From Trisha's Desk By Trisha E. O’Hehir, RDH, BS, Editorial Director, Hygienetown Magazine

Trisha E. O’Hehir,
RDH, BS
Editorial Director,
Hygienetown Magazine

Are you a “lurker?” Lurkers are members of Hygienetown.com who enjoy reading message boards online and in the magazine but don’t post their thoughts, ideas or opinions. While lurking is fine and welcome, there are many Townies who would love to hear what you have to say!

Why not “get in the game,” so to speak. Do you not post because you think others have said it all and you think there is nothing more you can add? Is it because you don’t agree with the prevailing advice and you don’t want to get “chewed out” for posting your opinion? Perhaps it’s because you just aren’t comfortable participating in a public forum?

Conquer your fear! Hygienetown.com is here to help hygienists work together to solve problems and the more experienced posters there are, the more perspective we can all gain! Your experiences and opinions are priceless.

Posting is easy – in fact it’s even easier than sending an e-mail. Here’s what I do: go to the “Today’s Active Topics” page to view hot topics the Townies are discussing today. In case there is nothing there that interests you, try clicking the blue “Previous Day” button just above the list of Today’s Active Topics.

When you find a message board you like, simply click on the blue title of the discussion to view that particular topic. When you feel like putting in your two cents on a subject, simply click the “Reply” button. Once you do that a text box will appear where you can type your comments, questions, opinions – whatever – and then click the “Send” button at the bottom of the screen when you’re through.

If you want to reply to a specific comment made by a fellow Townie, click the “Quote” button in that Townie’s comment, and a reply box will include that post and space for you to write your comments. There’s even a spell-check button (the “abc4” button) for you, if you’re like me and cannot write without it.

When you post on Hygienetown.com, you’re not just giving your opinion, you’re connecting with colleagues, making new friends, sharing experiences and expertise, asking questions and just plain having fun.

Ask your questions, share your comments and relay your experiences. You might even see your post and avatar photo featured in the magazine one day!