Aa
MedHelp please take note
OK, now you have COMPLETELY screwed up this site. Congratulations, it no longer works at all.
Jim said, "What you ended up with were mutiliple topics (and often multiple fights) per each thread" Yes, those were the good ol' days, huh? LOL I am still trying to figure out what all of you are so up in arms about, besides the 3 inch borders of bright white on each side of our posts. Our real estate has shrunk...but what else happened? After that first few posts, you don't see all those ads, right? Am I missing something? Usually am...I ask lots of questions in class too! LOL
You got it. And skiing without a winter merkin is the most likely cause for that....
looks like its about 52% for ads to 48% for people. kind of like "after taxes".... it could be worse, and when we get used to this,it most likely will be.
I just don't like this feeling of my problems being auctioned. I guess that's the price I'll have to pay to hang with you good folks.
onward and upward
D
I just don't like this feeling of my problems being auctioned. I guess that's the price I'll have to pay to hang with you good folks.
onward and upward
D
he he he...when I read that a little bit of throw up came up in my mouth...but just a little bit....:)
You can go to curezonedotcom and put in hepatitis C and then forums. It has a good layout but mostly talk about alternative methods. With 5 or 6 people switching over there that can be changed. Also, there is Dr. Zhang's forum. sinomedresearchdotorg They talk about all treatments including SOC.
I have had computer trouble and I have had great trouble signing on here the past couple of months.
Good luck to all.
GrandmaA
I have had computer trouble and I have had great trouble signing on here the past couple of months.
Good luck to all.
GrandmaA
It means you are part fish. If you use a spoon and remove the scales, you should be fine.
i have dial up and i can navigate the same as last format.
i think there should be another format started for everyon whow is having problems with the new format
i no what to do .
see my next question.
i think there should be another format started for everyon whow is having problems with the new format
i no what to do .
see my next question.
Here is one feature I bet no one has found useful in all these changes and one that I hope they do not take away.
If you click on the persons name with in the thread on the right hand side with the time of last post it will take you to that persons comment with in that thread, that’s pretty cool indeed.
jasper
If you click on the persons name with in the thread on the right hand side with the time of last post it will take you to that persons comment with in that thread, that’s pretty cool indeed.
jasper
Huh? are you missing check this box... just below your username and password sign in...
[v] remember my login info....
[v] remember my login info....
how come i have to log in everyday when i want to post something? i never had to do this before the new format.
MH:Also, we can't help with the full body pictures but if you want a nice blue profile picture just change your gender to "Male" in your profile.
-------------------------------
After thinking it over, I'm man enough to handle being pink. As to the full body pictures, I'll get back with some ideas, but right now occupied getting the curlers out of my hair. "CS's" suggestion for an edit and preview feature is a good one. Giving us say ten minutes to come back and edit the posts would be helpful.
Also, while you're being so accomodating, how about serving Sunday morning brunch? You could add a "post order" button right next to the "post comment" button so it could be ready when we wake up.
But seriously, thanks again for listening to our suggestions and btw I take my coffee with skim milk, no sugar.
-- Jim
-------------------------------
After thinking it over, I'm man enough to handle being pink. As to the full body pictures, I'll get back with some ideas, but right now occupied getting the curlers out of my hair. "CS's" suggestion for an edit and preview feature is a good one. Giving us say ten minutes to come back and edit the posts would be helpful.
Also, while you're being so accomodating, how about serving Sunday morning brunch? You could add a "post order" button right next to the "post comment" button so it could be ready when we wake up.
But seriously, thanks again for listening to our suggestions and btw I take my coffee with skim milk, no sugar.
-- Jim
The left and right side bars take up too much space in long threads
If you look at this thread most of it is white space.
The idea of collapsable side bars is definately worth considering.
Or perhaps the left and right columns could be on the forum page but are removed when you go into the thread.
The ability to edit or preview a post would also be useful.
Ala's idea of a On Treatment forum deserves consideration
Other than that I have kinda gotten used to it.
CS
If you look at this thread most of it is white space.
The idea of collapsable side bars is definately worth considering.
Or perhaps the left and right columns could be on the forum page but are removed when you go into the thread.
The ability to edit or preview a post would also be useful.
Ala's idea of a On Treatment forum deserves consideration
Other than that I have kinda gotten used to it.
CS
How do you reduce the browser bar? I'm not as computer savy as I'd like to be.
Jim made the comment that you can reduce the browser bar...can all browser bars be reduced??
Bug
Jim made the comment that you can reduce the browser bar...can all browser bars be reduced??
