What model for a support site?

8 replies
Good morning :-)

I'm planning on creating a support site for a medical issue, and I'm undecided as to which of two models to go with. I'm surveying potential members for their ideas and needs, but thought I'd put it out here for opinions too.

We can use diabetes as an example.

One option is to install a community site such as Boonex Dolphin, which features forums, chat, photo gallery etc. My own thoughts are that it may be overkill to have all those features, and most won't be used by busy people.

Another option is to create a wordpress blog, with general information on the issue on the front (good for SEO), and an opt in box, add a membership portal and behind the portal there's a discussion forum and the option for members to have their own WP blogs to share their journey and read about other people's experiences. Much cleaner, and not as busy, but would still have some sense of community. I'm not convinced photo galleries etc would be a huge advantage, when people can put their photos on their blogs, which could also be then viewed by family and friends not in the membership.

Perhaps there's another option I haven't thought of. My plan is to eventually turn this into a subscription service, so would like to have the groundwork laid out properly from the start.

Thanks for your thoughts. Have a good weekend.

Audrey
#model #site #support
  • Profile picture of the author Ross Dalangin
    Just create a forum like this and create a section that they can see it only if they subscribe like war room here.
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  • Profile picture of the author Audrey Harvey
    That's my thoughts, Ross, it's simple and I can set it up myself pretty quickly. Thanks for the feedback.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ross Dalangin
      Originally Posted by Audrey Harvey View Post

      That's my thoughts, Ross, it's simple and I can set it up myself pretty quickly. Thanks for the feedback.
      You're always welcome, Audrey!

      Ross
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Bard
    Audrey,

    I think if you go back and read your post you will see that you answered your own question.

    Your first option was described by you with kind of a ho hum attitude and you even said it was probably overkill.

    The other choice, the Wordpress blog when you are describing that option you have passion and excitement about why and how to do it that way.

    Your tone suggested to me that you would really be more committed and have more involvement personally with the Wordpress idea.

    I think the differences in the actual applications are pretty minimal but the Worpress approach would help you to have a better time of it which would make it much more successful in the long run.

    Matt
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  • Profile picture of the author Audrey Harvey
    Hi Matt

    Thanks for the comment, and you're right. The first option also would be a lot harder for me to set up in the first place. So, I gave that one a miss.

    I have just about finished the Wordpress setup, it wasn't hard, and it'll be less ongoing work to maintain, so more "relaxing", if that's the right word :-)

    I'm also hearing back from potential members that they'd be happy enough with that setup, so it's good on all fronts.
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    Expert content written by an experienced veterinarian and published magazine and newspaper writer.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Bard
    Hi Audrey,

    I'm glad to hear that things are already working out for you with the new site. "Relaxing" yes. That is important to me. I don't mind work but the grind of working while being under constant stress is misery.

    I think that is the reason I'm an entrepreneur. Again, I don't have a problem with work as long as I can control the conditions I work under.

    Matt
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  • Profile picture of the author TheNightOwl
    Heya Audrey

    If you're using WP as the basis for the whole thing, you might think about getting the noversion plug-in (sorry, can't remember what it's called to do a search for it -- but it removes the version number from your feed, etc), and take a look at WordpressSecured (I think there's a WSO on at the moment for v3.0).

    It would be a cryin' shame if this whole thing got hacked due to some exploit that turns up later in WP.

    Do be aware, though, that using WPsecured you pretty much have to have everything mapped out in terms of the current version of WP because if you want to upgrade at some point later on (to a later version of WP), you need to reinstall everything.

    @James: Or is there something I've misunderstood there? Can you upgrade to a later version without mangling your site?

    Hope that helps!

    TheNightOwl
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  • Profile picture of the author jaijav29
    That would be a great idea! This will help people to be well informed especially on medical terms or a specific disease. Go and create! Good luck!
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