I propose the following enhancement to this board

[Chuck_S]

Personally if we, the board memebers, could make more use out of the signature feature it would really help me. I think if we all added our surgery dates, and procedures and perhaps an age - this would allow all of us at a glance to see what state our other members are in.

I would like to transition from sucking information/support to providing some of the same to the new people. This single resource has provided the most help for me, and I really needed it. I now realize that many of the members that have been very supportive have only been out of the Hospital a few short weeks themselves.

My 2 cents,
Chuck S

 

[Mary]

Chuck,
If you place your cursor over the member's name who's posting and click, it will say, "view public profile". If you do, all the information they want disclosed will be there.
Then you can quickly go back to the post you were viewing.

Try it on mine if you want.
Mary

 

[Michelle]

I still think it is a good idea to put this stuff in the signatures, because most new people don't know that you can get all of that info but clicking on the user name.
Maybe we should have an automatic email that goes to new users, that has all sorts of info like that. What would be other things we could tell them that would make there visits more helpful??

 

[tobagotwo]

Chuck,

You're right about the newer members being responsive in larger numbers. I think this is because they are also looking for answers and support, and are more likely to be online looking and be interactive with those who are going through similar issues and life changes. Most people are relieved to realize they are not going through this alone, and many find themselves interested in sharing this "adventure" with others who will be undergoing it around the same time they will.

Longer-term members may pick-and-choose what they respond to, based on whether they feel the topic has already been adequately covered by others. I know I do that, because there are plenty of well-versed people here, and they don't need me to chime in with what they've already said. If I spent a long time developing a reply, I may post it anyway, but I try not to.

I think the email is an excellent idea, Michelle. And I think it should bring up Chuck's point. I don't think it should be required, though, as this is The Net, and everyone deserves their attempts at privacy. Other things to consider for the email:

- How to post a response without having to repost the original email
- Tips on posting avatars and pictures
- A reminder to treat copyrighted material appropriately when posting it
- A warning that other posters are not medical professionals
- A notation that the site is neither religiously nor corporately affiliated
- A request that people in the health industry "register" with the site about any product affiliations they, their employers, or their family members' employers may have
- How to choose a forum for your new question/thread

Best wishes,

 

[Karlynn]

I still think it is a good idea to put this stuff in the signatures, because most new people don't know that you can get all of that info but clicking on the user name.
Maybe we should have an automatic email that goes to new users, that has all sorts of info like that. What would be other things we could tell them that would make there visits more helpful??

Chuck - good idea! (Must be all that extra oxygen going to your brain! )

This gives us the info at a quick glance without having to go clicking around on the site. Okay, I know it only takes a few seconds, but I'm click-lazy.

Michelle, the auto-email to new members is a good idea too.

 

[geebee]

Personally I think more information should be required in order to be a member. Obviously some information should be optional such as city but I think state or at least country should be required. I also feel that information should be required in a signature that discusses either type(s) of surgery(ies) or what surgery they are anticipating.

You all might have noticed that the folks who have been here for questionable reasons usually have no information listed in their profile. Not that you can't make something up, of course.

Now, before anyone hits me, I realize that we have valid and helpful members who choose not to share information. However, why not share some BASIC information so we know what you've been through? I think some things should not be optional.

Just my humble opinion.

 

[Raecee]

I have to agree w/ Gina.. I am not here very often, but I am still quite new you all. It is good to realize that someone other than myself has had rhumatic fever and a MVR becuase of it. I stand in the shadows becuase I really dont know where to start or what questions I should be asking.. so instead I DoNot ask. I just read and read and read.
Perhaps an email to the future newbies asking that they state who, what, when, why in their signature is a good thing. Just something else for the Admin to consider.

 

[Superbob]

Good Idea

Good Idea

Chuck,

I appreciate your suggestion because I've been wondering if all that info that runs at the bottom of all my posts (my signature) gets boring or redundant. You're saying it's helpful to have all that there, so that's good to know... Maybe I should even add (gulp) my age (though that's on my public profile if anyone wants to know).

