Have a client who is ready for a proper website (from a very old static HTML site -- think Netscape 4 days), but don't seem to be web-savvy. I think these nice people could easily be overwhelmed in the CMS world, even though it really is very easy to add/update content. So, easy of client use is important. Given that, I am on the fence about the best approach to take -- ideally Drupal 7:
Domain Access
Multisite (shared db)
2 standalone sites
They have a retail/rental business and will have two locations in different (nearby) cities. Will be adding e-commerce functionality. Their current needs are minimal, but I'm thinking long-term:
A. different themes
B. different product prices (possibly)
C. unique & shared content
Should be no problem for the two sites to share a database; the volume of content should be minimal. I will likely forever do the module updates, as usual, to be sure they are getting done.
Comments
I'm not that familiar with
I'm not that familiar with multi-site, however The Oatmeal has a comic that may depict the possible adventure this Netscape 4 redesign may take you on :)
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/design_hell
http://www.webbfx.net/
That is great comic. Been
That is great comic. Been there.
Had a recent client who said they wanted a "modern" site. I designed it based on the Aquia Marine theme -- you know with electric blue and green coloring, rounded corners, etc. A popular website design and very much in keeping with popular/current home design series. I added a very subtle white, modern fleur-de-lis background pattern outside the main site, for some depth. (The fleur-de-lis was actually an appropriate symbol for this client.) It is a 1-page site -- just a gateway to the network sites.
Most of the committee were freaked out by the electric/lime green. Others said they thought it was too busy. Others said it was too boring. One thought the "flower pattern" was too feminine. (Seriously, the fleur-de-lis looks like a spear head!). One thought the fleur-de-lis was old fashioned, like something her grandmother would have. (The young intern quietly said she thought the design was hip.)
Took weeks of back and forth contentious emails to get the 1-page site approved so I could move forward with the multisite.
Design Elements
I've been fortunate, I haven't had as many bad experiences with web design but trying to design diagrams, program icons, and info graphics by committee can be a challenge. Make the graphic -> remake the graphic -> make it again -> add kittens -> make it again.
When it was all over which theme/color/design elements did your client end up choosing for their one page site? Did it come full circle to your initial proposal?
http://www.webbfx.net/
This is all that they could
This is all that they could sort of agree upon: [redacted]
And that is with me sneaking in a thin, green horizontal line to separate the logo from body. The orange must have been coma-inducing, as it became beige (not even complimentary color). sigh Keep in mind that this is the base theme: http://drupal.org/node/315555
Note: I did NOT do the sites to which the links go. (Although, I did build all new Drupal sites for those, which the client abandoned mid-development.)
Design
You did a good job on the theme btw, I saw it before redacted. I never would have known that was Acquia Marina.
http://www.webbfx.net/
Design by committee is a
Design by committee is a formula for disaster. What's worse is when the person you deal with doesn't have the ability to say ya or nay.
Ideally you establish a working relationship with the person who has final approval from the start or seriously consider if the job is worth it. It can take stones to fire a client, but at times it is the best alternative.
If you have to take an assignment where the decision is made by committee, then insist on dealing with one person. Make sure to get half of the pay up front and the other half on delivery. These types of projects have a way of shifting direction rather quickly.
It was a stated condition
It was a stated condition going in that there be a web committee to make decisions for the 9 sister organizations, and one liaison to deal with me. Unfortunately, that liaison was a poor manager, trying to manage a group of indecisive, apathetic "participants". And, I did fire the client -- foregoing a mere $500 of the rather large contract. It was a grant-funded project with client being required to spend that money by a specified deadline. I had completed all the work that I could, witout client's cooperation, by the deadline. So, I was entitled to everything that I was paid -- even the bit that I let go (only because the project never launched). Shame that they never really participated and then abandoned the projects...what a waste. I had to resort to being a b*** to try to motivate them to finish and not lose their grant money.
99.9% of the time non-profits
99.9% of the time non-profits fail to be motivated to finish projects--in contrast to businesses that often want projects finished yesterday. When I'm approached by non-profits I encourage them to appoint one person to see the project through. At the same time set up the basic fees for changes at the end of the project. The idea is for them to feel comfortable that changes can be made after the basic site is built.
Sort of like taking on a government job. Low bid, then charge for each change made. Usually means more profit.
Multisite ...
Hi:
Suposing you must follow 1.- and 2.- I suggest you to make a multisite. But if want to include point 3.- I suggest DA but for D6.
With D7 DA a friend of mine had some troubles and he decided to choose another option. Don't forget is my mind and perhaps there are experience from other people with DA that haven had success.
Manuel.
Heh heh. Thank you! I
Heh heh. Thank you! I actually like a "clean", sparse site with generous white space. And I see lots of popular sites (big companies) that have "flat" designs, so I really don't mind it as is. Although, I prefer it with the subtle fleur-de-lis (or low-contrast white) body background texture.
My 2 original versions:
1. http://tymeforchange.org/MyVersion1.png (original Acquia Marina colors)
2. http://tymeforchange.org/MyVersion2.png (subdued colors, match to bg colors)
Click the image to see it full.
Nice! I like the background,
Nice! I like the background, too bad the client didn't want to keep that. Always hard to remove something you really like in a design.
http://www.webbfx.net/