Regarding "medical advice"

[NV Whino]

Two threads have been locked recently with Taverner discussing his medical problems and asking if anyone else has experienced a similar problem

I realize the no medical advice criteria walks a fine line, but I did not consider either of those threads asking for advice, and both threads contained posts telling the OP to seek medical advice from a professional.

I think it's important that we be able to discuss medical problems, but if you consider those two threads as asking for advice, you should probably just institute no medical discussion, period.

[Skinner]

1. You are correct that the "no medical advice" rule walks a fine line.

I don't think there is anything wrong with people discussing medical issues in a broad way. Our concern is when advice is solicited, because in some cases the advice provided can be wrong or dangerous.

If this were an issue that was important to the DU mission, I think we would make more of an effort to make clear where the line is drawn. But given the fact that this is not our core mission, I think it is easier to have a broad rule.