A suggestion for a forum / subforum

[redtailgal]

I agree with your concerns Nifty, I've considered the same thing myself.

Some of the canine forums (esp the larger ones) have an ER section, but to simplify things the ER section has a dedicated Mod. This Mod works ONLY on the ER section to keep it running smooth. They also have a "read this first" giving instructions on what info to give and what constitutes an emergency, IE bleeding, seizures, weak baby, scours (for us anyway). Most of the threads are closed within 24 hours, unless the request to keep them open is made by the OP and approved by the subforum mod. In the best scenerio, one cannot post in the ER section until you have read and agreed to the terms of use and rules for the subforum, but I dont know if that is an option for this site or not.

As far as the mixing of the species, I agree with Em's statement, much of what we do here carries over from one species to another. Another thing to consider, is that the ER forum will not have a lot of posts at once, if the wonderful suggestion of moving them to the appropriate forum is followed. Properly maintained, organized, and moderated, it will be a small concise forum, will little activity, but a Godsend to those that need help now.

As for the "getting started" section, I agree that is a hard one. It would need a sub getting started for each section......and would be rather confusing I think. I guess this sounds egotistical and I certainly dont mean it that way......but I had something like that in mind with the "important links" page that I made. Each species has a list of links below it, giving access to important data for that species, as well as a section dedicated to using the site. While I am not pushing my page (though it can be modified and used if seen fit), perhaps something similar given would be helpful.

 

[elevan]

Here's a prime example of a member giving "goat type advice" to a member with a sheep emergency. This same advice would apply to any species.

Here's an example where any one of us could have helped a member with a rabbit issue but they got no help... I'm a little ashamed of myself quite frankly because I could have assisted with this one but I don't visit the rabbit forums very often.

Another one under Donkeys that any goat person (or any other member on the forum) could have helped with.

By placing all of our emergencies in one section and allowing all members to assist where they might not otherwise have because it was hidden in a section that they don't otherwise visit would increase the content that we have here on BYH. Increasing the content would generate greater interest here and build membership.

I've seen many posts on BYC in the Other Animals section saying that they are posting their emergency there because BYH isn't as busy...and it's usually a non goat animal. Unfortunately our forum is heavily lopsided to the goat side but that doesn't mean that members who have goats only cannot help with emergencies of other animals. And most who have goats even have other animals but may not frequent the other forum species that we have here.

 

[redtailgal]

I could have helped with the donkey, but completely missed the post.

I agree, the ER forum could be troublesome, but I'd love to see us give it a try. Perhaps a "trial run" for a couple months, to see what the kinks are and see what we can do about them.

I'd be willing to help, I can type up guidelines for posts or whatever someone deems needed.

C'mon, Nifty. We can do this. We are too cool to not succeed (or at least try).

 

[BarredRockMomma]

IAs for the "getting started" section, I agree that is a hard one. It would need a sub getting started for each section......and would be rather confusing I think. I guess this sounds egotistical and I certainly dont mean it that way......but I had something like that in mind with the "important links" page that I made. Each species has a list of links below it, giving access to important data for that species, as well as a section dedicated to using the site. While I am not pushing my page (though it can be modified and used if seen fit), perhaps something similar given would be helpful.

I agree with RTG on this. Maybe a sticky under each animal labled look here first. As a way to help those who need it to find the information quick. We can even use RTG's important links page.

 

[ksalvagno]

I think it would be good to add an emergency area. It is easy to miss a post.

Also, maybe more stickies on general care, birthing, diseases, etc in the appropriate categories so new people can just click on those links. I know I don't have links bookmarked and don't have time to look them up to give to a new person.

 

[drdoolittle]

I think an ER forum would be good too-----for the same reasons elevan described.

 

[elevan]

Here's an emergency right now in pigs - let's try to help this member even if you don't have pigs you might be able to help!

 

[porkchop48]

I think an emergency forum would be great.

I am not sure I would be any help what so ever in it but I am sure there is plenty of member that would be great help. I hope to never have to use it but it would be nice to know if was there if needed.

I say GO FOR IT

 

[Queen Mum]

So you could post some general perameters defining emergencies in an emergencies forum so people could get an idea about what to post there. Kind of guidelines. And if it's not a serious emergency then it can be moved. Someone can flag it. It's not too hard. Really though, if someone thinks it's an emergency, those of us who are oldtimers can just politely give some quick advice and calm the frayed nerves. I wouldn't be upset about doing that.

I a really liking the feedback that this is getting. The ideas are great!

 

[DonnaBelle]

I think this is an excellent idea!! Animals are so complicated!! There is no substitue for experience, it goes along with research and having a good vet. The problem with vets is that some of them are not available for a chicken, rabbit, donkey or goat emergency.

I know I don't answer many "crucial" questions, because I know someone one here with much more experience than will usually post an answer. I DO try to read all the answers.

I hope we can get this "emergency" forum on this website.

DonnaBelle