Someone just emailed me asking if I would add a blog to my MODX / Freeway demo http://tinyurl.com/ahuuqh5 so they could see what it looked like. Done. Took less than 5 minutes.
Todd
http://xiiro.com
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I just added a download link for the FW6 file used in the MODX/Freeway tutorial http://xiiro.com/musings/2013/02/05/modx-freeway/ (link is at the bottom). Or download it here http://xiiro.com/modx-freeway/modx-freeway.zip.
Todd
Someone just emailed me asking if I would add a blog to my MODX / Freeway demo http://tinyurl.com/ahuuqh5 so they could see what it looked like. Done. Took less than 5 minutes.
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Nice. Does the MODX Blog, or whatever it is, require a separate SQL Database or is data served invsome other manner?
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The blog is created using an add-on for the MODX CMS (in the same sense that Perch has a blog app), so yes, the blog runs on a db because MODX runs on a db.
Todd
Nice. Does the MODX Blog, or whatever it is, require a separate SQL Database or is data served invsome other manner?
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In your opinion, and having used both, do you feel MODX is easier to use than Perch or do they both require about the same learning curve?
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That’s an interesting question because on the surface the answer would seem obvious: Perch is easier. But I’m not so sure. For common stuff like a blog or forum MODX is shockingly easy to setup initially. Of course you still need some skill to style the blog or forum the way you want which is similar to what you need to do with Perch but in some ways it feels easier, but that’s highly subjective.
I’m not comfortable saying MODX is easier than Perch in every respect simply because MODX is designed and built as an open framework to be extended by those who have the skills to do so. MODX is a big, powerful CMS ike Expression Engine, Drupal and Joomla! are big and powerful, though they each have their own way of doing their thang. On the other hand Perch serves a very different goal. For some things MODX is as easy if not easier than Perch, but it greatly depends on what you need it to do. With MODX you can quickly find yourself over your skis. It’s very much a hands-on application, which is why it’s so flexible and why people tend to use it. It’s often compared to Wordpress but in reality they couldn’t be more different.
Todd
In your opinion, and having used both, do you feel MODX is easier to use than Perch or do they both require about the same learning curve?
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Thanks Todd. I appreciate your insight. I think I’ll stick with Perch for the time being. The last thing I need to do is learn yet another application. My biggest shortcoming right now is my lack of CSS training, so perhaps I’ll focus my efforts on that instead.
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Learning CSS is good.
I often find myself thinking how similar Perch and MODX are in some respects, both of which are favorites, though for different reasons. MODX is definitely worth considering if you’re already looking at Wordpress, EE, Joomla! or Drupal though comparing it to Perch is an apple vs orange situation.
Todd
Thanks Todd. I appreciate your insight. I think I’ll stick with Perch for the time being. The last thing I need to do is learn yet another application. My biggest shortcoming right now is my lack of CSS training, so perhaps I’ll focus my efforts on that instead.
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From a non coder point of view, that’s what attracted me to FW after all. It is the lack of styling examples that lets down Perch. Their own example site is very poor and doesn’t help. Seeing what and where things go is a big visual help in this matter. The threads on templates (inline) are indicative of this. Pulse (though a different beast) is helpful on this at a basic level.
I did manage to add a blog to my Perch site reasonably ok but if I recall getting ‘read more’ required help and I think they acknowledged some of the code implementing this was wrong ( would need to double check it was this). I never managed to add a thumbnail pic though.
I think on Freeway talk we have an interesting situation were designers (who chose FW as a good friendly software) are starting to crunch into a tech savvy and educated world were new web techniques requiring coding etc are as if always thus. There might be a concern that there will be an ever widening gap, though it might come to pass were the likes of WP and Squarespace become the norm.
s
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On 10 Mar 2013, 12:45 pm, seoras wrote:
From a non coder point of view, that’s what attracted me to FW after all. It is the lack of styling examples that lets down Perch. Their own example site is very poor and doesn’t help. Seeing what and where things go is a big visual help in this matter. The threads on templates (inline) are indicative of this.
Agreed. I found Rachel’s video tutorials extremely helpful, but there aren’t enough of them.
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Putting aside the (admittedly) often lacking documentation for a moment, it’s worth noting that Perch is aimed at a target audience who possesses at least general coding knowledge, certainly CSS; those who might be more comfortable and experienced with filling in the technical gaps, meaning the user also has a responsibility to bring something to the game. It’s not intended to be another Pulse or WebYep. True, the docs in general could be improved but I’m not sure all the difficulty some people may have with Perch can be blamed solely on that one aspect.
I think you’re right, the design world is becoming evermore tech savvy and educated and the line between design and development is getting more blurry as the boundaries of what can (and needs to) be accomplished get pushed further. For those who fight against that change they may find they’re backing themselves into a corner. Even clients are much more educated about tech stuff. I like that I can have an intelligent conversation with some clients about the technical aspects of their site. It benefits both parties.
