Success Stories and ARCHIVING OLD POSTS, to minimize the effort in finding NEW POSTS.

We've had an excellent response to the idea of posting a PERMANENT FIXED TOPIC titled SUCCESS STORIES in both the Motivation Section, as well as the New Members Section.

Since CC is trying to promote the VALUE of what the membership and services offer here, it is in the best interest of CC to FOCUS on those who've succeeded.  We've had 2 very good recent stories; MeganR, and FortyandFab - one lost 85 pounds; another 123 pounds.

We either need an active window similar to the one that shows when a new journal entry is made/a new friend/a new topic, that is updated with a STORY.

One could edit their bio' - or their page; and there could be a form/window (as there is now for sharing our interests, etc.), and that form could prompt this type of information: 

When did you start at CC?  When did you arrive at your desired weight?  What tools helped you the most at CC?  What value did you find in using the food logs to chart your success?  What activities and exercises do you employ from CC that helped you attain your goal?  Then a space for personal narrative limited to 200 words.

Showing a window of no less than FIVE stories as they're updated, would certainly allow the thousands who get 'lost'  because they simply can't 'find' other friends as quickly,  'jump' to that posted SUCCESS STORY, and they might possibly utilize the TOOLS AND CHARTS BETTER if CC would format this for each and every member.

ARCHIVING OLD POSTS:  There are so many posts that are NOT related to the topic; lots of mundane and useless 'chatter' - this crowds out the posts of value.

A software routine that locates BUZZ WORDS that are 'negative' and clearly NOT relative to achieving goals, could be written to identify the content of each post; if more than three of those buzz words appears in the post, move it BACK IN TIME - to the 'back' of the topic; keeping the POSITIVE POSTS most immediately available. 

Essentially, while chronology is kept in tact, the frivolous posts are archived - saves time, and again CC looks efficient and their purpose of helping people with their health, is PROMOTED (without dialog or promotional remarks). 

Storing the data would be 'subtle' - those that want to tag their own topics or posts, can do so - and if they have to 'wade' through the 'mess' to find their useless remarks; foul remarks, etc. -  let them do the 'dig' - keep those that are sincere, free from this muddled mess.

Diane

Hi Diane,

You've made some interesting suggestions. Do you know how to contact the Team directly? If not, you can contact them here. That way they can directly respond to your suggestions. 

Hi - yes, I did that yesterday - just wanted to plant all the seeds in all the right places since I'll be leaving on March 1, and we're not going to have our computers with us.

Peek at my journal; I've left a similar entry here.

I do think they need to make things much easier; some of the smaller web-sites I visit that are similar, are much more efficient.  Because this one is sizeable, it's difficult to have easy access, and I think CC could do a better job of improving their image so it meets the criteria similar to Spark People.

Spark allows you to create a beautiful 'blogspot' (bio-page).  Spark has very positive message boards; your photos show up on each and every post - and the 'chats' are very constructive; they keep 'garbage posts' to a minimum.

The recipes are excellent; you set up a recipe box - you can 'surf around' and FIND so much more information than here - the TOOLS are top-notch, as are their videos.

You can plan your own custom grocery list; tie it into your menus - for a full week, and print everything in a flash.

The articles they offer toward SUCCESS, are easy to find - very informative, and they seem to have a staff of people that are very skilled in helping in a prompt, and efficient (yet personable) manner.

I like THE ZONE - another place my doctor recommended for my husband and me.  Again, I find it much more focused on HEALTH AND DIET in a way, that appeals to my interests.  Now, I realize this is only 'wee me', who feels this way, but I do believe there is a general common interest - HEALTH AND PROPER WEIGHT; coupled with a certain positive approach that supports the MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL aspect of each and every person's make-up. 

When I say spiritual, I'm not talking religion - I'm talking the 'nature' of the person; the spirit that sparks us each day.

2beittybitty said it very well today in an e-mail to me:  Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health - I'm calling it MESH (as a mnemonic) so I can easily remember it in the future. 

Thank you for giving me the link - as I said, I did that yesterday.  Appreciate your interest.  Diane

The success gallery is an interesting proposition and I think you did the best thing by contacting the Team. I know that CC was doing a success gallery at one point in the newsletter and maybe that would be good to reactivate, if it's not active already (with the permission of those who are considered successes of course). I wouldn't mind seeing a gallery though either.

