As Steff has explained, we felt we had no choice but to ban Gail after her recent behaviour on the Forum. There have also been things going on behind the scenes that are unacceptable and we did try to resolve things with Gail but she was intent on continuing with her campaign.
In Forum's as in real life, people will always clash and that is inevitable but if someone has the role of a moderator it is essential that they do not abuse that position and to deliberately bait a member due to disagreeing with them, that can not be tolerated. Regardless.
It is indeed sad what has happened on the forum but surely for the benefit of everyone, it is best for things to return to normal as quickly as possible so that people can put their energy into being well and getting thru tx.
As ever, if anyone would like to discuss things further, please feel welcome to message myself or Steff.
Heather xxx
greenqueen said
Jun 29, 2011
Gail has been banned because some people have been receiving some very disturbing pm's from her, which we have been made aware of. If people are being intimidated in this way, then we have to put a stop to it.
It's very sad and we are shocked at the way events have unfolded, but it's more important that people here feel comfortable and able to express themselves without being subject to ridicule and bullying.
Love Steff xx
medusa said
Jun 29, 2011
Hi Steff, Heather and Everyone, It has been a very sad week on the forum to lose two valuable and well loved members, Greg, who seems to have withdrawn of his own accord, and Gail, who I understand has not only been sacked as moderator, but also banned. Lots of people are asking why, and no-one seems to know.
I don't want to take sides, and feel a lot of loyalty to this forum and to all the moderators, Steff, Heather and Gail, who have given so much of themselves, their time and energy to all of us. I would like to know why Gail has been banned. I have carefully read through all the recent posts but can find nothing that adequately explains this. I understand that a moderator's task is not easy, each has their own style, and whatever decisions they take someone is not going to be content, and they are not always going to agree with each other. It seems unfair that Gail has no chance to defend herself as she can no longer post or send and receive messages.
I have been given a lot by this forum, and made many good friends here, I do not want to see it split apart by this dispute.
Please, some explainations!
Love Annie xxxxx
greenqueen said
Jun 29, 2011
Hi Everyone,
Unfortunately, one of our moderators, Gail, has told us that she has intentionally baited a forum member , simply due to differences of opinion. It is totally intolerable behaviour to take a difference of opinion to this level and we are very shocked and saddened by this.
People are most welcome to discuss methods of relieving the side effects of tx. However, we must all respect each others opinions, without resorting to bullying and abuse.
Due to this very sad state of affairs, Gail is no longer a moderator. The role of moderator is to make sure that open discussion doesn't escalate into personal abuse and keep the forum a safe and friendly environment where ideas and information can be openly exchanged for the mutual benefit of all. To allow personal dislikes to enter into it is an abuse of this position.
I hope this clearly explains this sad situation.
Love Steff xx
missycat said
Jun 29, 2011
What on earth has happened to stop a dear online friend posting??? this is really upseting.
im with Kirsten! couldnt have said it better myself!!!
Hep Me said
Jun 29, 2011
Thanks Steff and Heather for being on top of this.
Sorry we lost such a wonderful contributing member too Kirstin but maybe he will reconsider if the site mellows out. I too come here for support and to give support where I can. I've noticed that now more than ever I need to remove myself from stressful situations and harmful environments when they occur or it drags me down for a couple of days. I think our friend did what he needed to do for his health right now and I support him in that decision. It sounds permanent but lets hope not.
Hopefully we will all heed Steff's advice in future posts and chalk this up as a learning experience.
Love you all so much, Randy
anatolya said
Jun 29, 2011
Why we cannot discuss about it. We discuss about all other alternatives methods and suppliments to reduce treatment side effects. Plus there is a study about medical marijuana and hepatitis C, you can check out below :
you can find pros and cos of medical marijuana during treatment.
Personally I was willing to have some medical amount smoke instead of take bunch of pain killers and antidepressants which is extra harm for kidneys. But as far as I read and search it may be harm to liver and speed up the stage process.
medusa said
Jun 29, 2011
I agree with you, Kirsten. This forum should be a safe haven for those on tx,and a place for exchange of ideas and different opinions, without being subjected to bullying. It is a great shame to lose valuable members because they feel that they will be attacked if they post here. Sadly, this has happened before. Can anyone explain openly what is going on behind the scenes?
