would sane consider these changes to the forums

[SmilingGecko]

@Bunniekins I would like an option to make other peoples posts invisible if I sense they are harassing me. I could just click on block and their posts will be invisible and I dont need to read them. I've had this issue before and would have to keep scrolling so I did not read their posts. It would make it a whole lot easier just to block them and make all their posts invisible at my end

[Bunniekins]

@SmilingGecko  hi SmilingGecko well you are a case in point it makes me so sad that someone would be harrassing you of all people.  you are one of the kindest people on the forum.  block should definitely imho be implemented. 

[SmilingGecko]

Hello @Bunniekins thanks for your comments. I think just having a total blackout of any messages from trolls throughout the forum would be good. Not just messages directed at you but once you block them you cant see any of their content throughout the forums if they want to make trouble elsewhere co-opting other people into fake conversations other people aren't aware of with the intent to harm

[Bunniekins]

@SmilingGecko  i agree hunny.  there have been a few times where i really needed the block button for my own well being and it looks like we are not alone in wanting it.

[SmilingGecko]

Wow thats just not good @Bunniekins I have noticed this one troll blanketing the forums and gaining trust with other people with disingenuous conversations with the aim to provoke while other members are unaware because its overlooked. Hard to prove but if you had a block button which made all their convos disappear it would be good 

[AlwaysMyself]

@SmilingGecko @Bunniekins I am sorry you have both had those experiences; I know of a few others who have also. I'm so sorry. 😢 No one deserves to be targeted, trolled, slandered or faked-to.

I am assuming you have chatted about it privately with the staff via email with regard to the specific user(s) you have had these experiences with? 

If not, I would encourage you to. Although I recognise they may be limited in what they can do under the current forum software; I wonder if someone was doing it though if they could put their posts to automatically go into Moderation for approval before being publicly available, until that person can prove they can avoid trolling/etc? 🤔 

But, I also see the benefit of having a "block seeing posts from X-user" option, and think the idea is good. Although I expect it would not stop you seeing their username mentioned in replies by other users - that would be a lot more complex to implement in a software.

[DogMan79]

@AlwaysMyself @Bunniekins yes, the most common implementation of blocking on forums just places that person's post in something like a spoiler with "click to view". But others still quote them and that displays freely to you, as do replies to them including mentions (Including people quoting your blocked member's posts and saying " @Bunniekins this was for you, I think you missed it")

[FearofUnknown]

I think the whole User Interface/General Layout of the forums needs to be upgraded because everything looks messy and a list is very unhelpful. There should be a better way to navigate around the forums, especially when trying to find old threads/posts - it is virtually impossible unless you've already saved the thread/post and even then, there is another long list to navigate through! 

The whole appearance of the website needs to be revamped because I dislike it since I've first joined here. It really deters me from posting, especially knowing that my thread/post will just disappear into oblivion in less than a week as new threads/posts come through. 

Also, why doesn't people comment? It's very sad when you pour your heart out and the post count is still 0. 

[Bunniekins]

@FearofUnknown  hi FearofUnkown i do post when i am emotionally up to it.  i did alot in the past but now i am spent tbh.  i cant talk for others but that is the reason why i dont comment as much as i used to.... i'll add you on my bunny thread where i generally hang. there i tend to be more open for discussion and there are other caring members who will open their hearts to you. bunxx

[Flutterbug9]

I like that the forums are anonymous and that this will never change.  Allows me to feel comfortable to sharing things that I wouldn’t in other settings.

I like the idea of polls.  The option for ideas about possible changes to the forums to allow everyone to be involved with their thoughts etc 

I like the option that @AlwaysMyself mentioned about being able to choose who is able to receive a post.  To have the ability to share details about oneself that, due to concerns for privacy, can’t share with everyone on the forums.  Details could be as simple as a photo or a location name; things that continue to remain within the community guidelines

I can understand the discussions about option to block a person due to somethings I’ve experienced on the forums myself.  Personally, I have concerns of possibility of a “block person” option to become misused.

In situations where “unpleasantness” (using the word in attempt to cover all options of interactions) can’t be sorted out between the people involved, the mods/psw’s are best people to chat with

prior to moving to current website design there was brief description about each forum topic eg Our stories, somethings not right, advocating for change etc.  brief descriptions that are not there now.  I feel having those brief descriptions back on the website/forms would make things easier for people who are new to the forums and trying to learn how to navigate, including what type of topic is most applicable for different circumstances.  I now was a benefit for me when I was new to the forums and starting to post

@Forest_Fairy