Need advice about selecting a Joomla Template
Wed, 07/07/2010 - 10:18am
I am looking for tips on how to select a Joomla template. I have found many websites that have them, some for free, and some for a fee. But they look pretty similar to me - how can I decide? I don't mind paying a nominal fee if for some reason it's better.
The template is for a church website. I want to be able to use my own banner, and to adjust the color scheme (if necessary) to match the banner. I want users who do not know html to be able to update the site, and I want to be able to limit which user can edit which page. I think those are all characteristics of any Joomla template, so that's why I'm confused about how to decide which is best.
I have experience using Kompozer, writing html, and using CSS. I'm less skilled with PhotoShop (but there are others on the team that are more experienced with it - the banner is being made by a graphic artist).
As you can tell, this is my first attempt at using Joomla. Any advice on selecting a template would be much appreciated!
Thu, 07/08/2010 - 10:41pm
#2
No flames here... I second
No flames here... I second the advice on Wordpress. You might also take a look at getting a beta on www.drupalgardens.com, as that site is set to make using Drupal a heck of a lot easier.
Thu, 03/03/2011 - 3:44pm
#3
Rocketthemes = thumbs up!
I agree with catholicservant. Installing a template from www.rockettheme.com was a breeze. Even with past experience designing sites from the ground up, I chose to focus on the writing, not on the designing. There are plenty of great forums in case you have issues. You can see my finished piece here: www.wakingupcatholic.com
Fri, 06/24/2011 - 9:07pm
#4
What to use?
I am currently learning J1.6 for parish website. Any suggestions on other CMS for parish websites, Drupal, Wordpress, etc? Thanks
Fri, 06/24/2011 - 9:23pm
#5
I'm a huge fan of Drupal, and
I'm a huge fan of Drupal, and you can get started for free at Drupal Gardens. Wordpress is also pretty simple/easy to set up, and you can get started for free at Wordpress.com.
Joomla is fading, in my opinion, as the community around it has started to become more fragmented, releases are more infrequent nowadays, and third party support/extensions are more and more for-pay...
I've built a number of Joomla-based websites using templates from the following:
www.rocketthemes.com
www.joomlart.com
Those two sites have probably the largest selection of templates.
Couple things...
1. You purchase a 'subscription' to their template collection. During your subscription, you can continue to download newer templates (usually 1 a month) and you'll get forum access/support.
2. Not many template providers sell individual Joomla templates. You can check www.templatemonster.com for some though...they do sell individually and their selection is growing.
Lastly...IMO...you might want to take a look at WordPress. Joomla & Drupal have a steeper learning curve than WordPress. Also, WordPress has an enormous number of free and premium themes available.
Seriously, I'd recommend you take a look at www.woothemes.com and get something there. It's alot cheaper and you'll be up and running a whole lot sooner.
Of course, my fellow OSC members will probably flame me for suggesting that...but based on your description, I think it'd be best.
Good luck and report back how it goes!