Lounge area?

The whole messaging thing on here is weird and I don't think it encourages off site communication.

I have to say I'm not sure a Live Chat would be a great idea either, not suggesting the OP is calling for that. 

The issue with Live Chats is it would in affect split the site as those who are confident would use the live chat and those of us who would not be separated away with probably less people. 

I'm not 100% sure on the rules here, but I think if people want Live Chat they probably could Direct Message the other person and move to Messenger or Teams. However I will admit I'm not 100% if that is allowed. 

I think it would be easier to go straight to a space where casual chat is guaranteed, instead of having to mess around getting there. Plus, you’d be able to see the full range of topics, which you might miss if you’re only searching for a specific forum.

But we already have threads like that, like all the lego threads and animae ones, gaming ones.

Having explored a few other sites aimed at ND people I think one of the strengths of this site is it dosen't silo people according to special interests. Theres nothing in a seperate room dedicated to a certain subject that would make it inherently safe, there would still be disagreements or people just coming along with the intent to spoil the fun, or make a quite innocent statement and be piled on by a clique of regular posters.

I'm not suggesting live chat, TheCatWoman. I don't think that would be appropriate for this kind of group.

Yes, an excellent idea.

While there are plenty of spaces for single-subject interest groups on the 'interwebs', having a place exclusive to autistic people (diagnosed and self-diagnosed) and their wider supporters, where we can explore subjects in depth, would, I think, be a wonderful resource.

We are indeed each uniquely different; it is also true that a significant number of autistic people have passionate and deep interests in subjects; mine is photography.  Others are gamers, artists, musicians, or have any number of other subjects.  So, I think a safe space dedicated to a single subject for us to explore and share ideas would be beneficial.

I wouldn't like there to be a live chat thing, as I think it would exclude a lot of people, not just those like me who lack the tech to do so, but those of us who like/need/want time to process whats being talked about and formulate a response. I think it could lead to a two speed site where those so inclined just chat away with one line responses whilst the rest of us take a more considered approach. I also think live chat would be harder to moderate.

I do the same as B and just click on home and see what comes up, sometimes there does seem to be a lot of people wanting help and advice, but if you don't feel able to add to them then just scroll past until you find a conversation you are interested in or start a new one.

But thats what I do anyway, I just come onto the comunity page and look at the topics under discussion and if anything interests me I read it and maybe comment. I know sometimes that requests for help and advice seem to dominate conversational threads, but it's just a matter of scrolling through.

I for one would not like live chat, I think it would exclude those of us who don't have the tech, those of us who need or want to think through a response and make the whole place and any conversation bitty. I think it would end up two paced, one group using live chat and another not, it would split the place and cause confusion

I do think there is merit to that idea.

That being said I think this forum does lean towards those struggling as that is often the type of people who are inclined to seek out an Autistic forum rather than going on Reddit, Facebook or another social media platform. 

I think the sections, such as "Autistic Adults" and the other ones tend to double up in broad categories. For example I use the Autistic Adults section largely about employment and council support. Other people tend to use the section for different purposes.  

One thing I really like about this website is that it does seem to allow for discussion on a much broader range of topics, for example there is a post talking about AI at the moment. Other online forums I have been on in the past are more limited in that regard.

Yes, I agree, but wouldn’t it be easier to go directly to a space where all the non-crisis, non-support chats are and simply browse through what’s there? Not everyone necessarily knows how to filter, and you have to do it every time, which can be a bit of a hassle. Also, the particular filter one uses may not catch all the casual chats there are. Anyway, if people aren't interested we'll just forget it.

lostmyway said:

With a separate lounge, you could browse the topics and see if anything caught your interest. It would simplify things

You can already do so with the 'miscellaneous and chat' filter (see my screenshots above and below).

Yes, you’re right, Orangegnome, but the point I’m making is that searching is only if you’re looking for something specific. With a separate lounge, you could browse the topics and see if anything caught your interest. It would simplify things. Do you see what I mean? Anyway, I just thought I'd throw it out there.

lostmyway said:

B, yes, chat threads exist, but they’re mixed in with all the support posts. Filtering or searching doesn’t give autistic people a simple, dedicated place to relax and chat.

The screenshot below is the filter to 'chat and miscellaneous' and there are no support posts 'mixed in'.

B, yes, chat threads exist, but they’re mixed in with all the support posts. Filtering or searching doesn’t give autistic people a simple, dedicated place to relax and chat.

A lounge would group all the casual conversations together so people who just want light chat don’t have to wade through crisis topics just to talk about a hobby or interest.

Anyway, it was just an idea..

lostmyway said:

But they all relate to needing help and support,

They don't.

Without filtering, on the 'recent posts' area I can several 'chat' threads and the same when I filter to 'miscellaneous and chat'.

I think there are plenty of chat ones. If you want to look up something type it in the search bar at the top, such as ‘knitting’ and see what comes up. Or start a thread on a topic you want to chat about. 

I think this sounds like a good idea. Im not sure how it would be different to what we are doing now though, unless it could be more of a live chat area.

But they all relate to needing help and support, which is great, however, I'm taking about a space where people can chat about everyday life, interests, hobbies, humour, or just "chill out"  without needing to pose it as a problem.

I just look from 'home' ('recent posts') so I see all the most up-to-date posts on all threads.

However, 'miscellaneous-and-chat' which already exists appears to be what you are suggesting.