All About Online Message Boards / Discussion Groups, Chat Rooms & Email List Groups / ListServs

ONLINE MESSAGE BOARDS / DISCUSSION GROUPS

What are they?
Online message boards are places on the internet where users can post questions and have them answered by other users. Many times, these message boards may be hosted by a "moderator" to make sure that topics are appropriate.
What are the benefits of these boards?
For current cancer patients and caregivers, interacting with survivors and patients/caregivers who may be farther along in their own battles with cancer can be invaluable (remember that most survivors who are on a message board are looking to help others who may be in need). Not only are message boards a good place to find emotional support, but they are a good place to find and exchange information about the cancer.
Can I trust the information exchanged on these message boards?
Online message boards are not made up entirely of doctors, so always take this into consideration when reading advice or information on one of these boards. The information and support found on these message boards can be absolutely invaluable - but just use common sense and good judgement when receiving it. Think of it like participating in a real life support group. If one of the patients in your group was touting an expensive new treatment for cancer, you wouldn't rush out and buy it without asking your doctor and doing further research!
How do I use these message boards?
First, you'll have to register. Find the board you want to use and visit its web page. There will be detailed instructions on registering and how to post messages.
The message boards presented on this web site are made up of communities of active users.
This means that you won't have to wait days for a question to get answered - most questions are answered very quickly.
Can I see an example of an online message board?
Yes, click here to see an example.

CHAT ROOMS

What are they?
Chat rooms are completely similar to online message boards except that you chat (meaning, you communicate by typing messages) in "real time." Most of the online message board communities listed on this web site also have chat rooms. Check out the message board to find out when chats are scheduled.
How do I use these chat rooms?
Just like using online message boards, you'll have to register first. Find the chat room you want to use and visit its web page. There will be detailed instructions on registering and how to chat.

EMAIL LIST GROUPS / LISTSERVS

What are they?
These groups are communities of cancer patients, caregivers and survivors who interact via email messages. Think of it like a message board except messages are sent and received via email instead of being posted on an online bulletin board (so when Jane Q. sends a message to the list, all the group's members receive her message). Also, note that since messages go through a "ListServ" (a mailing list software program that distributes messages), your email address is never given out to others.
How do I use these email list groups / listservs?
Find your desired email list group and visit its web page. There you will find detailed instructions on registering for each group. Some of these list groups require you to send a message to the owner of the list before you can be added (this is just a security precaution to make sure that you aren't trying to send spam to other members). During the registration process, you will be given the opportunity to select which format you'd prefer your emails to be in. You can usually opt to receive all the emails sent that day as a "digest" - meaning one email with all the messages of the day inside it - or you can opt to receive each email separately (for larger lists, it might make sense to select the "digest" format unless you want to receive tons of email).
How can I leave the email list group or change my delivery preferences?
On the registration page of the list, there is detailed information on leaving the list and changing your delivery preferences. In addition, you'll usually be sent an introductory email explaining these details.