Fyi To New Posters

[jenvan]

Hey there! I wanted to drop a line to the new posters about searching through old posts... that was something I didn't figure out right away when I was new to the board. Sometimes its beneficial to do a search through old posts before making a new one. Often times the answer you are looking for is already on the boards, and you may find it pretty easily. ie. if you are trying to figure out what shampoos are gluten free, search for 'shampoos'. And it helps with board traffic as well. Lastly, it allows you to post to an old topic that's relevant if you want. Pretty easy... Anyway, just wanted to throw that tip out. Welcome to ya'll !

[watkinson]

Hi Jenvan

Good tip! I have wanted to let people know the same thing.

Good information!

Wendy

[Jonesy]

Thanks Jenvan

I'm not a new poster, but it took a while before I got the drift of the search and how to do it.

I read your post out of curiosity and you answered a question I didn't know I had. Some of the posts are so old, and I wondered if it would be okay to reply to a post that old. Some of the ones I've enjoyed go clear back to good old 2004.

Next time, I'll go ahead and reply no matter how old it is.

I enjoy all your posts - very helpful, and usually short and to the point.

Good tip.

Maryellen

[Carriefaith]

Some of the posts are so old, and I wondered if it would be okay to reply to a post that old.

I actually like seeing the older posts. I've replied to old posts. For example, if I need gluten-free make-up, shampoo, suncreen, ect. I usually look through the old posts first and then I will post my question in the old post.

jenvan, I think that is a very good suggestion.

[ianm]

It seems to me that when a newbie signs up they should be directed to an FAQ page with all of the common questions. This should happen before they are given access to the message board. The same questions get posted over and over again. Not to pick on the newbies but it really clutters things up. The search function on this message board is rather clunky and does not seem to work very efficiently.

Some things to consider when upgrading the website in the future.

[pixiegirl]

I like the idea of a newbie being directed to a page just for them... with links and maybe common quesstions.

I know when I first got here the whole message board concept was fairly new to me and like speaking greek, I didn't know how to do it, so I couldn't have searched even if I had known you could do that. It took me months to see the "My Assistant" thingy and another few weeks to figure it out.

So as much as I hate reading the same questions over and over sometimes people are so overwhelmed with the diagnoses of a life long disease and may not be as adept as some of you all on the computer... well they don't search and just ask.

Which is why a newbie page they are forced to go thru would be good, had I been sent there initially I would have checked out the food lists, the restaurants, the products and I would not have been so frightened. But lastly I wanted to connect with some people that also had Celiac.

But anyhow I'm sure you all know this but still when I read another can I have xxxx question instead of saying "on no, not again" I try and be patient.

Best, Susan

[jenvan]

I agree with the input here-thanks all! Even a basic list you have to read through. Like--here are the basics of the site and some suggestions, and a sort-of outline about the process of celiac disease, options for getting diagnosed, food lists--how to elminate gluten from diet, cking products as well, associates illness, recover monitoring tips... I know we posted a discussion about this previously as well, but I guess no one ever moved on it ?