just an idea

[barefoot&pregnant]

I know I don't have many posts here but I do have an idea that I suggested at IIDB once... a forum officially for posting about one's problems/ issues/ looking-for-sympathy threads, sort of like a "haven."

But on the other hand, having too many sections on a board is no good... so I leave it up to the governance.

[David B]

I think The Rats' Nest is the place for this, but that it's title should change to reflect its dual purpose.

David B

[Christina]

I suggested that a while ago but I don't remember where. I also think it helps if people title their threads in a way that we can tell if they want support only, advice, or just to vent. Not everyone will respect that but at least everyone else will know what the OP is hoping for in response.

[barefoot&pregnant]

I think The Rats' Nest is the place for this, but that it's title should change to reflect its dual purpose.

David B

Good point! The name/ description could just be tweaked a bit.

[RBH]

I suggested that a while ago but I don't remember where. I also think it helps if people title their threads in a way that we can tell if they want support only, advice, or just to vent. Not everyone will respect that but at least everyone else will know what the OP is hoping for in response.We talked about it briefly, and tentatively decided that as we grow and the need becomes more pressing, we should probably have some sort of support forum. For now the Rats' Nest with an appropriate thread title/OP is the place to go.

[His Noodly Appendage]

Ehh. I've always had a problem with bambi forums / threads, for the same reason I have issues with 'discussion, not debate' threads.

If someone is an asshole in your thread just for the sake of it, then something ought to be done. But too many times I've people slapped down for giving their honest opinion or advice, rather than merely offering condescending, patronising 'support'. And that bothers me.

[Christina]

I think that if someone is coping with a major life crisis that there isn't a solution for like a major medical crisis or death of a loved on it would be obvious that they would only want support, but not everyone has enough compassion to grasp the obvious.

The threads that used to drive me nuts was when someone would start a thread asking for opinions on their problem and then whine and bitch at anyone that offered advice. If they just want to vent then they should say so, I think, so that no one wastes their time offering possible solutions.

[hecaterin]

Yeah, in general I agree, though it's worth remembering that upset people need more tact than perhaps HNA is good at delivering :p There is an intermediate between Bambi and Godzilla.

[Quizalufagus]

I'm basically Godzilla, so it would help me out a lot if people who want support sans criticism say so clearly. I've no problem staying out of said threads when they're clearly labeled.

[spikepipsqueak]

You could have one ongoing thread just for venting, but people needing answers/feedback starting threads as required.

[Octavia]

I think the OPs are the best judge of what they're looking for. Unlike the "debate/ discussion" argument, I'm happy with the idea of splitting out any unsupportive posts if the OP makes it clear that they need a support thread rather than an advice thread.

(Not that an advice thread can't come with support, but I trust you get the drift...)