CMS or Static

I am not sure why it is that people don’t hear of MODx. I have some theories but they are not factual or based on any real research. One thing I do know is that MODx is not as easy to start blogging with as WP and some of the other apps where it is Install and Publish. Addtionally, WP, Joomla and other CMSs and applications are have cPanel autoinstallers via Fantastico.

The barrier to entry and configuration in MODx is higher than the others a WYSIWYG designer can get a site up and running in most YAPS and Blog apps quickly.

There is an initial learning curve to MODx that can be disheartening but for those who have grown frustrated with the rigidity and idiosyncrasies of the other (CMS/YAPS) will find MODx a breath of fresh air and a framework of possibility.

I’d love to see a GetMODx campaign started similar to the Get Firefox campaign. The only caveat being that there should be the standard warning about the learning curve and the target user base. I think a mini site with testimonials (from devs, clients and users), case studies and examples would be a great start.

Cheers all!

Jay

Good stuff Jay.

I would like to see this as well.

One of the things that could help is some promotion on the MODx site: show new visitors to the MODx site what MODx can do. Real samples of great looking sites with snappy functionality would be a visual hook to get people interested. List the features and what they do in a clear attractive manner.

Overall I find that all the MODx text misses this mark somehow. If you do internet searches on MODx you find references and quotes on the advantages of MODx being a great simple CMS and that is has a unique place in that it is "not YAP" etc. But the trend with many new folks is that they have to dig for information and that part of the message is that MODx is not for everyone. I wonder how many folks come to MODx for an afternoon, fiddle with it, try it, dig into the forum and then turn AWAY to something else? How many would have been well served by MODx or could have been assets to the project overall?  There are many stories about initial success but I (and I think many others) did not click with MODx in the early stages. It is only after kicking at it for a while did the possibilities and strengths of the system become apparent.

I can’t help feeling that better packaging, illustrations, and more descriptive, helpful text would make the whole project more appealing and get more notice in a competitive CMS field out there...

Good points, but bear in mind that if the "marketing" gets ahead of the documentation, we’ll be overwhelmed by support requests from naive users. I think that’s why the current messages hint that MODx is not for the total newbie.

Bob

I always curious how those open source application got into webhosts’ cpanel/server admin. Is this some kind of arrangement?

I think it helps spread Modx if included in the cpanel, but maybe this isn’t something Modx team wanted?

We’re getting weekly contacts now from hosting companies wanting to actively promote MODx and we hope to have more info on that front in the next month or so.

Ryan,

That sounds like a huge development. If some of the major hosts like "daddy" and "gator" etc had MODx ready to go via c-panel I would imagine that this would be a big shot in the arm for MODx overall?

Max

There are some large ones (none mentioned) and small ones in the mix so far.

@BobRay,

I agree wholeheartedly but I don’t foresee (and Ryan can attest to this) any correction/augmentation to the docs until 0.9.7 is out. I would like to see that serious web developers and advanced designers come aboard though.

@Photowebmax

The jargon, slang and overall loosey-goosey tone of the MODx site, while imparting a spirit of independence and khutzpah is not marketing. If you were to compare the index of MODxCMS.com to FoxyCart you will see a distinct difference in expression.

A one sentence statement of what MODx is, who it is for and possibly what it isn’t should lead to Download, Learn More, Addons, Forums. In addition, the use of widespread testimonials, a page just for devs wanting to make MODx their CMF of choice would all help.

I would say that the "buzzword" stuff and AJAX stuff is all secondary to the fact that:

"MODx is a content Management Framework for Web Developers and Serious Web Designers looking for a flexible, nimble, and scalable alternative to one-size-fits-all Content Management Systems and Blogging Platforms.

"MODx lets web developers and designers build their sites with the functionality they want, they way they want."

@chinesedream, I think as far as cPanel is concerned, Fantastico is an installer developed by a company/guy called Netenberg

All the best to all.

Cheers,

Jay

That sounds intriguing...

I have one, maybe two, new clients that I have talked into using MODx. I am mainly a photographer but I am drifting into web design in a major way. The two projects are quite different and it will be interesting to see how it all works out.

If all goes well I think I will be firmly in the MODx camp. Time to donate some "appreciation..."

Max

Quote from: rthrash at Feb 05, 2008, 02:05 PM

There are some large ones (none mentioned) and small ones in the mix so far.

Is someone working on a Fantastico script?

If you’re reaching out, let me mention Bluehost.com and Lunarpages.com. Both are very reasonably priced shared server sites and I’ve had MODx sites on both for over a year with no issues and no downtime.

Bob