If this has been discussed before please lock this topic admins/mods, I did a search but couldn't notice anything.

Now I know this forum is towards entertainment (aka X360, PS3, etc) but there is a forum called The Dump.

It's quite cool to say anything you want, but I've just gone through a very crazy week. I would like to talk about it to my fellow members, though on another forum I go to there's a Life & Relationships forum were only FORUM members can see and not people searching through Google and not logged in.

It's quite cool because talking about things like this isnt always a good idea on the Internet, only 2 of my friends in the world know what I've been through the last week, but I would like more advice from people around the world.

It's just a suggestion. And please don't tell me to go to a councillor, I've been to them before, they suck, my friends have helped me get through this week so much...

Cheers..

+1 not a bad idea.

I don't quite understand the point of this. Can you elaborate, bucko? I don't mean for you to tell your secrets here, but rather why it's a good idea to make "The Dump" a members-only forum.

I think he is saying, in addition to "The Dump" have a "Double Top Secret Section". Where you can talk to friends in confidence and not worry about the whole world knowing your business. Not to do anything illegal, but just talk where only friends hear.

P.S. Yes, that is an Animal House reference.

My site is like that...the forum is only viewable to approved members, 'cause it gets pretty nasty (I approve every join request myself), so when you google it or whatever, you can only find the join page and public stuff.

I personally don't think we'll see a "member's only" type of forum here.

If your probs are that serious, you really should talk to someone face to face. A forum is not really the best place as you don't know who you are talking to.
Ring the samaritans (no it's not a joke) the call is free and the guys/gals are all volunteers and understand people better than any private forum would here.

Yer I sort of meant that, I have talked to two friends about it, oh I guess it's not best to talk about it on teh interwebz then.

*shrug* not a totally bad idea, people talk about their life in The Dump anyway (I have too).

If its something too personal you dont want just anyone to see, you shouldnt post it on this site anyhow. There are alot of immature people on the site and might make fun or not be so nice about certain things. If its too personal, then i suggest you just talk about it with a friend or family member.

^ Bingo. Although a great deal of xs members are helpful and compassionate, there are plenty of telephone internet tough guys on both sides of the fence, both members and guests, that relish the opportunity to kick others when they're down.

Also, members and guests are anonymous so a members-only forum wouldn't protect your identity any more than it does now. Unless you post your personal information, then no one knows who you really are.

I'm not against this members-only forum idea, but I'd like to see a better argument for it. Chancer and Bong nailed it: you should discuss personal affairs with people that care about you rather than faceless strangers on an internet forum. I realize that it's easier for you to talk to us because we don't know you, but we don't have the power to help or save you like your friends and family do.

It's just one of those things where, you want it only when you need it.

I think it's more important for someone to talk rather than stay silent. If someone feels they can't talk to their friends and family, then their only option is the advise of strangers.

The best advise is the advise you listen too. Doesn't matter where it comes from or who says it. We could sticky phone numbers to call, like kids help phone, regional crisis centers and such.

I think it's a good thing to have, but I think it's even better if nobody uses it.
It would be nice to know it's there.

+1 for the sub-forum.

^ Remember kids, no draino or bleach.

That is what I mean. Some people in the dump have already said other forum members are their only people they can talk to. I know of at least 1 instance where someone started a help thread and then asked for it to be removed. Maybe, he would not have felt compelled to remove it, if it was a little more private.

I dont know how it would work. It could either be great, or turn into a complete disaster. If it was not a life or death thing, then it would be kinda cool, but if it turned into a thread where there were alot of people going in and posting bullshit threads about suicide and stuff like that, then I can see it being a mod's nightmare

Thats my 2 cents,
mstandlee

Hmm, unfortunately, that would indirectly place the burden of responsibility onto xbox-scene.

^No joke. What were to happen if someone died because no one believed him/her? It would bring shame and tragity to this forum.

thanks for all the suggestions, some great replies.

Haven't replied since all last week i was in tenerife, had an excellent holiday.

Well today I got my results via txt from the hospital, and they are negative, *dances*, I just need to finish the other half of the story then I'm sorted.

My Uni friend is helping me lots through this, I'm very grateful for his help

Congrats on the good news man

I guess I can chime in on this one.. we're not fans of any forum that not openly visible. I'm personally against anything that stops people who aren't members from reading the site. (or specific forums)

We already have a few forums that's not for the public.. but that's staff stuff.

If we ever institute a pay scheme down the road.. there could be room for a members only private discussion area or something as a perk.. but until then.. we're gonna file this under "bring back the old search" on the priority listing..