Problem Exchange follows a similar format although it appears that there is less traffic here than at Dear Cupid. It has a couple of noteworthy additions; registered users can set how they are feeling as they sign on and there is an easily accessible banter page which hosts every kind of discussion you can imagine. This is an area where Problem Exchange (PE) does something better than Dear Cupid which is a much better advice site but when it comes to developing a community feel comes up a little short.
One slight niggle with PE is that it seems impossible to insert paragraphs into both questions and answers which makes pages of block text look like hard work. I am also not aware of any moderation policy when it comes to answers; I registered and started posting with no interruption. Obviously eyes must be kept on the site but there is an obvious danger from allowing answers to be posted unmoderated; tellingly at the bottom of the site there is a disclaimer – "The site makes no claims as to the reliability or veracity of any of the posts or responses".
Of the sites that are 'static', in that they don’t take the problem sharing approach, one of the better ones is Relationship Tips. It has extensive sections covering a diverse range of topics such as abusive relationships and office based romances. Feedback facilities exist in the ability to both rate and provide comments on the tips on the site. While I found some of the advice useful and insightful I thought the section on ‘Relationship Astrology and Love symbols’ was of debatable worth although what is your star sign?' is a popular question to ask in the 'getting to know you' phase of any relationship. The main problem with this kind of method of dispensing advice is that it is rather devoid of context and that is, of course, something that makes all the difference.
Article comments