Anone else get phases on their forums?

[Rapscallion]

For some reason, my main forum goes in phases.

For many months, we had loads of people introducing themselves as having Aspberger's, and some even claiming to have very mild Aspberger's (for those not in the know, it's a mild form of autism). That seemed to die down when my team and I pointed out that we didn't care, and nobody was accepting it as an excuse if someone behaved badly. I also made pointed notes in threads that if it wasn't diagnosed by a doctor then I had no time for the claim.

We had a few weeks where it was 'announce your sexuality' in the introduction section. It's not a dating site, and it's not relevant - why come straight out with it? It wasn't just saying, "Hi, I'm *** and I'm gay," or that they were bi or whatever, but it nearly turned into a game of 'name my kink!'.

There was a bad time when quite a few relatives seemed to decide to die en masse, and a better time a bit previously when a fair number of female board members gave birth. There were others, but I can't remember what they were right now.

So, am I alone in noticing this happening?

Rapscallion

actually, the more details you ask for your members, the more stupid things will pop up... the reason is that when you are on the internet, life is virtual... Aspberger or bisexual are stupid things people can bring on just to be part of a game...

stop asking anything from your members, these details will fade.

[Rapscallion]

Heh - we don't ask for it. It's absolutely nothing to do with the content of the site.

Rapscallion

[cheat-master30]

I've had fads where there has been a string of strange usernames after a joke, but nothing like what you posted...

[AdrianH]

Originally Posted by Rapscallion

For some reason, my main forum goes in phases.

For many months, we had loads of people introducing themselves as having Aspberger's, and some even claiming to have very mild Aspberger's (for those not in the know, it's a mild form of autism). That seemed to die down when my team and I pointed out that we didn't care, and nobody was accepting it as an excuse if someone behaved badly. I also made pointed notes in threads that if it wasn't diagnosed by a doctor then I had no time for the claim.

Rapscallion

Correction:

1) the condition is Asperger's syndrome named after Hans Asperger who first described it.

2) It is NOT in any way a "mild" version of autism, this description is entirely wrong . Asperger's syndrome can be very difficult and limiting condition.

3) People with an autistic spectrum disorder do not tell you of their condition as an excuse for anything, if they mention it it is so you can hopefully understand that they have a different way of thinking and speaking .They often misunderstand other peoples use of language and phrases and equally can appear to be "blunt" or rude when there is no such intention.

The point is they are making an effort to join in and take part in the world ,something that is not easy when you have a disability in communication.

[Opserty]

Your board sounds like a road from the Desperate Housewives set!

I wish ours were as exciting.

[deezelpope]

Originally Posted by CareyCrew

Correction:

1) the condition is Asperger's syndrome named after Hans Asperger who first described it.

2) It is NOT in any way a "mild" version of autism, this description is entirely wrong . Asperger's syndrome can be very difficult and limiting condition.

3) People with an autistic spectrum disorder do not tell you of their condition as an excuse for anything, if they mention it it is so you can hopefully understand that they have a different way of thinking and speaking .They often misunderstand other peoples use of language and phrases and equally can appear to be "blunt" or rude when there is no such intention.

The point is they are making an effort to join in and take part in the world ,something that is not easy when you have a disability in communication.

I want to thank you for your thorough explanation, as the mother of a son with Aspberger's Syndrome.

[davidw]

Currently our forums are going through a phase of no one talking (just a lot of lurking) - quite an epidemic really.

Originally Posted by CareyCrew

Correction:

1) the condition is Asperger's syndrome named after Hans Asperger who first described it.

2) It is NOT in any way a "mild" version of autism, this description is entirely wrong . Asperger's syndrome can be very difficult and limiting condition.

3) People with an autistic spectrum disorder do not tell you of their condition as an excuse for anything, if they mention it it is so you can hopefully understand that they have a different way of thinking and speaking .They often misunderstand other peoples use of language and phrases and equally can appear to be "blunt" or rude when there is no such intention.

The point is they are making an effort to join in and take part in the world ,something that is not easy when you have a disability in communication.

I like how this is worded, but I can attest there is a much more to it on the second part of number 2 (this is just the tip of the iceberg).

[Rapscallion]

Thanks for the clarification on the condition - I was relying on the definitions given to me by the people involved. What I should note here is that I've never been able to see the difference between other members and self-diagnosed 'Aspies' in action on the board.

For a while, it seemed that people were just claiming it to be 'special'. That phase seems to have ended, though.

Rapscallion