Absent Friends - Forum Valhalla
 

This topic has been raised previously but a recent thread has again brought it to the fore.

With a sadly ever increasing number of members who have passed away is there some way we can respectfully show this on their posts and/or profile?

I think this would be both a respectful gesture and practical too.

I’d appreciate members thoughts on this please and ideas on what could be done.

Potentially replacing ‘Member’ or ‘New Member’ with ‘Rest in Peace’ etc.

Alterations to avatar’s have also been raised. The poppy was suggested by a few - and in principal I do like this idea - but I also realise and appreciate that poppies are not for everyone and it could possibly cause a element of confusion with our RBL poppy collectors avatars.

Also the idea of changing any avatar (where present) chosen in life by the member as an expression of their character or interests feels a bit wrong to me. There was previously a suggestion which I liked to perhaps ‘greyscale’ their avatars image.

Something universally acceptable and appreciated is needed… but what?

Mods / Admins - are any of these ideas feasible?

This has been mentioned before, I like the idea of "1944-2021" for example, as time goes on you would get a feel of their place in time.

By the way, how come yours no longer says "member"?

Rob

I see as in their year of birth to passing?

Good suggestion, and I like your point about it adding some timeline. Practically I’m assuming year of birth may not always be know so it might be difficult in practice potentially.

Err. Pass. I hadn’t even noticed that until you said. Wonder how long it’s been like that?

I was recently thinking the same thing. I'd like to see some sort of forum virtual memorial to remember members who sadly are no longer with us.

Mick

Absent Friends - Forum Valhalla
 

Luke.
I think this is a great idea, but how do we show our appreciation for deceased members efforts?

The birth dates is a good idea, but birth dates are not always available.

I suggest the date when the member joined the forum and the date they passed away if known.

Simple, but easily actioned.

Rob

Perhaps- Member from join year to death year-Rest in Peace.
Possibility R I P might not be understood by all.
Other thoughts- small black morning ribbon image or image of a soldier with reversed arms? Regards, Paul.
PS Makes you wonder how many have passed without knowledge of the forum.

All good points.

Perhaps a ‘sticky’ thread with a roll of honour listing members we know who have passed away.

Then as stated an alteration to the membership status e.g.

‘Member 2008-19 - Rest in Peace’

‘Member 2008-19 - Rest in Peace’
 

I think this would be a good idea as PM's to an deceased member would be frustrating and embarrassing, members often look at old posts.

Rob

Having lost a few friends who have been Forum members I am feeling this very acutely here in Australia as we are a much smaller badge collecting community. Jumbo, Badjez and Lancer17 were good friends and so I support Luke's approach on the creation of a note of date they joined and Rest in Peace after their name and closing off their PMs etc.

Cheers Dean

How about a memorial page that lists their names, what they collected etc?

Perhaps a forum Roll of Honour page?

Mick

The date we joined the forum is already shown top right, and I don't think it would be appropriate to alter someone avatar.

Rob

Or perhaps 'Absent Friends' ??

Board name in black letters with black status indicator.

"Absent Friend"

Date of passing.(join date already shown)

I don't think avatars should be changed , as they are part if a members identity.

"Roll of Honour" thread that only Mods can edit , this prevents it going off topic or inappropriate comments.

.

Whilst on the face of it this seems a good idea, it could, if not dealt with carefully become something of a "difficulty" for the very kind Gent who affords us the use of this facility.

How do you verify accurately the fact that someone is no longer with us?

I know from experience that these important issues should not simply be accepted because someone believes it to be so. Is what they are saying accurate? Get it wrong and there will be problems and apologies to make.

My message to the owner of the forum would be leave well alone.

Dave.

Hi Luke,

I think it's a good idea, I take Dave's point, but I think the likelihood of a mistake happening is low, happy to be corrected, but I don't think it has ever happened here?

Personally I like the sticky, as per below

cheers, Tim