Does Textpattern.com need a new look?

FireFusion · 2007-03-12 07:20:09

I just checked out the new Expression Engine site and it looks amazing.
I think one of the main issues is we need everything under one roof like they have (the .com, .org, .net thing always confuses new people). Check out the mootools or Pylons sites for other examples “having it under one roof”.

As a web designer it made want to explorer EE more. I fear people will be turned away from TXP by the site.

What do you think?

Last edited by FireFusion (2007-04-16 19:37:29)

Jeremie · 2007-03-12 07:32:25

That, and the default TXP template yes.

On various level, for various reasons, already covered several time in these forums, numerous time in fact.

Well…

But by the way, the Expression engine website may be nice, but not that nice. Textpattern has a simple, neat, elegant feel and touch, and should keep it.

Last edited by Jeremie (2007-03-12 07:34:11)

marios · 2007-03-12 08:13:34

I prefer simplicity and elegance ( no clutter ) , it helps you to concentrate on the task at hand. Gladly TXP kept it like that.

regards, marios

masa · 2007-03-12 13:43:09

FireFusion wrote:

I fear people will be turned away from TXP by the site.

Certainly that wasn’t the case for me. In fact I was attracted by the way it doesn’t look just about like any other CMS out there. The site and especially txp’s low-key user interface make it seem a lot less technical which has proven to be a bonus for my users.

I seriously hope that whatever the outcome of the current face-lifting projects, we will still be able to use the curent interface.

Its power is under the hood.

Cheers Martin

Last edited by masa (2007-03-12 16:07:35)

squaredeye · 2007-03-12 15:01:08

Firefusion,
I utterly agree, and think that could actually line up with what Jeremy and Marios are saying as well. However, as much as I like TXP, one of the pieces it lacks (IMO) is a coherant image. Why? In part it is because, unlike EE, TXP is separated into a Dev group who work on TXP for what appear to be two reasons:

For their own purposes for business and development of their clients sites, while keeping TXP open-source, not for the “idealistic” benefits of such a system that might have to do with thwarting “the man” or some-such, but with utilizing a broader body of skill and ideas, but providing that body with a select head (the dev group)
For the possibility of releasing pro versions in the future? We’ve seen some move toward this, but haven’t heard much more in the last 4-6 mos.

How does that effect the community?
Well, mostly it means that while we can add ideas, and work on projects, that ultimately the timeline and direction for TXP is not up to us. (not making a comment on this, simply stating it). We can have influence and ideas and even patches, but we aren’t the head.

How does that effect a coherant image?
Imagine keeping a company image coherant if there were 3 CEO’s? :)

Ultimately, the possibility of coherance, simplicity (with better design) is possible, but the hill looks a bit big from here :)

hcgtv · 2007-03-12 15:13:28

ma_smith wrote:

Well, mostly it means that while we can add ideas, and work on projects, that ultimately the timeline and direction for TXP is not up to us.

Feature ransoms anyone?

ramanan · 2007-03-12 15:36:48

Clearly the site needs more gradients, rounded corners, and stars. The EE site strikes me as derivative, busy, and boring. That’s just me though.

Also, who cares how popular or unpopular Textpattern is, so long as development continues?

squaredeye · 2007-03-12 15:42:29

Bert,
I’m dense. Whaddya mean?

Ramanan,

Also, who cares how popular or unpopular Textpattern is, so long as development continues?

Perhaps you’re right? Although, excellence can be a wholistic approach. If the interior of any system is clean, simple, and strong. Shouldn’t the face reflect that? Seems like a good principle to work by?

hcgtv · 2007-03-12 16:13:37

ma_smith wrote:

Bert,
I’m dense. Whaddya mean?

I think a way of steering development would be to put up monies for features or annoyances we’d like to see incorporated in the core. This is besides what Team Textpattern does and would be open to everyone.

If you follow the dev list, you’ll see Ruud has been submitting patches of late and others have contributed in the past, though it’s slowed down considerably. Besides the core dev team, there are many others who are familiar with the TxP code, this is Open Source isn’t it?

hakjoon · 2007-03-12 16:16:36

I kind of think Textpattern.com is great homage to it’s roots However with Dean’s near non-involvement now I wonder if it is still necessary.

To me however Textism will always be the reason I ended up in Textpattern land.

squaredeye · 2007-03-12 16:21:47

ahh, right, now I see what you mean.
Yeah, I do follow the list, and the devs seem open to implementing the best ones, but ultimately we are all still reliant on their vision for the system, and given the fact that the dev team is a more ‘private’ group than an ‘open’ one (again not a commentary, just a note), I still stick by my first premise :)

Bastian · 2007-03-12 16:24:51

I like the showcase section at Expression Engine!

hcgtv · 2007-03-12 17:58:05

ma_smith wrote:

… and given the fact that the dev team is a more ‘private’ group than an ‘open’ one (again not a commentary, just a note), I still stick by my first premise :)

Yes, I do agree with your premise. I came upon Textpattern a little over a year ago, in the ensuing months I’ve seen certain regulars participating less and ultimately some leaving for other pastures.

Of course, this is a given on Open Source projects, people come and go. But from their departing notes you come away with the feeling that they would of hung around if they had more influence in the outcome. Which is what this thread is all about, the TxP home page.

I don’t know the answer, but we need more people involved than just Zem and Mary in the core.

Jeremie · 2007-03-12 18:04:41

hcgtv wrote:

I don’t know the answer, but we need more people involved than just Zem and Mary in the core.

It’s not really the point here. We could redesign the websites without their involvement, if they don’t want to.

And on the core dev team, does anyone want in? I think it’s the first thing to ask.

squaredeye · 2007-03-12 18:10:34

I have received more help from some of the dev team than I know what to do with, and so I say the following without any disdain, but simply out of open thinking, but I am really surprised that there hasn’t been a fork from this system given your comments above, which I sympathize with. I would personally love to have a stronger input into the outcome of the TXP project OR see a greater level of transparency from the devs in terms of where things are going…

I don’t blame the devs for their stance. Without a model to facilitate their time being payed for in some fashion or another, I’m not surprised that things are the way they are, which is quite good in comparison to many systems.

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#1 2007-03-12 07:20:09

Does Textpattern.com need a new look?

#2 2007-03-12 07:32:25

Re: Does Textpattern.com need a new look?

#3 2007-03-12 08:13:34

Re: Does Textpattern.com need a new look?

#4 2007-03-12 13:43:09

Re: Does Textpattern.com need a new look?

#5 2007-03-12 15:01:08

Re: Does Textpattern.com need a new look?

#6 2007-03-12 15:13:28

Re: Does Textpattern.com need a new look?

#7 2007-03-12 15:36:48

Re: Does Textpattern.com need a new look?

#8 2007-03-12 15:42:29

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#9 2007-03-12 16:13:37

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#10 2007-03-12 16:16:36

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#11 2007-03-12 16:21:47

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#12 2007-03-12 16:24:51

Re: Does Textpattern.com need a new look?

#13 2007-03-12 17:58:05

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#14 2007-03-12 18:04:41

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#15 2007-03-12 18:10:34

Re: Does Textpattern.com need a new look?

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