Love Annie xxxxx
Kirstin said
Jun 29, 2011
I have been gone for a week & a bit, what happened in that time?. For me, coming here, was my daily salvation. An oasis in the battle that is HepC. No matter how bad I was feeling, I could always come here & get love, encouragement & strength to continue on this journey. WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER.. We have enough against us, fighting HepC, going through TX & all the grind that puts us through, not to mention the ignorance & discrimination we all face, why fight, bully & berate each other?. Who knows better what we are all going through then us ourselves?. I got a PM from someone, whom I have never met in RL, but has become, I feel, a part of my family due to his sincerity, love, warmth amongst so many other things, telling me that he will no longer be posting here.. It broke my heart.. I look forward to reading his posts, he has never tried to interfere or persuade me on the way I go about my treatment. He has offered suggestions, which, I have to say, have all turned out to be what I have needed. Has recommended certain products when I have come up against a new sx, which have all turned out to suit me but.... He has recommened, suggested... Not RAMMED them down my throat. He is always kind, friendly, welcoming & honestly, truly concerned about everyone else.. How does it get to a point where these kinds of people are run off? I don't understand.. If bickering is the way it is going to be here, then I will also stick with PMing those who mean alot to me, who have my best wishes at heart.. I hope you don't stop G.. I will miss your posts, your friendship & the laughter.. Don't let others & their negativity get you down.. I love ya
Minerva said
Jun 28, 2011
I can only reiterate what Steff has said so eloquently. I would also like to add that if anyone has any problems or concerns, please don't hesitate to drop Steff or myself a pm.
Hugs
Heather, xxx
Cinnamon Girl said
Jun 28, 2011
Well said Steff, there is no place for bullying here. Peope have enough trouble coping with the nonsense from the outside world without getting it here, the one place where all members should feel free to share their worries and ask for advice and support. Of course, some people have strong views about certain things but these should never be forced upon anyone else. This forum is not a soapbox.
Take care everyone, love, Jill xxx
James10500 said
Jun 28, 2011
Sad but true. It's gotten to the point where people are feeling afraid to offer advice, ask questions,or post results. Either they'll be insulted, or told if they would have just done this they'd be UND. Time to take a break.
Good luck folks,
James
greenqueen said
Jun 28, 2011
Hi Everyone,
Feeling have been running high on the forum recently, culminating in escalating verbal abuse, particularly regarding the use of marijuana.
I would like to say this:
Tx is a potent mix of drugs that can cause extreme mood swings, anxiety and lots of other psychological problems. For some people, marijuana, anti-d's and other meds can help to ease these side effects and enable a more tolerable ride. On the other hand, some people may wish to avoid these “extras” and it is their right to do so. While a lively discussion is no problem, when it deteriorates into personal bullying and baiting others, especially when they are already having a rough time, this will not be tolerated.
There's a Rant and Rave section, so people can let off steam. However, this is not intended to be a battle ground for personal abuse against others.
The aim of this forum is to provide a safe and friendly environment for everyone who is affected by Hep C and we will continue to make sure that it stays that way.
Lets concentrate on fighting the virus, not each other!
Hi All.
As Steff has explained, we felt we had no choice but to ban Gail after her recent behaviour on the Forum. There have also been things going on behind the scenes that are unacceptable and we did try to resolve things with Gail but she was intent on continuing with her campaign.
In Forum's as in real life, people will always clash and that is inevitable but if someone has the role of a moderator it is essential that they do not abuse that position and to deliberately bait a member due to disagreeing with them, that can not be tolerated. Regardless.
It is indeed sad what has happened on the forum but surely for the benefit of everyone, it is best for things to return to normal as quickly as possible so that people can put their energy into being well and getting thru tx.
As ever, if anyone would like to discuss things further, please feel welcome to message myself or Steff.
Heather xxx
Gail has been banned because some people have been receiving some very disturbing pm's from her, which we have been made aware of. If people are being intimidated in this way, then we have to put a stop to it.
It's very sad and we are shocked at the way events have unfolded, but it's more important that people here feel comfortable and able to express themselves without being subject to ridicule and bullying.
Love Steff xx
Hi Steff, Heather and Everyone, It has been a very sad week on the forum to lose two valuable and well loved members, Greg, who seems to have withdrawn of his own accord, and Gail, who I understand has not only been sacked as moderator, but also banned. Lots of people are asking why, and no-one seems to know.
I don't want to take sides, and feel a lot of loyalty to this forum and to all the moderators, Steff, Heather and Gail, who have given so much of themselves, their time and energy to all of us. I would like to know why Gail has been banned. I have carefully read through all the recent posts but can find nothing that adequately explains this. I understand that a moderator's task is not easy, each has their own style, and whatever decisions they take someone is not going to be content, and they are not always going to agree with each other. It seems unfair that Gail has no chance to defend herself as she can no longer post or send and receive messages.
I have been given a lot by this forum, and made many good friends here, I do not want to see it split apart by this dispute.
Please, some explainations!
Love Annie xxxxx
Hi Everyone,
Unfortunately, one of our moderators, Gail, has told us that she has intentionally baited a forum member , simply due to differences of opinion. It is totally intolerable behaviour to take a difference of opinion to this level and we are very shocked and saddened by this.