That said, the process for installing and the initial setup of a blog in MODX was, for me, much smoother than Perch. Go figure.
Todd
It is the lack of styling examples that lets down Perch.
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Several thumbs up for the MODx installer. It is a thing of beauty, which is often an oxymoron in the tech wheeze – installers and documentation are the red-headed stepchildren…
Walter
On Mar 10, 2013, at 11:57 AM, Todd wrote:
That said, the process for installing and the initial setup of a blog in MODX was, for me, much smoother than Perch. Go figure.
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I agree. It makes a very positive first impression.
Todd
Me: http://xiiro.com
RSS: http://xiiro.com/musings/feed.rss
On Mar 10, 2013, at 11:07 AM, Walter Lee Davis email@hidden wrote:
Several thumbs up for the MODx installer. It is a thing of beauty, which is often an oxymoron in the tech wheeze – installers and documentation are the red-headed stepchildren…
Walter
On Mar 10, 2013, at 11:57 AM, Todd wrote:
That said, the process for installing and the initial setup of a blog in MODX was, for me, much smoother than Perch. Go figure.
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Hi Todd,
I don’t necessarily think it a case of fighting against change but seeing change happening and moving ahead at an alarming rate, led by some very savvy, energetic individuals and teams. Perhaps there are some of us stuck in our ways but we’re not all runners some just wish to walk, map in hand. If we (I) get stuck behind then I’ll just have to come up with a different strategy 
Clients are becoming more savvy and the downside of that is their expectations can become greater than ones own ability. If it gets to a stage when the expectations are for WP etc etc all singing ‘team’ created websites then individual designers are at a disadvantage, especially if the techy language and requirements change (by whom) BUT I guess it was always thus.
Onwards and upwards as they say.
s
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That’s a good point. My comments are aimed more at the people who feel a need to keep pace because that’s the only way to stay competitive for the type of clients they want to get and keep. But I understand not everyone has that need or seeks out demanding work or clients. I suppose how each person chooses to deal with rapid change depends a lot on the type of sites they build, their clients and whether web design/development is their full-time job or just a hobby. But even so I run into designers who do fight against adapting to the changing landscape and then wonder why they find it increasingly more difficult to meet client (and market) needs.
Todd
Me: http://xiiro.com
RSS: http://xiiro.com/musings/feed.rss
I don’t necessarily think it a case of fighting against change but seeing change happening and moving ahead at an alarming rate, led by some very savvy, energetic individuals and teams. Perhaps there are some of us stuck in our ways but we’re not all runners some just wish to walk, map in hand. If we (I) get stuck behind then I’ll just have to come up with a different strategy
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seoras, please don’t think my comments were directed at you, they weren’t. It’s just my perception of what I see as an increasingly common pattern in my experience.
Todd
Me: http://xiiro.com
RSS: http://xiiro.com/musings/feed.rss
If we (I) get stuck behind then I’ll just have to come up with a different strategy
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please don’t think my comments were directed at you, they weren’t. It’s just my perception of what I see as an increasingly common pattern in my experience.
I don’t Todd, no worries. I’m just waving a wee flag for the back markers, helping I hope to keep the learning curve intact. Your insights and expertise are always interesting and welcome.
Your quite right, those that see a future career in web design and creation and have the drive should really work to gain and maintain the knowledge in a rapidly changing technological world. Less so for me as its a small income from a very rural area but that doesn’t detract from an interest to see and embrace as best one can how things are shaping up. And in my own way having a go, even if frustration at times requires hitting it with a stick.
s
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That’s very nice of you to say, thank you, but I’m not sure how much expertise I actually have.
I find myself struggling to keep pace with people younger (I’m 47) and more tech savvy than myself because those are the people I have to compete with for work. I think we’re all in the same boat. Like you said, it’s a small group of the brightest among us who set the pace for everyone else. I aspire to be among the brightest but every day I realize just how far I am from that goal. But that’s ok, too.
Todd
Your insights and expertise are always interesting and welcome.
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On 10 Mar 2013, 7:52 pm, Todd wrote:
I find myself struggling to keep pace with people younger (I’m 47) and more tech savvy than myself because those are the people I have to compete with for work. I think we’re all in the same boat. Like you said, it’s a small group of the brightest among us who set the pace for everyone else. I aspire to be among the brightest but every day I realize just how far I am from that goal. But that’s ok, too.
LOL. I’m right there with you Todd. These young kids are scary smart. As I get older (just turned 52) I find myself striving for simplicity, but at the same time trying to keep pace with a much younger crowd. Unfortunately (for me), all this tech stuff tends to take longer to gel.
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Yeah, but eventually it does “stick”. That’s gotta count for something. I think that’s why it’s so important to stick with it, whatever “it” is.
Todd
Unfortunately (for me), all this tech stuff tends to take longer to gel.
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