WebPlus X5: Review request and Form Help request

[devalk2001]

Greetings,
I donated a site to the local rape help centre. domain name, server space etc and the site itself.
This is an important cause to me and I support them as much as possible. This site is not about me, and except for programmers, no one will see my name.
Suggestions on how to make this site better would be appreciated, and help with the contact form would REALLY be appreciated.
I've read so much about how to do the comment forms that I am going dizzy. Ooppss that's my pain meds that's causing that. (can't focus worth a damn)
If you can help, it would be very much appreciated. I've tried to attach the wpp file but Serif says it is too large. You can grab it for review at http://www.cksacc.org/cksacc.wpp
The site itself is www.cksacc.org

Thanks for any help!
Henrie

[mcclen]

HiHenrie,

A good cause & good on you for doing the site.

I find the banner the main thing about the site that needs work, the rest is OK really at first glance.

Your menu items are not evenly spaced so maybe tweak that.

The banner for me looked like a cross between a hippy group & a foreign church with those female symbols & the flowers, plus the purple.

Do you have any suitable images you could use, although I know it's a difficult one.
Maybe some pics of some caring looking counsellors or if you want to make it a safe haven look, then something serene like a lake image?

Maybe make a tablet shaped quickshape to hold the phone number as a way to break up the banner & make the phone number prominent without having to have the text quite so large.

Regards the contact form, what is you want to do with it that you need help with?

Hope that helps.

[it-doc]

Originally Posted by mcclen HiHenrie, I find the banner the main thing about the site that needs work, the rest is OK really at first glance.

Hi

I have to agree, the site "screams" at me, and doesn't give a nice, pleasant, calm feelling. I would also use some pics of family's caring or helping one another or something like that.

[Clitheroe Kid]

Originally Posted by devalk2001 Greetings, I donated a site to the local rape help centre. domain name, server space etc and the site itself. This is an important cause to me and I support them as much as possible. This site is not about me, and except for programmers, no one will see my name. Suggestions on how to make this site better would be appreciated, and help with the contact form would REALLY be appreciated. I've read so much about how to do the comment forms that I am going dizzy. Ooppss that's my pain meds that's causing that. (can't focus worth a damn) If you can help, it would be very much appreciated. I've tried to attach the wpp file but Serif says it is too large. You can grab it for review at http://www.cksacc.org/cksacc.wpp The site itself is www.cksacc.org Thanks for any help! Henrie

Hi Henrie,

The SUBMIT button. Not a good word for a rape crisis center. Change this to Send or Post or something similar.

I agree with the other comments on here but comming back to the form, I would get rid of the reset button and make all the edit boxes the same width as the textbox. If you are having problems with the functioning of the form, let us know.

Joe

[devalk2001]

Originally Posted by mcclen HiHenrie, A good cause & good on you for doing the site. I find the banner the main thing about the site that needs work, the rest is OK really at first glance. Your menu items are not evenly spaced so maybe tweak that. The banner for me looked like a cross between a hippy group & a foreign church with those female symbols & the flowers, plus the purple. Do you have any suitable images you could use, although I know it's a difficult one. Maybe some pics of some caring looking counsellors or if you want to make it a safe haven look, then something serene like a lake image? Maybe make a tablet shaped quickshape to hold the phone number as a way to break up the banner & make the phone number prominent without having to have the text quite so large. Regards the contact form, what is you want to do with it that you need help with? Hope that helps.

Thanks mcclen!
Your comments and questions help to fine tune and explain this better.
#1) the color purple is the color associated with sexual assault. I used a palette of purples to come up with the scheme.
#2)The anhk <sp?> is artwork done by one of the founding members/victims and they have used it for 25 years (which might explain the hippie concept)
#3)the hotline number is probably the most important thing on the site - although it can be changed as long as it remains large.

As you said, the menu is unbalanced, but for some reason, I'm having trouble with the spacing. Maybe I should use a vertical nav bar?

And finally, the form. I don't know if they really need a form as I can't see the use or need unless someone wants to really vent. What I am having trouble with is directing it to their email address. When you hit submit, it just goes to an email program and all input is lost.

