Social Anxiety Forums

freakamidget · Calm Regular Joined: 29 Mar 2007 Posts: 86

I know this is a bit weird. But every forum that I go on everyone is friends with each other. Which creates a friendly atmosphere and a friendly atmosphere means more people willl want to post. On here there isnt really a friendly atmosphere, its very formal and most people dont know each other or are mere aqquantinces. We should try to be friends so more people will feel encouraged to post. Just a thought i guess...
_________________

Angie · Posted: Wed October 01, 2008 Post subject:

I feel horrible for not coming to this section of the site. Had I, I would have posted this response much earlier.

This site is kind of... uptight? Obviously there's a good reason for it (heh, duh), but it is online. For me it's easy to talk online. It's in person, and sometimes on the phone where it's tough.

Goal of the forum: LOOSEN UP A BIT - just a little Smile

_________________
"Remember that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." -Eleanor Roosevelt

Josh · Posted: Wed October 01, 2008 Post subject:

They're friends with each other coz they know each other for a while. Here, aside from about 3-5 people, most people are new.

I am actually hesitant to post on forums where everyone is friends - I feel like an outsider.

Anyway, here is my attempt to loosen up: Mr. Green

You can keep discussing it, and I will read up on any specific suggestions.
_________________
Read the advertisement rules:
http://socialanxietyforums.com/topic1327.html#7593

If you have trouble reigistering or posting, please email me at jauggy@gmail.com

Josh · Posted: Wed October 01, 2008 Post subject:

Basically, we need members to hang around longer - long enough to get into the VIP room. Usually people just make about 10 posts then never return. I wonder what could make people stay longer...

Angie · Posted: Thu October 02, 2008 Post subject:

For me, I initially joined because I was so relieved to find an entire site of people who were just like me, going through the same problems as me. Then I disappeared too. I came back when I was going through another hard time, and needed people to relate to. Now I'm here to make friends.

This site definitely has potential, I just think people are doing the same thing I did. They come here for help, and then once they get it they disappear. Or maybe they feel that it didn't help at all. Confused

I'm not sure. Just a theory.

Josh · Posted: Thu October 02, 2008 Post subject:

I could send out an email to all members to remind them of the site - but that might get annoying or moved to their spam folder.

Angie · Posted: Fri October 03, 2008 Post subject:

It's worth a try. Most people check their e-mail daily or at least every couple of days.

How was it that this site had one hundred people logged on at the same time? I don't think I was one of them so I'm curious as to what was going on. Coincidence? Or was there something getting everyone back to the site?

Josh · Posted: Fri October 03, 2008 Post subject:

We had lots of visitors before because I used to have a link on wiki ages ago. The problem with wiki is that people can remove your links. So its not permanent.

freakamidget brought up the same question:
http://socialanxietyforums.com/topic1294.html

Angie · Posted: Sun October 05, 2008 Post subject:

Oh, I see. Very true. Can't always believe what you read on Wiki. Heh It's how I found this site though. It was right after I was diagnosed with SA, and I wanted to do my own research on it, and poof! There was a link to this website. It was very nice. I wonder why people kept deleting it? Competing websites?

Josh · Posted: Sun October 05, 2008 Post subject:

All of the links got removed, not just this one. Whoever was the admin of that page just thought there were too many links.

TrueBlue · Anxious Poster Joined: 11 Sep 2008 Posts: 19

I wish I could get more people to come to this forum, but I really don't know anyone that goes on the internet and also has Social Anxiety...

The other Social Anxiety forums are much bigger, but this is the first forum I found, actually. I googled "social anxiety forums" an this was the first one that popped up, so you'd think there'd be more members.

I think the reason is that they immediately see that there is few posters, and, like Angie said, they just want some quick help...

But yes, lets loosen up and work together?

Josh · Posted: Tue October 07, 2008 Post subject:

Thanks for the support guys. I'm really happy that, just like me, you want this site to grow.

Angie · Posted: Wed October 08, 2008 Post subject:

Yeah, I don't know anyone like me either... well, maybe one close friend. I could tell her to pop on in to see if she likes it. I'm not sure if she posts on forums or not.

The most I could do is post links if I may. Smile

I really do want to see this site grow. I like it here, and I'm sure others would too.

Nyx · Terrified Newbie Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 7

My input:

Some people want help. They get help. They no longer need help. They leave.

Some people want to be around people who have the same problems as them so that they can relax, knowing that these people suffer from the same thing. Relax as in -- they don't get as bothered by posting, or talking, or trying new things because of their SA, because they know everyone else has it as well.

Few people want to make life-long friends with others who have the same problems as them, because those are the people who will understand them.

The first people see no reason to stay because they only came for help. If they found something interesting or perhaps something they could help with -- they might stay afterwards.

The second people are looking to connect with other people who have SA, not just to talk about SA but to be able to talk about other things and then do things together. This is when you offer more activities or forum sections. Not everyone has a current help issue, they just want to connect and they don't always want to feel like they are whining about their problem. They want to enjoy themselves and let loose with people who are trying to do the same.

The last people are the ones who have everything they need already. They just need the people to connect with.

The solution for all of these things are the same. Expand a bit and get the current members to help by pushing the new expansions. You have faithful members here who want more people around and I'm sure they don't mind putting in the effort to help.

You can start small and create a contest section (those are always a big hit) and start the first contest. Who cares what it deals with... but since this is an SA forum, the majority of things can deal with SA to help people at the same time as enjoying themselves. Create challenges for them. You don't have to offer cash prizes or anything crazy like that. People usually play things just to have fun.

That will make the first people check things out longer.. the second people will see the third people jumping in and want to give it a shot and then you have all three types.. hanging around together.

It will become a depressing place if all we talk about is depression and anxiety. I'm not saying that the main focus should EVER steer from that.. highlight all over the place... make sure its the main.. but tuck a few things in here and there so that we have ways to relax and forget about/work through problems without a tear-jerker session ^^

Now those are just my views and opinions. I know I'm new and please don't.. like... pick apart the idea. Thats one of my pet peeves. I hate when people pick apart things I say.. I just figured I'd offer it and if its not liked/needed.. no worries! I'm just happy to try to help out.

((I have a small list of rather small things that made people stick around my forums long enough to see that it was a nice place to be and then they became active with the community.. if you want my super top-secret list.. I will give it to you.. but its not for the faint-hearted..))

Josh · Posted: Sat October 25, 2008 Post subject:

I agree with you. I think the people who come back are those who are just looking for a place to hangout with similar people.