![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 31. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by shellie on November 12, 2000, at 9:42:27
Just wanted to share two reactions I have to the PB board. They may or may not be of interest to anyone--
First: This is probably due to some deficient element in my head, but it is also related to one of Dr. Bob's survey questions. I find it a lot more difficult to feel like I know ("know") people on the board who don't use regular names. Like "know" in the sense that I can keep track of who they are from prior messages. For example, I was greatly relieved when chdurie2 became Caroline to me. (Forgive me Caroline, if you don't appreciate being an example). Ksvt, I really like reading your posts, but I have had a harder time with continuity, although I am trying really hard. (Maybe I'll just name you!). I also have a harder time with symbolic names, not so much in continuity, but in imagining a real person. Please, please, please, this is not a criticism, just a personal observation which I take full responsibility for having. Really!
Second: This is one I know, I just have to live with, but it is frustrating to me, and I am curious if anyone else finds it frustrating. I want to preface by saying I am coming to terms with it because it is just what it is. But that is when someone asks for advise about a specific situation, lots of posters respond, and then we never hear from the original poster again. I always feel very good (even when I'm not involved in the thread) when people acknowlege others input, and particularly when they share the resolution of the issue. (Whether or not they follow advise given to them).
Anyway, I am having a very spacey Sunday morning, so please forgive my indulgences and my run-on sentences.
Shellie
Posted by B Day on November 12, 2000, at 11:35:37
In reply to Miscellaneous Reactions to the Board-Long, posted by shellie on November 12, 2000, at 9:42:27
> First: This is probably due to some deficient element in my head, but it is also related to one of Dr. Bob's survey questions. I find it a lot more difficult to feel like I know ("know") people on the board who don't use regular names. Like "know" in the sense that I can keep track of who they are from prior messages. For example, I was greatly relieved when chdurie2 became Caroline to me. (Forgive me Caroline, if you don't appreciate being an example). Ksvt, I really like reading your posts, but I have had a harder time with continuity, although I am trying really hard. (Maybe I'll just name you!). I also have a harder time with symbolic names, not so much in continuity, but in imagining a real person. Please, please, please, this is not a criticism, just a personal observation which I take full responsibility for having. Really!
>
> Shellie
>
Hi Shellie! I'm pleased to make your acquaintance.My name is Bob...and also Bob Day, Plain Ol' Bob, Poor Ol' Bob, BDay, bidet, The Esteamed Ambassador Of Lumptonian, Am B, Ambassador B, Ambassador Bob, Mr. Ambassador, Ambassuendo, Mr. Innuendo, Labrassador, Lambrassador, Dog House Bob, Puppy Paws, Faux Paws, Sweetie, Luke Knuckle-walker, Bob the Blob, Smarty Pants, Hotty Shot, Elder Statesman, Sticky Brown Lips, De Poet Laureate, De Composer and finally just "B". Did I miss any? Hmmmmmm?
I hope this helps.
Yours,
uhh? I forget.
Posted by shellie on November 12, 2000, at 16:27:01
In reply to Re: Miscellaneous Reactions to the Board-Long » shellie, posted by B Day on November 12, 2000, at 11:35:37
>
Posted by ksvt on November 12, 2000, at 20:11:22
In reply to Miscellaneous Reactions to the Board-Long, posted by shellie on November 12, 2000, at 9:42:27
> Just wanted to share two reactions I have to the PB board. They may or may not be of interest to anyone--
>
> First: This is probably due to some deficient element in my head, but it is also related to one of Dr. Bob's survey questions. I find it a lot more difficult to feel like I know ("know") people on the board who don't use regular names. Like "know" in the sense that I can keep track of who they are from prior messages. For example, I was greatly relieved when chdurie2 became Caroline to me. (Forgive me Caroline, if you don't appreciate being an example). Ksvt, I really like reading your posts, but I have had a harder time with continuity, although I am trying really hard. (Maybe I'll just name you!). I also have a harder time with symbolic names, not so much in continuity, but in imagining a real person. Please, please, please, this is not a criticism, just a personal observation which I take full responsibility for having. Really!