However, regarding your idea to make CC a more positive place from a archiving perspective ... in my personal opinion, as much as I enjoy the success stories (of course) one of the things that really drew me to Calorie Count wasn't the successes but rather the exposure to people going through the exact same trials and tribulations I was at that stage in my weight loss. It made my struggle real and my weight loss seemingly attainable to be able to chat and read old posts from, not with those who have reached their goals already, but rather with those who are doing it actively.

My point is that not all of weight loss is a positive joyride, sometimes it's good and even MOTIVATING to share the negatives too - that's where the learning and growth took place - at least for me.

The frivolous posts you mention are probably the very posts that kept my bright and cheerful through some seriously dark days, lol. One person's serious post might be another's frivolity.

For example, I would hate to see all of my posts being pushed to the back just because some search engine deemed them unimportant. Wow, now that would hurt!!

It's really subjective and I fear that a search engine based on random buzzwords would literally be putting weight on words without interpreting context and it seems sort of like censorship or editing in a soft sort of way. I wouldn't be a fan, personally, but of course it's up to the Team and those with the knowledge of the types of programming necessary to make it happen in a fair/unbiased way.

Finally, on another note ...  as a moderator, I just want to point out that should you ever come across posts that are objectionable or have foul remarks you can do one of two things: (1) Use the report violation button to report them to the moderators; or (2) Use the block function.

See you around!

Original Post by sixtyfivealive:

 There are so many posts that are NOT related to the topic; lots of mundane and useless 'chatter' - this crowds out the posts of value.

A software routine that locates BUZZ WORDS that are 'negative' and clearly NOT relative to achieving goals, could be written to identify the content of each post; if more than three of those buzz words appears in the post, move it BACK IN TIME - to the 'back' of the topic; keeping the POSITIVE POSTS most immediately available. 

Storing the data would be 'subtle' - those that want to tag their own topics or posts, can do so - and if they have to 'wade' through the 'mess' to find their useless remarks; foul remarks, etc. -  let them do the 'dig' - keep those that are sincere, free from this muddled mess.

 

Well, I certainly would be vehemently opposed to any form of censorship. Of course, the Posting Guidelines must be followed, but what's being suggested here is subjective rating or ranking of posts based on non-specific criteria and personal opinion. 

Who would decide if a post was "mundane?"

Who would decide if a post was "useless chatter?"

Who would decide which remarks were "useless?"

Who decides when a thread is a "muddled mess?"

* If you don't like a poster, ignore or block them.

* If you find a post to be "mundane, useless or frivolous" just skip over it.

* If you find a post to be encouraging, motivational or worth sharing, tag it.

And if people want to share their success stories .... they do it. Already. All the time. In many of the forums. And in their journals. And on their profiles. There are literally THOUSANDS of success stories on here ... I sure wouldn't want people to feel overlooked or ignored or left out because someone selected just 5 people to focus on.... and they weren't chosen.

This site is about inclusion ... not exclusion.

I do like those thoughts.  I was referring to the foul language I often read; the references to 'boy-friends' - 'girl-friends' - social slurs, and items that are completely 'off the wall'.

Since the 'report violation' seemed to me, something might get someone into trouble, I didn't use that.  I didn't know if that meant they might get some type of ban put on them - and in the essence of NOT doing a 'censorship', but rather allowing any and all commentaries to 'remain as is', by being more selective as to a topic-related remark, this 'sorting' process would create a certain efficiency.

Apparently I didn't state it very well; the remarks I've read on these last two entries are very valid, and as the moderator put it, she found some of the input to be motivational, rather than negative.  It has to be hard to 'design' something that serves the mass as best it can.

As to the newsletter, I think that would be an ideal solution to the SUCCESS STORY PROGRAM - I've only been here a short time, so wasn't aware that this once existed. 

Also, because my goal WAS AND IS INCLUSION, THAT'S WHY MY ORIGINAL POST (that was moved to another forum) DID ASK FOR A PERMANENT TOPIC - SO THAT EVERY SINGLE STORY COULD BE SHARED.  Instead, that request was whisked away, after about 14 replies; all were sharing their successes to some degree, and that was INVIGORATING.  Then, I got a notice it was 'moved' - so that's very puzzling to me.

