GoutPal Interactive

The gout forum has a ranking system that applies a badge to contributors depending on the number of posts they make.

I have toyed with the idea of dropping this completely, but I believe most people welcome it. One problem is that current rankings can be confusing to new forum members. The main problem is that the rankings now do not make sense. They rise in severity of goutiness as you post more. But this does not make sense – the longer you contribute to the forum, the better your gout should be.

Another problem has surfaced (unnoticed I think) as our most prolific and respected poster has passed the top rank that I set. His unique style deserves to be celebrated, but at the moment, the rank simply drops to ‘Member’. Of course, I could just increase the top number, but I think it is time for something better.

My first objective is to improve clarity. Therefore the new suggestions will be a little longer, and include a link to an explanations page.

My suggestions are:

1 – 5

Gout Forum Newbie. Please be gentle.

6 – 20

Gout Forum Settler. This place is just swell.

21 – 49

Gout Forum Regular. I like this joint.

50 – 499

Gout Forum Expert. Alas poor Uric! I knew him, Allopurino, a fellow of infinite pest.

500 – 4999

Gout Forum Guru. Crystal clear – I love it here.

5000 – 49999

My name is zip2play

Please vote for the gout forum ranks you like or dislike. Please add your suggestions below.

I had reason to update this gout blog today, and took the opportunity to add a couple of tweaks to the gout forum.

One change is the ability to change the editor that you use to write your gouty stories. To do this, you first need to register as a member. I always recommend this as it gives so many extra features. In fact, I cannot see any reason for not registering, so if you have a reason, perhaps you could tell me by adding your comments below. Once you register, you can change the editor in your gout forum user profile. Try different options, and see which suits you best.

The second change is the ability for you to let the world know which gout topics you like, and also a chance to give the “thumbs down” to any that do not appeal to you. My main reason for doing this is to allow visitors to vote for improvemnts and research projects that I will start adding soon. More of that in another post soon, but I have already found an excellent use for this voting feature.

There is an excellent thread about some of the iniquities suffered by the gout patient.

There are several interesting points raised, which I hope to summarize later, but for now, I’m pleased to be able to vote for the outstanding contributions.

I am truly amazed and grateful for the depth of feeling expressed by the contributors to this topic. More than I could ever have hoped for, and an inspiration to me. Gout philosophy and life philosophy rolled into a thought provoking and educational discussion.

It doesn’t get better than this.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (19) Posts

Make The Most Of Your Gout Forum

The GoutPal gout forum is the best place to ask questions about gout.

It’s also a great place to share your gouty experiences and opinions.

Anyone can join in – you don’t need to register before you post, though it will be easier for you if you do. Registered gout forum users can save some information to make posting even easier, and you do not need to wait for posts to be approved (after your first one).

I check the gout forum whenever I switch my computer on, so you will get a much faster response than you would by sending messages. Also, you get the benefit of other experienced gout sufferers.

Gout Forum Structure

I’ve divided the forum into several different areas (or boards). This helps to keep similar discussions in one place, and it helps visitors find answers to questions that other gout sufferers have asked before.

However, if you are desperate for help, there is no need to study each forum before you post. Just ask your question in Please Help My Gout.

Gout Related Forums

Gout Cures

What works for you? Discuss gout medications and treatments for pain relief or uric acid lowering.
Click here to start a new Gout Cures discussion.

Gout Diet

Discuss all aspects of gout food and gout diet.
Click here to start a new Gout Diet discussion.

Gout Related

Discuss how other conditions affect gout and how they can be affected by gout.
Click here to start a new Gout Related discussion.

Gout Symptoms

Discuss gout symptoms, causes, diagnosis and triggers.
Click here to start a new Gout Symptoms discussion.

Please Help My Gout!

If you’re in despair, and don’t know where to turn, leave a message here. Don’t bother searching for the right place to post – just ask here.
Click here to start a new Gout Emergency discussion.

Uric Acid

Discuss the nature of uric acid and how it affects gout.
Click here to start a new Uric Acid discussion.

Other Forums

Tech Stuff

Anything about using the GoutPal and Gout Pal Interactive websites.
Click here to start a new Gout Website discussion.

Water Cooler

Got something on your mind that isn’t gout related? Talk about it here. Still no spam though!
Click here to start a new General discussion.

Wish List

What extra would you like to see on GoutPal or Gout Pal Interactive? What should be removed. I appreciate all suggestions for improvements.
Click here to start a new Wish List discussion.