[little*rhino]

ok.. i work at home.. but one of the ways I am supposed to help myself stay healthy is to take my laptop out to some other place to work. You know, get among people, like in coffee shops or a library.

My break treat is time spent in chat periodically... I like chatting with people and it also helps me cope. Just talking out what is driving me nuts in the moment helps. It is a valuable tool and resource for me.

So... the issue is that there isn't any way to be in chat without the psychcentral logo being present. It's embarrassing and I have to avoid coming on here or I have to develop tiger-like reflexes so I can pounce on either the laptop lid or the close button if someone approaches. It's ridiculous.

The main window is as bad as long as you aren't at the top of the page... at least the logo is hidden... but you can't hide in chat.

The chat window doesn't do anything for ad revenue.. Google can't even see it if it's hidden in java, which it is... so... how about taking the logo off the chat window?

I don't mean to sound rude or anything Doc... because I happen to be very attached to some members here... I just want to be able to enjoy the site without having to be so vigilent in public.

[nonightowl]

Thanks for this! Even if I'm in the main page to log on, the logo is still quite prominent, and there's still a stigma to this sort of thing in this culture....

I like your comment about tiger reflexes Candika!

[paintingravens]

Originally Posted by nonightowl

Thanks for this! Even if I'm in the main page to log on, the logo is still quite prominent, and there's still a stigma to this sort of thing in this culture....

I like your comment about tiger reflexes Candika!

Agreed!!
I enjoyed the tiger-like reflexes thing as well...it tickled me a bit.

[gimmeice]

(((((((((((((( Candika ))))))))))))))))

Have you considered buying one of those laptop privacy screens, I have no idea what they cost or how well they work but I thought it would be a good option for complete privacy for you no matter what you are doing. I can see why you don't want people looking over your shoulder while in chat.

[phoenix7]

If people see me on the site at work - i just say im either doing research or answering my emails

[little*rhino]

thanks guys

now... what kind of bait do we need to use to lure his Doc-ness to read this?

ice ice baby... idk, the privacy screen might work.. but anyone directly behind me would still be able to read it.. and it isn't just me, not everyone can put up a screen, sometimes i think a screen would also make you conspicuous.

[DocJohn]

I've read it, but not sure there's anything I can do about it.

One could make a similar argument for removing the logo from every page on the site (e.g., it discourages people from researching on the site), but obviously, our logo is our identity... and I'm not real comfortable removing it from one of our services, even if I believe the reason you're asking me to do so is completely legitimate and understandable.

So while I understand and sympathize with your situation, I'm uncomfortable in taking any action to remove the logo from the chat rooms at this time.

DocJohn

[little*rhino]

thanks for responding doc... but i have to disagree, the chat rooms are not the same. With the main windows you can scroll them down and "hide" the logo that way. In fact, I'm doing that right now but you can't do it in chat.

the logo on the main pages, the forum or what have you, increases your visibility as far as search engines go... it's practical and valuable to have the logo there and it makes perfect sense to me. The chat window however does nothing for traffic or search engines.. it's in java. I don't understand why it needs to be there.

of course, your site, your rules...

[(JD)]

You can minimalize the browser page and only show the chat page. The small PsychCentral in the upper left of the chat page isn't very "readable" unless you're pretty close to the computer.

Now for a reframe? Why not consider that this isn't known to the whole world as a mental health support site, (though Doc John is working on that I'm sure lol) so someone reading it might think it is for professionals anyway... and of those passerby's and onlookers who might know, who of them is to say YOU aren't the professional giving out advice???

