SAMHSA Feedback
Instructions/Frequently asked Questions
This discussion forum, powered by a tool called UserVoice, allows people to come together, share ideas in response to a question, discuss those ideas, and vote the best ones to the top.
What is the purpose of SAMHSA’s feedback site?
Can just anyone see or use this forum?
How can I add my own idea to what's already here?
How can I learn more about an idea?
Why do I only have 10 votes per forum?
Are ideas or comments ever removed from the website?
How do you handle personal information in the comments?
What is the purpose of SAMHSA’s feedback site?
SAMHSA is piloting a new tool as part of the agency’s continuing efforts to increase opportunities for public engagement, collaboration and participation. We encourage people to participate in the forums and to send us feedback about how the usefulness of the tool clicking on the “Contact SAMHSA” link found at the bottom of every page of the feedback site.
Can just anyone see or use this forum?
Yes, the forums presented here are open to the public and all comments made should be done so with the assumption that they are publicly viewable. In addition, comments on all SAMHSA forums will be moderated in accordance with the Department of Health & Human Service Comment Policy and comments that violate that policy will be removed: http://www.newmedia.hhs.gov/standards/comment_policy.html
How can I add my own idea to what's already here?
To add an idea, make sure you are in the right forum and simply begin typing the "title" of your idea - a brief (5-10 word) summary of the idea - into the big search box in the middle of the page. As you begin to type, the system will automatically search for similar ideas that have already been created. If something comes up that is similar to what you're suggesting, you may want to simply vote for that idea instead of creating your own. If you determine that your idea is not a duplicate, click the "Create New Idea" button, and elaborate briefly on your idea in the "Description" box that appears. Assign 1, 2 or 3 votes to your idea, as you deem appropriate, and click "Create New Idea" Your idea will be posted immediately, along with your username.
How can I learn more about an idea?
In order to save space and make the site usable, the front page of each discussion area only lists the titles of ideas, part of their descriptions, the number of comments they have, and their overall score. To see more in-depth information, including the actual comment thread as well as a list of who has voted for the idea, simply click on any idea's title.
How does voting work?
As a new user, you will have 10 votes in each forum to express your support for others' ideas, or for your own. You can give any idea 1, 2, or 3 votes, depending on how strongly you support it. As you allocate votes, you will see the number of votes you have left, which is displayed on the right-hand sidebar. Votes are not permanent; you can reallocate votes away from one idea and towards another at any time, as many times as you like. To do this, simply click the vote display next to an idea you've voted for, and choose 0, 1, 2, or 3 from the vote selection menu that pops up. When an idea is completed, your votes for that idea will automatically be returned.
Why do I only have 10 votes per forum?
This site's voting system is like having a "budget" - when people have a finite number of votes to "spend," they tend to think more carefully about what they really support and how much they support it. You should use your votes to support the ideas you think are most important, so that the overall best ideas and top priorities emerge.
Are ideas or comments ever removed from the website?
The SAMHSA feedback site is an open forum where individuals are free to contribute and comment on ideas. However, in order to maintain a respectful and focused dialogue, comments on all SAMHSA forums will be moderated in accordance with the Dept. of Health & Human Service Comment Policy and comments that violate that policy will be removed: http://www.newmedia.hhs.gov/standards/comment_policy.html.
How do you handle personal information in the comments?
To protect your own privacy and the privacy of others, please do not include personally identifiable information, such as name, social security number, phone number, address, or e-mail address in the body of your idea or comment. If this information is included, the web administrator may redact the information or remove the comment.
Last updated: 09/24/2010
