Room Announcement
Hello everyone! I have an important update to make on group rooms.
Did you know that the first room opened at 7 Cups was a waiting room for members to wait for an available listener? Things have come a long way since then. Just as we did then we are always looking for ways to improve the support we provide. We have been investigating what parts of the group support model works and what does not through usage, moderation statistics, and general room health. What weve found is that having moderated discussions and open chats are the most supportive and safe opportunities, while unmoderated 24/7 chatting results in increased safety and experience issues.
As we move forward as a company with a free emotional support service we have decided on some big changes to elevate our group support experience for everyone who wants a safe and kind experience. Our intention is to do a few things well and focus on emotional support.
Member rooms:
We will have two adult member rooms and two teen member rooms open 24/7 for moderated support. One general support room and one community room. All other rooms will be pop-up discussion rooms. These rooms will all be badge locked to both listeners and members.
Listener badges: Tick Tock ( For reaching Ten 1-1 chats), Thankful Heart (For receiving 5 positive text reviews)
Member badges: Strong Bond 1 (5 chats with 5 Listeners, i.e. 1 chat per listener, 5 total chats), Helpful heart ( 50 Compassion Hearts)
Listener rooms:
In the adult listener community we will continue to have two rooms, Listener Support Room and Listener Community Room. Teens will have Teen Listener Room. The adult Listener Community Room will require the Verified Listener badge. The Listener Support Rooms will be open to all listeners, but will only be used for active chat support.
Timeline:
This change is anticipated to happen in the next couple of days. However if some rooms become unsafe and volatile we may choose to close them early or remove them all together.
Our goal is to focus on emotional support. We are aligning our community features to help us better achieve this. We realize this is a big change that may not suit your preferences. We know you may have questions, especially if you are on a volunteer support team (group support teams read more here). We understand if you decide our free services no longer fit your needs and we wish you the best. However you are feeling please keep our Community Guidelines in mind as you process and move forward with your day. While we always welcome feedback, we expect discussions to not only be civil but also on-topic.
I know dealing with change can be challenging. I appreciate the flexibility as we move things forward. As a quick aside, Im visiting my grandmother (she has been ill) so Ill respond, but might be a bit delayed. The community team will chime in and answer questions as well.
Thank you!
[MonBon added link]
[Jill replaced badge name for members- it is Strong Bond 1 and not 7 day streak)
[Lorraine added badge requirements]
[Tazzie replaced the second badge name for members. It is Helpful Heart]
[MonBon replaced badge name for Listeners. It is Thankful Heart]
[7CupsCommunity modified description of Strong Bond 1 for clarity]
Its just so sad that the place that the very kind members worked so hard to make this a place I could visit when Im so upset and struggling for help has now become a toxic place because of how leaders made us feel like they are superior. This is becoming reminicent of societies broken down mental health system. One 7cups let real theropists into our peer to peer safe space, they underminded everything. Its become very obvious now more than ever that getting our thoughts by force so they can mine our human to human helpfulness is more important than our well being. The chaos created over the past few days has takin away from all us members. I dont like it here any more. I dont feel safe and im unable to deal with this overwhelming feeling that 7cups destroyed 7cups.
@humorousDay8793 This site has definitely long lost it's safe feeling.
@Dawn04 they've made it plain where their priorities lie and it's not with community members/listeners/volunteers.
@Dawn04
Yea, this ignorant site lost it's way and ive found I have nothing more to say here.
They make the suffering suffer more by confusing them and upsetting them. The sites rules are hard to define. Some of the volunteering people use their positions to control others. Most people hete that were looking for some direction and guidance found chaos and disapointment instead.
