Debt diaries Are they getting in the way??

FRUGAL_4

I don't post alot on the DFW board, but I read alot of the threads daily, it keeps my feet firmly on the floor. I must say that I don't read the diaries, not because I am not interested in the OP quest to become debtfree but because I simply don't have the time, I also agree that I miss some new SOA's because of the amount of diaries on the first page.

Sorry if this is going to offend anyone, not my intention at all, but I think that diaries should be banished from the main DFW board, I like the idea of the updates in the signatures, and whilst I wish everyone well in becoming debt free, this board and many others on this site are becoming bogged down with chit chat, and that's what the arms is for - sorry if you don't agree with me, but when I joined MSE and I was in debt, I wanted to read the newbies postings, cause thats where I got the most help in my quest to become debtfree, and even now after being a member for almost 15 months, I am still finding out new things the regulars have posted in the newbies SOA's, and I find that invaluable.

FRUGAL

Gemmzie

I think the problem is that too many diaries are becoming chat threads

hypno06

My life as a DFW is a struggle. I have had a huge amount of debt that I am chipping away at and will be for some time.

I need to keep this debt malarky going. Some days are good, others are more difficult.

Almost everyone I know in "real" life has no idea about the extent of our debt, and how hard it is to keep going. A smile is painted on and excuses are made why we can't book that holiday that everyone else raves about.

And this is why I find my debt diary so good. I can post on it, the good, the bad, and the downright ridiculous. No one has to read it but it keeps me going. It brings me back to DFW day after day, and thereby keeps me chipping away at the debt. I have made more progress since doing this, than I have ever done before.

At the same time I can help newbies. I like to think that I give a fair amount of support to others. I certainly encourage anyone to start a diary if it helps them in the way that it has helped me.

And newbies often say that they have been lurking for weeks, or months, and that the diaries are proof to them that these things work. Far better that than be scared off because of terminology etc.

Debt diaries are real life. No one has to read any of them, but I think that most who have diaries are also those who contribute to many many other threads in a very positive way. For these reasons I don't think they should be moved away.

Seaxwyn

I think the Diaries are an integral part of MSE. As a newbie I learned so much from the diaries, and I still do. I don't read all of them, or even most of them, but there are a good few I follow regularly and find inspiring.

I also think the distinction between 'newbie looking for help' and 'diarist' is a false one. A lot of the diaries end up as exactly that - a newbie gets fantastic help, carries on posting, and before you know it, another diary is born.

I know some new postings/SOAs don't get a large number of replies - but some of them do. I don't think it's because there are too many diaries.

oops_a_daisy

I think the diaries have really only taken off big time in the last year and I have to agree with the OP that sometimes they do clog up the forum. I personally dont follow everybodies diary and I think they can probably be off putting for newbies as well as being an inspiration. I am also not sure if the debt diaries can be blamed for lack of response to newbies but before all of the debt diaries there was actually more threads with open questions as opposed to a question posed in a debt diary.

postingalwaysposting

i am in two minds with debt diarys... yes i do have one (sorry) but i must say my diary started as a appologie and then have carried on into what it is now, and it keeps me on the straight and narrow, many times i have wanted to go and splash my savings but knowing i will have to come back here stops me

debt diarys are great things and i was here when the first few were started. They do aid the forums very well and help many more the the op, however i do find new poster lose thier cry for help, one that really upset me was a post 2 weeks ago for someone asking about iva's and noone answered. Although diarys do contribute to lots of space on the board so do all the challenges/daily threads... if you look at that too you have daily spends/daily postive thread/what have you done dfw style... the worse day to be a new poster on here i find is a sunday, the board is so busy and when anyone post (either a new thread/updating a thread) you are lost within 10/15min.

Sadly though this is an open forums and people are free to post/contribute as much or as little as they like. Thats why its always nice and considerate to look onto page 2~4 (which i do daily) and look at those new posts with none or very little replies and bump them. The dfw board is so huge and has imo the most traffic sadly peoples posts will get lost but maybe if we all helped this can be affoded :kisses3:

Zulu_Dawn

My original post was to question the clogging up of the board by diaries (and by some of the other more social posts which are very popular).

After reading everyones comments and sleeping on things, there are a couple of points I wanted to clarify.

Firstly I think diaries are an excellent idea and I would not want to discourage anyone from posting them. I wish I had the discipline to keep one myself.

I am also not averse to the social posts though I don't ever read them or post to them. They are really just social networking, something I don't really come to this board for.

My issue is really with pleas for help and SOAs in particular. If someone posts an SOA I think it is really important for us all to rally round and get on that thread to offer advice. They often coincide with peoples LBM and to write down the intimate details of your financial affairs is a courageous thing to do, done as it usually is when people are feeling very vulnerable.

Should we split things into sub-boards? I don't know. I never now look at the bankruptcy list because of where it is. That said I look at the stickys, particularly for those people who have become debt free.

I think ultimately I just wanted to make a plea for everyone to really try and make an effort to help newbies and support SOAs.

Anyway -better go. I've got a whole bundle of Ebay stuff to wrap and send before I start getting black marks!

All the best,


ZD

Softstuff

I think that quite a few diarists here are also the people who do give the help when a newbie posts a SOA. If you move the diaries elsewhere, perhaps the diarists would follow... who then would be left to help?

immoral_angeluk

I for one love the diaries. I read them all even if I don't post and things they're so inspiring as you can follow someone's progress from start to finish and see just how far people have come since their LBM..
My diary has been my constant support and backup.. it's a place I can vent, moan, celebrate, share the good and bad times and just general not feel totally alone. Even if noone reads it it's great to get things off your chest and you can always go back ans remind yourself just how well you've done when you're feeling low.

I don't think DFW would be the same without them.

spud30

I love the diaries too.

I havent started one myself because nothing interesting seems to happen in my life, but love reading other people's.

My opinion is that DFW wouldnt be the same without them.