Hi, this might be just a “me issue”, but I struggle to get to the forum via Google (or other) search. On search, lots of useless links emerge to confuse and frustrate me.
Is it possible to tweak the SEO properties some how to allow those of us who have generic solutions to problems to find the site?
Many thanks
Yeah, our search engine optimisation (SEO) sucks at the moment.
This is what I get (using Google in Incognito mode):
This is at least partly my fault, due to removing the nice eHealth Forum page on the HiNZ website.
To fix it, there are two possible paths:
Has anyone got specific expertise in this and be able to give us some advice?
My thoughts from behind the veil of SEO ignorance are to reinstate the HINZ page. Search then becomes a portal into both aspects of my local Health Informatics life without the need for a bespoke single-use solution with its own upgrade and maintenance cycle.
Agree we need to do something more - we should have a link from the Te Whatu Ora D&D pages to HiNZ and to the forum (will ask for this to be done). @NathanK - have you got a blurb/para or should I get chatGPT to make me one 
Re: the HiNZ page I think that we should think about what goes on that hinz page - we should maybe have it as a iframe or something like that so you “can see it”.
I think we also need to be super clear about the url to the forum so people can bookmark it (yes I am that kind of nerd).
Lastly - we were going to publish after 6 months the stuff from the emerging tech pages - not sure where that is at?
Jon
I’m afraid I’m going to have to do a MEGA reply to you.
Sweet - is definitely needed!
Got some good stuff on the current Anon landing page (logout or open the site in Incognito Mode to see it). Also the FAQ is a good source.
I’d be interested in what chatGPT comes up with - it seems like a spectacular tool to get the ball rolling with a piece of writing as long as you are prepared to edit it brutally. And better yet, it won’t get offended!
The HiNZ website platform (YourMembership.com) isn’t great at enabling that kind of thing. And their tools are down for another two weeks. Will work with them to make things better when they are willing / able.
I’m that kind of nerd too!! I’ve been in two minds about our domain the whole time and are currently sitting on ehealthforum.nz, which currently redirects to forum.hinz.org.nz.
Switching to it would certainly help the SEO markedly, but there is significant friction in such a move as every link needs to be managed. Doable, but not lightly.
What do others think?
Yeah, I’ve given this a lot of thought. While possible, it would not be easy to implement. It would also have an ongoing admin burden, in an environment where nobody likes doing admin stuff (especially not for free).
Basically I don’t think that the outcome justifies the effort, unless it is absolutely critical to keep that content behind a temporarily closed door. Other sites do it as an opportunity to charge 
, which isn’t relevant to us.
I’d much rather have it be that the default is to have content visible by default, but hidden if justified. This seems to work very well in many open online Forums, and Discourse has impressive protective mechanisms to prevent abuse of the platform.
What I’m a little uncertain about is how much social licence we have to head in that direction.
Chat GPT in response to: What does the ehealth forum at hinz do?
The eHealth Forum at HINZ is a platform for healthcare professionals in New Zealand to share information and discuss issues related to the use of technology in healthcare. This can include topics such as electronic health records, telemedicine, and the use of health apps. The forum provides a space for members to share their experiences, ask questions, and collaborate with others in the healthcare community.
And: What does hinz do?
HINZ (Health Informatics New Zealand) is a non-profit organization that focuses on promoting the use of technology in healthcare in New Zealand. They aim to improve patient outcomes and support healthcare professionals by fostering the development, adoption, and use of health informatics and eHealth solutions. Their activities include providing education and training, promoting research, and supporting the development of industry standards. They also provide a platform for healthcare professionals to share information and collaborate through events such as conferences and workshops, as well as online forums like the eHealth Forum.
Even better: Why would I use the forum?
Using the eHealth Forum at HINZ can be beneficial for healthcare professionals for a number of reasons:
Overall, the eHealth Forum at HINZ can be a valuable resource for healthcare professionals who are interested in using technology to improve patient outcomes and support their work.
For empty fluff, impressive.