Bug
Truly, I don't notice the ads so much but I think its just a long time computer habit of ignoring it. I think the white sidebars are a little tough on the eyes, but its nothing that would stop me from tuning in, really.
I don't think photos are necessary on posts since we have them on our profile if we choose to post them.
The types of issues that DO bother me is if we have physicians who have to post things more than once because they can't refer back to them. Because we so depend on them and their expertise and people like HR are so good to us. And having to repeat themselves is not a lot of incentive for them to spend their valuable time helping us out. So if something had to be given priority, I guess I'd prefer it go to site functionality in those types of areas, rather than appearance.
Also, and this is probably pie in the sky, but it would be cool if our forum had two additional pages. One for SVR's and one for people currently undergoing treatment. Only if they felt comfortable doing so of course, people who had already SVR'd could write down when they SVR'd and on what tx, and how many treatments they'd tried before their successful SVR tx. It would give a HUGE amount of morale to those of us currently treating to see all those names stack up - particularly for people who didn't make it the first time who could look and see people who went through tx more than once but finally made it to SVR. Because sometimes you can get really despondent on these difficult protocols.
People currently treating could post on the other page which tx they were undergoing, when they started, and when their treatment was supposed to end. That way we could see who was in our week with us on our same protocol.
Anyway, just throwing some things out.
I don't think photos are necessary on posts since we have them on our profile if we choose to post them.
The types of issues that DO bother me is if we have physicians who have to post things more than once because they can't refer back to them. Because we so depend on them and their expertise and people like HR are so good to us. And having to repeat themselves is not a lot of incentive for them to spend their valuable time helping us out. So if something had to be given priority, I guess I'd prefer it go to site functionality in those types of areas, rather than appearance.
Also, and this is probably pie in the sky, but it would be cool if our forum had two additional pages. One for SVR's and one for people currently undergoing treatment. Only if they felt comfortable doing so of course, people who had already SVR'd could write down when they SVR'd and on what tx, and how many treatments they'd tried before their successful SVR tx. It would give a HUGE amount of morale to those of us currently treating to see all those names stack up - particularly for people who didn't make it the first time who could look and see people who went through tx more than once but finally made it to SVR. Because sometimes you can get really despondent on these difficult protocols.
People currently treating could post on the other page which tx they were undergoing, when they started, and when their treatment was supposed to end. That way we could see who was in our week with us on our same protocol.
Anyway, just throwing some things out.
I second everything said so far re. layout and the postage stamp pics or - for those who haven't provided any - generic bathroom gender ID's. For the comments, I just keep a window open with Word and compose in there, and then cut and paste into the comment box.
One way to deal with the advertising might be to follow the model of Pandora, which is a music site that enables the user to create customized radio stations (it's awesome). Anyway, they offer two options: free use with advertising, OR $3.95 a month for no visible ads. I'm cheap, so I go with the former, but lately I've been tempted to pay up, 'cause the ads can be annoying.
One way to deal with the advertising might be to follow the model of Pandora, which is a music site that enables the user to create customized radio stations (it's awesome). Anyway, they offer two options: free use with advertising, OR $3.95 a month for no visible ads. I'm cheap, so I go with the former, but lately I've been tempted to pay up, 'cause the ads can be annoying.
Hi,
Here are some more changes we've added to our list based on your comments.
- Try some other background color for the right and the left column to eliminate glare.
- Make the "Post Comment" box much bigger
- Make the user pictures smaller.
We'll get them up as soon as we have them coded.
Also, we can't help with the full body pictures but if you want a nice blue profile picture just change your gender to "Male" in your profile.
MH
Here are some more changes we've added to our list based on your comments.
- Try some other background color for the right and the left column to eliminate glare.
- Make the "Post Comment" box much bigger
- Make the user pictures smaller.
We'll get them up as soon as we have them coded.
Also, we can't help with the full body pictures but if you want a nice blue profile picture just change your gender to "Male" in your profile.
MH
I personally like the new format and have no problem reading posts. It is well known that it is human nature to be resistant to change. Throw in daily doses of toxic ribavarin and voila! I suspect those factors are more to blame for the negative comments than the actual layout of the website.
I personally want to thank MedHelp for providing this forum regardless of the format.
Big Al
I personally want to thank MedHelp for providing this forum regardless of the format.
Big Al
I want to appologize if my comments came accross as harsh. I do appreciate this site and the work that goes into it. And you should be compensated for your work - richly. I wish you only the best of fortune.
Still, I do think it's fair to say that the abundance of advertising has lessened the user experience. And it's also fair to say that these users, in addition to being consumers here, are also the content contributors, who make this advertising model viable.
