Can this forum be edited to have sub-topics?

[NJSleepless]

I would set it up so we have the following:

CPAP/BIPAP Treatment
ASV Treatment
Machines and Masks
DME Experiences
Underlying Conditions
Post Your Settings
Everything Else (aka OT)

I am uncertain who runs Cpap Talk but if we could better organize the forum I think that it would increase traffic and allow much more fluid communication amongst members.

[xenablue]

Firstly, the forum is owned by cpap.com, and gracious host Johnny Goodman so it would be his decision.

Secondly - we've discussed this on other occasions, and to be honest - until and unless everyone ONLY posts to the appropriate sub-forum topics, then it's a total waste of time as you would then be hopping from sub-forum to sub-forum not finding the topic you're looking for because someone started one under the wrong topic.

Just MHO....

Cheers,
xena

[Pugsy]

You aren't the first and probably won't be the last. It has been mentioned more times than these hits I got on the search engine. Forum owner prefers to make it easy to post and not have separate categories. It's Johnny's ball park and he gets to set the rules. There is another forum with a much more define sub topics area and they also heavily moderate what is said and will pull your posts if you dare to mention changing your own pressure much less tell someone how.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=54375&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... mat+change

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=49809&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... mat+change

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=44292&p=394938&hili ... ge#p394938

and more recently viewtopic.php?f=1&t=67544&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... sub+topics

[Mary Z]

It works fine a it is. Your way sounds pretty complicated. Can't you just read the subject lines, though admittedly sometimes they're not a lot of help.

[chunkyfrog]

We already use OT in the thread title--when it applies;
Perhaps keywords could be used in topic line--even more than they are. (usually noobs are the likeliest not to)
Remember, the search tool can be used to ferret out info on a specific subject.
Note: the new category thread gets re-introduced or resurrected several times a year.
Please, please, please; don't move my cheese!
Note: changes in technology makes older info obsolete--the current arrangement lets obsolete threads go away.

[idamtnboy]

Perhaps keywords could be used in topic line--even more than they are. (usually noobs are the likeliest not to)

I brought that up in a topic one time. Got somewhat bashed for it so have refrained from mentioning it again. It is a good suggestion though.

[NJSleepless]

Fair enough. I'm a member of many forums that are much better organized. I was simply asking. A good example would be the technology groups I’m a member of http://www.sevenforums.com . Just food for thought. When I first came here I was told to post my question in the ASV forum which I had to search for. That's what prompted my question. But if you folks like the current format then I'm not one to judge.

[NJSleepless]

Perhaps keywords could be used in topic line--even more than they are. (usually noobs are the likeliest not to)

I brought that up in a topic one time. Got somewhat bashed for it so have refrained from mentioning it again. It is a good suggestion though.

Yeah, that's the sense I'm getting right now

Oh well. I am benefitting for the forum but not looking for a fight.

[Perrybucsdad]

Yes, technology forums and other forums benefit from being very organized like you suggest. The issue here though is you have people who are sometimes very sleep deprived and sometimes don't make the best choice in where to place their post. With Johnny only having one place to post a message, it works very well.

I didn't like the one section at first, but it grows on you and it makes it that much easier to help people and get help.

No one is bashing you for the suggestion.

John

[ameriken]

Yeah, that's the sense I'm getting right now

Oh well. I am benefitting for the forum but not looking for a fight.

I'm 100% with you...I thought an ASV forum would have been a great idea as well, so you're not alone.

But I once saw a post by JohnnyGoodman who explained that this format is intentionally kept simple.

It had to do with the idea that many sleep apneans may be older folks who may have little or no computer skills and are further hindered by the fog and cognitive handicap of sleep apnea. That person could stumble onto the site and quickly and easily post a question and get help without stumbling through a maze of subsections, rules, and other requirements. I think that is also why guests can post questions without registering.

When I read that, I thought 'wow, that was really thoughtful and empathetic' because it was intentionally set up in a way so that very few would be turned off because they simply could not manage or get through the forum features.

[NJSleepless]

If you look through the entire forum you see hundreds of repeated questions and posts. This could easily be avoided. With the current format we could also address this with more Sticky threads. Simple is the last thing that comes to mind but you guys like it and I just wanted to share my input because I felt it would be helpful. I do want to note that this is a phpBB forum and is very easily edited.

I think we can close this thread. You old timers have made your point. I don't agree with them but I respect them. I am just a guy that likes organization and easy to navigate forums. Something I think those who are sleepy would appreciate.

ps - This is not limited to technology threads. Just about every forum I have ever participated is set up with categories, this is the first I have ever participated in that does not. Like I said, I benefit from the forum quite a lot and am grateful for the support. But it's a real PITA to naviagte. Maybe if we had more Admins a newer format would work.

[chunkyfrog]

Minimal tech--minimal cost--free to us.
You make good points; but more organization might also bring censorship.
None of us could get the help here we can't find elsewhere.

[VVV]

If you look through the entire forum you see hundreds of repeated questions and posts. This could easily be avoided. With the current format we could also address this with more Sticky threads. Simple is the last thing that comes to mind but you guys like it and I just wanted to share my input because I felt it would be helpful. I do want to note that this is a phpBB forum and is very easily edited.

I think we can close this thread. You old timers have made your point. I don't agree with them but I respect them. I am just a guy that likes organization and easy to navigate forums. Something I think those who are sleepy would appreciate.

ps - This is not limited to technology threads. Just about every forum I have ever participated is set up with categories, this is the first I have ever participated in that does not. Like I said, I benefit from the forum quite a lot and am grateful for the support. But it's a real PITA to naviagte. Maybe if we had more Admins a newer format would work.

Great ideas. If you are intent on destroying an excellent forum.

I belong to several other forums on varying subjects. Active admins suck. Active admins trying to force everything into categories suck even harder.

Life doesn't come in categories. Neither does mastering one's CPAP therapy.

[NJSleepless]

If you look through the entire forum you see hundreds of repeated questions and posts. This could easily be avoided. With the current format we could also address this with more Sticky threads. Simple is the last thing that comes to mind but you guys like it and I just wanted to share my input because I felt it would be helpful. I do want to note that this is a phpBB forum and is very easily edited.

I think we can close this thread. You old timers have made your point. I don't agree with them but I respect them. I am just a guy that likes organization and easy to navigate forums. Something I think those who are sleepy would appreciate.

ps - This is not limited to technology threads. Just about every forum I have ever participated is set up with categories, this is the first I have ever participated in that does not. Like I said, I benefit from the forum quite a lot and am grateful for the support. But it's a real PITA to naviagte. Maybe if we had more Admins a newer format would work.

Great ideas. If you are intent on destroying an excellent forum.

I belong to several other forums on varying subjects. Active admins suck. Active admins trying to force everything into categories suck even harder.

Life doesn't come in categories. Neither does mastering one's CPAP therapy.

Like I said, point taken, close the thread. I made some suggestions but certainly have not attacked the current format other than to say it's difficult to navigate and many topics are reposted. Enough said. I like the Community that participates in the forum and I like the feedback that folks provide when related to treatment.

I have no interest in attacks and will not be responding to this thread any further. The point has been made loud and clear by you folks. smh

[NightMonkey]

Rarely is a thread closed by admins and then only when something truly abusive is going on.

Thankfully there are no admins with the attitude that think they have superior knowledge and know when to close a thread.

I hope you grow to like the forum as it is.