Yes, I have to listen to the body clock – staying up ridiculous hours isn't helping, but very typical of projects that are nearing completion. I think with any company it's the same, and the efforts and communications within the core team now has become really quite serious as some of the finer details and decisions are made.
I didn't log onto the forum much today as I was doing other client work and was wondering which module I would use as starting point on further discussion and originally thought of the banners module, but that's going to take too long to do, so will do the events module where I can discuss a couple of the free and paid for modules and how to use them. This will be for registered users only, so make sure you're logged in and ready to rock and roll and learn more about how to use DNN.
The reason I'm using this approach is because I've discoverered that it doesn't take long to spend a couple of hours clicking around DotNetNuke on a self discovery path, but when it comes to making it work properly, tweak the css, or work the modules to do different things, or choosing a module for a certain application, takes a litttle bit of planning and the modules can often be extended far further than people really are aware of.
How do I know this – well it comes from making the decision 2 years ago – Nothing but DNN – DotNetNuke or Bust.. (or broke I tell you) and, you know how you have in your mind, how something can work, and you start down a path, then find it's not happening, and you look for alternatives, which you can't find, then come back to the original environment and then start the process of learning more about it, I've done that.. not once, not twice, but every time I've updated my site I've gone through a relearning and depth of appreciation on why I use this fabulous application. And I'm going to share a couple of things that might make your life easier.
Because I'm now testing Catalook store on 3 & 2.1.2 , with the latest install, as much as I think it's a very bulky, and a bit ugly looking application, I'm in love with the features and thought behind how it can work. I can see with some gentle modifications, it can be a very good ecommerce appliation and that's what I'll be working on when I'm a bit more recovered because that's what my skinning store will run on. I'm crossing my fingers.. looks like I'll take the plunge and run on 3+. Might end up being a late beta if I want to do the big splash on the day the RC is ready. (Which I have no fixed date yet)
So, again, not much but a promise – I said a blog a day and it's very cool to end my day with my thoughts, ok online and a bit public, but still keeps me on track and hopefully enlightens a few people who come along all enthusiastic about this DNN thing and wonder how and what the hell is it.
Well, as I sit here and type in all my thoughts, the main one that consistently comes to mind is that there is no application with the support forums, the direction, the integrity and committment in an open source environment on this earth.
I thought about having fortnightly chat sessions, but honestly what would I talk about? If I thought there was enough interest and some topics, I'd do it. so if you have any ideas, suggestions, etc, drop me a line – I'll listen.
Cheers from Nina – 35C tomorrow – and dentist -