compromise - a possible solution.

[hamble99b]

we all cope with our problems in different ways.

I, as do many others, find my way through mine by sharing humour, light-hearted gentle fun and the warmth, support and understanding that is freely given on this forum.

mis-understandings do happen - text is such a cold emotionless medium.

we cannot see the twinkle or tears in the writer's eye.

there's a strong community here

who know each other and know who we can rely on to turn to for advice, sympathy, empathy. - on many HU sites these people become "volunteers" and are the reliable backbone of each forum.

they are bound by the HU guidelines and support & are supported by the admins.

In many cases, they can step-in and resolve issues before they escalate.

they give their time freely, for no reward.

It saddens me to read of recent events, most of which I missed.

I know that one issue concerned the seemingly "off-topic" use of humour and light- hearted blogs.

Some people do not like them, some find the an important part of the forum. -

We are all individuals -

this is important, we all like different things.

there is a place for serious & not-so serious blogs here.

now for a possible solution:-

If the titles were to sport the smiling "emo"

then those who don't want to read them will know it is not a serious blog & move on.

what do others think?

sandra.

Can I just add that I came on here one night in deep despair.

I fond an invite to a quiet garden and was made welcome. the people sharing the fantasy offered me a chance to take "time-out" of myself and meditate, imagining myself walking through and resting in this wonderful interactive story.

I went to bed relaxed and slept well for the first time in weeks. . I will be eternally grateful....

[fadedlizard]

Hi Sandra,

Glad I'm not the only one still up.

Yes, much as I think it shouldn't be necessary, I think the icon is a good idea.

I had also thought that highlighting in the first line POTENTIAL TRIGGER may be useful when discussing things that might trigger health anxiety, etc. in others. I know this is used a lot on self harm sites so the users can quickly see if a post may cause them harm and know they then read on at their own risk.

Ultimately though we are responsible for our own reactions and if something is not for us surely we can just leave it alone and read the blogs we find helpful. There is really no way of predicting what someone else may find triggering or upsetting but if no malice is intended then surely there is no need to report???

And yes, Sandra, like you I have found some of the "off topic" blogs more comforting and helpful than any others.

I really hope Admin are reading all this and taking note.

Good night and God Bless,

Lizard.xxx

[MuffinChops in reply to fadedlizard]

^ROUND OF APPLAUSE*

Very well said Liz, good night both of you.

xxxx

[hamble99b in reply to MuffinChops]

night

[Hidden]

I haven't got involved in what's went on but I am really sad to see whywhy and Mr B go, that said however I love a good bit of fun and I do agree that everyone is different and people are more sensitive souls than other. Nothing really offends me althought due to my fear of having a heart attack if anyone mentions it in here I just don't read any further and do no go back on that certain blog.

I think that blog's should be titled somehow so you can have a think before you read and after that it's at your own discretion x

[wallflower_fairy]

Thanks Sandra and everyone for your thoughtful comments.

This is a really good idea!

It'd be lovely if we could create a weekly 'positives blogs' day where we share some of the good things that have happened in our week or made a positive step forward in terms of progress. One person could start and people could keep adding to the thread, so it doesn't get too over whelming for the rest of the post. I know we've done bits and peices before but we've never done it as a routine thing. Just a thought.

I'm thinking we could have all sorts of symbols to show what 'type' of blog it is. * # ~ maybe creating a tally code to help people understand.

for example

~ - positive updates

* - 'of topic' / jokes / role play (such as a 'garden' party )

[H/SAT] - health/ social anxiety trigger

# - serious. (and the number of hashes can indicate the degree of seriousness - e.g. 1 is mild. 5 is an emergency).

Something like a traffic light code to show how serious a blog is or not. Anyway it's just a thought.

What's most important is for people to use their own descretion when writing a blog about the content that can be expected.

(((hugs))) everyone,

wanderingwallflower xx

[Hidden]

I think Sandra has good idea here,and yes "Rose,s garden" a bit of fantasy,is good,sometimes in bed I fantasise I am going to or in the garden ,it keeps your mind occupied and relaxes me