So in pondering the inability to really "browse" people on Bodyshop, I got to thinking about why I was interested in that in the first place.

Mainly, it's nice to have that social interaction with others and always nice to have people you could get to "know" online to help you meet your goals.

But there's really no good "browse" function for other users on there, just a search function. In essence, it seems like you really have to know people before you can be friends.

So I guess I was just wondering if the intent of the BodyShop is more for me to focus on my own stuff and far less on that social interaction?

So I guess I was just wondering if the intent of the BodyShop is more for me to focus on my own stuff and far less on that social interaction? I'm not sure how one would draw that conclusion just because there is not (yet) a master list of members. Social interaction is obviously something we put a lot of time and effort in to: buddy lists, live newsfeeds, PMs, real-time chat, custom social network groups, ability to comment on just about anything that a friend does, ability to copy food logs and training programs from one member to another... the list goes on.

The issue is one of privacy. Not everyone wants strangers contacting them or monitoring their progress. There are lots of privacy options that allow users to be 100% private, or 100% open (and everything in between) with their BoodyShop profiles. It's no different than Facebook, which is pretty much the definition of social networking right now.

Please keep in mind that the site is brand new. It launched yesterday. We're actively soliciting suggestions and will be enthusiastically implementing many of them in the coming months.

Thanks for the reply, John. Like I said, it was just something that I thought *could* be the intent based on my initial interaction. I'm very pleased there will be more interaction in the future, because honestly having that here at JSF in the first place helps me more than any other tool that one might provide.

I'm still getting used to the BodyShop and I'm doing my best to try to take advantage of every aspect I can. Within the week I intend to e-mail out to friends and family an invite to check it out once I kind have it down myself and I can speak more to it personally.

Thanks again!

Awesome!

FWIW, I am enthusiastic about the suggestion for a browsable list of members (so long as each member's privacy wishes are honored).

Awesome!

FWIW, I am enthusiastic about the suggestion for a browsable list of members (so long as each member's privacy wishes are honored).

That sounds great! And I understand the privacy issues. Just yesterday when I was really focused on setting mine up I realized that no matter what people could see my birthday and where I'm at. Initially that made me uncomfortable until I realized only friends can see that information.

Still, It'd be neat if there is some type of initial screen where people who allow it can share some basics they might want with non-friends, similar to Facebook, like you said.

I'm sure someone has suggested that already.

now back to my edits!

Just yesterday when I was really focused on setting mine up I realized that no matter what people could see my birthday and where I'm at.

now back to my edits!

You can hide your birthday and your location :) Simply edit your profile and click on the "Privacy Settings" tab.

Thanks

You rule, Matt, thanks!