Old Blogs

[Giulia]

It would be of benefit, I think, if somehow the date of old blogs could be highlighted or brought to some awareness  in some way.  Perhaps just by making the date of the blog bold and larger?  Or in a different color?  Different font face?  Something that would draw attention to it and set it apart.  Don't know if that's a program change that could take place across the board - probably not.

I see members commenting on 6, 9, 10 year old blogs by a person who is no longer on the site, may have de-activated their accounts and although there is very much value in old blogs, people sometimes are offering support to someone who cried out for help that have long since departed the site.   And it's confusing.  I try to point it out when I see it, but... 

I guess that's probably all we can do.  But I even seen long-term active members commenting on old blogs that they think are current.  

Just passing thoughts here....

[elvan]

Mark‌ May I PLEASE ask that if I EVER come across as anything other than welcoming that someone lets me know, that would certainly not be my intention.  Our local newspaper has a front page article on JUULs and how addicting they are and warning parents and teachers that some students may be substituting THC oil for the oil that comes with the systems.  I had not heard that before...

Ellen

[CommunityAdmin]

elvan‌

Will do. And I would love the same. I try to properly word things but sometimes I struggle. I'm not that concerned however as  you wow me with your compassion all the time.

Sorry, second paragraph was just general knowledge not focused at you. I apologize for the confusion that may have caused. I'm a little bit under the weather today and forgot to generalize it.

Mark
EX Community manager

[elvan]

Thanks Mark for that explanation, sorry that you are feeling under the weather.  I hope you feel better soon...get some rest and LOTS of fluids, that's my standard advice for anyone not feeling well....unless there is vomiting, in which case, I would suggest ice chips.

Best,

Ellen

[kristen-9-7-15]

I'm guilty of it too.  Definitely not to be malicious and make anyone feel bad.  I didn't even think the comments would hurt someones feelings.  Thanks for bringing it to our attention Mark!

[CommunityAdmin]

kristen-9.7.15‌ I don't think it's malicious at all. It's just hard to see from an outsiders viewpoint when you've quit and you've been here a while. I try to put my newbie glasses on as much as I can and see from a different perspective.

To all:

I think of it as moving to a new neighborhood. It's just hard when you're the new kid to the neighborhood and you want to fit in and get involved. You scope everyone out and see how they treat each other. If there is a dispute between members, you're hesitant. If the members are very close knit and it seems hard to become one of the group, you're hesitant. If the members are a certain mold but you don't fit the mold, you're hesitant. I could come up with other examples.

This community is real and raw, which is great, but in doing so we travel a fine line, especially from an outsider's perspective. Raw is sometimes too much for a new member. Start with compassion and see where things go after that. They come here having been on different journeys. Having had different or no support systems. Different numbers of attempts at quitting. Different economic situations, etc. etc. They may take your response as prescriptive and think that the information of what is provided is a command of how they can be successful. The reality is some have never been on an online support community and don't think that help is offered without expectation. I don't think those offering support here generally get offended if all advice isn't followed to a T. After all the mantra here is that you use what applies to you and what doesn't, may help the next person visiting. Online communities are a way for one person to help many. Therein lies the magic.

There have been some people who actively participate in the community who have expressed privately a concern about initial outsider perspective when things have gotten a little heated here in the community, specifically when when the conversation veers away from the topic a hand and appear frequently at the top of the discussion/blog lists at the top until they fizzle out. At the end of the day this is a community for all with a focus to help people free themselves from tobacco and or nicotine(shameless plug for our new e-cig cessation materials). All the other things that happen here are beautiful. The friendships that have formed I am so often in awe of. Some of the friendships I didn't realize were so amazing until I went to an EX Weekend(insert another shameless plug ) We want people to want to be here and not be turned away or leave. If that happens, we've failed them in some way. There is room for all here on EX!

Mark
EX Community Manager

[karenjones]

Mark,  you have the germination of a real good writer.  the paragraph you wrote about inclusiveness is really good. and it applies not just to the people who come here who want to quit tobacco, but to people in life in general. There is one thing to being equinamous about people, there is another about just being an audience for someone who needs an audience.  I love the mantra of Ex  'take what helps and leave the rest'.  This is the world, it is the marketplace and we are selling freedom from addiction here. but it is the world, and there are alsorts here. Which makes it interesting, and real.

[AnnetteMM]

Some day I'll actually sell my house and be able to come to an EX Weekend too!

[MarilynH]

I'm also guilty of letting people know that it's an old blog plus I've also commented on them myself because I get busy and don't think to check the date of the post it's a pain in the butt having to check first ......