My personal thought is less is more, I would keep the ones you have and get rid of the ones that you are asking whether to keep. (my 2 cents)

I guess just because it's easiest to view stuff from less categories rather than click on a new heading to see new posts.

Unless there's still a viewing option to see all the posts also...Regardless of the category. I find that nice To be able to see everything new in date order, regardless of category.

I think what ends up happening is the less popular forum categories don't end up getting much traffic

IMHO less is more also. To be honest, I have never gone to the forums really. I go to the home page and see the most recent blog and forum posts.. whithout even seeing what forum they might belong to.

So, I can see some major forum categories.. and perhaps if we are still doing "blogs".. that we could also have the blogs categorized under forum posts of those topics?

I do really like blogs... or at least the ability to see prior posts from someone because it can help give some context with advice or comments.

Major Categories to keep you listed.. I do kind of agree with..might include more general issues re family dynamics.. as in inlaws.. cousins.. aunts sisters etc... mother in laws!

As the maybes you listed.. the male oriented section is maybe  a keep.. it's more the minority here so having that space..where issues are often a bit different would be good.

I agree with Less is More. I do also like the option to somehow see a person's previous posts. It adds context and also prevents posts from having to be so long to add backstory. If that's possible. I admittedly don't know anything about building a website. 

I'd have fewer topics. Personally  even when I had serious issues with step family I only ever went to general or adult stepchildren. Mine were adults in previous nightmare and are adults in a current blended family 

I think step grandkids issue could be addressed in adult stepkids? 

I won't lie I never visit the forums.  If something gets posted and I see it and it's new I might read it, but I usually only look at the blogs as they are easier to access.  

I am so grateful for a new site, I am okay with whatever it includes. A safe place to share/vent is what matters most to me.

Yes, a million thank-yous for taking this on, Aniki! Reading the shutting down announcement made me feel rather like my favorite therapist had died. 

I like the less-is-more design. Fwiw, I've mostly used General Discussion and Adult Stepchildren over the years.

(((hugs)))

I like the list you have to keep, I think we could do away with the ones you're debating. I LOVE that you're adding a domestic abuse resource for sure. And a recipe category will be fun!

Keep or not?

Step-Grandparents   Maybe this one 

And perhaps recipes! 

Thank you, thank you, thank you! 

Thanks so much for taking up this huge task!!

I agree...less is better. While I have step-grandparent issues, I think those can be addressed under the Adult SK item. 

Once again... thank you SO much for this!! Love the recipe add too!! 

Thank you SO MUCH for doing this!!!

Im big on less is more, too.

I'd keep:

General (this would include disengaging) 

Step kids (adults) (this would include disabilities too)

Step kids (minors) (this would include disabilities too)

Step-parent rights (this would include legal)

High Conflict Bio Parents (this seems like a whole separate category as it's less kid/partner focused and more crazy ex focused)

Resources (domestic abuse and suicide hotlines)

This is unrelated to forum topics but it is related to the potential new step chat site.

My wish list for a new site is that there not be a HUGE "step chat" banner at the top of the page that nosy nelly's can read from all the way across the room. I use this site less often because of the banner. I prefer to have more privacy. 

Keeping StepChat to just forums makes keeping up much easier. A relatively few forums without individual blogs makes a quick click-by for updates easy.  

I only started reviewing Blogs and blogging myself more thank halfway through my STalk tenure.  Keeping up with Forums is challenging enough without potentially adding a blog for every member.

If possible, for sure duplicate the new comments counter on each Forum header so it is easy to see whether or not there is anything new since a person's last visit.

Diluting with overly specific Forum topic categories likely adds a lot of administrative burden.  KISS.  If a member has a specific support need it can be addressed in the title of their Forum entry and members can reply with input, links, advice.....

And .... for sure have a dedicated Forum category for F-0ff Friday/F0rn.  A favorite that I specifically look for and smile when a new one surfaced.

Hey, venting and laughing is therapeutic. As is incredible feasting and foodie stuff.

Keeping it to members only I think is also a comfort from a entry level of anonymity.  Clearly advising against using actual names as the UN.  Wich is advice I could stand to take.

Actually recipes isn't a bad idea. I am always on a look out for easy recipes. I am not the best cook lol so I need recipes. Intuitive cooking ain't happening here lol 

thank you  Aniki for doing all this 

Hi Aniki! Thanks for taking the time to do this. I put my input below. Your work and support are truly appreciated!

Keep or not?

Step-Grandparents --> I think this can be under general stepparenting issues

Bio Child Free Zone --> I feel like that is very niche. I know that stepparents have different challenges when they have their own kids vs no kids but that would still be under general in my opinion

Blended Family Issues --> I think this would be relevant for those who have children and are trying to blend with their steps...idk...

Mentally Unfit Biological Parents --> most of us deal with Unfit and psych Bio parents but I'm guessing this is referring to those who are clinically diagnosed lol. I would think this would already be covered under general discussion or like dragonfly mentioned - a section about high conflict/parental alienation

Parenting Issues --> that's the entire platform lol I think we have that covered at large

Step/Bio Father's Den --> I don't want to be misogynist but I think it's safe to say that step-dads and Bio Fathers in blended families are always seen as kings and saviors so they could just talk about wtv fairytale they live with their steps under general lol

New:

Domestic Abuse/Suicide Hotline Sources - ok

Recipes - I'm cool with that! Maybe there could also be a section about off topics/general chats

Aniki, thank YOU for finding a way. This is such a very important space to be held and we are so very grateful for StepTalk finding a new home. The topics I check are Adult StepChildren, Disengagement and General - I'd love to keep adult stepchildren because this area is less dealt with in the world and I have found it to be a refuge for us folks who are still dealing with "adult size" problems. Just my two cents. No matter the new format I am so GRATEFUL to see our community continue. Thank you, Dawn and all of the StepTalk organizers. <3 <3 <3 

I love all the forums so it would be difficult for me to narrow down.

I love the idea of a recipe forum. Several years ago, I could have sworn we had one. I love Forn Fridays, so a recipe forum would be great. I have posted seeking advice on what dishes to serve for major holidays and got some great recipes over the years.

I also miss Tone it up Tuesday. I'm not sure what happened with that.

I also love the idea of an off topic forum. I think we tend to say OT when we post a blog off topic anyway but maybe a forum dedicated to it is helpful. I have posted seeking advice on non-step-related issues, so an OT forum would be great.

Will there be a place to keep stickies? Or maybe that can go in the Stepparents' Rights/Parenting Resources forum? I'm thinking of a place for fulsome explanations of Mini-Wife Syndrome, Disneyland Dad Syndrome, the Step Parents' Bill or Rights, Disengagement Essay, etc. Maybe add in there best books, websites and youtube channels. 

for taking this on Aniki.  I don't post much anymore because...life.  But I read a few times a week.  Helps keep me sane.  I agree with most of the suggestions.  I also love the idea of "food" as a standalone category.

A million thank yous, Ani. As an old timer here, Stalk helped save my sanity (and probably marriage). And I've made your beer bread recipe a hundred times. 

Will you be posting a link to join the new site here before the 31st?

I'm so grateful you are taking this on. I'm nearing the end (2 more years) of our journey (meaning the obligated to HCBM part) and I'm sure gonna need some of you fine folks for the finish line! :-) 

<3 

My dear Ani,

When I saw the post regarding the demise of 'StepTalk', my old heart nearly stopped! Then stuttered back into life when I read further, to discover that, like the Phoenix, you're planning to cobble something together from the remains of the old ST. WHEW! I am truly grateful for your generosity in taking this on when you are so busy with work and other demands on your time. 

A thousand smooches headed your way!