Not to sound whiny or as a cop out, I am scheduled for heart surgery and oral surgery as part of my 11 years post bypass, and the pain is making it difficult to concentrate on some facets and details.
I can't think of an image that would be appropriate as this is mostly a hotline service based on support and direction via phone. When I say it is a local service - completely funded by donations - I should have added the service covers a "city" that covers 2,500 square Km.

Thanks for your help and insight!
Henrie

[devalk2001]

Originally Posted by it-doc Hi I have to agree, the site "screams" at me, and doesn't give a nice, pleasant, calm feelling. I would also use some pics of family's caring or helping one another or something like that.

Thanks, It-doc,
Aside from the fact that an image is hard to figure out - remembering that the bulk of rapes are done by people the victim knows, and the shame that goes with it, is there another way you can think of to take the "screaming" out of the banner?
The big banner is a must for easy identification. Most people needing this service are looking for help, most through the phone - looking to talk to someone who will listen and guide and not judge. I'm not sure the victims want to feel calm, so I have to be careful that the visibility of the number and the service is high contrast.
I appreciate the input and am very open to suggestions!

Thanks again!
Henrie

[devalk2001]

Originally Posted by Clitheroe Kid Hi Henrie, The SUBMIT button. Not a good word for a rape crisis center. Change this to Send or Post or something similar. I agree with the other comments on here but comming back to the form, I would get rid of the reset button and make all the edit boxes the same width as the textbox. If you are having problems with the functioning of the form, let us know. Joe

Thanks, Joe.
An excellent point! Send is probably the best. I don't do many forms that aren't generic and built in. I spent two days reading "go forms" information and trying to set up a Serif account with no luck. I know I am probably missing something, but if I can't get the form to work, I will have to go with a generic email line. It is after all the phone number Hotline that is the most important.
I really appreciate the input and insight!

Thanks,
Henrie

[devalk2001]

Thanks to those who have responded so quickly to my call for help!
It is clear I need to use a navigation bar instead of text links for spacing and clarity.
What to do about the non functioning form is still a question in regards to making it work or removing it totally.
The organization is built on anonymous help and pictures of people might suggest age or something when in reality, it happens to everyone from young girls to older women. The color purple is a must as is their symbol.
<soapbox>
Through my various public service associations, I have run across all kinds of organizations that have good agendas and goals. Funding for battered wives is nearly politically correct, and they receive all kinds of financial aid. Rape though, is the worst of the four letter words, and few people want to acknowledge the high rate of forced sex. Maybe people think if they don't acknowledge it, it will go away.
</soapbox>
I am hoping to have a site that addresses the need for quick find and easy access to the 24 hour hotline. Maybe the banner does need to scream at people because I am sure the victims of rape are in no mood to feel mellow and cozy. They feel shame and anger and need to talk to someone to get help, or simply to listen. When I put the site together I thought of my three daughters and 2 granddaughters and tried to envision what they would want to find. It's called tunnel vision on my end, which is why I turned to this forum for help. There are no pictures that will make this a pretty site. No images that will make a visit a pleasant experience. It needs to be crisp and clean and easy to find and navigate.
I really do appreciate all comments and input!
Thanks again!

Henrie

[nfc212]

Originally Posted by devalk2001 What to do about the non functioning form is still a question in regards to making it work or removing it totally.

Below is a simple PHP script that will submit the form to any address you enter as indicated. It can be a web mail address like a GMail address. It can be set to send to multiple recipients and includes an auto response message and a redirect to a thank you page:

PHP Code:

<?php 
$errors = '';
$myemail = 'address1@example.com , address2@somewhere.com';//<-----Put Your email address/addresses here.
if(empty($_POST['NAME'])  || 
   empty($_POST['EMAIL']) || 
   empty($_POST['TELEPHONE']) || 
   empty($_POST['MESSAGE']))
{
    $errors .= "\n Error: all fields are required";
}

$name = $_POST['NAME']; 
$email_address = $_POST['EMAIL']; 
$telephone = $_POST['TELEPHONE']; 
$message = $_POST['MESSAGE']; 

if (!preg_match(
"/^[_a-z0-9-]+(\.[_a-z0-9-]+)*@[a-z0-9-]+(\.[a-z0-9-]+)*(\.[a-z]{2,3})$/i", 
$email_address))
{
    $errors .= "\n Error: Invalid email address";
}

if( empty($errors))
{
    $to = $myemail; 
    $email_subject = "Contact form submission: $name";
    $email_body = "You have received a new message. ".
    " Here are the details:\n Name: $name \n Email: $email_address \n Tel: $telephone \n Message \n $message"; 
    
    $headers = "From: $myemail\n"; 
    $headers .= "Reply-To: $email_address";
    
       /* Prepare autoresponder subject */

   $respond_subject = "Thank you for contacting us!";

   

   /* Prepare autoresponder message */

   $respond_message = "Hello!

