I have been battling oral cancer since June 2005 and just had my 4th surgery on my tongue this past week. I am a volunteer for the OCF and a member of the forum since 2006. I am so grateful to Brian that there is an OCF website that contains so much valuable and accurate information on oral cancer. In my opinion, the forum is the best place to go for information and support for patients, caregivers, their families, and those worried that they may have oral cancer.

Lately there has been a lot of bickering and name calling on the forum � more than I ever recall happening in a short period of time. I have always stayed out of those conversations because I don�t feel they belong in a public forum.

As a reminder to all, please read these quotes from the OCF home page and the forum sign in page:

�A FREE and anonymous patient / survivor discussion forum is open to the public, where those currently fighting oral cancer and their families can gain insights and inspiration from those who have been there before them. It is closely monitored for appropriateness of information posted there.�

�Remember that this is hopefully a place for the positive exchange of ideas, not a place to verbally trash someone else. Although you may wish to vent your frustrations, and that certainly takes place in an environment as emotional as a cancer forum, please keep personal attacks out of the messages. If you wish to exchange specific information that includes doctors names, phone numbers, (perhaps to talk to each other on the phone), and similar information, please do it by email between yourselves rather than posting it on the boards.�

So I am asking those who have engaged in this type of activity to PLEASE STOP! Please make use of the �personal message� (PM option) or e-mail if you have a personal issue with another member of the forum. Keep in mind when you post your comments on the forum, it remains there for all to read and for all to comment on, and it will remain as part of the OCF forum for years!

A few months ago I had recommended a newly diagnosed person with oral cancer to come to the forum. After a few posts and some not so nice comments from some long-term members, she left the forum never to return. I know others have done the same thing.

In my opinion, this is not what the forum was designed to be � it should be a welcoming and supportive place for all, regardless of their opinions. Please THINK before you hit the submit button, REREAD your post and use the EDIT feature if it can be inappropriate or offensive to anyone. Remember many people on this forum are fighting for their lives, have had life altering surgery, are watching their loved ones die from this disease, and some members may not be here in a few months because this cancer killed them!

I certainly enjoy the friendly jesting and kidding around that goes on the forum � considering that this is a cancer forum, we all need something to give us a chuckle or lighten the mood. But please be respectful of each other and the purpose of this forum.

Thank you!