A new idea for staff review.

Do you believe there is a need for this?

  • yes

    Votes: 5 55.6%
  • no

    Votes: 4 44.4%

  • Total voters
    9

returntosender

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When I don't need it I fall over the thread for new idea, when looking for it it is impossible to find.
Please allow me to put this out there and you move it where ever it needs to be:

There are Christians and others who are lonely and alone. They need a friend to care and listen and be there for them.
How about a thread started like "a friend in need". Where people can go to visit that feel the same way but first. A request is made for people who are interested in being there to register as a friend. Two codes are important, an age group 20-40, 40-60,60-on. The other code would be gender, an option but an important one because gender specific may be important to an individual. After the registry is created with the names, the thread is created. I have seen many who express the feelings that they have no friends, that no one cares, that they need someone to reach out to.
The need is there. The thread can be for those to express their feelings but does not obligate them to reach out to those in the registry. At the same time those that do seek the registry would be anonymous to outsiders. Even those on the registry may even be those seeking friendship. No one would be barred from registering their name if they wanted to be a friend.

This topic came about because of Daniel Wrights post
Giving up on life, and not upset about it.
I had seen him post off and on and always enjoyed what he had to say. I did not see this particular post until a few days ago. He is not the first to post these kinds of feelings. I am sorry that I didn't see his post before he left. It seems he is no longer here. I can only hope he went on to bigger and better things. What could we have done for him had we known of this particular struggle? That is not uncommon. What can we do in the future for those who will post similar thoughts?
 
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HARK!

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MOD HAT ON

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MOD HAT OFF
 
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Friedrich Rubinstein

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That's actually a great idea and I can imagine that there are indeed people looking for something like this. Not everyone wants to "expose" their private life in a public thread so it would be very helpful to have a list of people who are willing and/or seeking for conversations and support in a more private manner.

The categories of age and gender will allow people to find the kind of dialog partner they are looking for.
 
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returntosender

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It sounds nice but opens the door to online harassment. It goes beyond the purpose of this site.
Not sure what you mean by on line harassment as it would only be for CF members?
 
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Friedrich Rubinstein

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It sounds nice but opens the door to online harassment. It goes beyond the purpose of this site.

What about making certain restrictions to avoid or at least highly reduce that kind of behaviour? For example, only members who have been registered on CF for at least 3 months can participate, or only members that have made a certain amount of comments. Or even a certain amount of likes needed (showing that their comments are well received).
Of course it won't be perfect safety, but you wouldn't get every Tom, Dick and Harry on the registration list.

These restrictions should only apply to those who offer their friendship though, not to those who look for someone suitable to talk to. Otherwise new members can't get private help. Furthermore are these restrictions a good indication for new members that those who registered on the list are indeed (more or less) trustworthy.

And in case a new member, picking someone from the list, harasses a registered (old) member from the list I'd expect the harassed member to be familiar enough with this website to address a staff member about it.
 
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returntosender

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People who contact the friend register would be anonymous. They would contact them through a pm. If we can't help our fellow Christians who are suffering what good are we?
As far as the thread its self it would just localize those feelings rather then being scattered as they are now. Where most are missed and can't help in anyway.
 
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bèlla

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There’s something along these lines in Christian Clubs. I suggested the OP start a thread to find others wrestling with the same.

That would be a better approach than creating a forum and requiring extra levels of monitoring. Participants could include a link in their signature to increase awareness. If you opt to do it I’d add a prayer thread for community support.

~bella
 
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bèlla

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I don't consider them and one in the same.

They’re a lot of lonely people on the site. You can see it in their posts. More than a few admit it. Reaching out is easy if you feel led to do so. I’m sure you’re not the only one willing to do the same.

As for prayer, if you’re desiring to bless members who are struggling; its helpful to garner support from others.

~bella
 
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Freth

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I like the idea, but I think creating a thread is the wrong way to go about it.

Any member wanting to open themselves to private correspondence can easily add a line or two to their signature, which would let others know that they are open to it.

I've had several members PM me out of the blue to strike up conversation and have made new friends because of it. I can only speak for myself when I say I'm always open to listening and giving advice to my brothers and sisters in need.

It doesn't hurt to reach out to people and ask. You might be pleasantly surprised.
 
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tampasteve

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To be honest, we are a small group and do not have the resources to manage an additional platform like a Discord server.
 
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Reactions: Joy and HARK!
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