KD mentioned this in another thread and I didn't want to hijack so I started this one about the Private and Exclusive Support Forum.

*REMINDER*

Anyone that's donated has immediate entrance to the Supportor's Forum...exclusive and private.

If you've donated any amount and would like access, please PM me. If you've contributed in the past and would like access, please PM me as well. PM either myself, January or DocJohn.

Thanks everyone!

KD

-----------

We have so many newbies I was thinking maybe an explanation of exactly what the exclusive forum is might be beneficial? Maybe a sticky thread?

That way no one will feel that the only way in is to pay.

(Maybe _Sky tells them about it when she greets them?)

Anyway, just thought maybe a Sticky Thread explaining it would help.

[pegasus]

Ugh! It's not who you are, it's how much money you've got!

Is support being judged on whether we have money?

I think the private forum should be by invitation for people who truly support Psych Central.

Just my opinion.

I find this totally distasteful!

[pegasus]

You are also allowed in to the exclusive forum if you have reached Grand Magnate status.

I wanted to join it before I had reached this status because I felt I was a supportive member, but I wasn't allowed in.

Guess I'm just not good enough.

[sabby]

The Supporters forum is not just for folks who are able to contribute monetary support. It is also for individuals who have given support in other ways. An example could be an article written for PC, or some other way that someone has gone over and above the normal support arena in the forums to help another individual.

This forum is not meant to exclude on the basis of lack of money.

I hope this clears up any misconceptions of the Supporters Forum.

Hugsss
Sabby

I thought the asking for money was distasteful enought in a setting such as this, but this takes the biscuit. I'm sure there are hardship cases, BUT this isn't the place to ask for financial assistence, then to advertise a "bonus" private forum is just to much. I seriously need to consider if this is a healthy enviroment. When such co-dependents are running it.

[bebop]

wow that is harsh. people don't come here just asking for money. most of the fund raisers we have are for long time members that have had something happen that they need help. I would hope that if I or you needed it we could feel we could ask when there is no other place to get help.

as far as the supporters forum there are other ways to get to that status. like was mentioned writing an article for the newsletter.

I don't think Doc John is co-dependent at all but does offer a good place to get support and yes help money wise if someone really needs it.

[kimmydawn]

*Everyone* has the opportunity to become a part of this forum. As sabau said, it's a gift to those who contribute in a special way BUT also for any and every member in that it's available at the 3,000 post mark.

There is no exclusion in that every member can gain entrance in a variety of ways.

Thanks always for the support and care.

KD

*Everyone* has the opportunity to become a part of this forum.

Yes, exactly KD. That's why I thought a "sticky" explaining what the forum was all about, and what the criteria was for joining would be helpful. I had some PM's from Newbies asking me what the supporter's forum is.

I think the terminology used "exclusive and private" in the other thread might be causing confusion because then you mention here that "there is no exclusion."

Maybe in the FAQ's where it lists the titles given by number of posts could have an asterick next to 3,000 with an explanation?

Just a thought.

[kimmydawn]

Let me rephrase...

The forum is exclusive to members showing a predetermined site/member support. It is private and viewed only by the members of that forum (i.e. contributions to articles/book, contributions to member drives, reaching 3,000 posts).

It does not exclude anyone from gaining access in that *any* member has the opportunity to gain access on some level, and at some point if it's their goal.

There are a couple of different applications for the word "exclusive".

KD

There are a lot of vunrable people on this site that will worry if they cannot "give" worry if they do not reach "grand" status. I am not one of them but worry for those that have been manipulated and put into a place of powerlessness most of their lifes.

I have resigned my membership. Thank you for the time I have been here.

[seeker1950]

Mouse, hun...please reconsider!
I have contributed directly to a couple of members here in the past, not thru Paypal or PC, and I don't need to be in an exclusive forum. LIke you say, others, like myself now, can't contribute due to financial constraints. I don't feel at all offended by the supportive members' forum. PC is a good place for all of us!
Love
Patty

[asylumgardens]

I think it's kind of offensive too. Isn't paying for support what therapy is for?

[kimmydawn]

This isn't about "paying for support".

In fact, only one entrance to the forum is when a member offers help to another member in a monetary fashion.

I just wanted to clear that up.

KD

(((( mouse_ ))))

I have contributed to PC, but have never joined the forum for much of the same reasons as you.

But like Patty said, I don't need to be in another forum.

I brought this up because there were references made to an exclusive, private forum (more than once) and half the members don't even know it exists.

