Happy 2021,
While these forums are moderated 24/7, even over the holidays, we don't always have the time to fully address every point that is made here in real time. There are several issues you've raised over the festive season that we would like to address.
Let's start by pointing out that our online forums themselves are simply the "place" through which we together have built this wonderful community over many years. This particular "place of assembly", or forum, was set up so community members could make practical suggestions on how we shape this, our shared space or place, to best build and serve our community. (For example, @Not_Batman made an interesting suggestion about nesting replies, which we are considering.)
Communities are made up of their members. We all have a role to play in shaping and maintaining this incredibly caring and helpful community of peers.
The community rules are here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/community-rules.
They do form part of your user agreement when you sign up so it's important you're familiar with them. We're sorry that some of you have found difficulty accessing them. We are working on ways to improve our signposting of them.
Some have asked "when should I use the report post function?". The simple answer is: whenever you see something that you think could or does break with the spirit and intent of the rules. These rules are underpinned by five core values: supportive, respectful, empowering, safe and friendly. Only moderators can see the who and the why of a reported post -- so please do not be afraid to use it whenever you're in doubt about a post. Moderators will review your report and the post you've reported and make an impartial decision based on the rules.
As others have mentioned, text on screen is an imperfect way convey meaning, especially when dealing with complex issues relating to our mental wellbeing. You can help by trying to be clear in your posts and remembering that your contribution may be understood in a way you didn't intend by others. If you see something you think breaks the rules, or might, report it for moderators to review. We always try to give users the benefit of the doubt in such instances.
Let us come together in this forum and resolve to get this thread back on track in 2021: any ideas about how we can improve the look and/or function of our shared community space?