CMS Again

There have been a number of discussions on Content Management Systems over time and using them with Freeway. I’ve taken a quick look at Web Yep and Mini CMS and I’m not sure they quite fulfill what I need. However I appreciate the Action support for these that would reduce any hand coding on my part.

If there are any users of either who are reading this thread, perhaps they would care to make a brief comment (Yes or No will do for a start) on suitability for the following:

Editable pages within a technical product website for:

  1. Image and detailed technical information in a preset format, so that what is input is always consistent.
  2. Events Diary
  3. News/Product update page
  4. Resellers’ password protected, image download page

Importantly, what has the client reaction been to using either of these systems?

In my case the client staff member responsible for content updating will be using a PC and is currently using some form of CMS system (as yet undetermined - possibly bespoke to the web host, on a Windows server).

There may also be a later requirement for some archiving of material and, in consequence, database driven pages, so would it be better to start at a higher level, say with Expression Engine, although on first look, it seems this route may compromise freedom of page design?

The will be an opportunity to change host, so server and services can be matched to the task. (I think I know which of our members will be interested in that bit, eh David, James)?

In short, I’m entering uncharted waters for me (although I’ve directed web site production where others have done this for me on a larger scale) and still need the water wings. Though some say that should be a Lilo at my age!

I shall be pleased to hear any comments

Colin


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Expression Engine will not limit your page design freedom. Whether you use Joe’s EE actions with FW or code it manually, it really depends on your knowledge and ability to execute the design you want. Depending on how you choose to look at it, the only problem with EE (or Joomla!, Drupal, MODX etc.) for you as the designer or anyone else who may have admin rights, is the learning curve. Understanding how to get the results you want can be daunting at first not just from a design POV but just navigating the Control Panel can be a rough ride for some.

That said I think EE is a wonderful choice. Yes, it’s a big, powerful, complex and immensely capable app that offers features most people may never need, want or use. But as your site matures and it needs more features and functionality you’ve already laid the groundwork. The modules and plug-ins - well, the whole app really - is so well designed and integrated that almost anything you could conceivably want to do is possible, once you learn how to work with it.

It’s a lot to be sure, but it’s highly unlikely you’ll outgrow it as you might with something simple like WebYep, MiniCMS or sNews.

Todd

On Nov 18, 2008, at 8:53 AM, ColinJA wrote:

There may also be a later requirement for some archiving of material and, in consequence, database driven pages, so would it be better to start at a higher level, say with Expression Engine, although on first look, it seems this route may compromise freedom of page design?

I have used WY for a few sites but I think EE is better suited to what you want to do. Maybe a chat with Jesse Bennett from http://www.31three.com/ can set you on the right path. Jesse is an old FW user before he switched to EE. Look at his portfolio I do not think his layouts are compromised by EE.

BTW I have upgraded to a Lilo as well.


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I agree with Todd. Expression Engine is a very capable CMS, and having the action to back it up makes it that much better a choice. The cost of using it may not be an issue but it is for some. Moving to a CMS that is not supported by a FWP action is not out of the question, and in most cases alot cheaper (i.e. free), they all have a steep learning curve if you have never setup such a site before.


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Thanks to you all - Todd, Helveticus and Chucamuck. Expression Engine was my original thought, but I was a little daunted by the look of the learning curve, in the time I have available. Cost is not the problem.

Nevertheless, I shall now don my water wings, slide of the Lilo and, with a waterproof torch to read the notes, spend some midnight hours splashing around in the deep end.

And if I find myself going down for the third time, no doubt I’ll be raising my hand in the Forum again

Colin


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