I thought an explanation of what it is, how to gain access, etc. was needed and would be the right thing to do for the membership as a whole. That way everyone would know about it.

Please reconsider mouse_.

I'm very confused but doubt I would ever qualify for any Private and Exclusive Support Forum. I'm too self-centered and not any good in the support department.

It would be nice to know when I do make a donation that it ends up doing some good.

I'm one step ahead of the bill collector most days. A donation is like deciding to wait until next month to get a hair cut or squeezing 6 weeks instead of 4 out of a tank of gas.

I'm not trying to be....shoot mind went blank. Nor I'm not looking for sympathy. That's not the point at all.

I just would like to know it helped even if it's only in a small way.

Jeez, how come it's such a well-kept 'secret' then. Is it even in the FAQ?

It's funny that even I, having been here ages, haven't the foggiest as to who is allowed in this exclusive in-clique. Then again, why I am surprised

Would have been nice to let *everyone* know rather than a select few 'chosen ones' and newbies. That sounds like such a sneaky way to implement a reward system for contributors. And how disrespectful to those members who aren’t deemed to be ‘good enough’ to be informed and/or let in.

(PS: I’m using the quick quote thingy so not aimed at the person above me)

Actually, keb and Always, you can access it because you have over 3,000 posts.

But this is exactly why I thought an explanation would be helpful. People don't know about it, even those that can join. When people stumble across a reference to it, it just makes it seem more exclusive than it is.

It's simple really, just an explanation posted somewhere around here so people know what it is and how to gain access.

[radio_flyer]

I think the "private forum" is a good idea. I think for those who "support" others it is like a umm gosh what work am I trying to think of now. Not a treat, but more like a special thank you for all the people they reach out to, either by sending a few dollars, or holding a cyber hand to those in crisis.

I think I might be one of the few here that would "shy" away from the private forum, even when I might "qualify" for going there. I feel comfy here and this is where I will stay ..

I think those of us who don't have access to the forum should instead of complaining, be happy and be supportive of those that do visit the private forum. There is so much going on here to keep one busy all day..

Just my opinion... You do not have to agree with me.

[radio_flyer]

Just to add... Each and everyone of us, that visit PC has the opportunity to achieve the requirements to go to the private forum. No one is excluded. Maybe reaching those goals would be "healthier", than having all these negative feelings..We are all worthy.. Maybe we should "prove it".. instead of feeling defeated or left out.....

[WinterRose]

There's a Private and Exclusive Forum? Why? How is that different from the regular forums?

Each and everyone of us, that visit PC has the opportunity to achieve the requirements to go to the private forum. No one is excluded.

That's exactly right, radio_flyer. I think what has happened is that half (if not more) of the membership aren't even aware that this benefit exists.

That's why I brought this up, so that people wouldn't "stumble" across the reference to a private, exclusive forum and not know what it is.

Keb and Always can join right now, they have the number of posts needed, but neither one of them even knew about it.

That's what this is about. Letting people know. I think if they knew about it, it wouldn't seem so secretive.

[allthegirls6]

I dont know what to say. Im in the supporters forum, i didnt realise that others didnt know, i thought they had made an informed choice not to join.

That said, there is nothing much going on there and in my mind its an extension of "the general forum"

I like what you said here radioflyer: </font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Each and everyone of us, that visit PC has the opportunity to achieve the requirements to go to the private forum. No one is excluded. Maybe reaching those goals would be "healthier", than having all these negative feelings..We are all worthy.. Maybe we should "prove it".. instead of feeling defeated or left out.....

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post"> .... that is what I've struggled with doing... .... not very successful though..... ..... grew up "on the outside looking in" and repeated this in my adult relationships-- it triggers me so much to feel I don't "rate" somewhere that I come to for support. ... I think knowing that forum exists even keeps me from posting as much as I would-- coz those "old recordings" say to me -- "See even here you're not good enough-- you're such a loser-- you can't even totally belong in a support forum" .... I know it's my background and my struggle-- just wish it didn't have to be a part of a support site ....*sigh*...... I have tried so so hard to be supportive to others here.... but somehow-- it's not what I say-- it's how much I post...

mandy

[Direction]

Wow! I'm almost speechless...For those who feel left out or upset by this...

PC will never be able to be everything to everyone...it has an immense offering...If you don't see this...I think you are missing all that PC has to offer.

Sometimes you may disagree...so what...lighten up...