Brandon,
I think this all comes down to how much time you want to invest. If you need to know how to build sites then learning the ins and outs of CSS and XHTML are very much pursuing. One the other hand you might just be looking to get one site off the ground and running? In this case I would look to a more plug and play option with tons of template options like Wordpress?
Wordpress can be more of a joy with less frustration depending on what you are looking for and are willing to compromise on. As the saying goes "one size does not fit all."
I would use WAMP or MAMP and build a local testing ground and try both systems. MODx offers more freedom, but that means a different amount of experience and tools are needed.
What I would avoid is messing around with trying to learn XHTML, CSS, PHP and a CMS all at the same time. Learning the basics of CSS is not hard but getting good at it can be an art form. If you want to learn CSS then I would start by building simple static sites with lean, valid XHTML and CSS. Adding a CMS to this mix just adds complexity and confusion in my book. Once you can code static markup that validates you will be ready to build templates in MODx and other CMS platforms. CSS is really the cornerstone of all website presentation.
Dreamweaver can be a great tool for some. I tried Dreamweaver and came to the conclusion that all the time one needs to spend learning the program (and all its many menus) is better spent learning how to code XHTML and CSS directly. There are a number of CSS editing tools out there as well. Right now I use TextMate for all my code work. Its simpler and forces you to know the principles of coding rather than learning a software tool. Its a better time investment in the end...
Great response!
I do just need to get the web site off the ground since we will be going n4p very soon, so it looks like Wordpress for now. On the other hand I have seen some impressive ModX work by Garret Overstreet who has worked on another organization I was with www.kcnorml.org and national organizations like www.ssdp.org - so I’ve seen the ability that ModX has to offer when creating sites for profit, fame or for what ever reason you would like to make it easier for people to do what they need to do specifically tailored to their needs with the advanced security that ModX offers.
I am definitely going to take your advice, along with every one else’ and learn the coding one at a time. Wordpress to get kcweed.com up and then I will work on a dummy site for beginning my code learning then evolving to ModX.
Thanks!
Brandon
I am glad you like my response, but let me play devils advocate with you?
I think you need to also pay some initial focus to the needs and goals of your site. If you need an informational site site quickly with blog tools then I would go with Wordpress. If you have some time and envision needing a flexible system with more powerful features that can bend to your needs then MODx is the way to go.
One of the dangers in jumping to a simple ("lets get it up and running now!") solution is that you might soon come to a crossroads where you might decide to dump the existing system and move to a better solution (like MODx). This means tossing your existing shell for a new one, much like ocean crabs need to do. That transition can be a real headache.
The other question is: how much is your time worth when compared to hiring a designer/developer that can deliver a polished product for you from the get go? Obviously knowing everything has its advantages. But this knowledge and skill set is usually the province of those who will be building many sites. If you need just one site you have to ask if all the time required is worth it?
It all depends on the nature and goals of the site in question. Sometimes it just makes more sense to hire a pro...
Brandon,
Sorry if I am derailing your plans here. As the saying goes there are so many way of skinning the cat when it comes to presenting a new web presence.
I do professional photography with web design on the side. But I have been dealing with clients for years and am quite used to fielding questions and offering direction.
This is a wide arena with many options. "Building a website" really means all kinds of different things to different people. A modern website design & system will last five or so years. Some websites have a minor role in supporting the enterprise for which it was deployed for. Other ventures totally rely on the success of its website: its "mission critical." If the success of the site is critical and there are time constraints involved then I firmly believe in hiring the right people to get the job done.
In this arena I think its important to find talent that will listen to you and your needs and address those concerns specifically. These projects can take time and will evolve via a positive collaborative process. Beware of parties that want to minimize contact and discussion: these guys are into "get it done quick" methods that involve copied code solutions with minimal contact. Never lose site that websites are about communication. Deploying effective content for both the viewer and the search engines is super important.
If you have the interest and the time then learning all this yourself can be a super rewarding enterprise on many levels. But let me say this: its really difficult to become an instant master of XHTML coding, CSS, design, graphics, typography, photography, scripting languages, SEO, databases, server technology and effective communicative using the english (or other languages) all at the same time. In short: if the mission involves includes serious financial & time considerations then I would look to bringing in good people you can trust. I also find there are advantages to hiring talent you can meet face to face if possible. Relying on foreign resources via Craigslist can be a very iffy proposition by comparison.
Bottom line is that the two big factors are the goals of the venture and the time you have available to get them sorted out...
My silly $.02 anyways...
