Are we losing the plot?

People who deliberately turn a thread into an argument just because it is something they don't agree with should be ignored and not replied to then perhaps the thread would not descend into a slanging match This forum is about supporting each other but some seem to treat it like a diet war zone where sides have to be taken and if some people think you are not on the right side you can get abused about it as many members here have been and that is terrible and enough to make newbies run for the hills.

 

Sometimes it takes a bigger person to just walk away...............................

 

Now the question is when does a reasonable discussion become an unreasonable argument? Possibly, it's when the other 'side' is 'winning'? That's my personal view which I don't want to force onto anyone else.

RRB the problem with your suggestion, whilst it would keep me out of trouble, is that if, in my opinion the person I am arguing against is giving bad advice, then I can't walk away with a clear conscience. As I said above, sometimes there is a fine line between discussing and arguing.

Oh, I'm going out now, so I won't be reading any replies for several hours (in case you think I'm hiding)

 

At the end of the day. Honestly does it really matter what diet someone would like to follow..I mean so long as it works for the individual? As a recent returner to the forum but still learning a lot. I find all the different advice invaluable.
I like reading the different sides esp with regard to experienced posters and what has worked for them
When you are new there is an enormous amount of info to take on board but when it turns into a disagreement between the different ways of tackling diabetes I can see its very disconcerting to the op asking a question..I've noticed the person asking the question retreats from the thread and probably feels bad that they maybe caused the row. Because it very often does start a row.
I've seen this on medical forums for the same reason..each side posting long lists of so called 'proof'
Obviously its not helpful to newbies at all
I love the idea of a suggestion box too
I remain in awe of the same few here that find the time and patience to answer the same questions over and over with support and kindness
This is a wonderful forum and I for one am truly appreciative

 

What a lovely positive post

 

Thankyou . Its true though Robin

 

Just to update you all, I'm looking in to the possibility of adding a suggestion box

I'm also working on a system where users can run their own blogs from the forum. I had noticed quite a few complaints about people using the forum as their own personal blog... and hopefully soon, they'll actually be able to do so and keep it separate from the main discussions.

 

I really do understand, but some members,( certainly not genuine newbies who need our help, advice and support) need to walk away. Part of the problem is that we are anonymous, some hide behind that screen and just type way with a total disregard of what they are knowingly doing. Some also have many different guises too
Best wishes RRB

 

It is not turning a blind eye just not fuelling their argument no point in them carrying it on if no one relies to it

I

I think a reasonable discussion becomes unreasonable when some people have been abused from not doing a certain diet and what they do is ridiculed

 

On

On most other forums I am or have been active on threads usually are split when something like this occur, so the original thread can continue and the combatants can go on with the discussion in a new thread. I understand if this isn't possible on this forum as we seem to have comparably few moderators, but if possible I think it is a good idea to divide threads when they go off topic.

I miss Mo1905. He did a really good job as moderator and could with a gentle nudge often keep threads on the right path.

 

@Giverny

That would be a very positive step, if you can make that happen.

 

What do you mean by 'different guises' RRB? Different character facets or do some people actually have multiple forum identities? The latter is wrong surely and presumably against the rules.

 

How about a full refund
That is probably the main reason the forum can't provide all the necessary requirements to please all "outrageous cost"
As far as I am aware Diabetes.co.uk is privately owned and this forum is run a tight budget.
That is why I believe Giverny and the moderators are doing the best they can under current demands.
We should all remember that many members still in pain, use this forum for friendship and humor, which may not be diet related, yet still provides that so called good medicine (laughter).

 

You two really must stop writing in invisible ink you know.

 

It's not uncommon for users to adopt more than one identity. This isn't directly against our rules unless one of their accounts is banned. It's not exactly hard to figure out when people are using more than one account

 

Ok @AndBreathe We have now lost your plot, surely this must be on a different thread.

 

I'm assuming you meant to post this on Brunneria's suggestion thread! I can make prefixes mandatory if you think they're not obvious enough

 

I have to say I'm a bit concerned about that. I can understand why nearly all of us have anonymous identities, but what exactly are the positives of having more than one account? I can certainly think of some negatives.

As for figuring out who they are, I'm sure it's easy for you by checking IP addresses, but are you saying it should be obvious to us by what people post?