I've been working on the WVU Press Website quite a bit recently. We have switched from using Slate, which is what I will from this point on refer to as "devil program" to Drupal. These are both programs that are aimed at website content management, one is far easier than the other, however. I'm sure you can guess which on is easier. I've been converting the web content from devil program's website to the new Drupal website, and it is surprisingly easier than I expected. I'm still learning how to use it, but it is helping me understand the fundamentals of web development, especially in terms of how to use HTML and creating web content in pages, stories, menu items, and so on and so forth.
I must explain why I am to negative about devil program. You see, I have worked to understand how to move content around it for a few weeks now on and off. I've tried to upload pictures of books, as well as content, and something always goes wrong. Not only do things go wrong, but it is usually difficult to figure out what on earth I have done to mess up the entire layout of a page when all I was trying to do what upload a picture of some trees. I was able to figure out at least half of what I was doing with Drupal by watching Than use it for one day, so it is safe to say that this is a much easier program to use. I think this brings back the term "synthetic thinking" that I mentioned earlier this semester. I am able to apply this concept to learning how to use Drupal and figure out some things on my own. However, the other program, which is more evil than Satan himself, made me want to scratch my eyes out in one day when all I wanted to do was instert a panorama of some pretty trees.
Is that really so much to ask?
The Site is Up
16 years ago
I really enjoy your blog posts. You have such ease and flow to your voice, plus they are usually quirky and unique. Anyway, have you ever worked with other web development software before your internship? Most of the time when I explore a new program without any experience, frustration is inevitable. It is good that you are gaining some experience with multiple programs though. I hope the new program enables you to do the things you were wanting to do. It sounds like you are experiencing and learning alot!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Slate would be a program I would never want to use. I think that it's good though that you to experience the two programs and has a basis for comparison. I totally know how frustrating it can be when you want to change one little thing on a website and then it ends up screwing with the whole page layout.
ReplyDeleteI empathize with your website management experiences -- I too have learned to work with these programs through much trial & error and the resulting frustration. You mention that you're learning a good deal about HTML and website design/management through working with these programs. In what ways might you be able to apply these lessons learned to your own 491A web portfolio production?
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