From the bco webmaster-

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JoanofArdmore
JoanofArdmore Member Posts: 1,012

I received this yesterday after complaining bitterly to "contact us".

It explains a lot (such as the musical question WHY??)

Dear Joan,

We apologize for the inconvenience and stress of learning a new system.

Unfortunately, the old software that powered the Discussion Boards is 
a third-party product that we have no control over.  We had to use 
what they gave us when "updates" came out... and in the past these 
"updates" were not always an improvement.  You may also be aware that 
our Community has been plagued by unwanted posts (spam), annoying 
errors ("the form you submitted is no longer valid"), and a 
cumbersome password retrieval system.

Historically, we have been "at the mercy" of the software vendor in 
terms of getting these issues fixed.  Perhaps more importantly, 
breastcancer.org also spent a lot of time and money maintaining the 
old system and helping users navigate its features.  As a nonprofit 
organization, we are unable to sustain this level of expense as the 
Community grows.

The new Community Knowledge Exchange system we have launched is a 
custom piece of software that we built from the ground up-based on 
your requests and feedback, along with extensive research into 
improving user-friendliness.  With this new system, we will be able 
to quickly address any bugs or errors, and hope to provide a steady 
stream of real improvements and new features based on your ongoing 
feedback. Please feel free to offer your comments and suggestions here:
http://community.breastcancer.org/topic/93

Thank you for your patience, and for being a part of our Community.  
We value your comments and suggestions for improvement, and will 
certainly take them into consideration.

I feel hopeful.Wanted to share.

Comments

  • Odalys
    Odalys Member Posts: 2,103
    edited September 2007

    Joan - Hang in there. Change is always hard but they are making progress daily.  It will get better. 

    Hugs,

    Odalys 

  • Blundin2005
    Blundin2005 Member Posts: 1,167
    edited September 2007

    Thanks Joan ...



    It took me several days now to reprogram my brain (lol) but I think I've got a handle on this new site now. It's really not too bad. And we have human beings to talk to and who also respond when we have a problem with this site! This is really a plus.



    I've been disputed a charge on my Am Ex for over a month ... I didn't recognize my "automatic" renewal for my .mac service so I disputed it. (the foggy brain problem!!) I found it later in my files that it was correct so I called to Am Ex to lift the dispute. They did. 15 days later my .mac account was cancelled! I went into the "account" area and they offered "it's not to late to renew" but no human being to speak with ... soooo ... I renewed again...then there were two payments for one service. I've had multiple emails back and forth to Apple and the customer service is excellent...but the accounting is terrible. So I finally called their corporate office ... who also was unable to get to that information!!!! I detailed the accounting regs of the US to them if they are still the same! I finally was contacted and asked for my telephone number...and yes, they called with an appointment date and time! This very patient young man enjoyed my humor, understood perfectly that the computer systems were not designed for the those of us "challenged", and is following the account closely to ensure that I don't loose access to the internet again because of an accounting system black hole!!!!



    I should write this one up for AARP! I found it incredible. First because the problem existed and Second because I was able to have a conversation with them that was relatively intelligent ... I wasn't able to do that until I suspended my anti depressives! It's always something .... because lately, I'd really like to start my anti depressives....again!



    Ciao bella!





  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2007

    Ya know, I'm seriously astounded and impressed with how very personal and responsive bc.org has become over the years...and now this! On any other forum, increased usage and need for technological complexity often leaves the people factor in the dust and causes everyone to feel alienated and disenchanted. But here, we get MORE personalized treatment and we are actually heard and responded to by our moderators! HOW LUCKY ARE WE???!! I'd say WAY LUCKY!

    Thanks, Melissa, et al! And thanks, Joan, for sharing her reply!

    ~Marin

  • Jaybird627
    Jaybird627 Member Posts: 2,144
    edited September 2007

    Well, I still hate the new look (grey???) and how LARGE (!) the type is (I'm not that old that I cannot see..... :) ) but I am impressed with how gracefully Melissa has dealt with our bitching and complaining! :o

    Jaybird

  • tawyna1
    tawyna1 Member Posts: 273
    edited September 2007
    i am glad i am catching on. i am slow but getting there.  Smile

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