Chat room confusion

General
1

I just wanted to post something regarding the chat rooms. Especially for those

new people, I see a lot that people will come in and say something and not get a

response. Those people will then make a comment about being ignored or they

will just find somewhere else to go. I have even seen one where they said

that it was cliquey. The side bar says the members online, it does not mean that

those members are in the chat. A lot of us have the page open and are doing

other things, doing research, playing games,reading the discussion boards. I

Always forget to shut the page before I leave so it looks like I am online a

lot more than I am. It is not meant to ignore anyone or make people feel bad. If

you are having a really bad day you can always post a discussion and I

guarantee you will get responses. They may not be immediate but it will help and

more people read the discussion boards then chat. I hope this helps! I really

feel bad when people are hurting and feel rejected. No one here wants you to

feel that way and it is not intentional.

Love and hugs!!

2

I guess I didn't even see the chat thing at the bottom of the page until you posted this. You are right. It must look like I am always on here. I just leave the window open and refresh the discussion page to see if anything was new. Haven't ever used the chat before.

3

Thank you so much Squeakers. I had no idea the chat worked that way. I leave without signing out most of the time. I'll have to start signing out unless I'm reading posts.

Dottie S

4

Hey squeakers96

I never think to shut the page. I hope chat can be good for every one.

5

A good topic, Squeakers, and thank you. I really wish that the chat rooms would not make it appear as if we are in chat when we are not (but are on other applications relating to fibro on Ben's Friends.) I myself dislike the format of fibro, as I need to constantly readjust my body but can't when I'm typing in real time with another person. It's nothing personal. I'll gladly answer anyone who asks me for assistance on the discussion board because I feel like I have more control of my time and my pain level when on the discussion board. So again, thank you for posting this message.

6

PS: Please don't laugh but I'm a techno-dufus and don't know how to close the window of chat. Can someone please explain to me how and where this is done?

7

Petunia, On the bottom of the page where the chat is in the members area where is says members online there is the sound and the settings symbol. If you click on the settings which looks like a gear you can disconnect or reconnect from chat. IF you do this this though then people will not know you are online or be able to send you a private message other than an email :) My message was more for people to know that they were not being ignored and that people where not trying to hurt there feelings! <3

8

Thank you, Squeakers. And I know you meant your message for those feeling left out. I've never done much chatting but it's tough when people don't know that moderators don't handle chat unless someone PMs them, and they don't realize that sometimes you have to be patient about getting an answer in the chat room.

And these are more reasons why I prefer discussions. Clearer expectations, lower stress level and almost guaranteed answer to your discussion.

But again, thank you for bringing this up. And telling me how to log out of Chat. I'd have never figured it out, doh!

9

I'm glad that you posted this, Squeaks, I am constantly doing research for members, so even though it looks like I'm here, I could be on another page. I also keep my computer on 'mute', so I do not hear the 'beeps'.

We don't want anyone to feel ignored or left out, just please understand that we may be doing other things, or have a limited amount of time we can be on the site, so please try again, or post a discussion, those are perfect as we can get to them anytime.

Everyone is important, everyone matters!

Thanks again for posting this!

10

I would like to say to any new members that everybody on here is lovely and wouldnt wish anyone to feel left out at all. I dont know many but have spoken to so many and have had a lovely response from them all. I dont come on as often as id like as i am on my phone but may i suggest that new people just take an hour to read some of the many kind funny and most of all helpful things that are there. I had more help than i could wish for when i was upset and worried. Enjoy this site it will help you all .

11

awesome post and thanks for clarifying this. we should have done this a long time ago. Is it ok if I reproduce your post on the the 34 other Ben's Friends support sites? It's perfectly written and I think people on the other networks probably have the same confusion.

Scott

12

Thank you so much Scott! It always makes me feel bad when people sound rejected and that is not the case. Of course you can duplicate it, Anything that I can do to help people not feel bad!!

13

agreed... did not know there was chat or how it all operated... not that I have ever read a user guide :)

14

I always have to close the chat box when I come on. It’s in the way.

15

Tricky I think you are just minimizing it because it shows that you are online still.

16

Squeakers thank you so very much for this discussion. I hope it reaches all of our members as I've been made aware that some new folks don't understand the ins and outs of it. I've chatted a couple of times but nothing on a regular basis but did not realize that unless I close my page it seems like I am on there still. Thanks again, this is great!

PeacenLove Always~Laurel aka Northwoods G-

17

I have re-featured this discussion for our newest members. The chat room is not "staffed" and may not be the best place to get help or feedback, as usually only a few members are there, and sometimes no one is there. To post a discussion, please click "Discussions" at the top of the page and then click the "add" button. Discussions are the best way to ask questions and get feedback.