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Re: [contrib] TXP Template distribution methodology
wet wrote:
Basic question: Are we expecting reverybody to build her website in a DIY fashion? Would everybody be able to repair her car, if there’d be enough friendly and accessible documentation? I’m not trying to elitistic, but there’s a reason why mankind decided to specialise.
Yes, but does every car repair have to be the equivalent of a blown head gasket, or should a tire change be a reasonable task for anyone to accomplish?
I see it as providing a good solid first rung on the ladder, and then let people find their own level. Those who are only capable of creating a username and password will go to Blogger, Typepad, etc. That’s where I started in 2000 (Blogger). But I didn’t stay there long.
The next step up is learning how to FTP an application to your web server and create a database. That’s not a highly specialized skill, it’s part of a decent web host’s documentation, and that’s where themes become a big deal. Because creating a well designed site with valid HTML/CSS is a fairly specialized skill (or so those of us who charge for it would like to think).
Personally, I use hcg_templates on every TXP install I create. Right now I’m building a package for a client who wants to build multiple sites about various cities in Florida. He’s skilled at wrangling a web server (i.e., he can do the installs with no problem), but wants a pre-packaged design which he can quickly install and simply start creating content. I just add a “_templates” folder to the package, he does an import, and is ready to go.
While it’s great to have hcg_templates to provide that function, I think some similar mechanism ought to be considered for a core addition: “change tires.”
TextPattern user since 04/04/04
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Re: [contrib] TXP Template distribution methodology
reid wrote:
While it’s great to have hcg_templates to provide that function, I think some similar mechanism ought to be considered for a core addition: “change tires.”
No argument about that, but the thread Destry cited was about “Which direction is front?” This puts an end to all documentation, usability efforts and even helpful forum chitchat, and starts a client/consultant relationship at best.
I’m fond of the method employed in mcw_templates/hgc_templates plus a dash of cnk_version, with one restriction (IIRC): It leaves traces of uninstalled themes.
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Re: [contrib] TXP Template distribution methodology
wet wrote:
This puts an end to all documentation, usability efforts and even helpful forum chitchat, and starts a client/consultant relationship at best.
Well, I wasn’t really suggesting that extreme, only that if the shoe fits sometimes (that situation cited being a particular extreme example) then paying for help should be acknowledged by the new user. Or, like I mentioned before, you provide a hosted service, but I doubt that’s in the cards.
If what you’re saying is there needs to be a minimum point at which new users can do things for themselves (e.g., be able to add a theme already designed), I totally agree.
Last edited by Destry (2009-01-07 18:22:43)
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Re: [contrib] TXP Template distribution methodology
Destry – my post was really just my thought process in coming to the idea of using hcg_templates for my latest port, I was not aiming it at anybody who had commented in this thread. Having said that I have, from time to time, seen comments to the effect that “if you need to use a theme, why not use WP or some other application with built-in themeing instead” which I have always considered as the wrong approach.
I’m looking forward to the re-design of the Textpattern site which I believe will give all types of user the right impression which is “this is for YOU, regardless of what skills you have or don’t have”. The sooner the better for me. ;)
As for the thread you linked to, my thought when I first saw it was that it should have been moved to the “Seeking TXP Pros” forum and then, whichever kind soul took on the task, communication could have been kept to emails or IM or IRC or whatever rather than within the forum. I would agree with other comments that this kind of “total help” should really attract some kind of fee, however small.
As for the existing documentation, heck you can always find a reason for little “tweaks” but I think it is pretty comprehensive and comprehensible. It does, however, require that a person reads it and there are people out there who just can’t be arsed to do that kind of thing and there’s not a lot you can do about it
Stuart
In a Time of Universal Deceit
Telling the Truth is Revolutionary.
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Re: [contrib] TXP Template distribution methodology
thebombsite wrote:
I’m looking forward to the re-design of the Textpattern site
Me too!
As for the thread you linked to, my thought when I first saw it was that it should have been moved to the “Seeking TXP Pros” forum
OT: Sorry guys, shift the thread if you like. I know it went on a bit, and I apologise. It was a comedy of errors with spam filters and all sorts of other hosting crap getting in the way but once we got up and running with IM it all got sorted. She’s a lovely lady, knows some HTML so recognised the benefit of TXP’s tag system, and we chatted for ages after I’d given her a quick rundown of what was what and pointed her at some of the resources around the patch. Once I’d guided her through the techie bit, and encouraged her to experiment with TXP, she was away. Perhaps I should have just left it at “sorry, but if you can’t use an FTP client or add a database in your host’s [very awkward, as it turned out] control panel, then TXP isn’t for you”?
Back on topic: hcg_templates is the puppy. TextGarden is the repo. And when/if admin skins see the light of day, everyone’s a winner.
The smd plugin menagerie — for when you need one more gribble of power from Textpattern. Bleeding-edge code available on GitHub.
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Re: [contrib] TXP Template distribution methodology
No need to apologise. You helped her out and taught her something which is probably the more important bit. I just thought it was in the wrong forum, which isn’t your problem. ;)
Stuart
In a Time of Universal Deceit
Telling the Truth is Revolutionary.
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Re: [contrib] TXP Template distribution methodology
@Stuart: We’re on the same page. My apologies if I seemed testi…as in “cle”. :)
@Bloke: Absolutely no apologies, man! You went the extra mile I could not. Where you find the time, I don’t know, but that’s why this community is great and you’re one of the 4 nicest people in the heap. :)
(Stuart being one of the other 3. And then there’s a certain gal, and then a certain Argentinian model.)
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Re: [contrib] TXP Template distribution methodology
No problem but whose this Argentinian model eh? ;)
Stuart
In a Time of Universal Deceit
Telling the Truth is Revolutionary.
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Re: [contrib] TXP Template distribution methodology
I’m the model… and I’m looking good ;)
Nah… Im just… a mannequin
Destry wrote:
@Bloke: (…) Where you find the time, I don’t know (…)
I ask myself the same question everytime this crazy guy releases a new plug-in (or refines one already written), writes a f***ing (and usually mind-blowing) long post, helps at forum, propose a patch, writes about Textpattern…
I bet Bloke knows the taoist secret about controlling the time, or maybe he read too many GTD books.
Last edited by maniqui (2009-01-08 22:51:29)
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Re: [contrib] TXP Template distribution methodology
Speak of the devil, and in he catwalks.
Maniqui’s catwalk theme.
Man, I loved Y Tu Mamá También. Great movie. (That song’s in the soundtrack.)
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Re: [contrib] TXP Template distribution methodology
Aha! Now why did I not think “maniqui”?
Stuart
In a Time of Universal Deceit
Telling the Truth is Revolutionary.
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