possible ideas for next video or document

[eddierosenthal]

I purchased the tool and am excited that I will someday be able to use it, but right now, i am too dense to put it to use. So i am hoping to see some document soon that will encourage me to use the tool and get something from it. I can follow along with updating the xml files, and create a new directory with template files, and know that i need to edit the index.php file to get the template going, but after that i am dead in the water. I have done a few joomla sites and installs, but haven't manually taken the steps to create a new template. Is that what is required first to use the tool you think?
I would like a simple document that is more purpose-how-to-centric then tool-centric document. i only find the description of the tool useful after I know that part of the tool is to be used to do some particular purpose...
Here are some ideas that i thought might be helpful for the next video or document.
1) have a question and answer model section in a written or video doc
sample questions:

• I want to put a horizontal menu on my template. How do I use the tool for that?
• I want a logo in upper left corner of my header area. how do I...?
• I want my articles to be in two columns on front page but in single column pages on a read more section. How do I...?

that way the questions are method and purposeful centric. I would prefer to learn why i want to use the particular part of the tool for a particular purpose. Knowing that I can press the button and get the tool to do something useful, rather than simply define the tool in toolish terms....
2) give examples in current document about WHY you will want to use the button in the toolkit to do what you have already described. For example I might read that I can do such and such with a tool kit button, but when and why do i want to know that piece of information. There is a lot of information in the current document, but I personally have trouble finding the reason why I want to know such. From reading examples of why and then how i personally will have a more creative use of the tool.
Thanks in advance,

[admin]

Hello Eddie,

Feedback is always welcome some of the ideas are you talking about are being incorporated within a few days. ie Menus.
joomla!› third-party› Joomla 1.5.X menu how to use.

The difficulty here though is I have many levels of users.
This tool was first designed for experienced.

1. Joomla
2. Web designers

The definition of the Joomla template Kit is to give you the ability
to create Joomla templates quickly in Dreamweaver.

Some of the things you're asking for basically make it another product.
Being with how to administer Joomla etc.

"I want my articles to be in two columns on front page but in single column pages on a read more section."

or even adding custom menus if you look at Dreamweaver extensions outside Joomla you purchase menu extensions?

if you look at the Joomla directory they're both commercial and free
menu extensions.

simply it's just another product.

That's why there are books on the subject.

It gets a little out of hand when clients would like you to teach them everything that they need to know about

1. Joomla management
2. Web design basics like > CSS formatting, page layout etc.
3. Debugging CSS and layout for them.

believe me if you read some of the books out there and you go through most of the videos out there for Joomla .

I believe that the new Joomla manual

joomla!› joomla-template-kits-tutorials› Joomla Template Kit 3.X Manual

Cuts down learning time to understanding basic concepts of understanding Joomla.

faster than anything I've seen.

Am I my adding more later on yes.
The manual is part of many articles I was actually going to sell it as a book.

But I felt that I wanted to give something back to the community so I released it for free.

1. Local Web Server Install On Apple or PC
2. Installing Joomla 1.5
3. Joomla Template Kit 3.X Manual
4. Free Guide To Joomla 1.5.x Css

With the number of users I have it is difficult to host a video site
to add video full length videos to teach users every little step without charging more simply it's just another product.

Believe it or not those sets of articles printed are more than 350 pages.
So imagine for what you're asking for it with taking time and resources.

Which I'm willing to put in.
But I need to factor in a few things into this business model.

now if you have a list of questions maybe.
Helping you can help me.
That's why I have this forum.

If you have a set of specific questions I will do my best to answer them
within reason.

Some of the questions you may have and may already be working on or already have the articles ready and waiting for a set post.

I'm also thinking about other options versions of support or Another site
to host detailed videos based upon certain formats.

it takes a very complicated infrastructure and I need to know that the trip is worth the fare.

Anyhow that's my problem not yours.
So write in through the support ticket system those questions and I will do my best to address them.

[btimms]

Hi Brian,

Documentation is really great and so well written I wish it was already in a hard copy for leisurely reading. Any chance of getting it in a pdf?

BTW, I think it would be good if readers could make comments directly from a topic rather than starting a forum thread. I started using the kit and first movies a couple of years ago and have learned a ton about joomla templates and entering code in the back end and I would think that you have quite a number of senior developers who could share their tricks. Could make a great book greater!

Thanks for staying the course,

Bob