>
> Second: This is one I know, I just have to live with, but it is frustrating to me, and I am curious if anyone else finds it frustrating. I want to preface by saying I am coming to terms with it because it is just what it is. But that is when someone asks for advise about a specific situation, lots of posters respond, and then we never hear from the original poster again. I always feel very good (even when I'm not involved in the thread) when people acknowlege others input, and particularly when they share the resolution of the issue. (Whether or not they follow advise given to them).
>
> Anyway, I am having a very spacey Sunday morning, so please forgive my indulgences and my run-on sentences.
>
> Shellie
Posted by chdurie2 on November 13, 2000, at 0:41:40
In reply to Shellie - my name is Catherine (NP) ksvt, posted by ksvt on November 12, 2000, at 20:11:22
> > Just wanted to share two reactions I have to the PB board. They may or may not be of interest to anyone--
> >
> > First: This is probably due to some deficient element in my head, but it is also related to one of Dr. Bob's survey questions. I find it a lot more difficult to feel like I know ("know") people on the board who don't use regular names. Like "know" in the sense that I can keep track of who they are from prior messages. For example, I was greatly relieved when chdurie2 became Caroline to me. (Forgive me Caroline, if you don't appreciate being an example). Ksvt, I really like reading your posts, but I have had a harder time with continuity, although I am trying really hard. (Maybe I'll just name you!). I also have a harder time with symbolic names, not so much in continuity, but in imagining a real person. Please, please, please, this is not a criticism, just a personal observation which I take full responsibility for having. Really!
> >
> > Second: This is one I know, I just have to live with, but it is frustrating to me, and I am curious if anyone else finds it frustrating. I want to preface by saying I am coming to terms with it because it is just what it is. But that is when someone asks for advise about a specific situation, lots of posters respond, and then we never hear from the original poster again. I always feel very good (even when I'm not involved in the thread) when people acknowlege others input, and particularly when they share the resolution of the issue. (Whether or not they follow advise given to them).
> >
> > Anyway, I am having a very spacey Sunday morning, so please forgive my indulgences and my run-on sentences.
> >
> > ShellieShellie- i originally registered with my screen name - chdurie2 - as many people do on many boards. then when i saw how informal babble was and that people used real first names, i tried to change registration to "caroline." but the thing wouldn't let me - i forgot what it did or said, it was so long ago. so that's when i started signing everything with my first name. if anyone can tell me how to change registration from chdurie2 to caroline, i'd like to do it. not just per your request, but i think chdurie2 is a little bizarre in this context, too.
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 13, 2000, at 2:44:12
In reply to Re: Shellie:can anyone tell me how to change this?, posted by chdurie2 on November 13, 2000, at 0:41:40
> i tried to change registration to "caroline." but the thing wouldn't let me
Sorry, to do that you have to re-register with a different "name". Unfortunately, Caroline's already taken...
Bob
Posted by caroline h. on November 13, 2000, at 3:58:51
In reply to Re: how to change this, posted by Dr. Bob on November 13, 2000, at 2:44:12
> > i tried to change registration to "caroline." but the thing wouldn't let me
>
> Sorry, to do that you have to re-register with a different "name". Unfortunately, Caroline's already taken...
>
> Bob
Posted by shellie on November 13, 2000, at 8:34:52
In reply to Shellie - my name is Catherine (NP) ksvt, posted by ksvt on November 12, 2000, at 20:11:22
>
Posted by stjames on November 15, 2000, at 20:31:16
In reply to Miscellaneous Reactions to the Board-Long, posted by shellie on November 12, 2000, at 9:42:27
But that is when someone asks for advise about a specific situation, lots of posters respond, and then we never hear from the original poster again.
James here....
Yes, I feel the same way. Also when people don't answer questions asked of them. Or those who say they want to get better but will not change anything.
I also get tired of the same question(s)
being asked. While I have excepted that few will ever read the archives, often their question was answered in the current month. People are conditioned to expect to be spoon fed and balk if
asked to take an active part in getting info, like being asked to look at the archives. Again this is common everywhere on the net. This is not
me bitching but a statement of net dynamics from my perspective.I get bored with many lists after a while because the same questions and topics come up again and again. Perhaps a FAQ would help this list. Topics like 1) How long it takes AD's to work 2) This list is not a true sampling of everyone taking meds; that most here are not doing well and this is not a fair representation of what happens to most people.
james
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 15, 2000, at 21:24:50
In reply to Re: Miscellaneous Reactions to the Board-Long, posted by stjames on November 15, 2000, at 20:31:16
> I get bored with many lists after a while because the same questions and topics come up again and again. Perhaps a FAQ would help this list.
