Suggestion What to Do When PF Members Disappear?

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The discussion centers on the challenge of addressing the disappearance of forum members and the potential for members to pass away without notice due to the site's anonymity. Concerns are raised about how anyone would know if a member has died, as many acquaintances may not be aware of their forum involvement. Suggestions include implementing a system for flagging inactive members and conducting health checks, although the feasibility is questioned given the large member base. Some members propose that individuals inform their families about their forum participation to facilitate communication in the event of their passing. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of community awareness and support for members who may go missing.
LCKurtz
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Periodically we see an announcement that one of our members has passed on. I have often wondered how anyone would know that, given the anonymity that is encouraged here. Think about yourself -- if you passed away suddenly, would anyone you know post a message about that to PF? Would any of your local acquaintances even know what PF is? One reason I am posting this is, as an example, that I have noticed HallsOfIvy has been absent for several months. I don't know him personally and have no idea whether he has lost interest, been banned, is ill, or deceased. There are others I can think of in the same situation.
So I am wondering if there is some way for you, @Greg Bernhardt, to flag members who disappear for an extended period of time, and do an email followup for a health-and-welfare check.
 
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With a large member base it's difficult to do this, but I do often check in on past highly active members who have disappeared. In the case of @HallsofIvy he is alive and well, but just moved on. We also have an automatic email if a member hasn't returned in 3 months. Many times for old active members their email addresses are no longer valid.
 
LCKurtz said:
Periodically we see an announcement that one of our members has passed on. I have often wondered how anyone would know that, given the anonymity that is encouraged here.

While most members are anonymous, a few of us are not, at least, not to a few other members that we have either met, or have been in contact outside of PF. Certainly, the Mentors and the Admins have other means of contacting or checking-up on one another, and long-time members also have other contact info beyond just anonymous e-mail.

In some cases, the family members of a member that has passed away may contact the forum directly, such as in the case of adrilno.

Zz.
 
arildno
 
ZapperZ said:
In some cases, the family members of a member that has passed away may contact the forum directly, ...
I made a point/request to my daughter to let members here know when I pass. In case anyone here really cares. :olduhh:
 
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dlgoff said:
I made a point/request to my daughter to let members here know when I pass. In case anyone here really cares. :olduhh:

we all love you and would miss youD
 
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But that is a good idea, Don
making family members aware of your presence on the forum(s) you belong to so that they could post something would save a lot of worry
Of course that may not happen till those family members have had time recover a little from the initial grief ... patience and soft steps
 
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