People are most welcome to discuss methods of relieving the side effects of tx. However, we must all respect each others opinions, without resorting to bullying and abuse.
Due to this very sad state of affairs, Gail is no longer a moderator. The role of moderator is to make sure that open discussion doesn't escalate into personal abuse and keep the forum a safe and friendly environment where ideas and information can be openly exchanged for the mutual benefit of all. To allow personal dislikes to enter into it is an abuse of this position.
I hope this clearly explains this sad situation.
Love Steff xx
What on earth has happened to stop a dear online friend posting??? this is really upseting.
im with Kirsten! couldnt have said it better myself!!!
Thanks Steff and Heather for being on top of this.
Sorry we lost such a wonderful contributing member too Kirstin but maybe he will reconsider if the site mellows out. I too come here for support and to give support where I can. I've noticed that now more than ever I need to remove myself from stressful situations and harmful environments when they occur or it drags me down for a couple of days. I think our friend did what he needed to do for his health right now and I support him in that decision. It sounds permanent but lets hope not.
Hopefully we will all heed Steff's advice in future posts and chalk this up as a learning experience.
Love you all so much,
Randy
Why we cannot discuss about it. We discuss about all other alternatives methods and suppliments to reduce treatment side effects. Plus there is a study about medical marijuana and hepatitis C, you can check out below :
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/06/the_pros_and_co.html
you can find pros and cos of medical marijuana during treatment.
Personally I was willing to have some medical amount smoke instead of take bunch of pain killers and antidepressants which is extra harm for kidneys. But as far as I read and search it may be harm to liver and speed up the stage process.
I agree with you, Kirsten. This forum should be a safe haven for those on tx,and a place for exchange of ideas and different opinions, without being subjected to bullying. It is a great shame to lose valuable members because they feel that they will be attacked if they post here. Sadly, this has happened before. Can anyone explain openly what is going on behind the scenes?
Love Annie xxxxx
I have been gone for a week & a bit, what happened in that time?. For me, coming here, was my daily salvation. An oasis in the battle that is HepC. No matter how bad I was feeling, I could always come here & get love, encouragement & strength to continue on this journey. WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER.. We have enough against us, fighting HepC, going through TX & all the grind that puts us through, not to mention the ignorance & discrimination we all face, why fight, bully & berate each other?. Who knows better what we are all going through then us ourselves?. I got a PM from someone, whom I have never met in RL, but has become, I feel, a part of my family due to his sincerity, love, warmth amongst so many other things, telling me that he will no longer be posting here.. It broke my heart.. I look forward to reading his posts, he has never tried to interfere or persuade me on the way I go about my treatment. He has offered suggestions, which, I have to say, have all turned out to be what I have needed. Has recommended certain products when I have come up against a new sx, which have all turned out to suit me but.... He has recommened, suggested... Not RAMMED them down my throat. He is always kind, friendly, welcoming & honestly, truly concerned about everyone else.. How does it get to a point where these kinds of people are run off? I don't understand.. If bickering is the way it is going to be here, then I will also stick with PMing those who mean alot to me, who have my best wishes at heart.. I hope you don't stop G.. I will miss your posts, your friendship & the laughter.. Don't let others & their negativity get you down.. I love ya
I can only reiterate what Steff has said so eloquently. I would also like to add that if anyone has any problems or concerns, please don't hesitate to drop Steff or myself a pm.
Hugs
Heather, xxx
Well said Steff, there is no place for bullying here. Peope have enough trouble coping with the nonsense from the outside world without getting it here, the one place where all members should feel free to share their worries and ask for advice and support. Of course, some people have strong views about certain things but these should never be forced upon anyone else. This forum is not a soapbox.
Take care everyone, love, Jill xxx
Good luck folks,
James
Hi Everyone,
Feeling have been running high on the forum recently, culminating in escalating verbal abuse, particularly regarding the use of marijuana.
I would like to say this:
Tx is a potent mix of drugs that can cause extreme mood swings, anxiety and lots of other psychological problems. For some people, marijuana, anti-d's and other meds can help to ease these side effects and enable a more tolerable ride. On the other hand, some people may wish to avoid these “extras” and it is their right to do so. While a lively discussion is no problem, when it deteriorates into personal bullying and baiting others, especially when they are already having a rough time, this will not be tolerated.
There's a Rant and Rave section, so people can let off steam. However, this is not intended to be a battle ground for personal abuse against others.
The aim of this forum is to provide a safe and friendly environment for everyone who is affected by Hep C and we will continue to make sure that it stays that way.
Lets concentrate on fighting the virus, not each other!
Love Steff xx