A few Forum ideas

I would like to suggest a few Forum related ideas for discussion. My hope is this thread might yield some useful suggestions that I will include in a letter to the GBFI staff, which might help someone down the road. Do any of you regular visitors know the correct contact for such correspondence?

Please offer feedback on the items below in that they are just a few ideas that crossed my silly mind the other day. I would like to know if you like the idea or do not think such a recommendation is a good idea. Also, please add suggestions if you have one, and I will include it in my letter. I understand most of you think things are fine as they are, which is fine by me in that I see the Forums are a wonderful resource. I like to brainstorm every now and then

Idea 1
*Create a master “sticky at the top of the category’ thread for each of the major Forum categories, which means it remains at the top of the list of threads ( http://usalug.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=10 ). The thread itself would be facilitated by an admin, ether staff or volunteer, because it is what you call a working thread and requires updates regularly. The geeks of the world are familiar with this concept in that the computer techs have used forums or bulletin boards (BBS) to troubleshoot and brainstorm technical matters for over twenty years now, and administrators of large Intranets need a place to share server info updates quickly, such as a change in computer IP or Port. Such a definitive thread helps the subscriber receive updated information at a glance, and links to resources they are searching for, as opposed to digging through the various threads to find the information.

The application of this type of thread here would be to offer updated GBS/CIDP links related to pertinent topics. Visitors who have new information post in the thread and offer updated information i.e. broken links, new information,etc. The admin reviews the links and adds the information to the appropriate topic area, if they deem it worthy. Eventually posts below the top post are deleted, after review of the information.

The sticky thread intro might read: “The information below are Internet links presented by forum visitors who think the related information might be useful. Please post a note concerning new links and updates for administrative review. ” The thread itself might start by using broad categories. For example, let’s work on a master sticky for the GBS-Adult category- I will add a few links just to show you how the topics might appear as linked text; not a full list, so please make suggestions.

I would like to suggest a few Forum related ideas for discussion. Sorry but I could not get my text to link to to site and make it look pretty- HTML is off ?

Topic of interest Address Source

Care givers
Chronic Fatigue
…General information
……Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/cfs )
……Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatigue_%28medical%29)
…GBS related information
……GBSFI Newsletter Fall 2000 ( http://www.gbs-cidp.org/newsletters/2000fall.htm)
Definitions of GBS
…General information
……MayoClinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/guillain-barre-syndrome/DS00413 )
……GBSFI FAQ (http://www.gbs-cidp.org/aboutgbs.htm)
Depression
Diagnosis
Disability
Financial aid
Government resources
Long term rehabilitation
Medications
Mental Health
Other GBS Forums
Pain Management
Physical therapy
Relapse
Research
Residuals
Risk factors
Screening and diagnosis
Support Groups
Treatment options

Idea 2
* A new category titled “POST GBS’ or some other title defined as an area of discussion related to long term issues living with residuals, etc.

Idea 3
*Add a different Forum category called “The local bulletin boards” and list the 50 United States for starters, perhaps later include International countries. The brief instruction related to this realm might read ” Select your State and interact with others from your area. Feel free to use this Forum to share contact information and schedule casual gatherings or Internet meetings. To find out additional information concerning formal chapter meetings, visit http://www.gbs-cidp.org/news-events.htm”

Once a State is selected additional sub-categories or threads would appear as a hyper-linked list the various cities or territories- ether created by the users or an administrator- where upon participants might interact by leaving thread notes. That is, it might yield interaction with Forum visitors who reside in their own area. A sticky thread at the top of each state might offer regional Chapter contact information, as well.

Idea 4
*Create a “testimonial” type category, where recovering Internet users might create an introduction thread, sharing their individual story with others who can relate. I note that lots post introductions all over the place, so why not offer the visitor the podium at a place the reader might easily find them.

That’s all folks!