In a nutshell, The Serious Forum is a discussion-based version of the eHelp system.  As you may know, when a user submits an eHelp, they are incapable of posting in that particular topic again; this is how The Serious Forum (shortened to TSF) differs.

The need was recognized that some users prefer the opportunity to respond back to their supporters, and some support leaders prefer to have the ability to talk directly with the person they are supporting - TSF accommodates that need perfectly.  It works just as any other forum, with the exception that it's strictly support related, and protected from non-support leader replies, with the exception of the original poster.

Your conduct and supportive replies, however, will still be held to the same high standard, as if it was eHelp. This forum is not for general discussion, and any replies you make should be made with the intention of supporting the user with whatever their concern may be.

Post edited at 3:46 pm on Sep. 16, 2009 by The Professional

What is the SL review?
All SLs are expected to give support consistently. SL reviews are our system of checking that everyone is doing their job.

Who conducts them?
SL reviews are conducted by the moderation team. Which moderator reviews you is determined mostly at random, but we do take steps to ensure that nobody is reviewed by a moderator with a bias towards or against them.

When are they?
There are two reviews each year; one in January and one in July. Depending on the outcomes of these reviews, you may be subject to additional reviews.

What exactly happens?
A moderator will look at your eHelp replies and replies in the support forums since your last review. They will then assign you a rating which will be noted on your profile.

What are the ratings?

• Excellent - You're doing a truly outstanding job.
  
• Good - What you're doing is great. While you could still improve, you're already doing a lot.
  
• Okay - This is the lowest 'pass' rating. You're doing enough, but it would be great to see some more.
  
• Borderline - You're not doing enough. If you don't receive a rating of 'okay' or above at the next review, you'll be demoted.
  
• On Probation - Again, you're not doing enough. This is a bit more complicated: see the section below, 'What happens if I'm put on probation?'

• Okay or above - Your improvement will be noted and you're in the clear until the next review of all the SLs.
  
• Borderline - You'll be given one more month to make improvements and will be reviewed again after that time. If you don't achieve a status of 'Okay' or above, you'll be demoted.
  
• On probation - You will be demoted.

Post edited at 3:57 pm on Sep. 16, 2009 by The Professional

eHelp Removals:

• Do not remove anything that could possibly be considered serious.
  
• Remove technical questions (I.E. How do I clear cookies?).
  
• Remove non-peer support questions (I.E. How do I block someone on LiveWire?).
  

Post Removals:

• Target only the clear and obvious violations (I.E. highly spammy / insensitive replies).
  
• Recognize the difference between social forums and support forums (they're to be moderated with different levels of strictness).
  
• Do not hide replies in your own thread.
  

Topic Moving:

• Do not be nit-picky with topic placement.
  
• It is better to leave a topic where it was originally posted if you can reasonably see why a user posted it there.
  
• The exception to the above rules would be support topics.  Feel free to move a support topic from DTRM to a more appropriate forum.
  
• Do not move anything from specialized forums (The Serious Forum / Intellectual Forum / Yore / Support Leader Discussion).
  
• Do not move topics that you know will be deleted by moderators.  Instead, simply report them.
  

What To Report:

• Report serious infractions before you hide them (I.E. encouraging harm, sexually explicit material, being insensitive in a support topic).
  
• Always report posts you vote to hide if it's posted by a warned member (no matter the nature of the post).
  

Post edited at 3:44 pm on Sep. 16, 2009 by The Professional

- Terms of Use
- Guidelines

Post edited at 3:43 pm on Sep. 16, 2009 by The Professional

davjs - The pride I feel to work alongside this talented team of support leaders is greater than my love of sushi, and you should know that I would eat sushi three meals a day if I could afford it.

iwashere85 - I appreciate all that has happened with this. I am glad that Jesse could take my idea, and turn it into this fantastic thing. Thanks to all of the other support leaders that truly showed that they deserve to be support leaders.

Rastafarian - Remember this is an always expanding and adapting project, if anyone has any ideas please PM (Jesse or myself).

rinni - Working with members who have been Support Leaders longer than me was a great experience! I feel like I know/understand more and am glad that I was able to work with people so dedicated to make this happen.

The Professional - Working with a team of such experienced and dedicated support leaders was a wonderful experience! Thanks definitely goes to everyone who stayed so dedicated and understanding during the development of this project!

And from all of us: Thank you all for taking the time to read and apply these subjects.  It's our hope that it will be of some use in your time as a Peer Support Leader.

Post edited at 3:42 pm on Sep. 16, 2009 by The Professional

Post edited at 6:31 pm on Oct. 25, 2007 by The Professional

Well, even if you do not choose to use this guide, you can always use is as a backup, in case you are not sure of anything. If you have any problems or questions, message Rasta, Prof, or I. :)

-iwashere85

Post edited at 6:15 pm on Oct. 25, 2007 by iwashere85

-------
Election Information

George Carlin FTW

Enjoy.

Post edited at 6:15 pm on Oct. 25, 2007 by Rastafarian

-------
"Who are you?" Sophie asked.
She received no response to this either, but felt a momentary
confusion as to whether it was she or her reflection who asked
the question.

Pretty savvy, Jesse (et al)

-------
Let's write the story again where I'm your lover and best friend.
-------
You were a song in my head, the warmth of the sheets in my bed,
A story forever told, but never old - a warm arrival never left so cold.

-Thanks :)

Post edited at 9:49 am on Nov. 19, 2007 by ImSoHappy

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May the wind always be on your back and the sun upon
your face and may the winds of destiny carry you
aloft to dance with the stars.

:-)

-------
Oh, yeahh.