Gate keeping in the forum Topic

Highland_Gigi 07/28/21
I want to give an observation. I love this site for the flexibility and customization. The forum, however, is terrible. I had used another calorie counting app for nearly a decade. It had a robust, active community. This one seems to be stagnant.

First, set up the forum so that we can be notified when someone responds to us or comments on a topic we are interested in. This will allow us to actively participate in conversations with other users.

Now, the touchy subject. If you look at the forum, nearly every single post has the last comment from "Dietician". I recognize one of the benefits of this application is getting answers from a dietician. That support is definitely a plus. BUT, when every single comment or topic is interrupted by a dietician even when the participants are giving quality input, it minimizes the feeling of support from others on a wellness journey. I completely understand a dietician answering questions in the "Ask a Dietician" section. I also believe it is critical to step in when users are giving misleading, false, and dangerous information. It is unnecessary to take over ever single post. Let us talk and have conversation without feeling like big brother is watching every single thing we do and say. When I go into the forum to look for new comments/topics and each one says "dietician", it looks like users are not participating which isn't the case...but I think more would participate if they thought they could speak freely. It may seem like you are proving you are paying attention and active but it really comes across as gate keeping to control the conversations.

This is a great application. I love it. I just want to see the forum become a place where people can speak freely and find supportive, motivating people within the community.

Dietician 07/28/21 replied to Highland_Gigi
Hello Highland_Gigi-
Thank you for taking the time to provide this thoughtful feedback! We appreciate hearing from you about ways to improve the forum. Your timing is really incredible, as we were just discussing Dietitian involvement and ways to improve the forum at our meeting this week. The app developers are working behind the scenes to ensure the community forum is easier to use and will hopefully implement notifications in the near future. We work hard to create a community where people can share their thoughts and experiences. Connecting with others who are going through similar challenges is valuable. I agree, there are things that could be enhanced with the forum to reach more individuals and to encourage deeper conversations. I have passed along your feedback to the team. Best to you in reaching your health goals~ Joanna (MyNetDiary Dietitian)

Highland_Gigi 07/29/21 replied to Dietician
Thank you for taking the time to listen. I look forward to seeing the changes you make in the future.

Rosesareblue 08/26/21
Hi . I agree with Highland_Gigi , because of the exact reasons . And I'm sure you did not mean to put an end to the conversation , but since I am new to the forum and MND also , that was the feeling I was getting too . That if the Dietitian made the comment last it was sort of the end of the conversation , But , maybe I just need to read a bunch more posts . That is what I might try to do over the next weeks and months . But be assured I do appreciate all the insight that the Dietitians are giving . Thank You ROSESAREBLUE

Colbyfromage 01/09/22
I was going to say as a new person who’s been on lots of apps I love the strong dietician presence here in the forums — keeping the real info strong here, haha. But I can see both sides.

Gate keeping in the forum