   

   Thank you for contacting us! We will get back to you

   as soon as possible!
   
   However feel free to use our 24 Hour Crisis Line:
   
   519-354-8688

   

   Yours sincerely,

   Your name

   www.yourwebsite.com

   ";

   

   /* Send the message using mail() function */

   mail($email_address, $respond_subject, $respond_message);
    
    mail($to,$email_subject,$email_body,$headers);
    //redirect to the 'thank you' page
    header('Location: contact-form-thank-you.html');
} 
?>

Copy and paste it into Notepad or Notepad++ and save it as cksass-contact.php or similar.

Edit the addresses and autoresponse message as you like and set the form action in the wizard to Remote Script and set the name of the script to whatever name you gave the PHP file.

Create a thank you page called contact-form-thank-you.html or edit to your thank you page name.

Then include the file via Tools>File Manager and upload it all.

[mjh]

Originally Posted by devalk2001 Thanks to those who have responded so quickly to my call for help! It is clear I need to use a navigation bar instead of text links for spacing and clarity. What to do about the non functioning form is still a question in regards to making it work or removing it totally. The organization is built on anonymous help and pictures of people might suggest age or something when in reality, it happens to everyone from young girls to older women. The color purple is a must as is their symbol. <soapbox> Through my various public service associations, I have run across all kinds of organizations that have good agendas and goals. Funding for battered wives is nearly politically correct, and they receive all kinds of financial aid. Rape though, is the worst of the four letter words, and few people want to acknowledge the high rate of forced sex. Maybe people think if they don't acknowledge it, it will go away. </soapbox> I am hoping to have a site that addresses the need for quick find and easy access to the 24 hour hotline. Maybe the banner does need to scream at people because I am sure the victims of rape are in no mood to feel mellow and cozy. They feel shame and anger and need to talk to someone to get help, or simply to listen. When I put the site together I thought of my three daughters and 2 granddaughters and tried to envision what they would want to find. It's called tunnel vision on my end, which is why I turned to this forum for help. There are no pictures that will make this a pretty site. No images that will make a visit a pleasant experience. It needs to be crisp and clean and easy to find and navigate. I really do appreciate all comments and input! Thanks again! Henrie

Henrie

I made the form function for you. And, I've re-sized things a bit on that page.

Send me an email to foxhillers@aol.com and I'll send the file.

I've been fooling around with the banner a bit, but havent finished that yet. I am all too familiar with the issue and the seriousness of quick contact.

One thing is the the crisis hotline number needs to be turned into a graphic.

[Clitheroe Kid]

Originally Posted by devalk2001 What to do about the non functioning form is still a question in regards to making it work or removing it totally. Henrie

Hi Henrie,

Before you consider removing the form, please note that it has several advantages:

1. It can be sent from any computer with internet access.
2. A person does not need an email account to use it.
3. There is no audit trail on the computer it is sent from, unlike telephone logs/bills and personal email accounts.

It may be worth having a pair of radio buttons for each of the email and phone inputs set to "no", and asking if the center can contact them on this phone/email.

Joe

[mjh]

Originally Posted by Clitheroe Kid Hi Henrie, Before you consider removing the form, please note that it has several advantages: 1. It can be sent from any computer with internet access. 2. A person does not need an email account to use it. 3. There is no audit trail on the computer it is sent from, unlike telephone logs/bills and personal email accounts. It may be worth having a pair of radio buttons for each of the email and phone inputs set to "no", and asking if the center can contact them on this phone/email. Joe

I think forms are really important in all websites. And also an option to be added to a mailing list.... especially for non-profits.

