BBC closing Ouch! Messageboard

So, the BBC has come to the decision to close the Ouch! messageboard. For those of you who know what this is, you are probably really pissed off right now, and for those who don't know - it is the only section of the BBC where peopleof all disabilities can come together and talk about life, the universe and everything. For others it is the only communication they get with the outside world, and a place where people can talk anonymously without being judged.

Yet the BBC feel that the concept of such a messageboard is antiquated and not worth their resources:

What a load of pish

The web and BBC Online have changed a lot over the last decade and we believe it's now time to close the Ouch! messageboard. You regularly tell us that our current service doesn't always deliver the kind of interaction and relationships you want and, indeed, the BBC realises there are now many more effective ways to involve its audience. Social networking is immensely enabling and has outclassed what we can provide in terms of specialisms, privacy and personal connections for this community. Plus it brings great control: you are able to block unwanted users and manage your personal interactions more immediately and effectively.

Ian Hunter, Managing editor of BBC Online, recently wrote a blog entry about the BBC's approach to messageboards and social media explaining how we intend to move forward. Ouch! will continue to be a place where you can feedback on disability matters alongside the content on our blog, via Facebook and Twitter.

Hmmm, funny, I don't remember anyone being consulted about this. Messageboards and social networking sites are completely different things with totally different ways of communicating, lacking the anonymity that people get from a board. Plus many Ouch! users find Facebook an intimidating place and are uncomfortable with the idea of posting on such a site.

But, fear not, fellow Ouch! user, we can we have a month to adjust to this change and "pop along" to this thing called Facebook and acquaint ourselves with it, as told in possibly the most patronising part of the blog post:

The messageboard will close on Wednesday 6 July. That gives us almost a month to help you find each other again. In the final week, we will see how this process has gone and help out if need be.

We have our own Ouch! Facebook page and we encourage you to pop along there now and 'like' us; a quick and easy way of staying in touch with your online friends. When the board has closed, you can continue to comment on our blog with your messageboard login.

I don't know if this is just me, but it almost feels like we are children they are chiding along gently, like a parent persuading their kid "don't worry about moving, I'm sure you'll stay in touch!"

Pfft. This move will only break up a well established community and alienate long time users.

So, if you care about the Ouch! board, or simply want to help us stop the closure of it, please go to the petition here and sign your support.

Thank you.