[little*rhino]

well, for one... it's a "on the spot" situation where you get the weird look. i don't feel comfortable and so i asked. Not everyone feels comfortable making up a reason why they might be here. i blush for one thing. Because i actually do have an illness i am self-conscious at times and in certain situations. Of course i can try to pretend im doing something i am not... but that isn't something i normally do. i don't feel good about it and i don't think i sound very convincing.

i'm sure other people could care less about what i might be doing here... but i care. It matters to me, which is why i asked. i'm obviously not alone in feeling that way. Comfort levels are not universal.

no.. the whole world does not know all about psychcentral.. but i disagree about the visibility of the logo.. it looks pretty obvious to me... then again my vision is really good.

you cannot minimize the browser window in the browser i use and have the chat window stay functional. It logs you out. You can't switch tabs either and both of those are a function of how the java is written. i have three browsers on each of my pc's and my imac and i've yet to see one act differently than that.

the reframe is only relevant when it is complete strangers wondering by. The people who i am referring to know me, usually in a tangential sort of way, meaning well enough to know i am not a mental health professional or a psych student or whatever, but not well enough for me to share something as intimate as my medical conditions. They stop, coffee in hand, right next to me to have a brief chit chat. The others.. the complete strangers, are the people who sit maybe three feet behind me because of the seating in the local cafe... it's a small place. They have a straight-on view of my screen... not enough to read what i am typing, but close enough to see graphics.

am i a little paranoid in a non-psychotic way? yes, probably... just like pretty much every person i ever meet who has a mental illness. i haven't met many who feel tickity-boo about whether people know or not. Some people can't even tell the people closest to them. A lot of it is fear... not just me... a *lot* of consumers (i hate that term but there it sits) have the big fear of who knows... and it is that way for a reason. i am speaking from the point of view of those same people.

now.. i do what i do... i do sometimes take the risks and log on anyway... i gauge that risk. i asked about the logo because i know i am not alone. Rational, irrational, stigma or figment.... the real world is afraid of people like me because i have a neurochemical that doesn't do what it should. Whether i voice my concerns or not.. the real world is still hostile against mental illness.

i've faced it... i've had to make a complaint to the human rights commission against a local official who treated me very unfairly simply based on the fact that i told the truth on a medical form. i also almost lost my driver's license when i moved into a different province because the question is on the change form.

i was just an inquiry but the doc feels differently than i.. so it is what it is now.

[(JD)]

No offense meant, I was just offering some ideas. How about hanging a small towel or something over that corner of the screen?

I use both IE and Mozilla, and both will minimize and leave the chat window open. It's the latest of both. I use xp on one and vista on the other. Maybe there is a difference there for what you're using? I'm sure someone with computer savvy might know for you. TC!

[I_WMD]

Candi ,, go to appearance at the top of the chat room page ,, * click * go to visual themes and *click* >> If you apply " ascend " >>>.. The Logo blends in about the best .

You have probably tried this >>> but just in case ya haven't .

WMD.

[little*rhino]

corky i remember trying that on the imac but i havent tried it yet with the new laptop. i will try that first chance i get... it sounds like a great idea.

i'm running a brand new vista system and mac osx 10.5.5 with explorer, safari, firefox, opera... and soon the new google browser. On the PC i am not surprised... vista was made by space monkeys... very dumb space monkeys.

on the imac i am keenly aware of the problems in explorer as it isn't supported on the mac anymore and so the only version is a patched version 5. i had to buy a seperate windows machine for that very reason.. but the log out problem happens on both anyway. java will go the way of purple ketchup eventually anyway.

[realblade]

1. Download/install firefox
2. Download/install AdBlockPlus
3. Enter PC, right click on logo, click AdBlock Image, OK
You're done.

[I_WMD]

java will go the way of purple ketchup eventually anyway. __________________.

.....But it goes well with the * green * mustard ,, [ or is that mayo ? ] mmmmmmmm??
Goes to join the space monkeys ,,, Here ,, yous try this first .....

Candi ,, Maybe realblade has found a way to help a bunch of folks .

Ugh ,, it was Mayo >>>...LOL.....

WMD.

[nonightowl]

Candika, these emoticons "speak" for me:

Now for a reframe? Why not consider that this isn't known to the whole world as a mental health support site, (though Doc John is working on that I'm sure lol) so someone reading it might think it is for professionals anyway... and of those passerby's and onlookers who might know, who of them is to say YOU aren't the professional giving out advice???

