Thanks to all the Beyond Blue readers who weighed in on the combox of my post "Group Beyond Blue: Public or Private?" or at the discussion thread at Group Beyond Blue.
I was confused that I called up AOL Co-Founder Steve Case, who is presently founder and chairman of Revolution Health.
I said, "Steve, do you have a thought on which way we should go?"
Actually, it didn't really happen that way. I was invited to an hour-long conference call with him, along with eight other health bloggers, last Thursday, and he said something that made me think about our group. When describing AOL's history, he said that the first nine years consisted mostly of people lurking around, unwilling to really dive in and connect. Once that happened, somewhere around the ninth year, AOL mushroomed and became the leader of the online world (at least during his reign).
And then he described what's happening at Revolution Health, which just celebrated it's first year anniversary, and as of January passed WebMD with its (monthly!) page views of 256 million as the number one health property on the internet. He said it's about "building trust" and inviting readers to use all of the tools available until they are ready to engage. First comes the information, he said. Next comes the engagement.
As he spoke, I thought about the direction of Beyond Blue, and where we want to take it. I think Steve would recommend that we keep Group Beyond Blue public, because of all the window shoppers that eventually go into the store to buy. The majority of you, as well, preferred to keep it public—after I ran the numbers both on the combox of my post and on the discussion board in Group Beyond Blue. And lastly, I think we should keep it public for the same reasons that I went to all "public" 12-step support meetings when I got sober: for about a year, I just observed, not saying much at all. And I learned so much in that time. Eventually I went on to chair meetings and volunteer, to get involved in the program. But not until I had enough confidence and information.
If we make it private, I'm afraid that we won't be there for the newbie who has no idea if he is bipolar or ADHD or OCD, but can educated himself by other people's stories and, from the wisdom of the boards, knows better what he should tell his doctor.
That said, I do appreciate the concern of readers who prefer a private group. To that end, I think it might be worth hooking up with a few other Beyond Blue readers on your own, and forming a kind of private support group, or starting another small group on Beliefnet Community, as some others from the group have done. I don't think they compete with Group Beyond Blue. At least not if they serve a need that a public group can't.
Thank you again for all your input, and more importantly, for all of your stories, wisdom, and insights here on the blog, and also on the discussion boards of Group Beyond Blue.
You all are the best!
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I belive that you will get through this time. One minister who has helped me is Robert Schuller. His books have made me more aware of Jesus and His Love for the world. The Beautitudes said a lot for me.
Listening to contempoary chrisitan music is a blessing to me as well. Take Care and God Bless.
All I can say is this has been a real LIFESAVER for me! I know thanks to the candid conversations, the compassionate responses (for the most part) I am coming to a better understanding of "What the hell is wrong with me all these years?!" A veritable lifeboat in a sea of confusion. I value all the input and information I have gotten from this website over the past year (?) It seems that long...but I'm still here above ground...YEAH!
The Beyond Blue is good outlet for me to get to understand myself & voicing of my throughts & opinions. Then having others giving their throughts & opinions on what I post. That's how one learns & grows into their Faith is by listening to others with an open mind. If you don't truly agree with what they say; you can have a frank discussion. Keep it going. Thank you for being here.
Good for you, Therese! I heavy decision made, and off your mind! I really have to give you credit, how you can micro-manage, and handle dealing with family, friends, career goals, and yourself, as well! Gosh, just writing that sentence made me tired...LOL! Always know you are in my thoughts and prayers(esp. to The Little Flower)! You have been such a monumental influence in making me face up to all aspects of my disabilities. When you treat on half of the problem, there is never long-term success. I can attest to the fact, but I'm sure we don't have enough room on here for my life story...LOL! Keep on, keepin' on Therese! Godspeed and God Bless, Sue
This blog helped me a great deal, it saved my life to be exact. Thank you Therese for all the wisdom and for being there when I needed it most. The readers offer so much support and virtiual love. I don't read as often as I did but I am grateful that you have always been here when I do check in. This disease is EXAUSTING AND TAKES MUCH WORK TO OVER COME. yOU HAVE INSPIRED ME TO KEEP GOING WHEN IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO DO SO. GOD BLESS YOU THERESE AND ALL OF YOU OUT THERE IN BEYOND BLUE LAND!!!!!! LYNN :)
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