The single thing that I object to is the innappropriate ads targeting new visitors who, I stress again, are drawn in by the member-supplied content. It's unfortunate for those new visitors to be solicited by advertisement claiming to be able eradicate their diseases overnight. To be clear, those ads have been running for months, and they are quite easy to spot. Asking the members to police and report them seems unreasonable. Proactive monitoring by those earning revenue from the ads would strike me as a more responsible approach.
All that said.... thanks and best wishes.
Still, I do think it's fair to say that the abundance of advertising has lessened the user experience. And it's also fair to say that these users, in addition to being consumers here, are also the content contributors, who make this advertising model viable.
The single thing that I object to is the innappropriate ads targeting new visitors who, I stress again, are drawn in by the member-supplied content. It's unfortunate for those new visitors to be solicited by advertisement claiming to be able eradicate their diseases overnight. To be clear, those ads have been running for months, and they are quite easy to spot. Asking the members to police and report them seems unreasonable. Proactive monitoring by those earning revenue from the ads would strike me as a more responsible approach.
All that said.... thanks and best wishes.
HR: And I second the numerous remarks regarding the negative and wasteful impact of all the faces,
------------------------------------
Have to agree that these postage stamp photos add very little, and frankly, pink does not show me off to best advantage -- not to mention the gender confusion issues I'm now starting to have.
That said, what if we traded a little ad space for larger photos -- say to accomodate full body studies of some of the female members here? Take, "MyOwn" for example. I'm sure beneath that perfectly round red head and angulated shoulders lies something worth examining.
On a different note, I think that a collapsible right column will free up significant space for posting content and still allow those who want the bells and whistles to have them. That would still leave the left column for ads, as it exists now. That and some layout tweaking should make a big improvement. Also, a little bit more user customization in terms of colors would be great, as the blue is still a little too bright for my diminishing eye site that I do want to keep intact in case the full body photo feature becomes implemented.
Lastly, some of the features are really good such as the new "posts" feature when you click on someone's profile. I could see that expanded so you could also search under a person's name and come up with posts linked both to screen name and key words. Other search additions would be to search for posts by dates, such as "all posts by so-and-so with keywords such and such for the last three months", etc. In other words, a stronger search engine.
And "Moa" does have a point that changes always seem worst when first presented. I've been here long enough to remember how upset people were when MH decided to lift the five new thread limit and in addition allow unlimited posts per thread. Never could figure out why people liked that old format, but they did. Within a month, no one complained about that any more.
Anyway, if MH is reading, would like to extend my appreciations for all the efforts on our behalf both past and present. I think with a few tweaks/additions here and there, you can have the updated professional look you want, while still preserving the content rich tradition of the past. But yes, these comment boxes have to be a bit wider.
-- Jim
------------------------------------
Have to agree that these postage stamp photos add very little, and frankly, pink does not show me off to best advantage -- not to mention the gender confusion issues I'm now starting to have.
That said, what if we traded a little ad space for larger photos -- say to accomodate full body studies of some of the female members here? Take, "MyOwn" for example. I'm sure beneath that perfectly round red head and angulated shoulders lies something worth examining.
On a different note, I think that a collapsible right column will free up significant space for posting content and still allow those who want the bells and whistles to have them. That would still leave the left column for ads, as it exists now. That and some layout tweaking should make a big improvement. Also, a little bit more user customization in terms of colors would be great, as the blue is still a little too bright for my diminishing eye site that I do want to keep intact in case the full body photo feature becomes implemented.
Lastly, some of the features are really good such as the new "posts" feature when you click on someone's profile. I could see that expanded so you could also search under a person's name and come up with posts linked both to screen name and key words. Other search additions would be to search for posts by dates, such as "all posts by so-and-so with keywords such and such for the last three months", etc. In other words, a stronger search engine.
And "Moa" does have a point that changes always seem worst when first presented. I've been here long enough to remember how upset people were when MH decided to lift the five new thread limit and in addition allow unlimited posts per thread. Never could figure out why people liked that old format, but they did. Within a month, no one complained about that any more.
Anyway, if MH is reading, would like to extend my appreciations for all the efforts on our behalf both past and present. I think with a few tweaks/additions here and there, you can have the updated professional look you want, while still preserving the content rich tradition of the past. But yes, these comment boxes have to be a bit wider.
-- Jim
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I also second Willings comments above.