Cheers,

Rob

 

[Superbob]

Young Rob

Young Rob

Okay, so I've added birthdates --- my original one, and my born-again one last February 16. Hey that makes me a young whippersnapper again, eh?

Rob

 

[Mary]

Okay, so I've added birthdates --- my original one, and my born-again one last February 16. Hey that makes me a young whippersnapper again, eh?

Rob

Hey Rob,
Maybe we should do age like they do pressure gradients; list the peak if you want, but go with the mean. Wouldn't that make you about 32?

Mary

 

[M&M]

Hi Chuck, I guess if people are seeking the same type of info - it would be easier to ask - knowing several people have the same diagnosis. I always thought my signature and basic info was boring.. and so one day I was going to spice it up alittle - change my "Runner" name - anyways - I never got around to it.. I took all the info off - but never put the info back in.

I think people might not know if I change my name that its still the same ole ME !!! As, I'm tired of using "runner". Since I don't run anymore - I'd like to get a new name. Perhaps I should redo my profile.. First I have to think of a new signature name..

Thanks Chuck
Marilyn ????? (runner)

1992 - Heart Attack (age 37)
2001 - ICD for non-sustained and sustained ventricular tachycardias.
2004 - St. Jude Mechanical Mitral Valve - (rheumatic fever)
Meds: Atenolol, mexiletene, pravachol, coumadin
Secretary (boring)
Hobbies: I use to run road races.. Now I just 'pout' cause I can't even jog them.. I need to get a new hobbie.. I'm thinking of taking up kayaking !!! Maybe some White Water Rafting.. Something 'exciting'..

I have a big black and blue on my right ankle - don't remember hitting anything - but when I got home I put my feet up on the couch and that's when my hubby and I noticed it.. After laying down for half hour it went almost went away completely - then I got up and it came back after awhile. Later I took my INR and it was 3.7 - But its been high for about a month. Coumadin Clinic said - to call next time. One week it was 4.4 - but I thought if I just ate lots of green stuff - I wouldn't have to adjust my meds. But it was high the next week to.. I called the coumadin clinic this morning as it was still there after having my leg up sleeping in bed all night.. and I have not heard back from them. It looks like the black and blue is getting smaller. Its most 'black'.. :-( I normally get small black and blues - but this is a big one.. I would remember if I hit something.. it starts at the ankle and goes half way up my leg !!!

 

[Superbob]

Hey Rob,
Maybe we should do age like they do pressure gradients; list the peak if you want, but go with the mean. Wouldn't that make you about 32?

Mary

Mary, thanks for the mathematical support. I LOVE IT! I will celebrate my 33rd birthday next February 16!

 

[PJmomrunner]

I agree with Chuck. I would also find it helpful to, at-a-glance, be reminded of the backgrounds of the various posters.

 

[gadgetman]

That was one of the first things I did when I logged on after my OHS. To me it was a badge of survival. But I can also understand resistance by some. And that should be their choice. Just like our "discussion" several months ago when the "Location" entry suddenly disappeared it is nice to see where someone is (it can have bearing on answers--especially ones overseas) and what experiences they have already endured or are expecting.

One thing I finally did after several posts was add my first name to my closing. I thought about moving it to the "Signature" portion so I wouldn't have to type it every time. However I've noticed when I'm posting a reply and can't recall a name I have to go back to see the "signature" if their name is also located there.

Of course, someone like MARY is almost redundant . IS THAT REALLY YOUR NAME??????????

Well better get off. I've lost my phone connection four times while trying to post this. I haven't lost the post---YET!!!!!

May God Bless,

Danny

 

[Mary]

Of course, someone like MARY is almost redundant . IS THAT REALLY YOUR NAME??????????

Danny

Danny Boy,
It's Mary Sunshine to you!

My first name is Mary, my middle name is Margaret--M & M
My grandmother always called me "Maggie Flamengo" so that will probably show up as an avatar one of these days too.

I'll throw my two cents in here about signatures. I don't want to post anymore with my signature than what I all ready have. It's a click away for those who want to see it. If that's too hard to do, then I say, "Too bad!"