I heard LGBTQ room is now open 24/7 with a Key? is that true? Can you make 35+ a permanent room? I'm all about "Equality" ya know... Not like I'm being "BIASED" or anything
@Figgy50
Yes, please
I know alot of people are upset here because of change and I'm the same. I don't think it was a good idea at all removing all the rooms. What people expected to do now? How can they still get help? I understand you got the support room and member room which has helped alot, the pop up chats are funny one as I don't really get why there pop ups and not have one of two like the anxiety one full time or depression. I heard one of listeners or some are trying really hard to keep the anxiety room open. I think that one is crucial for alot of people here as that one is used more and most experience this as it's one of most common. I do think that one should be brought back and the depression room that's good it's stopped the trolls side of things. I don't know if it was open if it will be better then it was but I think that one cuz of how so many people saying the room is the one with most trolls and there are more problems and fights going on that the room should only be open at certain times at peak hours. Maybe when it's more convenient for most or becomes a discussion chat and support chat at same time. I think it's going back to maybe a bit like having same idea of it being two rooms in room but I don't know as I also agree it will get too packed which is not a good idea but maybe having the room then at peak times when it's good time to open it being there if people need it at that time is good idea then having it closed or open when it's becoming problem. I know things went set in stone yet but I want others to know whether these changes will be like this for now as others still asking the question as before with the room changes. I don't want new members to come and see the change and not get the help they need as people need the help here and that's one of the problems need to be aware of. Helping others at certain times and also listeners to be on hand more or get more listeners more help and training to provide more support for members and community. Give them more leadship. Also help one on one too support for them and members at times. Also with the mod thing mods to be present having mod here or if no still having community mods but having someone not present but like with have noni but someone I've seen in another site have a unreal person or mod bot in the room and having them at times if there's no mod. People like animals here so maybe a cat which is popular here can pretend to be some kind of mod but more or a friendly animal who has the powers as mod to be in the rooms and looking out for people and if something happens to send message to that person and deal with it. I think maybe another party I don't know. I hope the site does start improving now as I know it's got problems what need addressing and fixed. Looked into. Hope it does so
@TreaureSeekers3
:-(
I am saddened to hear of these changes. I have found the group rooms to be so valuable in reducing isolation and creating a sense of community which is hard to get in forums due to the time lag between posting and getting a reply. Everyone above has echoed my views as to this being a step back rather than a step forwards, so Im not going to repeat the confusion and sense of being let down that have already been expressed above. But I do have a few questions:
One of the things I value most about 7cups is the sense of community. You only have to look through the forums to know that this is such a special community. With such a huge resource of knowledge at your fingertips, why did you not think to use the community to consult about this huge change before putting it in place? I feel you have missed out on the valuable insights and wisdom of the community by doing this without asking for opinions. I also feel disappointed that in a place which is meant to be a safe place for those struggling with mental ill health, no warning was given of this change. It seems irresponsible to me to take away the support of the group chats from already vulnerable people with no warning.
As a member who (because of social anxiety) tends to participate more in forums than 1-1 chats, why is my contribution to the community less valid and valuable in terms of getting access to group chats than a member of the community who finds 1-1 chats easier?
Why is it not possible to have 2 categories of chat room? For example ‘unmoderated and ‘moderated chat rooms. That way people can access unmoderated sessions at any time but at their own risk regarding trolls etc. and those who want a more structured group chat with less risk from trolls and higher degrees of safety are also catered for.
As regards to stopping trolls participating in group chats. Could there not be a universal badge that everyone gets when they sign up to give access to the group chat rooms, but could also be taken away after warnings from a moderator about inappropriate participation? That way they wouldnt be able to come back later to disrupt again, but those of us who participate and support each other could still access group rooms freely. You could also introduce some sort of strike system eg - first warning and the badge is removed for 1wk and then you can apply to have it reinstated, second warning removed for 6mnths, third warning removed permanently.
I also want to echo the concerns of members who feel that condensing several group rooms down to just 2 is going to end up in chaos and people not being heard/feeling part of the conversation as it is just too crowded. I also suspect you will end up with problems of people using the ‘structured sessions to have the chats that they would once have been able to have as a group without moderation during the sessions. Which will be confusing for those who want to participate in the structured session and also for whoever is trying to moderate it!
As I say I am saddened to hear of this change. There are so many forum-only websites out there and there are so many crisis lines out there for 1-1 conversations. 7 cups is unique and magical because of the community spirit that exists here. I feel like we are losing part of that with the loss of group chats. .
@purpleButterfly24
Whats this ?! A write a book in under 10 minutes competition ?
Also let me just add.. You dont become an enterpreneur and start any kind of business by listening to the nay sayers... IF you start listening to everyone's advice you'd be locked in your house sleeping in the fridge in order to feel anything..
Sometimes you gotta chugga chugga choo through the s hit sayers to make something worth having.. Glen's probably no stranger to that.. But sometimes even enterpreneurs forget that mistakes, while important for progress and learning, some can be avoided.. If you have a bridge you dont have to swim through the raw sewage to save a few seconds.. Also he's not making rubber gloves, but managing a site around unstable people with mental problems.. Maybe you should ease off on the boat rocking and do things more gracefully next time all right buddy ?
@SirJambabwe
You dont become an enterpreneur and start any kind of business by listening to the nay sayers... IF you start listening to everyone's advice you'd be locked in your house sleeping in the fridge in order to feel anything..
lol good line (among a few there) 
@SirJambabwe
I was not trying to rock the boat. Incase it wasnt clear from the above, I am upset and confused that something that I have come to rely on for support in times of need has been withdrawn suddenly and with little explanation. I thought this was a safe space to express that confusion and try to understand why I have lost access to it. It appears I was wrong about it being safe. None of the above was meant as a personal attack on anyone and if it read that way I am sorry. I am just one of those people who feels the need to understand the ‘why when I lose something important to me.
