General Discussions

**fitnfree** · 09-03-2007, 11:40 PM

I have an appointment Wed. with a potential client that could be a huge boost for me -- I have an opportunity to really get some name recognition but (there's that word again!) they informed me last week that they set up a site with a CMS. Now I think I should be able to handle this but I've never worked with a CMS before.

They said the took a course on it, but no one there can figure out just how to use it, get the site online to replace their old site, etc.

I guess I have a two-part question actually. Firstly, anyone who is familiar with CMS set-ups in general, could you please tell me if a web developer who's always done hand-coding, FTP uploading, etc., should be able to pick up on this easily?

And secondly, I noticed on the Web site of the CMS their using they offer a free 15 day trial. You have to fill out a request from. I was thinking of doing this tomorrow just so I could check this thing out but I'm not even sure what this would all entail. Would I have to set up a database or anything -- see, I'm clueless. Plus, if it would be unethical to utilize their 15 day free trial just so I can get a basic handle on this before my meeting, then I would not go there at all. I thought of telling them this is what I wanted the trial for but ... ??? Any insight?

(Sorry I rambled so much

)

**fitnfree** · 09-03-2007, 11:47 PM

Really? You think?

**joder** · 09-04-2007, 12:16 AM

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using a software's trial period to try it out!

**fitnfree** · 09-04-2007, 12:19 AM

Awesome, thank you! I started to submit my request the other day but was really troubled this might be misleading or unethical since I don't have any intention of buying it, but like you said, they do offer a trial period so...and it's a pretty valid reason to check it out! But now I'm running out of time so my next question is, how would a trial CMS system work, does anyone know? I mean would I have to set up a database or something, or would that depend on the CMS being used? Are they difficult to learn, anyone know?

Sorry ... please forgive my ignorance. I've only read about these, never had any hands-on experience but think it would be a good thing to learn how to utilize, wouldn't it? Tx, tx, triple thanks!

**ForrestCroce** · 09-04-2007, 12:43 AM

Adobe wants you to do the 30 day tryout for Photoshop, even if you never buy it. The more people who know their software, the better position they're in. People who put out free trials want you to use their software ... I've published a few myself.

A CMS is a content management system. There are millions of ways the concept could be implemented, but most of them involve a database. It usually backs a web site, but from there the details get fuzzy....

**ADAM Web Design** · 09-04-2007, 01:37 AM

Look at it this way...the free trial might be a trial for an updated version, and therefore may contain newer features that your customer should be aware of.

You're also acting in the best interest of their customer by ensuring they can use the product, be satisfied with the product, and be more likely to purchase newer versions of the product and/or other relevant products in the future.

I say go for it, Jeni. There isn't a thing wrong with it from your standpoint. The wrongdoing is actually on the part of the CMS provider, in all likelihood; most CMSes, if not all, are complete garbage and never do what people think they will.

**contact247** · 09-04-2007, 02:12 AM

no, continue with it. Your doing your part anyways.

**zand_stein** · 09-05-2007, 11:28 PM

no........... theres nothing wrong with that one............

**fitnfree** · 09-05-2007, 11:35 PM

Thanks, everyone! SO much. I did it and tried it -- here I was afraid of the thing and it's as easy as can be. Made me a bit fearful that webmasters won't be needed with this type of set up available but Adam, you made me feel better when you said,

Quote:

I say go for it, Jeni. There isn't a thing wrong with it from your standpoint. The wrongdoing is actually on the part of the CMS provider, in all likelihood; most CMSes, if not all, are complete garbage and never do what people think they will.

Are they really garbage? This one does seem to do everything the client wants. It's hosted on the server and everything is done thru the admin panel. Then they can all join, access a calendar, send out newsletters, etc. It's for the local Chamber of Commerce Coastal Connections for young business people -- I did get the job of setting this up and administrating it for them until they can get the hang of it, but I think it will be good in that it will give me hands on experience with a CMS, something I've never used before.

I have another potential client for a real estate co.; now I actually did advise him to NOT go with a CMS -- then I worried I gave advice so again, Adam, you gave me great relief! Even though I was/am amazed at all these things do, something feels funny about them and I thought maybe it was just me...(sorry, rambling...)

**Aadriyah** · 09-06-2007, 01:12 AM

Just do what you think is good and right. Follow your heart!