Forum Suggestion - Topic Sections

[pokerjah]

I realize I am new to this forum, and don't mean to be critical. But I was wondering if there has been any thought into creating categories/topic sections for the various threads? This forum seems to get a lot of new threads every day so it would make it a lot easier for users to find information on specific issues. Some suggested topics might be: CPAP equipment/Sleep Clinic/CPAP experiences/General/FAQ. It would be pretty time consuming to recategorize the existing threads. Great site in any case.

[ozij]

I realize I am new to this forum, and don't mean to be critical. But I was wondering if there has been any thought into creating categories/topic sections for the various threads? This forum seems to get a lot of new threads every day so it would make it a lot easier for users to find information on specific issues. Some suggested topics might be: CPAP equipment/Sleep Clinic/CPAP experiences/General/FAQ. It would be pretty time consuming to recategorize the existing threads. Great site in any case.

This has been considered a number of times, and rejected.

http://www.apneasupport.org have a forum organized by subjects -- but a highly edited forum.

O.

[carbonman]

But I was wondering if there has been any thought into creating categories/topic sections for the various threads?

OH, boy .....I'll make the popcorn.

[Hawthorne]

The idea of categories has been discussed many times over the years I have been on the forum and always rejected.

I like the forum as it is. There are certainly many categorized sleep apnea/cpap forums on the net and, as O says, they may be highly edited - often are.

I have been to several but have not been to any other than this one for a long time now.

I also belong to forums for other things. Many of them are categorized but, it seems that the categories do not help, but rather hinder, the freedom of the forum.

Many people do not really use the categories on other forums and you need to look at them all anyway to find what you want. Often topics are not in the "stated" categories. That's been my experience.

I just stopped going to a forum recently (not sleep apnea/cpap). I only went a few times and every time I posted I was told to post it somewhere else or start a new post! I just got tired of doing that!

It sure made me appreciate the wide open format of this forum though!

[Wulfman]

I realize I am new to this forum, and don't mean to be critical. But I was wondering if there has been any thought into creating categories/topic sections for the various threads? This forum seems to get a lot of new threads every day so it would make it a lot easier for users to find information on specific issues. Some suggested topics might be: CPAP equipment/Sleep Clinic/CPAP experiences/General/FAQ. It would be pretty time consuming to recategorize the existing threads. Great site in any case.

If it were categorized, the posters could be waiting far too long to get replies to their questions. It would also make the forum readers less knowledgeable in all aspects of this therapy......because they may not be interested enough in checking the sub-categories. This way, they get to see all subject material......they have their choice as to whether they read them or not.

The CPAP/Apnea forums that have categories have become or are becoming "ghost towns" (partly due to over-moderation).


Den

[DreamStalker]

[Wulfman]

But I was wondering if there has been any thought into creating categories/topic sections for the various threads?

OH, boy .....I'll make the popcorn.

Thanks! I'll have mine with extra butter, please......


Den

[JohnBFisher]

Hint: I think I'll just SEARCH for a different answer...

[Guest]

well, that answers that question. Worth a shot.

[DreamStalker]

And a damn good shot it was.

[scrapper]

I read many things on this forum that I probably wouldn't run across if the forum was organized by category.........I for one, am glad that this is "a free-for-all" literally and figuratively some days!

[aroche]

I have to say, I have had the same thought about categories, but I also understand the idea of exposing everyone to the vast knowledge that is out there.

the statement that categorization leads to more unanswered threads can be countered with the new thread can quickly go off hte front page and be unanswered as well. From my own experience, I had my thread about new equipment disappear off the first page with only 1 or 2 answers in less than a day due to high volume in the forums, but I found it and posted to it to bump it back up and get more input.

Personally I can go either way with the category idea, though.

[roster]

The holistic approach to the forum is the only way to go.

Machine relates to humidifier relates to pressure settings relates to hose relates to mask relates to headgear relates to pillows relates to sleeping position relates to hose management relates to evil DME relates to data relates to software relates to room temperature relates to health insurance relates to sleep lab, etc.

Try splitting it up and you are treating the components not the human being.

[JoyD.]

.

I don't like the forums that use categories because often you can not place something clearly in a category. Often there are overlaps, or you just don't know where to put it

I have found the SEARCH engine much more user friendly to identify threads that discuss my issue at hand. You might get more familiar with using our SEARCH engine . . . at the top left on the blue bar. It's great once you get into the habit of using it.

Joy

[Really]

I realize I am new to this forum, and don't mean to be critical. But I was wondering if there has been any thought into creating categories/topic sections for the various threads? This forum seems to get a lot of new threads every day so it would make it a lot easier for users to find information on specific issues. Some suggested topics might be: CPAP equipment/Sleep Clinic/CPAP experiences/General/FAQ. It would be pretty time consuming to recategorize the existing threads. Great site in any case.

New? You haven't even joined and don't like it? Really??

What is your handle over at apneasupport anyway?

Oh btw , I am moving this to the right place apneasupport.com Really