When I started this blog just under two years ago, I was not prepared for how much it would grow into what it is today in terms of readers and active community participants. We have readers from all over the world including a vast majority of the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, just to name a few. The outpouring of support, generosity and willingness to help others through the recovery process from you, the readers, has been nothing short of amazing. I am grateful for the opportunities that have surfaced because of this blog, including the chance to chat with NASCAR’S Brian Vickers about his own recovery from blood clots as well as write some feature articles for a variety of online publications. Without you, none of this would be possible. Thank you. With this growth, I have made the decision to add a BCRN Facebook Group to the list of BCRN resources, with the encouragement from many of you here and the Facebook Page. It is something I have been thinking about for some time and finally decided to roll it out. So, what does that mean for you? Read on to find out!
What’s the difference between a Page and a Group?
Just like your personal Facebook profile, Pages enable organizations, blogs, public figures, etc. to create an authentic and public presence on Facebook. Unlike your profile, Facebook Pages are visible to everyone on the internet by default. You, and every person on Facebook, can connect with these Pages by becoming a fan (or “Liking” it) and then receive page updates in your News Feed. You can also interact through commenting, posting on the wall, messaging and liking (Source).
Facebook Groups are the place for small group communication and for people to share their common interests and express their opinion(s). Groups allow people to come together around a common cause, issue or activity to organize, express objectives, discuss issues, post photos and share related content – such as what you may be going through during the recovery process. Like with Pages, new posts in a group are included in the News Feeds of its members and members can interact and share with one another from the group, including tagging one another (Source). Groups are more private and in the case of the new BCRN Discussion Group, you have to be approved (by me at this time) to join. The Group is CLOSED, meaning anyone can see the Group and who is in it, but only members can see what is posted in it, which is important when discussing personal recovery situations. It is important to keep in mind, with Pages, Groups and Profiles, this is the World Wide Web and user discretion should be exercised when posting about medical issues in a public manner.
But, I love the Facebook Page and it’s information.
Don’t worry, the BCRN Facebook Page is not going anywhere! It was created with the specific purpose of being a public Page to help promote awareness to the public about blood clots and their often devastating effects. Regular posting will still occur there with the goal of raising awareness. Reader Writes In will still be in effect, however, some of the more sensitive medical issues may be redirected to the Group in an effort to protect privacy as much as possible. By all means, if you have something positive, negative, encouraging or educational to share/ask, please continue to do so on the Page! It is all in the effort of raising awareness.
Why have both a Page and a Group?
Together, Pages and Groups bring even more ways for you to stay connected to Blood Clot Recovery Network on Facebook. With the Page, you can stay up to date with day-to-postings as it pertains to awareness, new posts and general recovery, including sharing stories and ideas. In the BCRN Facebook Group, you can connect with a smaller, private circle of individuals who are going through the recovery process just like you.
What took you so long to create a Group?
After blogging for what is now several years, I am a huge proponent of having a Facebook Page to grow readership and in the case of BCRN, spread awareness to the public about blood clots and the recovery associated with a blood clotting incident. That was always one of my main goals in the creation of this site. As I have gauged interest and subjects on the Page and site and also received feedback from fellow readers, now is the time to create a private Group.
Sign me up! How do I join the Group?
Please click here to join the BCRN Discussion Group on Facebook. Your membership will be granted with my approval as an administrator of the Group and will happen ASAP after the initial request.
The Group is an extension of the site and existing Facebook Page to facilitate in what are sometimes sensitive and private discussions relating to blood clots and recovery. It is a Closed Group, meaning ANYONE can see see the members and who is in it, but ONLY MEMBERS can see posts. Please be conscious and caring in your posting and commenting. Bullying, degrading, spamming or disrespect will not be tolerated.
It is also important to note, the postings and comments in the Group are not intended to be and should not be substituted for professional medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or or healthcare provider.
If the reader is concerned that he or she is experiencing a DVT or PE, he or she should seek immediate medical attention. PE’s can be life-threatening and require immediate emergency medical attention. Please do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice from a licensed professional because of something read in the Group or any linked materials.
I want to stay on the Page, is that okay?
Of course! You do not have to join the Group if you don’t want to. Or, you can join the Group, but not be a fan of the Page. Or, you can do both or neither! Whatever works for you at this point in your recovery, is the best option for you.
Reader Writes In. What do you think about adding a BCRN Discussion Group on Facebook? Do you think it will be beneficial or not? Do you plan to join? What do you like best about the BCRN Facebook Page?
There is hope for healing and you are not alone,