Psycho-Babble Tips is an attempt to address that. And there's certainly room there for a FAQ or two... :-)
Bob
Posted by shellie on November 15, 2000, at 21:56:43
In reply to Re: same questions and topics, posted by Dr. Bob on November 15, 2000, at 21:24:50
> > I get bored with many lists after a while because the same questions and topics come up again and again. Perhaps a FAQ would help this list.
>
> Psycho-Babble Tips is an attempt to address that. And there's certainly room there for a FAQ or two... :-)
>
> Bob---------------------------------------------------
"Overwhelmed by the archives?"
Dr. Bob--I don't think this is exactly encouragement to try the archives!
"Take a look at Psycho-Babble Tips, listings of helpful web pages compiled by Psycho-Babble participants."Could this be expanded to say something like listings of helpful web pages compiled by PB participants, including info on specific medications, etc. etc.
One more topic always repeated "withdrawal". I'm not volunteering at this point. I work at home alone (at this time of year both day and night) and my visits to PB are like cigarette breaks for a non-smoker. Maybe after Christmas.
Thanks for considering options, Shellie
Posted by shellie on November 15, 2000, at 22:11:12
In reply to Re: same questions and topics » Dr. Bob, posted by shellie on November 15, 2000, at 21:56:43
Oh yes, I forgot. I think the graphics of chosing categories are really confusing (if I may be so bold as to say so). The line that says "tips" , "search", etc. is so small that it doesn't at all scream "pick me, pick me". You mention archives, but then the category says "search", not "search the archives." If I was just coming to the board for the first time, I think I would be confused.
Before I get more carried away, I'm going back to work. Forgive me if I've overstepped my boundaries as a babbler. Shellie
Posted by stjames on November 16, 2000, at 0:58:08
In reply to Re: same questions and topics » Dr. Bob, posted by shellie on November 15, 2000, at 21:56:43
> One more topic always repeated "withdrawal". I'm not volunteering at this point. I work at home alone (at this time of year both day and night) and my visits to PB are like cigarette breaks for a non-smoker. Maybe after Christmas.
This would be a good subject for Tips. It is really easy to do a section in Tip.
You just search the archives (ex. "withdrawal") on your subject and pull the informative
posts, stuff that others have written. You don't have to write anything. I'm going to do
one on " So you just started AD's, what should I expect ?" Does anyone want to do one on "withdrawal" ? If you look
in the Effexor section in Tips there is already some info on this and what to do. AS of late there have also been some good
posts from people that were sucessful in dealing with this issue.james
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 17, 2000, at 5:45:46
In reply to Re: same questions and topics » Dr. Bob, posted by shellie on November 15, 2000, at 21:56:43
> "Overwhelmed by the archives?"
>
> I don't think this is exactly encouragement to try the archives!It's supposed to encourage people to try the Tips, not the archives. :-)
> "Take a look at Psycho-Babble Tips, listings of helpful web pages compiled by Psycho-Babble participants."
>
> Could this be expanded to say something like listings of helpful web pages compiled by PB participants, including info on specific medications, etc. etc.That's a good idea, to be more specific. I'll change that, but it won't take effect until the next archives are created.
> I think the graphics of chosing categories are really confusing... The line that says "tips" , "search", etc. is so small that it doesn't at all scream "pick me, pick me".
It should be the "normal" size. And I'd rather not have any screaming, anyway. :-)
> You mention archives, but then the category says "search", not "search the archives." If I was just coming to the board for the first time, I think I would be confused.
OK, fair enough, I'll change that, too.
> Forgive me if I've overstepped my boundaries as a babbler.
Not at all, thanks for the suggestions. Two heads are better than one!
