Posted by jay on February 11, 2004, at 21:19:09
In reply to Re: What percentage of male vs. female posters? » Dr. Bob, posted by Phil on February 11, 2004, at 10:35:20
Phil...yes..I hear you...as the numbers on the Stats board are quite staggering. In the last period...63 percent female. (And out of that..how many men post?) I also hear you about Dr. Bob's comments. I feel you are right...that a lot of guys don't speak up for fear of being "canned".(Or even initiate conversation.) I understand, somewhat, Dr. Bob's reasons for keeping general "civility", but I think in order for this to cease being the "stop..shop...and go" board (which is why I think there is high turnover), Dr. Bob has to loosen things up a bit. The Stats board doesn't lie...just look at the shear numbers of people who come and go. For Even to anyone who has hung around in a year, this feels more like a busy airport than a even a "loose knit" community.
I also believe men experience just as much mental illness as women, but there simply is that 'macho' stigma, and this would be a good place to break it. I think the guys who post here are brave by trying to turn that stigma away. How to foster that, though, I really don't 100 percent know. I've always felt Dr. Bob should develop a Mission Statement for this place, to give it some identity and a more solid purpose. It doesn't mean that he has to stick to it permanently, but it may help give us some identity, and also help draw more people. For some reason, it feels like Dr. Bob just wants to keep this as some lone, wild-west "gas stop" on the internet highway, but whatever he feels, he should put it up in writing, even if it is in a state of flux. This site is part of a chain of places people stop to get help, even if it isn't always therapeutic. I think it is time for that to be recognized.I know already other mental health websites have certain links via "web awards" (ie. http://www.mentalhelp.net/) and the Health On The Net (HonCode) Foundation also issues a standard "stamp" of certain codes of conduct and such being met.
Anyhow...IMHO..et. al, I would like to know what others think.
Jay
poster:jay
thread:311911
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20040112/msgs/312264.html