Posted by medlib on April 15, 2000, at 11:17:02
In reply to possible new registration system, posted by Dr. Bob on April 15, 2000, at 7:03:46
> > You could try to set up something with cookies that won't let him come back, or require pass words, but that starts to restrict things too.
>
> I have in fact been thinking about making it necessary to "register" before posting (just looking at posts would continue to be unrestricted). But more just to give me a better idea of what kind of people use this site than for security purposes.
>
> I've wondered, for example, about the age, gender, and geographical distribution of the people here. And whether they're taking medication or in therapy. Or are psychiatrists or therapists themselves.
>
> It might also make sense to ask for an email address. Like now, it wouldn't need to be posted, but it might be useful if there were disruptive behavior later.
>
> Of course, this information would be collected in a secure way, and information about individuals would be kept confidential.
>
> Let me know what you think. How you'd feel about such a process, what you yourself might like to know about the group as a whole, etc.
>
> Bob
>
> PS: It's also true that registration could be a first step toward charging for being able to post. If anyone should have any thoughts about that, I'd also be interested...----------------------------
Dr Bob-
You are, naturally, entitled to datamine in return for providing and maintaining Babble, and a group profile might be of some interest. (It might also shake loose some grant money.) Of course, you will change the nature and size of the group significantly should you require registration; but that's a social science given--the act of observation changes what is observed. For example, many of the most vulnerable posters here have said that they felt able to post (after lengthy lurking) ONLY because of the anonymity available.I believe that, with registration, Babble would become something more closely resembling a traditional therapy group, a group with relatively stable membership comprised of relatively stable (psychologically) participants who meet regularly for emotional support. Newcomers, even if willing to register, would be less willing to try to join this more cohesive existing group. I'm not aware of another online therapy group--it might be an interesting evolution.
I originally sought out Babble as an anecdotal information source on psych meds after reading your Tips section. Only after lurking awhile did I become interested in the individuals posting or feel that I might have something to contribute. I remember feeling very tentative about posting and I composed several messages before actually posting one. I don't think that I would have been willing to register when I first posted, although I would do so now.
I believe that charging for posting would kill Babble in short order. People willing to pay to post become, in effect, vanity publishers--a uniquely boring group of people, whom I would not even bother to read, much less join. Also, several of the current posters are so knowledgeable that they could charge for their advice and information; they contribute it free out of a sincere desire to help others. It doesn't seem reasonable to expect people to pay to volunteer.
If financing is a major problem, you might have better luck turning the board into a paid subscription list serv, but, I warn you, collecting for online services inevitably becomes a major staff expense. I think that there's no question that you provide a unique, very valuable service as Babble now exists, and NAMI or other foundations should be willing to help fund it. But, grant applications are the pits, I know.
I will be sad to see Babble change, but change is the nature of living things; I realize it's not only inevitable, rapid change is now the norm.
Thanks much for all you've done.--medlib
P.S. If the purpose of registration is primarily data collection and not increased control, why not just ask Babble posters to fill out a survey (email optional)? You'd probably get pretty close to the same number of survey reponses as people willing to register for the right to post.
poster:medlib
thread:30069
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000411/msgs/30086.html