Posted By Paula Morris
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Updated: Monday, February 25, 2013
I never considered myself “phobic”. I believed I adopted a sensible approach rather than being fearful, especially when avoiding dark alleyways or wearing stilettos on icy paths. While I wasn’t fond of spiders, my reaction while photographing a severely irritated eye with tarantula spines embedded in the cornea seemed rational.
One day, while browsing the internet, a typo led me to discover various phobias. To my surprise, it appeared that for every Greek term, there existed a corresponding phobia. A notable example is neophobia, the fear of anything new, also referred to as cainotophobia, from the Greek term ‘kainos’, meaning “new.” This revelation gave me pause…
Although I don’t consider myself fearful of new experiences, I do enjoy the comfort of my routine. I can be adventurous at heart, yet familiarity brings solace. When our OPS website launched, I found myself overwhelmed despite having contributed to addressing the Society’s needs. I felt utterly daunted by the site’s extensive features. How was I supposed to navigate it, even though I had played a part in uploading some content? This was unfamiliar territory – it was indeed a new challenge for an old dog like me!
Was I really displaying classic signs of “neophobia”? Was my hesitation about exploring the new features genuinely rooted in fear? Or perhaps, I had overlooked the website’s potential as a meaningful tool for connecting with OPS members.
In search of comfort, I revisited the homepage and discovered a menu on the left labeled “Forums”. My historical knowledge kicked in, and I recalled the well-known Roman Forum. That made me smile, reminding me of the Peter Allen song, “Everything Old is New Again.”
It was evident that the OPS had its own version of “The Forum,” providing many similar functions: a gathering space for like-minded individuals and an efficient means for effective communication among large groups—far more expansive than my individual email list. The definition aligns with Merriam-Webster, referring to a forum as “something used in performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation or profession.”
The website allows for the creation of forums for all types of OPS groups. As a matter of fact, the OPS Boards and committees have utilized these forums to conduct official OPS business since the website’s launch. The forums serve as powerful communication tools while being enjoyable to use, as they allow for easy contact with everyone subscribed. All messages are preserved and accessible, enabling any member to refer back to previous discussions at their convenience. Additionally, files and documents can be stored through the Forum as well—what a fantastic resource!
A few weeks back, a friend posed a question regarding fluorescein sodium, and with a quick thought, we turned to the OPS member forum. Responses began flooding in almost instantly—both from familiar members and those we hadn’t encountered before! This feature proved to be an invaluable resource, as all replies were categorized under that topic for anyone who might have missed the original submissions. Clearly, we were surpassing the functionality of the Roman Forum.
While non-members can view posts on the member forum, they cannot contribute to discussions. However, as an OPS member, full access awaits. Simply log on to explore the website, and to locate the OPS member forum, navigate to the left side menu on the homepage. From there, select “Blogs/Forums/Groups,” expand the menu, and choose “Forums,” then click on the “OPS Member Forum” line. It’s incredibly straightforward!
Remember, you’ll receive an initial email notification for any new discussions on the forum. To continue receiving updates, subscribe to “Instant Updates” or opt for “Digest.” You can customize this feature based on your preferences. I’ve been astonished by how user-friendly it is, and ever since uncovering its simplicity, I’ve delved deeply into the website—this is merely one of its many features!
There are even sticky notes guiding members about the forum and netiquette rules to foster a friendly and constructive environment.
If you haven’t yet visited one of the OPS forums, consider it a missed opportunity for valuable resources. Don’t succumb to neophobia; give it a shot. If you’re feeling whimsical, imagine a post from someone clad in a toga!
“See” you on the forum!
