newbie question on multi-user web building

[immanence]

Forgive me. I'm so lost, I don't even know the correct terminology.

Let me try to explain what I'm looking to do.

In 1997 I started with html. Since then I have dabbled with css. Lately, I got into Wordpress (because I couldn't handle the complexity of Movable Type).

In each instance the learning curve has been steep. I find web design a nightmare. It's just not how my head works.

THIS IS THE PROBLEM NOW: I have to design a web interface whereby several people in different parts of the world could build collectively a website, each by contributing, but sort of within an online "office" space, later going public.

The best way I can convey what I mean is to reference the Markup system in MSWord.

I'm looking to find a way to establish a kind of online space for several people to be able to log in, review what is there, change and track changes, leave comments, and basically build a website easily ........ hopefully via some kind of tagging and database system that would automatically categorize things, render pages according to an overall design, and would be robust and secure.

Does anyone have the slightest idea what I'm looking for?

I'm really out there on my own on this one, and I'm flat broke: there's no budget for this project (its a humanitarian project), so I need to find a way forward myself. I just need some help figuring out what exactly I'm looking for!

Is there some kind of template / interface (similar to Wordpress for blogging) that would allow me to do roughly what I'm thinking I need to do?

The main thing is to have a kind of online office for my colleagues in this project: somewhere that be securely logged into, then built from the inside before being available for public viewing.

Does such a thing exist??

Can anyone give guidance?

Much appreciated.
Sorry for my ignorance.
immanence

 

[The Lion]

Your Need A Content Management System (CMS)

What you're looking for is a Content Management System (or CMS). Here's a few links to get you started:

PHPNuke
Mambo
Joomla
PostNuke
TYPO3
Drupal

These programs fit what you're talking about almost as though you wrote the definition for them. Check them out and see which one has the best help forum regarding things like installation, customization, and general use. And don't worry about their complexity. They are designed, for the most part, for novices like yourself. With an HTML background, supported by some CSS, you should be fine. If you find that you need to do anything more complicated, that is what you'll use the forums for.

After that, you'll just need some server space with 'ftp' access that will allow you to upload opensource programs, like the ones listed above. This shouldn't really be a problem, you just need to be specific when you ask your hosting company (ex: 'I want to be able to install PHPNuke on the server'). Most hosting companies don't offer this kind of access with basic plans. Such access is usually reserved for 'developer' packages. Check out Godaddy.com, and tell them 'The Lion' sent you. They won't know who the hell you're talking about, but at least we'll all get a laugh.

Good luck, friend,
The Lion.

If you're going to be a long-term part of this thing you're doing, invest yourself fully in CMS you choose. Don't waste time bouncing around. Any one of them should serve all your needs perfectly. You just need to learn it. And when it all works out for you, come join my business directory. I plan to open a category for organizations like yours. I just need interested parties...

 

[immanence]

Thanks for the great reply

You know, it's sad, but I hadn't heard of a single one of those darn things

On another forum someone suggested a "Wiki". I knew of Wikipedia, but I didn't know that the principle was a kind of application! Also, was thinking about Google docs. This is neat because more than one person can build up a document. The possibility of reverting to previous version is also important ..... I saw that somewhere .......

So I keep searching ...... I'm narrowing down on Drupal, but I don't like the templates / themes I see so far. I'm a real SOB when it comes to being happy about design. I don't need complex; I need simple, refined and elegant.

Ho, Ho, Ho, on I go .....

I'll check back with you "when it all works out"

Thanks again, friend,
Immanence

 

[The Lion]

Yeah, please do return and post what you find, especially if you're really satisfied with whatever you end up using. You never know who may be looking for answers to your same question. If it's easy for you, it will be easy for a lot of other people...

rgds,
The Lion.