I think the merger of the L boards can be hugely beneficial to all members.
Back in Eddie’s ProZinc days, I read absolutely everything I could get my hands on to try to understand the physiological mechanisms of diabetes, how insulin worked, how to read a spreadsheet, what various patterns meant, etc., and I found incredibly helpful information throughout the board – on all of the L boards. There were members in both groups that had and have tremendously valuable information to offer, whether it be about understanding the SLGS or TR protocol, brainstorming ways to work around a complex schedule, dealing with food or behavioral issues, non-FD medical issues, reading and interpreting spreadsheets, and offering support when someone was struggling. Now we just have all these wonderful people and resources in one centralized location.
I can understand why some of the former Relaxed people might feel a little overwhelmed, or that they’re losing their closely knit community, but it doesn’t have to be that way. As someone pointed out above, there’s a cool function where you can follow members, so you can keep an eye out and be notified of when someone you’re following posts. I think that can help alleviate some of the concerns that the former Relaxed people might get buried in the steady stream of TR condos. Having previously posted for the last 8 or so months in TR, it can be busy, but posts are rarely buried. People are very good about looking for urgent situations, questions, and posts that might have been overlooked from earlier in the day. Just as importantly though, in this bigger group, I think we can all get to know each other, and keep an eye out for each other, regardless of the protocol someone is or isn’t following.
With regards to the best manner in which members can designate which protocol they are following, either in their post title, or in their signature, I’m wondering how necessary or helpful this really is. I personally think a notation in the signature should suffice. Obviously new members will not have a designation and why should members feel like they must label themselves one way or the other? If someone’s following a modified version of either protocol, or neither protocol, why should they label themselves as an “other?” I’m concerned that designating TR or SLGS in someone’s topic post will continue the “us”/”them” dichotomy, and exclude those who are not necessarily following either protocol. If I’m following SLGS, does that mean I can or should skip past everyone’s post that’s titled with a TR, and vice versa?
IMHO, in many respects, which protocol an individual is following only matters in fairly limited circumstances – if an individual is asking when or if to increase or reduce a dose. I think it comes down to using discretion when offering unsolicited advice, explaining what methods you are following (if it’s a modified approach to either of the protocols) when asking for advice, or asking for clarification if it’s unclear what method a caregiver is following. Ultimately, it also comes to getting to know each other.
Helping new beans is a different situation, but probably warrants is own topic – when should new beans be introduced to the differences between the protocols? Should one or the other be suggested to new beans? Etc….
My two cents for what it’s worth…