The "Bring the Diaries Back" petition

Doomcow

ok, so i used to always come on here, have a read at the diaries and think "holy crap the things some people go through - but they still here and got through it, and are still going strong".

i guess what im trying to say is that with the diaries being here and "in your face" - it brings a first step of compasion, hope and well-being that every DFW both needs and deserves, to get on the long (or short) road to the future. - ie, what every DFW must see - the light at the end of the tunnel.

maintaining this central, visible location for all the diaries is a key component and critical success factor of these forums: the pragmatic people that upkeep and contribute to all the diaries on a daily basis are the people who make this forum what it is.

overall: moving the diaries to their own board will not add any value to DFWs on a whole, and they would be considerably better off back where they were.

DFWs - working as one.

Fire_Fox

Having the diaries separate from the main DFW board may bring a bit of unity to the IVA, DMP and bankruptcy lot. At the moment there seems to be little interaction. I also think that queries were falling off the main DFW page too quickly, sometimes unanswered.

shopaholic84

I love reading fellow members diaries, and its great having them all in one place. Sometimes it was hard for newbies to have their questions answered because the page would be full of diary threads, so their thread was always pushed down the page. For us who have our own diaries, you now know where to go to find it.

I vote keep the diaries where they are, or at least for a little bit longer so we can see how it works out.

x

SarahNeedle1872

shopaholic84 wrote: »

I love reading fellow members diaries, and its great having them all in one place. Sometimes it was hard for newbies to have their questions answered because the page would be full of diary threads, so their thread was always pushed down the page. For us who have our own diaries, you now know where to go to find it.

I vote keep the diaries where they are, or at least for a little bit longer so we can see how it works out.

x

Totally agree with shopaholic84.... I've read more diaries now they're in one place, and the newbie posts are easier to find.... BUT as said before, the board does look quite miserable now!

Sx

southernscouser

Only just noticed diaries have their own board. When did that happen?

It's a difficult one to answer. I see pro's and con's in both and I had/have my own diary.

On the one hand, it frees up the first few pages for newer members who need advice more urgently. On the other hand, it may force those with the experience and knowledge that can help answer, away from the place that they're needed most.

Then there is the fact that is a new member needing help more important than an older member needing help?

When does a thread asking for help become a diary?

Do diaries inspire others to post, or put them off?

So many questions, and no answer is wrong or right.

So in summary, I haven't got a Scooby.

Merlinexcalibur

Diaries are a good idea. Generally. Though, and please don't attack me for pointing something out constructively, but they can become slightly more about 'popularity' than actual 'constructive help'. Not a criticism but a constructive viewpoint based on how some things can go. Not intentionally, but how it goes for some. And I agree with some that it does push people's threads down off the page, I couldn't help but notice that in the few seconds I went onto another page, a new thread was at the top. Came back, it was on the second page already, no replies.

People obviously come to places like MSE when they've probably been shoved away from many of the places out there we were always led to believe in life were there when we needed them. Well, like myself, I have found that simply not to be the case. Free advice is very rare these days, as is a community that supports people not just for the debt side because debt doesn't just affect your status, it affects your health. Anyone thinks otherwise they are kidding themselves. So, it is vital that places like MSE thrive on the many different people that come to it, because like I said people get pushed from pillar to post if they can't pay for a solicitor and, really, debt advice should nor ever be an exclusivity available only to those who can afford it or pay someone to take the stress from them. Plenty cannot and in the coming months, plenty more will come. Those who have never faced these things in their lives, don't know where to go, will be like a nuclear blast in their lives. So, yes diaries are good but ... I hope some can see where I come from. Emotional as well as financial support is VITAL when dealing with debt and I feel that often gets overlooked.

Example: someone who is literally end of their tether, arrived in a state of sheer panic, things have reached a late stage, no one has helped them because things are not very well advertised locally and if you don't know or experienced it before ... well, you go to a neurologist and not a GP don't you when you have brain problems? ... but unless you know who to go to, how would you know? Anyway, but when someone doesn't get a reply, in really urgent need of help that can be really detrimental. Because MSE or somewhere like it may be literally their last hope of finding that help.

Numpty_Monkey

If the yes is for bring back the Diaries then thats my vote
To be honest I thinhk I only normally post on 1:o

But i probably post on a lot of new diary's and threads that do become diary's:o

The feel of the board has changed, it is lacking that "human" feelingwhich is what makes MSE DFW different to the other sites
If you are getting all the pleads and urgent needs just shoved in your face it does take its toll
It has on me:embarasse

I don't agree that alot of posts went and go unanswered because they are not on page 1
I used to go back 3,4,5 pages to see if there are any unanswered posts or if only 1 reply deepends on who has replied and what the reply was as to wether I could add anything or just bump it
Quite alot of new posters have lurked for a few weeks before posting and read the odd diary and it has given them a change in their mindset, that there is light at the end of the tunel and that the people here are human with all the faults

Burlesque_Babe

I think the main DFW board is starting to lose its human touch and is getting more 'clinical '. I've already noticed 'help' threads getting smaller numbers of replies.