We’re thinking about merging this section, what do you think?

[MichaelMumsnet]

Hi all,
We’re doing some work on making the Talk boards more useful and user-friendly for both regular and new users. After looking at some stats for the site, we think we could boost activity on the whole by merging some of the lesser used sections.

We’re proposing to fold the topics in this section into the General health area.

This should increase the number of topics in the section - and hopefully lead to more posts and responses to members.

It doesn’t seem five minutes since you created the topic...

I don’t like the idea of merging this topic into general health. Stopping smoking needs a particular type of support which you get from other people who are stopping smoking.

If it goes into general health the threads will be swamped with people saying how disgusting it is or how their neighbour gave up with Allen Carr or do we not know how disgusting we smell etc etc etc

Leave it be please

I'd merge it, as people re d to ask in chat or aibu.

If this topic is here they can be redirected though instead of running the gauntlet in chat or AIBU.

Some of the long running threads here have been really useful. I’ve never seen anything useful or supportive in chat or AIBU.

If it goes into general health the threads will be swamped with people saying how disgusting it is

This. A thread only has to mention smoking and people pile onto it expressing horror - something which isn't helpful if you are trying to quit because it creates anger and resentment and fuels low self-esteem. This topic should exist as a safe space. I'm not trying to quit at present (other life-stress in the way) but I know from past attempts, I need support to stay off for any length of time - not people telling me I stink.

@ScreamingValenta - How about a support thread called something like, 'Support for those who want to stop smoking'?
And if there are any problems, then please report and we'll take a look.

@MichaelMumsnet Thanks for your reply. The problem with a single thread is that it isn't easy to find. The moment it drops off the front page of the topic, it will only be findable by people who already know it's there.

But if it's busy (because it's in a bigger section where more people will see it) won't it keep being boosted to active topics?

Only time would tell, @MichaelMumsnet !

I understand why you might think it's a good idea to merge less well frequented boards Michael, but there were good reasons for having a dedicated board, largely because many people are very judgemental about smoking (as explained by PPs above). Smoking is an addiction and judgement and shame are very poor methods to tackle addiction of any sort. Anyone who's been on MN a while knows that people respond differently to threads depending on where they are posted. So, for example, a smoking in pregnancy thread would have different responses if it was posted here, or AIBU, or general health, or pregnancy.

What would be helpful would be a concerted effort to get people posting in topics. Encouraging people to move threads and MNHQers perhaps actively bumping and participating in quiet threads would be good.

There are of course many redundant topics, SN board users have been asking for years for merging of the tumbleweed boards into the main ones, but you need to understand why people use topics and the way posters interact within them.

I guess ultimately MNHQ need to decide whether they are just after clicks or are genuinely about making parents lives easier. Some proactive modding could certainly help the latter.

I agree with other posters here. Stop Smoking needs to be a safe, non-judgmental space.

If you must merge it, it should go with addiction support and alcohol support, definitely not with general health. I see you are getting similar responses on addiction support too.

That's a good idea, Pencils. Addiction support would be a much better fit.

If it must be merged with anything then addiction support is far more appropriate than general health.

A general support thread is not my preferred approach.

Addiction support would be a good home, I agree. My struggle with smoking and nicotine addiction goes on and I have found a lot of helpful info and support on MN stop smoking thread. Currently trying vaping again but it makes me cough...

It would definitely be good to have more traffic (as long as it's helpful and supportive) as with so few smokers left it can feel like being alone on a sinking ship.