Sunday, 27 December 2015

Forum Rules

In order for this forum to work, there have to be some basic rules that we all agree to follow.
By following those rules, we can promote a friendly, inclusive environment in which everyone feels supported and able to partake.

Here are the ground rules I have set up so far:

1) In order to maintain a friendly and inclusive attitude, politics and health insurance are not allowed to be discussed.

2) This is an open forum. This means that anyone can read what is posted here. As a result, it is not okay to post the names of health care organizations or individual health care providers. This is, in part, a liability issue. It also has to do with the fact that people from all over the world can visit this site. Different people may have had different experiences with the same health care professional or organization. This is not the place to get into arguments about those experiences.

3) Do not post any spam or advertising.

4) Do not post any material that has a copy-right on it.

5) No swearing or offensive language.

6) No racism.

7) Do not post inflammatory remarks or launch personal attacks on other people. Constructive criticism is allowed.

8) Please keep your posts as family friendly as possible (as much as possible on a site about external fixators). This means no inappropriate images or messages.

9) Do not try to sell medication of any sort on this site. This may seem like an unnecessary rule, but I have seen it done on other sites before.

10) Treat each other with respect.

That is it so far.
The rules can be added or changed as necessary, but the basic ones put forth here are nonnegotiable .
If you feel something is missing, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Users who continuously break the rules will be banned.
Hopefully these are all the rules we need to maintain a safe and happy forum =)

All the best,
Jedida

Hello!

My name is Jedida. Some of you may know me as Miriam from the Facebook group External Fixator Support Community.

As many of us found out today, the moderators of the Facebook group have decided to shut down the page after running it successfully for several years. The moderators have done an incredible job in creating a unique and valuable resource for individuals living with external fixators. To date, I have not been able to find another site that was as inclusive, user-friendly, and informative as theirs. Given the responses left when the moderators announced that they would be shutting down the Facebook page, I think that many of you feel the same way as I do. The news that the site will be closing has, therefore, understandably left many of us wondering where we will find support and advice as we continue to live with our external fixators.

In response to this, I have set up this site, which will act as an open forum for individuals to share their experiences and ask questions. You can post updates about your external fixator, ask questions, share tips you have found helpful, keep in touch with one another, upload pictures, and take part in discussions. I cannot claim to have the same knowledge or expertise that Glenda, Rob, and Ben have. I do, however, hope that this site will allow those who visited the Facebook page to continue to keep in contact with and support one another.

There are several ways to participate in the forum: 1) you can create a Goggle Account, which will allow you to post a comment at the bottom of the page. This can also be done anonymously without creating a Goggle Account 2) you can participate in the actual forum anonymously (this option allows you to select a screen name each time you post) or 3) you can register as a member of the forum itself and take part that way.

My ultimate goal for this forum is to provide a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for individuals (and their loved ones) who have external fixators. This is, without a doubt, a long and lonely experience for many people. Keeping in touch with others in similar situations is a great way to get through this.

Wishing you all the best and a Happy New Year,
Jedida

Disclaimer: The purpose of this forum is to allow users to provide each other with emotional support, general advice, and an opportunity to share their own experiences. None of the information provided on this site is meant to take the place of information given by a health care professional. If you require medical advice, please contact your health care team.