Best CMS site yet

[applejack]

Hi

I have just finished a large site and it is probably the best I have done using CMSMS.

Extensive use of the Gallery module to show not only photo galleries but thumbnail which automatically link to virtual tours and zip file downloads.

Please take a look at http://www.c-h-w.com

Any and all feedback much appreciated.

[MikeTroop74]

Great looking site! Laid out very well. Love the use of the different header pics depending on the page. Makes me want to incorporate that into my site as well. Really like the popup for the contact info. Boy have I got a lot to learn but you've inspired me.

[Wishbone]

Is this a purchased template or a custom design? It looks very nice.

I like how both the left and right sidebars change, depending on the content. I was wondering what interface you give your client to manage the sidebars on a page-by-page basis?

The only suggestion I have is to replace the "X" next to "Search" with a magnifying glass, or "OK" or "Submit"... The X looks like it would close the window, or something.

[pixelita]

@Wishbone.  Isn't there a way with the newest versions of CMS-MS to specify the sidebar contents? I thought I'd seen that (but I don't use it; my clients generally only require a home sidebar and an "inner pages" sidebar and I achieve that using a home and standard template each pulling a different sidebar "global content block."  But I'd be interested in hearing more about other ways.

And, hmm, I can't say this is your best work, because I'm quite familiar with your work and have my own favorites -- but it's right up there!

[Wishbone]

@Wishbone.  Isn't there a way with the newest versions of CMS-MS to specify the sidebar contents?

Yes.. CMS does allow you to have multiple content blocks. However, it's not easy for clients to put anything inside of them except for text. I see submenu items (easy enough, through MenuManager), quote blocks, room finders, photo galleries, news, video tours, enquiry forms, and planner's kits in the sidebars. I was wondering if it was done through content blocks and smarty, or if he's using some kind of "content chooser" to make it easier for the client.

However it's done, it's very, very well put together.

[applejack]

Thanks for all your comments.

The sidebars such as galleries, virtual tours, floor plans use a global content block using the {$page_alias} to decide the details and links. The form enquiry, planners kit, pdf links are just simple global content blocks though the room name is passed automatically as a hidden field for the form. The client can easily add these using the WYSIWYG editor as they are included as custom drop down options.

[Simon66]

I think it's one of the best sites i've seen.


Very powerful banner images set against minimalist & understated design style.
This was the perfect style choice for the subject matter and it does the venue proud.
Trying to 'reflect' the ornate nature of the venue would have been cheesy.

Congrats on a great site - should last a long time, it has a feel of class and timelessness.

Simon66

[compufairy]

Clean design, good job.

... but I also looked "under the hood".

I would suggest to optimize the header images, they're pretty big in kb's. Now that people surf on 3G connections with mobile devices +100Kb images are a drag. Set the jpegs to quality 80 f.e.

And you might want to check the W3C validator: http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/vali ... isiting%2F

Regards,

Anne-Mieke

[applejack]

Hi The images are set to 80% quality and yes I am aware of the non valid css code which isn't mine but from the jQuery plugins which to get them to work because of IE will never validate.

[compufairy]

Fair enough, jQuery stuff is known to do that.

Anyway, as to optimization: I made a quick screencast for you. Obviously some programs handle optimization differently. I use Adobe Fireworks CS4 and could down sample all of the images in a batch, resulting in much smaller file size.
http://www.screencast.com/t/LHxO8W4t

If you want I can mail you the optimized images. Took me only 2 mins to optimize and you won't have to reinvent the wheel...

[applejack]

Hi

Re images then please email me via my website contact form then I will end you a reply unless you already have it then yes I will be interested in taking a look to see any degradation in quality or not.

http://www.applejack.co.uk

[elkman]

Absolutely agree a very good site!

Could you possibly list the modules or plugins you used to develop your site?  Those of us still learning how to manipulate this CMS suffer from a lack of live examples for many of the modules so we often can't tell what is being used on such a great looking site like this.

Thanks,
Elkman

[applejack]

The main module I use is CGSimpleSmarty which I use all the time. On the site this is how the quick room finder is done by pulling in data from multiple pages into one place. Learn Smarty it is very easy. The other main modules used are Gallery, AV Player, Formbuilder, SiteMapMadeSimple, CGFeedmaker and NMS which is integrated using a UDT with Campaign Monitor to send the data via Ajax.

For newbies learn how to utilise {$page_alias} along with a naming convention for your files etc as you can then automate a lot of functions.

[NikNak]

Hi there

I'd love to see the Campaign Monitor UDT. Any chance? or is it in the forums somewhere?

Kind regards

Nik

[applejack]

Hi NikNak

Sorry it is not using a UDT it just uses the Ajax example from the Campaign Monitor site proxy.php which is inserted into the Submission template of the Formbuilder form. So Formbuilder does all the validation and the data is passed after submission is successful.

I did try this UDT but couldn't get it to work and is more complicated than using the method above.

http://berkhamsted-web-design.co.uk/201 ... de-simple/