A word of caution…….

In the past month or so there has been a significant increase in the number of posts with unusual content from new members who post on the day of joining. If you click on the members tab and then click on new, select any new member and you can check their activity levels in terms of creating posts and replying to others posts. The vast majority do what you and I did when we joined, NOTHING - until we got a flavour of what the forum was all about. Some who join may have a more urgent need for help or information on a particular issue but it’s obviously not to difficult to assess if they are genuine.

I don’t want to make things too complicated but if you see something which makes you uncomfortable, check on that members tab and if you are concerned, report it to Admin as they can then assess what action, if any needs to be taken…….

[Jay10]

Wise words, thanks FJ

[Hidden]

Fortunately this morning’s post has been removed and Dcoop is no longer a member of this forum.

[Silky57]

First to say I didn’t see the post that’s been removed.

However, when I was first diagnosed I got myself terribly stressed about whether I should be taking an anticoagulant given my CHADS score. I Googled AFib UK and found this. I joined and posted the question. No hidden agenda, just a feeling of being lost and confused. I had absolutely no idea it was a contentious subject - I was just genuinely looking for advice. So my initial post was the whole impetus for seeking & joining. I was that same day poster. I wouldn’t want to report people like me to Admin.

[Finvola in reply to Silky57]

Don't fret Silky - most of us who have been on this forum for some time can 'smell' a scam or provocative post. Asking for help with a reasonable inquiry is what we are here to answer.

[Hidden in reply to Silky57]

Awwww Silky, I’ve added a link to your first post, there is absolutely no way anyone would be in the least bit concerned about it being anything other than a request for help and guidance. I sincerely hope you got the information you needed, I must have been away otherwise I would have replied as well!!!

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

The content of the sort of post I am referring to is very different, for obvious reasons I cannot post an example but they tend to be argumentative, confrontational, nothing at all like your first post. This is only an attempt to encourage particularly new members to be cautious. The post which has been removed may have been an attempt to scam people who are vulnerable so please don’t worry……

Ps. this reply went to your original post by mistake but I deleted it 😉

[Finvola]

I notice that they prefer the weekends when they assume admin are elsewhere.

[Hidden in reply to Finvola]

Totally agree. Another thing is that generally, it’s these types of post which get very disruptive and can spoil things for others and because they often relate to “sensitive or controversial” issues, if admin decides to take action, then some immediately claim censorship. I’m not aware of any subject being off limits but I can well understand why disruption is unacceptable……

[Buzby62 in reply to Hidden]

From what I’ve seen they create a popular post then delete their account and sometimes the post themselves. They then appear as “hidden” or disappear all together respectively which fuels the illusion of censorship without any intervention from admin. Just be aware folks.

[Silky57]

Thank you. I’ve so valued this forum and I’d hate for anyone in my position to miss out.

[Hidden in reply to Silky57]

And nor should they. Anyone reporting a post can make a mistake which is why it’s only a member of the AF admin team who can remove or block a post so please don’t worry…..

[Buzby62]

Surprising how quickly a post moves down the list when there’s no replies. Thanks FJ.

[Oggy99]

Personally I would have thought that the major reason for joining is to post so not surprised at the stat at all.

[kkatz]

Yes I find myself checking profiles quite often these days.

[Hidden]

👍

[Buzby62]

It’s good to have this post to reply to as I refuse to reply to suspicious posts, even to say I’m suspicious. If someone is looking for help with their condition that’s different as covered in other replies. Don’t get sucked in 🎣

[Omniscient1]

Very true, thx for posting.

[Eiadio]

Dear Flapjack

I was one who posted on the day of joining.

An unexpected diagnosis of atrial flutter after 6 months bradycardia of 30bpm , I was casting around for help and found this lovely website.I posted my situation had lots of reassurance and made some replies.

I’ve been surprised at the lack of disruptive posts.

I was on Twitter(X) for a couple of years and had a following. I never posted a comment that I wouldn’t say to someone’s face and that should be the ‘rule’

Eventually I began to receive abusive posts and replies, realised that discussion was futile and left Twitter(X)

One soon spots disruptive posts but worse are those advising treatment with no medical basis which members could follow.

Listen to your GP or EP

[Buzby62 in reply to Eiadio]

They are about and people still respond to them making them highlighted as Popular in the timeline 🤷🏻‍♂️

[Morzine]

Oh dear, what a strange world we all live in

Sue

[Ducky2003]

I always miss the weird stuff. 😄