Hi everyone,
I am fairly new to Drupal - only a couple of months. I read 2 books and have tried to launch a social network type of site. My first immpression is that Drupal is very customizable, but somewhat of a learning curve. It is awesome. It does take a lot of trials and error type of work to get things work.
Recently, I ran into Ning and I have to say it is very slick and very together. Ning was easy to put together. However, there is downside of using Ning (data is not portable, etc). As big a user group like Drupal, I wonder if someone has already set up an install package that contains all or most social network components (modules)? Or something close?
I would think this would be something very valuable for newcomers to Drupal to start with, both for learning and as a starter for a new social networking site.
Does anyone know? (i have purchased the Drupalfun book, but i also found it very time consuming and encounter minor glitches...)
thanks in advance
F
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i used to think the exact same thing. when i first started i couldnt just go grab an all in one social networking module, which would make things very easy on all of us. the problem is u mentioned the learning curve. for a new user to have a drop in group of social networking modules would take the normal learning curve and multiplying it by like 100. one thing that is great about drupal is that its modular. you only get what you need, nothing more. this helps sites not become bloated. being a new user myself i understand where you are coming from tho, think about how big the learning curve is and adding all the other SN modules in and then telling a new user to have at it. anyways, sorry for the rant, happy SNing!
-madLyfe
Thanks
Thank you madLyfe. I fully understand the 'bloatedness' and learning curve. As a developer, it takes me a while to understand the framework, data model, and such. My experience so far has been positive and would recommend it to others. Though, I encountered several setbacks dealing with database incompatibility issues. I have a list of a typical SN modules, but it looks like there is a lot of coordination of which version of each module works with others without problems. I also dealt with this Imagecache problem with wrong file path being generated, and it does not appear there is a definitive resolution.
I would welcome anyone's wisdom on the process one should take to create a quality SN site. Some starter one and such...
Thanks for you quick feedback madLyfe.
F
Try drupalfun.com
The Drupalfun sample site is both a live example of a SN built from off-the-shelf Drupal modules, and accompanying literature describing the build process with a focus on users new to Drupal.
r_wetzlmayr, I have used the
r_wetzlmayr, I have used the Drupalfun site as a learning tool. I bought the pdf instruction doc too.
Thanks
F
Social Networking package
As mentionned above, the Drupalfun package is a Drupal preinstalled bundle to set up a social networking site. You get 19% reduction on the already very reasonable price until New Year with MAX19.
Enjoy!