Bob
Posted by julesvox on November 17, 2000, at 15:57:55
In reply to Re: Miscellaneous Reactions to the Board-Long, posted by stjames on November 15, 2000, at 20:31:16
ouch. appreciate your observations, stjames ... but am thinking if i am to search a FAQ for my problems, that doesn't really make it an interactive board, does it? i appreciate it when folks remind me of older threads, and don't expect old-timers always to have patience with my problems, which may be old to them.
Posted by stjames on November 17, 2000, at 21:18:47
In reply to Re: Miscellaneous Reactions to the Board-Long » stjames, posted by julesvox on November 17, 2000, at 15:57:55
> ouch. appreciate your observations, stjames ... but am thinking if i am to search a FAQ for my problems, that doesn't really make it an interactive board, does it?
James here....
Huh ? If you search the archives, which are derived from the interactive sessions, how does this make the board interactive. Keep in mind that many people that post useful info leave the
board, so the archives are the only way to find
this info.The other way to look at this is that people are lazy. With a connection to the internet, which has
huge resources, some sill will not take any active
role in finding their info and expect others to search the internet for them. If one can make it to this board then an internet search engine is not beyond their abilities. The information presented here, while often of excellent quality, is biased. An internet search can return primary source materials, the holy gail of research.I've been on the internet a long time. Back in the SLIP days, using gopher, shell accounts, archie, ect. Now it is so easy to look stuff up.
I also found it very healing to activly find stuff on my own. Because the internet did not have this info back then I used the Library, lucky to live near a major one. I worked digallanty to understand things and would like to
see others do this, too. Ethically, because I am not a doctor, I would prefer people to not say " I understand X because James told me about it" but "James pointed me to X and I found Y and Z, so now I understand it"Am a bitching too much ? Well, I do get e-mails for people on this board and other places that say "don't post URL's, I don't like to surf" or "quit posting those studies, I don't read them" Sigh ! How egocentric, like they are to only ones out there ! This attitude seems to indicate some "expect" others to do all the reading and digest it for them. I am so happy when someone says "I went to that link and there are a few things I do not understand" or even " I went there and understood nothing, could you help ?" The internet is not a souped up TV, where you turn it on and go passive.
james
Posted by ksvt on November 18, 2000, at 17:31:44
In reply to Re: Miscellaneous Reactions to the Board-Long, posted by stjames on November 17, 2000, at 21:18:47
> >I'm sorry james but I agree with julesvox on this. Not everyone has your curiousity and the knowledge of how to satisfy it. I don't make alot of use of the internet. My computer time is limited, my phone lines very poor which ruins my modem speed, and I'm easily overwelmed by too much information, so I can get pretty frustrated quickly with the whole process of information retrieval and information analysis. I have a pdoc who is more than willing to throw a ton on information at me in the form of journal articles etc, but i don't have a scientific background and its hard for me to slog through this stuff. Because I have never revealed my situation to very many people, what I have always lacked most of all is the sort of anecdotal data so available on this site, and the comfort that comes from being able to communicate with people who can actually understand what's happening to you. The first piece of that I could get out of the archives, although I've tried that and found it to be too too much. I also think that doing the kind of research you seem to be talking about requires that someone be ready to take a measure of control of their treatment. I was treated for depression for a couple of years before I reached that stage. When I'm not having meds concernes myself, I don't spend alot of time on the PB site. When I'm there, I get some satisfaction from being able to help people who are newer at this than I am. I also find it easy enough to skip right by those kinds of posts when I don't want to pitch in. I can understand your frustration that the PB site deals with issues and questions that are too basic for you, but I also think it doesn't necessarily speak poorly of people that they don't dive right into the archives. just my humble opinion. ksvt
ouch. appreciate your observations, stjames ... but am thinking if i am to search a FAQ for my problems, that doesn't really make it an interactive board, does it?
>
> James here....
>
> Huh ? If you search the archives, which are derived from the interactive sessions, how does this make the board interactive. Keep in mind that many people that post useful info leave the
> board, so the archives are the only way to find
> this info.
>
> The other way to look at this is that people are lazy. With a connection to the internet, which has
> huge resources, some sill will not take any active
> role in finding their info and expect others to search the internet for them. If one can make it to this board then an internet search engine is not beyond their abilities. The information presented here, while often of excellent quality, is biased. An internet search can return primary source materials, the holy gail of research.
