[sam34]

^edit to above actually at least 3 doctors have posted here.

[locum-motion]

Regarding the issue of the front page of this forum being clogged up with closed threads:

Rather than closing the threads, would it be an idea to have a great big superthread, to which threads asking for advice could be moved. The mods could just move all the dodgy threads into it and re-lock it each time. Call it 'The Advice Seekers' Graveyard', or something.

[penguin88]

Originally Posted by locum-motion

Regarding the issue of the front page of this forum being clogged up with closed threads:

Rather than closing the threads, would it be an idea to have a great big superthread, to which threads asking for advice could be moved. The mods could just move all the dodgy threads into it and re-lock it each time. Call it 'The Advice Seekers' Graveyard', or something.

The only problem with this L-M is that when a thread is moved into another forum/thread, the title of the thread still remains where it was (albwit as a dead link) preceded by a "Moved" tag, so this would still clog up the front page. The only solution to the forum being crowded by medical advice threads would seem to be deleting them, which comes with its own issues.

[sam34]

the issue with deleting them is that we'd have to leave them up a day or so to prevent the op thinking it just hadn't appeared and posting it again.

I used to think that having locked threads with the standard reply still on the front page would act as another sign to posters that we don't give medical advice here, but as I look at the current front page I see how misguided I was!

[penguin88]

Originally Posted by sam34

the issue with deleting them is that we'd have to leave them up a day or so to prevent the op thinking it just hadn't appeared and posting it again.

I used to think that having locked threads with the standard reply still on the front page would act as another sign to posters that we don't give medical advice here, but as I look at the current front page I see how misguided I was!

I was going to make the same point Sam about the locked threads still being visible with on thread warnings acting as a deterrent to further medical advice threads but based on the evidence of the current make up of the first page I thought better of ot!

[locum-motion]

Originally Posted by penguin88

The only problem with this L-M is that when a thread is moved into another forum/thread, the title of the thread still remains where it was (albwit as a dead link) preceded by a "Moved" tag, so this would still clog up the front page. The only solution to the forum being crowded by medical advice threads would seem to be deleting them, which comes with its own issues.

True, didn't think of that.
Still, the dead link would say "Moved to the Advice Seekers' Graveyard", wouldn't it? Might act as a deterrent a bit, no?

[roro1neil0]

tbh it really isn't much of an inconvenience having locked threads, there rarely is anything worth talking about other than politics, payments and bitching about the hse.

[anotherlostie]

I think calling it the advice seeker's graveyard might actually worry a few people...

[locum-motion]

Originally Posted by anotherlostie

I think calling it the advice seeker's graveyard might actually worry a few people...

That was the point!

[anotherlostie]

Originally Posted by locum-motion

That was the point!

Perhaps this might help - I doubt it's on the curriculum for health professionals yet, but I personally believe it's important to have some when dealing with people who are worried about their health, even those online where they are actively told not to ask about it

http://www.businessballs.com/empathy.htm

[locum-motion]

Originally Posted by anotherlostie

Perhaps this might help - I doubt it's on the curriculum for health professionals yet, but I personally believe it's important to have some when dealing with people who are worried about their health, even those online where they are actively told not to ask about it

http://www.businessballs.com/empathy.htm

Low blow, and not in keeping with the humourous nature of this particular thread.

[maninasia]

Humorous, the only humorous part is the title!

[MrCreosote]

Originally Posted by anotherlostie

Perhaps this might help - I doubt it's on the curriculum for health professionals yet, but I personally believe it's important to have some when dealing with people who are worried about their health, even those online where they are actively told not to ask about it

http://www.businessballs.com/empathy.htm

Maybe you could point out some unempathic posts in the locked threads- because I've never seen one. They are usually gently reminded to check the charter and see their doctor. "Empathy" doesn't extend to recommending people get bullsh*t advice on an anonymous message board.

[UL_heart_throb]

perhaps all new threads should be pre-moderated and or people with less than 25 posts (or another number)cannot start a new thread.

[Delancey]

Originally Posted by UL_heart_throb

perhaps all new threads should be pre-moderated and or people with less than 25 posts (or another number)cannot start a new thread.

Good point - going from memory alone I think a disproportionate number of advice threads are started by people with nil previous posts anywhere on boards.ie , in otherwords they join specifically to ask for medical advice.
Perhaps low post counters could be compelled to go through pre-moderation ?
Even if technically possible pre-moderation can tend to increase Moderator workload and on the 1 forum that did operate it I know the mods were not sorry to see it done away with.