I hope I did not come across as being critical here. I think we are on the same page though.
I think this issue is common with all CMS platforms. One of the things I noticed when trying out all the larger CMSs was the wording with all the modules and add ons. Just long lists of applications with awkward jargon that made it difficult to compare Module A against Module B. What do these things do?
I am a web designer with limitations. I really can’t work with PHP or Javascript. I have tried to read manuals but... However I am stubborn enough that I can fiddle with the scripting code to get some actual results done. I know graphics, photography and CSS so it all comes together somehow. I used to be a code snob and avoided all scripts on the principle that it added extra code. But I have focused all my work on MODx now and things are going really well. Each project gets easier and faster. Each project digs a little deeper into MODX options. Its easy to make a site for one’s self but it its another thing to build one for a client. Part of my service is teaching my clients how to run their MODx driven site themselves. I have done a few sites for folks in other countries and a group Skype call with the actual site Manager open does the trick. I have also provided some private lessons on markup and CSS, so I am very aware of what words to use and how to go about sharing knowledge in a clear, direct manner.
At some point the MODx focus will shift from developers to designers and users. Having good documentation will reduce forum questions by a huge amount. For the most part what I notice now is that a brilliant developer will produce the code for a snippet, plugin etc, and then actively field hundreds of similar questions from users. The little question in my head is "if there was clear directions, documentation and viewable samples wouldn’t that reduce all the time spent answering questions?" Of course the achilles heal in my point is that if MODx does become more of an arena for the masses who expect plug ’n play results then all the frustrated questions will be there regardless...