>
> I've been on the internet a long time. Back in the SLIP days, using gopher, shell accounts, archie, ect. Now it is so easy to look stuff up.
> I also found it very healing to activly find stuff on my own. Because the internet did not have this info back then I used the Library, lucky to live near a major one. I worked digallanty to understand things and would like to
> see others do this, too. Ethically, because I am not a doctor, I would prefer people to not say " I understand X because James told me about it" but "James pointed me to X and I found Y and Z, so now I understand it"
>
> Am a bitching too much ? Well, I do get e-mails for people on this board and other places that say "don't post URL's, I don't like to surf" or "quit posting those studies, I don't read them" Sigh ! How egocentric, like they are to only ones out there ! This attitude seems to indicate some "expect" others to do all the reading and digest it for them. I am so happy when someone says "I went to that link and there are a few things I do not understand" or even " I went there and understood nothing, could you help ?" The internet is not a souped up TV, where you turn it on and go passive.
>
> james
Posted by shellie on November 19, 2000, at 8:35:15
In reply to Re: Miscellaneous Reactions to the Board-Long, posted by stjames on November 17, 2000, at 21:18:47
Well James, I'm going to have to tilt toward julesvox and ksvt on this issue also. Psychobabble is not presented as a research site, but rather as a site to interact, gets support and share information.I think many people come to the board with the concept of both information and human interaction--
and actually that is how the board presents itself.
Laziness? I don't really see it that way.On the bit of tilt toward your opinion, I appreciate your suggestion that more links be added to tips, to answer questions that come up over and over, so they are available.
I still believe the introduction to the board could be designed better to let new folks know how much information is available on the archives and in tips, in case they are inclined to research their own questions. It doesn't even say on the board that archives are available for three years, just lists the last three months. (I understand that these are the months not yet included in the archives, but how would I even know that if I just came to the board?)
But I think in the long run, the board works, people catch on, and both research options and interactive options are available. I think that's why this board is so useful and why a core group stays for so long.
p.s., sometimes I will direct people to the archives if no one responds to their post, and I don't have the time or the information to answer a question--mainly because I don't want them to think no one read their post.
Shellie
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 19, 2000, at 13:15:49
In reply to Re: Miscellaneous Reactions to the Board-Long, posted by shellie on November 19, 2000, at 8:35:15
> It doesn't even say on the board that archives are available for three years, just lists the last three months.
You mean under "previous periods"? There are only three there because this board has only been archived threee times.
> p.s., sometimes I will direct people to the archives if no one responds to their post, and I don't have the time or the information to answer a question--mainly because I don't want them to think no one read their post.
Thanks!
Bob
Posted by shellie on November 19, 2000, at 14:19:45
In reply to Re: Miscellaneous Reactions to the Board, posted by Dr. Bob on November 19, 2000, at 13:15:49
> > It doesn't even say on the board that archives are available for three years, just lists the last three months.
>
> You mean under "previous periods"? There are only three there because this board has only been archived threee times.
No, Dr. Bob. I'm referring to just before Current Posts on the intro page when it says:
Previous periods00 August 13
00 October 11
00 October 31Those are the previous periods I assume that are not yet archived by year. (???-they're all in 2000) But it doesn't say anywhere (that I can see) that archives are available from whenever in 1998 to August 12,2000. (i.e. choose search (or search archives) for posts dating back to ......).
That's what I meant!shellie
Posted by Hannah on November 19, 2000, at 17:22:35
In reply to Re: same questions and topics, posted by Dr. Bob on November 17, 2000, at 5:45:46
Dr Bob I think you need a separate board for non-medical treatment issues and support. I think this board fills the need for a place to socialize or be silly or funny or post poetry or political views. But what about issues which aren't really medical but are mental health related? Types of therapy, insurance, herbs, alternate therapies, as well as serious requests for support for problems in living could be addressed there.The medical board is better organized and more useful because of the limitation on topics. I think the same thing would happen if you separated a non-med mental health issues board from the "social" board.