Just a thought, to reframe your reframe: Why would it be better to be a "professional giving out advice"? I can think of cases where that isn't true, such as when professionals are in denial about their own baggage and project it onto others. I suspect you meant therapist when you said "professional" but there are many professionals who hold other degrees.

Here is my suggestion: Candi, I understand what you are saying, but why not throw caution to the wind, be a rebel, and fight for the cause, lol? You should go all the way, though. Get a PC tatoo on your forehead or somewhere visible, wear a sweatshirt that says on the back of it, "I am chatting with crazy people on PsychCentral. Feel free to read over my shoulder." Wear a hat with a blinking PC sign. Wear a long skirt that has printed DSM criteria all over it and circle the ones that apply to you (and ones that don't just to add a little dramatic flair). Maybe have PC shaved into the side of your head? You're creative, I'm sure you can think of some other brilliant ideas, LOL. Make sure to post a picture. Maybe the new podcast will announce you as PCer of the week? Let us know how it goes.

[filifera]

You can easily remove logos (or ads or anything else) from web pages if you use FireFox and the "Adblock" or "Remove It Permanently" extensions. I use them to get rid of animated graphics (they aggravate my motion sickness). You could easily deploy the same technique to remove any embarrassing logos.

[DocJohn]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions regarding this issue. I think the best solution for individuals is indeed to use a plugin like Adblock. It can block any image/graphic on any website you want.

DocJohn

[lizardlady]

I'm probably gonna get myself in trouble here...

I realize there is a stigma against mental health problems in society. I long for the day that stigma goes away, but I'm afraid it will always be around. People fear what they don't understand.

OK, here's the part that's probably gonna "get" me...
If someone is concerned about others seeing where they go on the web why go there in a public setting? Oriented the computer screen so others can't see it. i.e. sit with your back to a wall and the screen facing you. Or just don't visit sites you don't want other people to know about when you are in public.

[nonightowl]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

I'm probably gonna get myself in trouble here...

I realize there is a stigma against mental health problems in society. I long for the day that stigma goes away, but I'm afraid it will always be around. People fear what they don't understand.

OK, here's the part that's probably gonna "get" me...
If someone is concerned about others seeing where they go on the web why go there in a public setting? Oriented the computer screen so others can't see it. i.e. sit with your back to a wall and the screen facing you. Or just don't visit sites you don't want other people to know about when you are in public.

This might get ME in trouble...LOL Oh well, it's annonymous. The stigma has been around, but I don't feel it's as blatant as it used to be. Still, there's a ways to go.

Oh, Lizard, you make some good points. But for reasons only known to Candika, maybe she does not want to get into this web site at home, but away from home on her laptop only. There may be people in chat she talks to who are logged in at certain times of her day(maybe due to time zone differences, even), and to chat with them, she may have to do this "on the go". Also, in a public place, the good seats are usually taken, probably for the privacy reasons mentioned here.

Some places even have designated areas for laptop users, so you can't always get a good location.

Had to put in my 2 cents.

Candika, hope something works out for you, with all the suggestions on this thread.

[314159pi]

i like the logos. when i go to this site i want to know where i am.
and i don't want to make it easy for me to enter a spoofed site which is a pretty dangerous problem.
i would be more concerned about my behavior in a cafe giving away my problems than a small logo on a chat page. and there are plenty of other chat rooms on the web if you are selfconscious about using this one in a public place.
i think the simplest solution if asked about it is to lie and say you are a psychologist or social worker touching base with clients.

isn't there enough stigma about mental illness that we don't also need to stigmatize ourselves? one of the first steps to wellness is to recognize and redress our problems. i don't see this thread as productive towards that.

it is not like someone is forcing you to wear a tee shirt that says, "i am with stupid."
i hope you still chat here.
-pi
BTW the logo is half illegible on the grey background of the chat window. there's no perceptable problem here.