DBSA Chat
DBSA Live Chat Changing Format
[July 20, 2007] - The live chat function is going to close. We have had many, many complaints about the live chat. In addition to the trolls popping up, the software allows anyone to use anyone's name on the site so people tell us they don't feel safe. We have also been criticized because we can not monitor the site (It's a legal issue - if we do any monitoring of the site, we accept all legal responsibility for anything that happens on the site) and people have raised the issue of how safe it is when people talk about suicide.
We have struggled with this issue ever since we opened live chat several years ago. We have had to take the boards down a few times because of the problems on the site. We simply do not have the staff, or the financial resources to be able to maintain live chat in the way it is best done. Instead we are hoping that folks who enjoy the live chat can transfer over to the bulletin boards. The response is not as immediate but the safeguards we have in place can allow us more control and ensure a healthier environment.
It is frustrating for all of us and when a few people who are in the midst of their illness make it impossible for the rest of us to have a safe environment in which to offer and receive hope, help and support. But we have finally come to the sad conclusion that the potential for damage to our peers is a greater risk than we are willing to take.
Best,
Sue Bergeson
President, DBSA
Alternative websites:
Have a suggestion for another chat alternative? Email webmaster@DBSAlliance.org.
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DBSA to Offer Event-Based Real-Time Chat
Starting August 1, 2007 DBSA’s online chat will shift its focus to exclusively event-based topics. These chats will occur twice a month and will remain free of charge. The complete schedule and RSVP instructions will be posted on www.DBSAlliance.org/chat.
Chat sessions will be divided into four topic areas:
- DBSA Chat
- Ask the Docs! Chat
- Recovery Chat
- DBSA Author Chat
DBSA Chat will offer information on DBSA programs and initiatives. The hope is to hear our constituents’ feedback on to how to better guide our programs and goals. Sessions will include:
- What Is a Support Group and How Do I Start One?
- Who are Peer Specialists?
- Advocacy 101
Ask the Docs! Chat is returning! Some of the nation’s leading medical experts in the field of mood disorders will lead sessions on topics such as the following:
- new research and treatment technologies
- postpartum depression
- how to manage your symptoms
Recovery Chat sessions will address recovery-focused tools such as psychiatric service dogs, journaling for wellness and much more.
DBSA Author Chats feature authors recognized for writing about mood disorders or general wellbeing. The most recent one in the series was July 25 with Lana Castle, author of Finding Your Bipolar Muse: How to Master Droughts and Manic Floods and Access Your Creative Power.
With the introduction of our event-based chat sessions, DBSA will only be offering our chat room services for specific events. As of August 1, 2007, non-event-based chat sessions will no longer be available. This decision has been made to ensure that DBSA continues to provide a safe environment for individuals looking for information and support. More information and resources can be found on www.DBSAlliance.org/chat.
page created: May 9, 2006 |
page updated: August 23, 2007 | |