I'm confused, are 1-1 chats becoming unavaliable?
@MittensKitten Nope. No change at all to 1-to-1 chats 
Charlie
@RarelyCharlie
Thank you, im worried about how things will change but im glad to hear that where im most active wont just dissapear!
@RarelyCharlie
In which world does less freedom mean anything good for the majority of people ? Next they'll be telling you what colors of socks you're allowed to wear and which colors are a nono..
@SirJambabwe I only said there has been no change at all to 1-to-1 chats, and now you have broadened the subject to include socks. I find this difficult to understand. Perhaps you'd like to chat about it? Feel free to message me!
Charlie
@RarelyCharlie
Usually a conversation without at least a few pairs of socks shoved here and there is considered lacking in the world of the rich and powerful. Socks make the world go around, true power lies in a good pair of socks.
@SirJambabwe I am not wearing any socks, as it happens. I have no true power. Seriously. I have no power here at 7 Cups.
Charlie
@RarelyCharlie
His message was clear to me, I'm interested to see your answer instead of hiding in a 1 on 1 with this conversation which is what I see as problematic if we are all supposed to be speaking freely here. My socks are white, and im not hiding the fact that 7cups is broken in many ways due to the control-freak mentality going on behind the scenes. Members, ambassadors, monitors, and all of us are equal. If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.
@humorousDay8793
Forgot to mention that Glen cares more about the socks he's gonna wear on monday than about the complaints of any one of you.
@SirJambabwe
Yes, that's the feeling I'm getting also. Very sad we all have to put up with crap like this. I went on two 24 hour strikes away from 7cups just to step away because it is upsetting to see the control freaks at work
@humorousDay8793 You make a fair point about moving a discussion to a 1-to-1 chat when it is of wider interest.
However, I do not think we are all supposed to be speaking freely here. We are supposed to limit our speaking so as to comply with 7 Cups' community guidelines.
Also, I am mindful that this thread is about changes to the arrangements for chatrooms, and in my opinion we risk going wildly off topic. So I will say more in my personal notebook thread, and I'll tag you. Of course anyone else is also welcome there.
Charlie
@humorousDay8793. All that has changed really is how the chat rooms work now. They are fully gone. You cant say ALL OF 7 cups is broken because of this. Theres what, maybe a few hundred unique people in there vs the forums which have thousands. The chat rooms are still there technically. The chat rooms became more of a chat vs emotional support. So they get like they needed to get a grip on the chat rooms so they are back to helping people again who need it.
I agree, there should be some chat rooms that are for people who just want to chat who share the same/broad issues maybe because people in there GET IT vs going to another site with people who would poke fun most likely.
But I dont feel 7 cups is completely failing because of this. They have monitored the rooms as mentioned before and see that its not a support chat anymore, but each chat becoming more of a hangout and not actually addressing people coming in needing help with their panic attacks and depression. I tried to help but the chat was flying so fast with chatter we couldnt talk.
@AdamEmb man I shouldnt type with auto correct. I butchered that haha
@AdamEmb
I say 7cups is broken in the fundimental way they handled the changes, didn't inform us beforehand, upset many people, and broke our trust. I've always had trust issues, this really wasnt productive at all.
@AdamEmb ''I tried to help but the chat was flying so fast with chatter we couldnt talk. '' 100% true and everyhing else you said. I used to be in depression support a lot and most of the people there were from compassion corner, trolls and just giving off a bad vibe. Whenever a mod entered they'd behave and as soon as the mod was gone the usual toxicity would return. It got exhausting, on few occassions people were using the room for the purpose created. In all honesty I'm thrilled this new change has been made, it's about time someone actually did something constructively.
@AdamEmb 35+ WAS a support room. We supported ANYONE who needed help. If we were chatting, we stopped chatting and helped whoever needed support. We even had members come into 35+ saying they had just come in from Depression Support and couldn't believe how awful it was. We gave them a safe space in 35+. Everyone said 35+ was the best and most supportive room. Yes. We did have regular "chats" in 35+ but our main priority was SUPPORT.
@MittensKitten
TRY NOT TO PANIC - SOMEBODY SHOULD BE RIGHT WITH YOU TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS.
OR CHECK THE BULLETIN BOARD
OH, SORRY, THERE IS NO BULLETIN BOARD
WHO DROPPED THE CUP?!
I believe we members are the main reason this site a place that when people are nice it really does support people. Members passionately share from their hearts here. The gems of caring and wisdom are pricless!. Many members work very hard choosing the right words to convey amazing encouragement and wisdom.
We all have eagarly contributed wonderful advice kindness and our intellectual knowlege to give the very best of ourselves in an attempt to help others.
We honestly engauge in mutal conversations in joint efforts to find healing.
