New cpaptalk.com Main Page

Howdy cpaptalkers,

newdesign/index.php

From checking our logs and showing people cpaptalk we've noticed that not everyone who arrives at http://www.cpaptalk.com knows to click "CPAP and Sleep Apnea Forum". Those who don't think to click that link never really get "inside" the website - so they don't understand what the community offers. This is something we want to fix as these people tend to wonder off.

We will be ramping up other features on cpaptalk soon. However, the life blood of this website is and will always be it's users. The forum is where our users talk, and so thats the most important place on the site. Directing people to that place is a priority.

To do this, I thought "how can I make it very easy for users to decide where to go?". My answer was big icons and big text clearly describing what clicking on the text/icon would result in.

I also added a dynamic section for the most recent topics and cpapopedia posts as well as a "who backs this board" section - as thats a reoccuring question on the board.

What I'd like to know from the cpaptalkers out there is: is this an easy way to find ones way into the core of our website? Is there something else I could do to make it very obvious? (I'm thinking of taking the cpap.com red arrow and using it for this as well! )

Thanks!
Johnny

Looks great. A much better entry to the site.
Derek

Johnny,

Looks good!

One suggestion would be to change the title on the middle icon to "cpap interviews and reviews". Until I clicked on it I thought you were splitting of a seperate equipment discussion forum. I think others will click there with the intention to post questions/comments regarding equipment if titled as is.

Have you secured the ability to list AWAKE groups or is the icon based on wishful thinking. If you are able to add this feature it would be a great service to the apnea community. Hopefuly you will be able to link to more than just a contact point for each group. I think the opportunity for each local group to atleast post a little about themselves would go a long way to attracting attendance at the meetings.

I also think that adding the sponsor info is a good idea. Suprisingly to me many posters do not know about the sponsorship by cpap.com

Keep up the good work. I, for one, really appreciate it!

I really like the new index page--still think a "CLICK HERE to go to DISCUSSIONS" might help. A lot of newbies may not be familiar with the term "forum".

While we're talking changes, any thought about separating the forum into separate topic boards? It might help those looking for 'equipment help' to find all the equipment-related posts in one section; 'treatment help' posts in another; science/research in another; HUMOR; 30-some pages of thousands of posts IS a bit intimidating.

Keep up the GREAT JOB!! Thanks for all that you do!!

Grant

It looks great! Thanks for all your efforts.

Looks good! I agree with Grant that the "community forum" could use a different title - perhaps one of these to grab interest and get them on in there:

Sleep Apnea Discussions

Sleep Apnea Message Board

Or perhaps even something as inviting as this:

Read what CPAP users are saying and post your sleep apnea questions here


I also agree with Wader that the Reviews title should have the word "Discussion" removed - just be something like he suggested - "CPAP Equipment Interviews and Reviews".

I'm with Rested Gal but I also thing using the words "enter" and "here" would be very helpful.

Also under the equiptment reviews/interviews I would use the word "read".

I hope this helps.

You guys are doing an incredible job. Keep up the great work! We love being here!

Heidi a/k/a Sleeping With The Enemy