So you want to see one of my projects huh...

[tommylogic]

OK well, you asked for it.. here it is...

http://www.tommylogic.com/cornwell

Now if anyone wants to know why you shouldn't use tables.. this is it.
Its not valid, it has a plethora of issues now that its been in its owner's hands for a while. I like the tables ok, they still function just fine, but the list goes on and on...

I originally designed this site as an information portal for a tool distributor to better deliver information to his regional sales team. I have most of the site disabled that I'm not so concerned about, FYI... anyhow, click on the "NEWTOOLS" or "SPECIALS" links in the site to see the product catalogue (they go to the same destination for now)..

So.. here's the taks, feel free to input any advice or tactics or strategies you think might help. I've back burnered this one WAY too long now and I need to get something done with it.

There is essentially what is now a "Catalog" in there of products. All entered one by one.. picture by picture, description after description. Here's what I'm looking at for a final solution (I think):
Tabless XHTML CSS with a CMS solution and an eCommerce solution.. in one package

• I need to make this possible to input pictures into a database of some sort.
• It needs to be more of an eMerchant / eCommerce solution ultimately.
• The owner will need to be able to take a photo (preferably of a single size) and upload it to a single spot where a script will eventually work the images in to an approporiate size for the page it is to be diplayed on.
• The owner should be able to enter product descriptions, SKU#, and information to a single place where the database will parse the information and the page will call it as needed.
• I would like it to be able to retrieve the information from another database from an unknown origin if possible... (haha thought I'd throw that in why not)
• It should be capable of multiple users entering information and rating products and leaving comments like a blogging CMS solution

So.. I know there's some smarty pants out there that has done this before and has a relatively easy solution (and if you tell me Mambo.. I want to know why specifically).. and more importantly how can I transfer all the existing data over easiest. Ohh feel free to rip on the design and graphic interface if you like.. its the least of my concerns right now, although I tend t like its simplicity, crispness and ability to deliver concise information consistantly.

Thanks everyone.. constructive criticism much appreciated.

Normally I would let this sit.. but as it turns out, I have another client in EXACTLY the same boat with a very similar style site that is about to need this same solution.

[Toon]

Fixed the link

[Laura Lynne]

it looks a little lost floating in the middle of a white page, you could continue the menu so it fills the page

[tommylogic]

Originally Posted by Toon

Fixed the link

Ahh yes thank you sir..

quite a frustrating dilemna I have on my hands. I know there's gotta be an easy answer, I just can't see it.
And yes Laura.. it is a little "floaty".. I will probably give it a backround on the perimeter behind the table. Not terribly concerned with that portion right now...

[tommylogic]

I know everyone must be thinking about this real hard.. haha..
really though, a good idea would help me, I know Russlock and Flashbangpop (just kiddin flashwiz) have some good ideas and have probably done this already... sooooo .... howboutit man

[29FIVE Designs]

Someone's probably going to send a hit-man after me for posting this, but I'll take my chances. Here is a link to a really nice store system. It's in Flash (and if anybody attacks the Flash, I'll send a hit-man after you!). I think the only requirement that this system doesn't fit is the inventory, but I think the developer is planning on creating a version 3 this summer that will include inventory. I know it's expensive, but I think it's a really nice system.

http://levelfourstorefront.com

[29FIVE Designs]

FYI about the Flash. Google is actually able to scan swf files and I can prove it, so don't even start on the Flash!

[29FIVE Designs]

WAIT! You didn't say inventory... It doesn't meet the product rating section.

[tommylogic]

yes very cool. Don't know about going flash with it though.

I am leaning more toward the Joomla - Mambo direction. I dunno, playin arround with a couple of open source like osCommerce, etc. I am thinking of just creating a blog section on the product discription pages for users to rate, etc. Should be able to do that with a custom WordPress theme..
Its the getting it all in the database part.. the backend of the store thats looking to be a general pain. I guess there's no way around that though.