As an important example, the "comment box" is needlessly small, could be wider, up to the right margin, the space below "POST COMMENT" could be less, the button area "post comment could be brought down further, all to provide space for posts/input that are more than just small remarks and require during posting editing and considerations. Some topics here are very complex and important, this small comment box does not allow proper input. Maximizing its size without giving up ad space should be easy.
And I second the numerous remarks regarding the negative and wasteful impact of all the faces, that take up valuable space left for communication. Who wants to see them, will click on the name.
As an important example, the "comment box" is needlessly small, could be wider, up to the right margin, the space below "POST COMMENT" could be less, the button area "post comment could be brought down further, all to provide space for posts/input that are more than just small remarks and require during posting editing and considerations. Some topics here are very complex and important, this small comment box does not allow proper input. Maximizing its size without giving up ad space should be easy.
And I second the numerous remarks regarding the negative and wasteful impact of all the faces, that take up valuable space left for communication. Who wants to see them, will click on the name.
I always find whenever a board changes I hate it, then after a few days, not such a big deal, then eventually like it. I have learned not to comment too soon, I think the new look is fine now.
I wanted to explain my "capitalism/commercial" comment above since you seemed to take exception to it. First let me acknowledge, again, my gratitude to you and Phil for the work you've done in maintaining and improving this site. I've been a participant in this forum since July'03 and believe it provides a valuable and helpful resource to many participants, particularly those currently treating.
Clearly you can't operate an operation of this sort without money. Your comments seem to suggest you feel the current changes were inevitable. Here are a few suggestions:
- the single most important issue for patients and physicians is ready access to content. I don't think anyone would complain about 30% of screen space for ads and search-engine hooks but the current layout leaves about 30% for content making the site almost unusable. Sites that host public-domain software projects, eg sourceforge, might be useful as a model for how to balance content and ads.
- a "subscription" model where participants were enouraged to make a specific yearly contribution might generate reliable additional revenue. Most participants here are disposed to help others and would quite likely be prepared to be responsible users of the site. Make it clear that if you are regularly using the site and haven't contributed X $ you are not carrying your fair share of the load.
- it's hard to believe any physician would find the "professionalism" associated with the latest changes helpful. As an example, see HR's critical comments in the other forum. What I believe physicians *would* find useful is the ability to preserve and reference extternal information as well as posts they have previously contributed. The ability to html-link previous discussions and external sites is cheap to implement and an extremely valuable resource.
I've detected some frustration in HR's comments regarding the fact that the material he contributes quickly disappears from view and cannot be readily referenced. Patients may be happy to endlessly repeat themselves but Drs really don't have the time.
If the site is primarily operating to maximize profit, the current changes are to be expected, and, as Gofofydad noted, there certainly is nothing wrong with running a business well. However, as the recent criticisms shuld make clear, running a business well is not a goal that benefits the patients participating here...
(anecdotally - remember when users discoved they could embed small gifs in their posts and this forum turned into a wasteland of smiley-faces. You quickly put a stop to that, yet the current layout wastes considerably more space in gifs and white space)
Clearly you can't operate an operation of this sort without money. Your comments seem to suggest you feel the current changes were inevitable. Here are a few suggestions:
- the single most important issue for patients and physicians is ready access to content. I don't think anyone would complain about 30% of screen space for ads and search-engine hooks but the current layout leaves about 30% for content making the site almost unusable. Sites that host public-domain software projects, eg sourceforge, might be useful as a model for how to balance content and ads.
- a "subscription" model where participants were enouraged to make a specific yearly contribution might generate reliable additional revenue. Most participants here are disposed to help others and would quite likely be prepared to be responsible users of the site. Make it clear that if you are regularly using the site and haven't contributed X $ you are not carrying your fair share of the load.
- it's hard to believe any physician would find the "professionalism" associated with the latest changes helpful. As an example, see HR's critical comments in the other forum. What I believe physicians *would* find useful is the ability to preserve and reference extternal information as well as posts they have previously contributed. The ability to html-link previous discussions and external sites is cheap to implement and an extremely valuable resource.
I've detected some frustration in HR's comments regarding the fact that the material he contributes quickly disappears from view and cannot be readily referenced. Patients may be happy to endlessly repeat themselves but Drs really don't have the time.
If the site is primarily operating to maximize profit, the current changes are to be expected, and, as Gofofydad noted, there certainly is nothing wrong with running a business well. However, as the recent criticisms shuld make clear, running a business well is not a goal that benefits the patients participating here...
(anecdotally - remember when users discoved they could embed small gifs in their posts and this forum turned into a wasteland of smiley-faces. You quickly put a stop to that, yet the current layout wastes considerably more space in gifs and white space)
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