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lokki
11-02-2006, 09:26 AM
Hi…
I need to set up a section for a client on a web site where they can update content themsleves. The content needing to be updated is text only.
Whats the best way to do this?
I am aware of certain methods but was wondering if anyone had much experience and knew which method would work best.
prewe
11-02-2006, 09:50 AM
i haven't got lots of experience, but have used php combined with a .txt. atleast within flash.
Allen Harkleroad
11-02-2006, 10:07 AM
There are quite a few content management systems (aka portals) for sale and also open source. Do a google search for CMS, content managment and portal.
killakoala
11-02-2006, 12:34 PM
You should look into wordpress, textpattern, movabletype, etc.. Or if you have any python programming experience you can make your own little ditty with Django.
chris_bcn
11-02-2006, 03:42 PM
you need blogging software as koala said. I'd add expression engine to that list, but it's not free for commercial use
ecsyle
11-02-2006, 05:39 PM
Why use a blog when you just need to edit content on a site?
nyc_skater
11-02-2006, 07:15 PM
Why use a blog when you just need to edit content on a site?
It's not so much that your making a blog, it's more of the technologies used...you can use blogging type software to allow someone to log in, change some text then abra cadbra...new content!
ecsyle
11-02-2006, 07:46 PM
It's overkill.
And there is the learning curve. Have you used textpattern before? It's not exactly easy for the uninitiated.
Also, Expression Engine Core is free, and would do what you want. It's still aimed at bloggers though.
chris_bcn
11-02-2006, 08:27 PM
true enough exsyle, but without knowledge of php etc. the easiest solution is to use an of the shelf solution - probably simpler than trying to build something yourself.
EE core is free, but you can't use it on a comercial site
http://cutephp.com/ - may be useful
ecsyle
11-02-2006, 08:59 PM
Ah, yeah. that's right.
I use GoLive CS2. Great for letting clients change text and adding new pages.
chris_bcn
11-03-2006, 04:36 AM
That's giving the client WAY too much control over the design. 9 times out of 10 they are going to mess everything up and cause headaches
I know people who swear by Adobe Contribute
Open source scares me a bit when it comes down to recommending it to commercial clients. Two issues are key: support, security.
The Expression Engine commercial license is incredibly cheap for the functionality it brings to the table for non-programmers. Yes, MovableType works too. ;)
chris_bcn
11-03-2006, 04:13 PM
Yes, MovableType works too. ;) :D:p
Loopy
11-03-2006, 05:14 PM
Hi…
I need to set up a section for a client on a web site where they can update content themsleves. The content needing to be updated is text only.
Whats the best way to do this?
I am aware of certain methods but was wondering if anyone had much experience and knew which method would work best.
Well a content management system might be a little overkill if they need to just update text in a certain section. I wrote a small script back in school that would update text easily. You should be able to find something pre-written on the net somewhere. Password Protect it.
Drazan
11-07-2006, 11:38 AM
P.S. on open source - it really depends on which application you want to use.
(been part of sourceforge/opensource communities for 4+ years ;) )
Contribute would be the ideal to use, however, there is a price tag attached.
Other things to think about. If a text piece is added, make sure that all html is stripped out when loaded (php strip entities).
If you have a online upload form the client can make a text copy .... stress notepad.txt file with same file name..... and when it uploads to the same directory it overwrites the old one. Walla! and updated text.
Problem with people who want to do their own is that more than likely they will mess something up - even with the best of instructions. That is, unless the person you are letting control that part is tech savvy. I've tried on several accounts to load things like wordpress or cms just to have calls saying "what do I do again?". Or the busy office/company just doesn't have time to do things properly.
I have convinced clients to send me the updates so that I can litterally copy and paste and save. If you are not confident about handing over the keys, then it may be best to work out a maintenance deal. In the end, the client is happier, I'm less stressed, and it remains looking good.
=)
Jade