NEWBIE GUIDE. What do you think are the most helpful things for a newbie to know?
We were all new once. And let's face it: 7Cups is a huge (and growing) community. There's so much to learn, and it can be very intimidting at first (and second and third) glance. We want our newbies--members and listeners alike--to have all the tools they need, so they can better navigate our site safely! And since we as a community rely on each other for guides, advice, and resources, I wanted to ask if you could share your tips, tricks and hacks for new people!
✫ What did you want to know when you were a newbie? What questions did you have?
✫ What guides and resources would you share with new users?
✫ What should new members and listeners know about their safety (ex. where can I report something/someone)?
We want to make this important information more visible--especially information among the community--so please share anything you, as a seasoned Cupser, think new users should see!
@Heather225
A few of the commonly asked questions I see:
How to file a bug report:
You can file a bug report here, scroll down to the bottom of the page!
How to report someone:
In 1-on-1 chats: There is a block button in the top right corner of the chat (a circle with a line through it), if you click this it will give the option to report them!
In a group chatroom: You can use the mute/report button and leave a report there, you can also take screenshots and email community@7cups.com
Feed Posts: You can flag feed posts using the flag button in the bottom right of the post
Forum Posts: You can flag forum posts using the flag button in the bottom right of the post
Listeners reporting listeners can use the L-on-L form
If you're reporting a group mod you can use the Mod Review Form
How to apply for different roles:
[Listener only]
Verified Listener
Group mod
Peer support
Mentor/Teen Star <- Application forms for each track found under the become a leader tab
Adult-teen listener
[Member inclusive]
Forum Member leader [Members only]
Forum supporter [Listeners & Members]
How to find a listener as a member:
You can search for a listener yourself using the browse listeners page
Or you can submit a general request which goes out to all listeners
Where to go for support as a member:
Forums: You can find subcommunities and forum categories on specific topics here or you can also check out the General Support subcommunity! We also have the Newbie Hub subcommunity for new members/listeners.
Feed: You can post on your feed here
Q&A: You can browse, answer, or ask questions here. They are also filtered by topic.
Group support rooms: You can receive support in a group support setting here, with multiple people.
1-on-1: As mentioned in the previous tip you can search for a listener yourself using the browse listeners page or you can submit a general request which goes out to all listeners
These are just a few that I can think of, off the top of my head. All links are in pink.
@Rose
This is incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for putting this together, and in such a clean and organized way!
So helpful. Thanks for sharing.
One thing I wish I had known when I first started, was that may mental was important even while listening. If a conversation becomes triggering or uncomfortable there are ways to redirect a conversation and ways to leave if you need to. Also, that if it becomes inappropriate you can give them a warning, but not to be afraid to block/report them if they aren't following guidelines.
"A *certain event* is/will be happening at a *certain room* at ___ AM/PM" - was quite a puzzling thing for me as a newbie, because I was unable to figure out where the rooms where. I believe a link to the room the event is being held, in the alerts, would be very useful.
A nice how do I guide of how the web and the phone app works since it is not clear like a lot of business websites on where things are and some things are very well hidden unless you know where they are you won't find things. For those not in the US it would be nice to have a time converter under Path or on the main top nav bar.
@Heather225
To Members and Listeners
Avoid the Dreaded Drama Triangle with people on 7Cups and in real life as explained here:
Drama
Triangle
https://nicertube.com/q80ns0
To Members
Consider stepping out of roles that disempower you, and cause drama and problems for you, and hold you back, and keep you stuck.
To Listeners
Helping others can give one the Helper's High, which might be good or bad depending on the role one takes.
If a Listener is taking the role of "Help-Them-Help-Themselves", then the Helper's High is a good thing.
If instead a Listener is taking the role of "Help-Them-Play-A-Drama-Triangle-Role", then the Helper's High is perhaps just perpetuating everyone being stuck.
Helping also has another aspect to it. It's called the "Helper Theory" in psychology.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helper_theory
It's been shown that helping people with similar problems can typically help the Helper, perhaps more reliably than the person being helped. So finding people to chat with or reply to that have problems similar to yours, can help you too.
To Listeners and Members
If you have questions or problems, post them in the right Forum for the best results with least drama.
Please forgive any typos above.
@Heather225 one thing I think is important to know is to take full advantage of the listener support resources. Listening to other members can be overwhelming sometimes and it is important to know when to take a break and talk to someone if you need to.
@victoriousSunset1572
I totally agree with you! The Listener Support Room can help any listener in need and has many helpful people :)