So, since my focus was on the 'slur' - the 'foul' - that still seems rarely inspiring, but a clear turn-off to many who might be offended by this, I think I'll start using the 'violation' button, but I do hope this doesn't create a serious difficulty for those who end up being reported.  Possibly I just don't want to slap their hands too hard - if they've come here for help, and haven't yet learned how to 'mind their manners', I wouldn't like to see them eliminated from the opportunity.

Thank you for clarifying what you thought my intent was, and I'm glad I've had a chance to clarify it.  Diane

Original Post by sixtyfivealive:

We've had an excellent response to the idea of posting a PERMANENT FIXED TOPIC titled SUCCESS STORIES in both the Motivation Section, as well as the New Members Section.

Since CC is trying to promote the VALUE of what the membership and services offer here, it is in the best interest of CC to FOCUS on those who've succeeded.  We've had 2 very good recent stories; MeganR, and FortyandFab - one lost 85 pounds; another 123 pounds.

We either need an active window similar to the one that shows when a new journal entry is made/a new friend/a new topic, that is updated with a STORY.

One could edit their bio' - or their page; and there could be a form/window (as there is now for sharing our interests, etc.), and that form could prompt this type of information: 

When did you start at CC?  When did you arrive at your desired weight?  What tools helped you the most at CC?  What value did you find in using the food logs to chart your success?  What activities and exercises do you employ from CC that helped you attain your goal?  Then a space for personal narrative limited to 200 words.

Showing a window of no less than FIVE stories as they're updated, would certainly allow the thousands who get 'lost'  because they simply can't 'find' other friends as quickly,  'jump' to that posted SUCCESS STORY, and they might possibly utilize the TOOLS AND CHARTS BETTER if CC would format this for each and every member.

ARCHIVING OLD POSTS:  There are so many posts that are NOT related to the topic; lots of mundane and useless 'chatter' - this crowds out the posts of value.

A software routine that locates BUZZ WORDS that are 'negative' and clearly NOT relative to achieving goals, could be written to identify the content of each post; if more than three of those buzz words appears in the post, move it BACK IN TIME - to the 'back' of the topic; keeping the POSITIVE POSTS most immediately available. 

Essentially, while chronology is kept in tact, the frivolous posts are archived - saves time, and again CC looks efficient and their purpose of helping people with their health, is PROMOTED (without dialog or promotional remarks). 

Storing the data would be 'subtle' - those that want to tag their own topics or posts, can do so - and if they have to 'wade' through the 'mess' to find their useless remarks; foul remarks, etc. -  let them do the 'dig' - keep those that are sincere, free from this muddled mess.

Diane

Boy, have I been hustling to reply to the e-mails and comments made about the ideas I've had in the last 3 days. 

I figured I'd go ahead and not only send a comment to CC, but place the ideas in the section marked for such purposes. 

I created a new topic on it as well, and have made this a journal entry.

This will be the last entry I'll make for some time - (we're 'heading out' in our motor-home); going to enjoy the sights as we do beginning March 1 of each year).

Here's what I suggested - I do hope it becomes a reality while I'm gone.  Diane

We've had an excellent response to the idea of posting a PERMANENT FIXED TOPIC titled SUCCESS STORIES in both the Motivation Section, as well as the New Members Section.

Since CC is trying to promote the VALUE of what the membership and services offer here, it is in the best interest of CC to FOCUS on those who've succeeded.  We've had 2 very good recent stories; MeganR, and FortyandFab - one lost 85 pounds; another 123 pounds.

Ideally, we should have an 'active window' similar to the one that shows when a new journal entry is made/a new friend/a new topic, that is updated with a STORY.

One could edit their bio' - or their page; and there could be a form/window (as there is now for sharing our interests, etc.), and that form could prompt this type of information: 

When did you start at CC?  When did you arrive at your desired weight?  What tools helped you the most at CC?  What value did you find in using the food logs to chart your success?  What activities and exercises do you employ from CC that helped you attain your goal?  Then a space for personal narrative limited to 200 words.

Showing a window of no less than FIVE stories (rotating the names approximately every five minutes to allow for updates, and new stories to appear), this means the hundreds who visit would stand a very good chance of catching a number of those stories during their posting; updating their journals, and 'visit'.

As each would 'jump' to read that 'happy story', they might also learn from the formatted 'asked and answered' questions, how to  possibly utilize the TOOLS AND CHARTS BETTER.

ARCHIVING OLD POSTS:  There are so many posts that are NOT related to the topic; lots of mundane and useless 'chatter' - this crowds out the posts of value.

