Joomla?? Anyone??

[tommylogic]

anyone actually using Joomla?

Currently I'm looking into it, seems to have the most plugins and modules available.. other than WordPress that is.

I'm specifically looking for OpenSource options... (so that's a NO to Expression Engine )

[dreamingdesigner]

I know Drupal has a fairly large amount of plugins, mods,... aswell.

[Diablos]

I used it for a while, it has a lot of potential and customisation but for my cheapy cheap easy blog platform I switched to wordpress for ease of use.

Joomla can be a bit clunky for design but it can also look a hell of a lot moee varied than wordpress can. Both have some great SEO plugins too.

[tommylogic]

thanks for the reply.... when you say "clunky", how do you mean?

[Diablos]

Clunky hmm I mean it's like anything when you design for open source. It all seems fine then there will be loads of little problems, browser arguments and little stuff like parts not aligning right or things overlapping that shouldn't.

Don't let me put you off it though, it is seriously a good piece of kit just not the simplest out there but on the same note simple very rarely makes things exceptional.

[tommylogic]

well, I have Joomla! 1.5 loaded up... it's definitely DIFFERENT

[Diablos]

Do you get why I used the word clunky now? :)

[tommylogic]

yep!!! its very redundant.. and not very intuitive to say the least.

You have to go to too many different places to accomplish the same task. I guess what I mean is its overall work flow just isn't that well organized. I have noticed that all of the CMS solutions are about the same in that respect though.

As far as picking one to implement... this has the most support and tools available. WordPress is a close second for a blogging tool.

I just wish there was a simpler way to design php templates for this.

[jkinz]

Get to know Joomla! better and you will find that it makes designing easy and content management even easier. It products valid xhtml and css for all the modules so the rest just depends upon you. 1.5 also offers tableless design which is really nice too. I use it all of the website I create only because I find it the easiest way to create a website quick. It does take about 1-2 days of good solid reading and messing around with before you really start to get the hang of it. Aside from that the community support is awesome and it has by far the most modules/plugins available.

Drupal is another good choice. I have used it on a more limited basis but I know it has a lot of capabilities. I just found that Joomla! has more plugins/modules available for my needs.

I would suggest trying them both out. Keep in mind also that Joomla! 1.5 is brand new.

[tommylogic]

Well.. where do you suggest one should start then, for learning to create tableless designs withing Joomla!?