[devalk2001]

Originally Posted by nfc212 Below is a simple PHP script that will submit the form to any address you enter as indicated. It can be a web mail address like a GMail address. It can be set to send to multiple recipients and includes an auto response message and a redirect to a thank you page: PHP Code: <?php  $errors = ''; $myemail = 'address1@example.com , address2@somewhere.com';//<-----Put Your email address/addresses here. if(empty($_POST['NAME'])  ||     empty($_POST['EMAIL']) ||     empty($_POST['TELEPHONE']) ||     empty($_POST['MESSAGE'])) {     $errors .= "\n Error: all fields are required"; } $name = $_POST['NAME'];  $email_address = $_POST['EMAIL'];  $telephone = $_POST['TELEPHONE'];  $message = $_POST['MESSAGE'];  if (!preg_match( "/^[_a-z0-9-]+(\.[_a-z0-9-]+)*@[a-z0-9-]+(\.[a-z0-9-]+)*(\.[a-z]{2,3})$/i",  $email_address)) {     $errors .= "\n Error: Invalid email address"; } if( empty($errors)) {     $to = $myemail;      $email_subject = "Contact form submission: $name";     $email_body = "You have received a new message. ".     " Here are the details:\n Name: $name \n Email: $email_address \n Tel: $telephone \n Message \n $message";           $headers = "From: $myemail\n";      $headers .= "Reply-To: $email_address";             /* Prepare autoresponder subject */    $respond_subject = "Thank you for contacting us!";        /* Prepare autoresponder message */    $respond_message = "Hello!        Thank you for contacting us! We will get back to you    as soon as possible!        However feel free to use our 24 Hour Crisis Line:        519-354-8688        Yours sincerely,    Your name    www.yourwebsite.com    ";        /* Send the message using mail() function */    mail($email_address, $respond_subject, $respond_message);          mail($to,$email_subject,$email_body,$headers);     //redirect to the 'thank you' page     header('Location: contact-form-thank-you.html'); }  ?> Copy and paste it into Notepad or Notepad++ and save it as cksass-contact.php or similar. Edit the addresses and autoresponse message as you like and set the form action in the wizard to Remote Script and set the name of the script to whatever name you gave the PHP file. Create a thank you page called contact-form-thank-you.html or edit to your thank you page name. Then include the file via Tools>File Manager and upload it all.

Thanks, Nigel,
But don't I need PHP capability for this?
I'm afraid I don't know much about this. All my pages are done in WPP and save as straight HTML.

Henrie

[devalk2001]

Originally Posted by mjh Henrie I made the form function for you. And, I've re-sized things a bit on that page. Send me an email to foxhillers@aol.com and I'll send the file. I've been fooling around with the banner a bit, but havent finished that yet. I am all too familiar with the issue and the seriousness of quick contact. One thing is the the crisis hotline number needs to be turned into a graphic.

Thanks, MJH,
Will write you off line now.

Henrie

[devalk2001]

Originally Posted by Clitheroe Kid Hi Henrie, Before you consider removing the form, please note that it has several advantages: 1. It can be sent from any computer with internet access. 2. A person does not need an email account to use it. 3. There is no audit trail on the computer it is sent from, unlike telephone logs/bills and personal email accounts. It may be worth having a pair of radio buttons for each of the email and phone inputs set to "no", and asking if the center can contact them on this phone/email. Joe

Thanks Joe,
I wasn't aware that it could be sent anonymously - so you make a very compelling argument.
I like the suggestions you made and if I get the form to work, will see what I can do to implement them.

Henrie

[mjh]

Originally Posted by devalk2001 Thanks Joe, I wasn't aware that it could be sent anonymously - so you make a very compelling argument. I like the suggestions you made and if I get the form to work, will see what I can do to implement them. Henrie

Henrie

THe main thing is the PHP support requirement on the host for the site.

We'll work with you on this.

To make an SWR form anonymous either do not include an email address field or do not make it required.

[nfc212]

Originally Posted by devalk2001 Thanks, Nigel, But don't I need PHP capability for this? I'm afraid I don't know much about this. All my pages are done in WPP and save as straight HTML. Henrie

You do not need to put a .php extension to the contact form to use this script. The form is simply set to use that script. As long as the host has PHP available it will work. So no good if you are using Serif hosting.