A software routine that locates BUZZ WORDS that are 'negative' and clearly NOT relative to achieving goals, could be written to identify the content of each post.

As an example:  If more than three of those buzz words appears in the post, move it BACK IN TIME - to the 'back' of the topic; keeping the POSITIVE POSTS most immediately available. 

Essentially, while chronology is kept in tact, the frivolous posts are archived (not deleted unless a violation has occurred), and this would save time.  This is NOT a form of censoring; to censor is to 'remove'; sorting and prioritizing is something entirely different.

This would save members time - again,  CC looks efficient and their purpose of helping people with their health, is PROMOTED (without dialog or promotional remarks). 

It would relieve some of the load from the moderators since they can't possibly find all these posts as fast as they're entered.  The moderators probably notice (as I do) consistent 'words' that are often inflammatory; slang expressions, and reference words that are clearly not relevant (exception being in THE LOUNGE).

The 'relocation' would be subtle.  For those that want to tag their own topics or posts, this allows them to access that topic again, and if they have to 'wade' through the 'mess' to find their useless remark; foul remark, etc., let them do the 'dig' - keep those that are sincere, free from this muddled mess.

Diane

I'd hate to see restraints on members and their rich and varied expression.  I've enjoyed this absolutely free website since January of 2006, receiving encouragement and support.  I've made real friends who I've met in real life.  I've found that Erik and Igor, and their growing team have always been responsive to the needs of the members.  I would be a shame to see them spending all their programing time figuring out how to weed out what you term "frivolous" posts.  I want to see what everyone is saying.  I want to know about their lives. 

So I vote no to this kind of judgemental sorting out. 

And what on earth is so objectionable about mentioning girl friends and boy friends?  We do have them you know.  Your ideas seem a little straight laced and prissy to me. It's 2008, not 1958.

The automatic censor already takes out any recognized foul language, and we do have the block feature and the report violation link if we find something objectionable.  When we click on that link, real people read and make a decision, not a cold, unfeeling program. 

We already "focus" on successes, but the overall CC mission is to promote Healthy & sustainable weight management, not just weight loss.  The focus, in my opinion should be right where it is - on useful tools and a community of sharing. 

I'm sorry I don't have time to read your very long and repetitive posts, so I may have missed some other point you were trying to get across amongst all the bold and caps.  If so, I do apologize.

I'm sorry, sixtyfive, but.. I don't think you can argue that you're all about inclusion when your suggestion is to exclude posts that you don't like. Every person who posts on this forum thinks their post is important, no matter what it is. Whether it's...asking a question, talking about their success, small or large.. or just other non-related but still vitally important conversations.

This is a huge site, with a WIDE variety of posters of various different interests and I don't think there's any fair way to say "Your post will be pushed to the top, but yours will be archived."

You talk about unimportant posts about... boyfriends and girlfriends and items that are completely off the wall. There's a place for all of these, and that place is The Lounge, the place for most posts that aren't entirely related to weight loss, exercising, food and diet, parenting, etc... go. Instead or archiving them, my suggestion to you is.. don't read the Lounge. 

As a Lounge Rat, someone who spends most of his time in there, I don't see it in black and white. Other "unrelated" topics ALWAYS matter. If we're having trouble with our girlfriends or boyfriends, it affects us, and our ability to stick to the diet and not do something we might not already do. As far as some of the off-the-wall stuff goes... even the most seemingly unrelated posts.. such as the arguments or the Chats helps us find and meet people, people we can relate to and who can help us along our voyage.

I don't think it's fair to take that away from the many people who USE the Lounge.

Well, some posters here aren't reading 'carefully' - repeating what I've already suggested; yet implying I did't account for the very thing that's being brought up as a reference point.

I've got to get to the bank; we're leaving for our vacation, and I've certainly enjoyed the positive e-mails and letters I've rec'd, so I leave this quote here (by Ralph Waldo Emerson - my great great grandmother's brother).

THE ONLY SIN WE NEVER FORGIVE EACH OTHER IS DIFFERENCE OF OPINION.

I'd question my old great great Uncle Ralph (if he were alive), about what he would refer to it as a 'sin' - but possibly he was meaning more like it is a SIN NEVER TO FORGIVE EACH OTHER FOR A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION.  Ah well, this is from one of the books my great grandmother gave me; could be a typo'...........