If 7cups doesnt respect the unique EQUAL MUTUAL exchange of efforts values and wisdom it's members bring out of the kindness of their hearts free of charge, then we must create or support some place that will.
There is to much suffering and money should never be an issue. One good complex algorithm programing process of calculation problem-solving could make the feed work correctly and free forever.
Other problems and glitches could also be alieviated.
****
Members come to this site suffering from many of life's deep disapointments and 7cups gains extremely valuable information in this process which can be used to write best seller self-help books, manuals, guides, and to train mental health professionals. Members off these gems freely and free in an exchange for having a place to be mutually helpful for everyone. So they (7cups) need to step it up and make the fixes that enable member to member messages to be gauranteed of delivery, and a cutomizable feed each member can control, plus a system in place for quick problem solving when a member see something important needing editing, repair, or malfunctioning. Lives are on the line here. This is no joke! The emotions and feelings of all members of a website like this are an absolute nessesity here.
Members should be happy, feel respected, and know they are important on any site that wants the responsibility of all of our lives!
I dont want to be here if the top people are going to neglect us in the many ways ive heard about, and am currently personally experiencing. Come on 7cups.
Who the heck broke 7cups?!!
[MonBon edited for unsupportive content]
They really should have contacted us with a list of proposals months ago along with an announcment of an upcoming suggestions from members meeting. Then gave everybody another month or two to consider all the suggestions. Also a list of duties they needed help with should have come with meeting 1 or 2 months after every member had time to think about all suggestions. Then a vote. Demorcratic vote, not this terrotorial oligarchy craziness that is so upsetting to everybody. We were given no chance to give our input.
7cups??? or Broken Cup?!!
Can you please tell the community mods not to sound so "cut and paste"? All I get are one sentence replies. It sounds like they're reading from a mod/listener guide list or something.
"We are sorry this happened.❤️"
"We are here for you.❤️"
"We understand you are upset.❤️"
Ever since yall got rid of the rooms thats all I get. (And the condescending heart emoji.)
@Figgy50
I don't think they're trying to be condescending. They are sending those hearts with good intentions; it is you who is taking it negatively (for whatever reason).
What would you say differently to a stranger in need of help in a chatroom, when you can't give people advice? They also couldn't possibly help everyone and keep up with the chat of a bunch of different people amongst other chatter.
Mods and listeners are volunteers. They're human beings dealing with their own issues too. Give them a break. If you want someone to say more to you, speak to a therapist. Until then, don't expect much from a chat room and/or go 1-on-1 so a listener can say more to you personally.
@MythologicalMayhem I love this! You are one of the few sane individuals on this thread. Oml how many [edited by Anomalia for unsupportive content] are attacking Glen. At the end of the day this is a volunteer project and we ought to be grateful it even exists.
@GretasRebel
Thank-you. You can't win in a community like this. Express your opinion against someone hating on volunteers on a free website, but of course, my comment somehow is taking away someone's right to feel. 
People seem to be expecting high quality therapy you'd have to pay for here, except from volunteers with their own issues and problems.
@Figgy50 Yes, you can be pissed at something, but how you approach it is what's important and maybe some thought about what it involves to volunteer and from the perspective of the volunteers would give you a more balanced opinion. I gave you some ideas of what you can do instead to avoid 'cut and paste' answers.
@GretasRebel Um... I think you meant snowflake. ❤️
@Figgy50
Right, Its so sad to be controled by people who just copy and paste unhelpful banter in an attempt to passify us. Or they are reading off from a mental health site.
We are real people, people! A bit of humanity and equality would go a long ways!
What I could use less of is the "You're overreacting" and the "We can see you're upset" and the "We just need to move on" that I have seen from some people in the chat rooms and the forum. I don't need my feelings minimized. That is not helpful and is not welcome. I don't expect things to go back to the way they were, but it would be nice if those of us who are upset could be allowed to have those feelings without being patronized to. You don't get to decide whether my feelings are valid or not and I don't need you to try to fix me. If you can't just sit with me in how I'm feeling, don't feel that you need to insert yourself into the situation.
With all that said, I appreciate all of the Mods, Listeners, and Members who are being genuinely understanding and supportive during this difficult time.
I have a brilliant idea.
Let's take a bunch of emotionally vulnerable people and throw in a HUGE change to what they have become accustomed to as a safe space, not ask prior to the change for their solutions for the issue, and then just hope it all turns out for the best.
What could possibly go wrong?!
*shrugs*
Never would have imagined a place set up for people to be heard, actually wouldnt listen at all to their users.
@JustSomeKSGirl
I find myself staring at my 7cups screen
My mouths open but i cannot scream
Everybody talks & I dont know what it means
Poor communication, Its ashameful thing
@humorousDay8793 *THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE*
@Siove
Thank you
