking about the mega threads. They don’t do anything for me. I was just curious about their popularity.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by busymomof5

I don’t think I ever implied that there was a clique here. I simply was asking about the mega threads. They don’t do anything for me. I was just curious about their popularity.

You're correct. I went back and re-read this thread; you never mentioned anything about clique issues (it was another member). That is something that happens with popular threads...they are a conversation and tend to wind around and get off topic. I've noticed that many times long threads get weird and hostile, and end up being closed by a mod.

Maybe one of the reasons mega-threads are popular is because they feel safe. Whenever I see a "regular" long thread I kind-of wince. A long thread usually means controversy, people debating/arguing, and stress.

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by BethRags

You're correct. I went back and re-read this thread; you never mentioned anything about clique issues (it was another member). That is something that happens with popular threads...they are a conversation and tend to wind around and get off topic. I've noticed that many times long threads get weird and hostile, and end up being closed by a mod.

Maybe one of the reasons mega-threads are popular is because they feel safe. Whenever I see a "regular" long thread I kind-of wince. A long thread usually means controversy, people debating/arguing, and stress.

I had not (previously) noticed this.

I also think that could be partly why the check in threads are so popular, some (many?) members feel safe in them.

[VerMOZZica]

I like the mega threads too especially bipolar check in. I like to read how everyone is doing. I really don`t like to post a new thread all about myself . I find it`s easier to pop in these threads if I have something to add. I also find people who post here frequently to be supportive and add something if they think it will help. That`s just my opinion.

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by VerMOZZica

I like the mega threads too especially bipolar check in. I like to read how everyone is doing. I really don`t like to post a new thread all about myself . I find it`s easier to pop in these threads if I have something to add. I also find people who post here frequently to be supportive and add something if they think it will help. That`s just my opinion.

Good post

[amandalouise]

I dont participate in the mega threads very often because like other posters have noticed mega threads tend to close.

one reason for the closures have nothing to do with the thread was in fighting mode, its is because once the mega thread reaches 100 pages its manditory closure and a new one is started by the moderators. this is something to do with the sites servers./platforms/ software that can only handle so many pages.

the second reason that they close like other members stated is when the thread becomes debating, off topic or cause for fights to keep breaking out.

there are ways to keep mega threads from getting closed. for example when I start a thread and I know that it has the potential for fights to break out of it be taken off topic I keep close tabs on that thread and I report any suspicious posts to me that may be attempts to derail or pick a fight with members.

Sometimes with my threads and sometimes other mega threads I will ask a moderator to have a "heads up" on a particular thread as I may see where it may go wrong and the possibility that there may be members getting hurt by it. Im not a moderator but I have read many postings by doc john and others over the years, that have stated its only a safe place based on whether members do their parts too by using the ignore feature and reporting.

So when I see a post (mine or otherwise) that may in my opinion beginning or has the potential to be a problem I give the moderators a heads up even with the mega threads (mine or otherwise). they cant be everywhere and need our help when problems may arise.

[MoxieDoxie]

I do not like mega threads either. I do not read them and rarely participate in them. It annoys me that they are always the first thread.

[Fuzzybear]

Or sometimes a poster asks for their thread to be closed.

As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I enjoy the ''non'' mega threads (well, most of them.. )

Originally Posted by amandalouise

I dont participate in the mega threads very often because like other posters have noticed mega threads tend to close.

one reason for the closures have nothing to do with the thread was in fighting mode, its is because once the mega thread reaches 100 pages its manditory closure and a new one is started by the moderators. this is something to do with the sites servers./platforms/ software that can only handle so many pages.

the second reason that they close like other members stated is when the thread becomes debating, off topic or cause for fights to keep breaking out.

there are ways to keep mega threads from getting closed. for example when I start a thread and I know that it has the potential for fights to break out of it be taken off topic I keep close tabs on that thread and I report any suspicious posts to me that may be attempts to derail or pick a fight with members.

Sometimes with my threads and sometimes other mega threads I will ask a moderator to have a "heads up" on a particular thread as I may see where it may go wrong and the possibility that there may be members getting hurt by it. Im not a moderator but I have read many postings by doc john and others over the years, that have stated its only a safe place based on whether members do their parts too by using the ignore feature and reporting.

So when I see a post (mine or otherwise) that may in my opinion beginning or has the potential to be a problem I give the moderators a heads up even with the mega threads (mine or otherwise). they cant be everywhere and need our help when problems may arise.

[divine1966]

I think as long as it’s within guidelines I don’t care what kind of threads people post. I don’t read what I don’t want to read .

I know certain styles of posting could be reported and moderators would look into it: too many threads on the same topic in different sub forums like copy and paste same thread in ten sub forums, also deliberately monopolizing threads like making 50 posts back to back taking over threads so no one else can post anything etc But these aren’t common behaviors. Normally mega threads are just fine because everyone can post on there. Or not post

[Snap66]

Originally Posted by MoxieDoxie

I do not like mega threads either. I do not read them and rarely participate in them. It annoys me that they are always the first thread.

That too drives me crazy...

I don't get the point of mega threads when its only two people chatting back and forth.
That's usually a sign that people are over it and that dead horse has been flogged!

I can block the person but I wish I could block their damn posts so their not at the top of the page.

[Skeezyks]

I don't post in the "mega-threads". It's not that I disapprove of them. But jumping into the middle of a mega-thread always feels to me like I'm butting into someone else's conversation.

While I stop by MSF regularly, I don't post here much anymore. When I do post it's mostly in the Games forum. (And I haven't been there recently either.) There doesn't tend to be much here anymore to which I feel I have anything substantive to contribute. So, while I have no plans to close my account, I doubt I'll be the active member I was.

[AzulOscuro]

I got a mega thread here and it wasn’t on purpose I swear it.
I barely had a couple of replies in the other threads I wrote here and I’ve been here for many years.

I don’t use to write on mega threads unless they are my concern but I think it’s cool that you can share with a group of people somewhere, when you share a same topic.
Another that I see with good eyes are the threads that tend to encourage other members to achieve goals or overcome their issues but always that there is a real interaction between the participants. You know, avoid that of “me, me me”. In that case, I avoid them.

[*Beth*]

Like anything else on the forum, if the topic or thread annoys me I simply avoid it and go somewhere else. I find mega-threads interesting because people are usually most "real" on them, probably because they're kind-of a conversation.

I participate in some of the community threads, myself. I prefer them over posting a separate thread, but that's how I prefer to engage with this forum community. I feel the same as BethRags - I just scroll by if it doesn't interest me, even someone's long "mega" thread. But everyone's different. This is just me.