I think PsychosocialBabble is a little confusing I would suggest Psychobabble for Non-med Mental Health Issues for the serious board and PsychoticbreakBabble for the recreational board.
Good Luck
Hannah
> > "Overwhelmed by the archives?"
> >
> > I don't think this is exactly encouragement to try the archives!
>
> It's supposed to encourage people to try the Tips, not the archives. :-)
>
> > "Take a look at Psycho-Babble Tips, listings of helpful web pages compiled by Psycho-Babble participants."
> >
> > Could this be expanded to say something like listings of helpful web pages compiled by PB participants, including info on specific medications, etc. etc.
>
> That's a good idea, to be more specific. I'll change that, but it won't take effect until the next archives are created.
>
> > I think the graphics of chosing categories are really confusing... The line that says "tips" , "search", etc. is so small that it doesn't at all scream "pick me, pick me".
>
> It should be the "normal" size. And I'd rather not have any screaming, anyway. :-)
>
> > You mention archives, but then the category says "search", not "search the archives." If I was just coming to the board for the first time, I think I would be confused.
>
> OK, fair enough, I'll change that, too.
>
> > Forgive me if I've overstepped my boundaries as a babbler.
>
> Not at all, thanks for the suggestions. Two heads are better than one!
>
> Bob
Posted by shellie on November 19, 2000, at 18:24:38
In reply to Re: Miscellaneous Reactions to the Board, posted by Dr. Bob on November 19, 2000, at 13:15:49
> > It doesn't even say on the board that archives are available for three years, just lists the last three months.
>
> You mean under "previous periods"? There are only three there because this board has only been archived threee times.
>I must have been looking at social-psychobabble. You're right, all the dates are there on psychobabble--just doesn't indicate (I think, don't trust myself, anymore) that you can search the archives other than pushing each small time period, which is so tedious (and the only way the search used to work.)
Shellie
Posted by coral on November 19, 2000, at 18:55:37
In reply to Re: Suggestion for New Board » Dr. Bob, posted by Hannah on November 19, 2000, at 17:22:35
Dear Hannah,
Interesting suggestion but I suspect you and I might disagree as to what constitutes mental health support. I deeply believe that socialization, being silly or funny and personal expression are among the highest forms of mental health support and would be more than happy to cite references, if you'd like.
Personally, I've gained a great deal of support and comfort from others (who are facing problems every bit as serious and many more whose problems are far greater as mine) who take the risk of expressing themselves, sharing in a moment of laughter. I suspect that's why this board is called Psycho-Social Babble.
Coral
Posted by Hannah on November 19, 2000, at 19:30:08
In reply to Re: Suggestion for New Board -Hannah, posted by coral on November 19, 2000, at 18:55:37
> Dear Hannah,
>
> Interesting suggestion but I suspect you and I might disagree as to what constitutes mental health support. I deeply believe that socialization, being silly or funny and personal expression are among the highest forms of mental health support and would be more than happy to cite references, if you'd like.
>
SURPRISE We totally agree. No references needed!
> Personally, I've gained a great deal of support and comfort from others (who are facing problems every bit as serious and many more whose problems are far greater as mine) who take the risk of expressing themselves, sharing in a moment of laughter. I suspect that's why this board is called Psycho-Social Babble.
Coral My suggestion that the creative board be called Psychoticbreakbabble was meant in a humorous way, suggestive of coffeebreak perhaps? And certainly was not meant to offend you!! This suggestion was not meant as criticism of you or anyone else. ( I guess that's what happens when I took the risk of expressing myself humorously ;o)
I didn't mean to imply that socializing was not a form of mental health support!! Of course it is.
I think it's important enough to rate a whole board!!!I just thought a reorganization would make Psychobabble more effective.
Hannah
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 19, 2000, at 21:29:23
In reply to Re: Suggestion for New Board » Dr. Bob, posted by Hannah on November 19, 2000, at 17:22:35
> The medical board is better organized and more useful because of the limitation on topics. I think the same thing would happen if you separated a non-med mental health issues board from the "social" board.
Hmm, interesting idea. Do you think the "social" posts make it harder to find the "treatment" posts? Maybe what we need is a separate Lumptonia board! :-)
Bob
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