FP as a CMS?

Don't need ability to add pages online

[HeyJim]

Ok, I traveled this path unsuccessfully once before quite some time ago but I'll explore it one more time.

I have a copy of FP. 2002, I think. I usually use DW. I'm starting a content site that ultimately will have a few hundred pages. I've been looking at CMS's and I'm just not crazy about what I see in the code. If nothing else a cms is overkill since I'm the only one that will be adding articles.

When I used FP years ago I recall using a menu system where if I added a page to suchandsuch directory FP would automatically throw in a link to the page at the directory level.

I know about using php includes with DW and use them on some other sites but with maybe 20 or 30 directories containing multiple articles I'm wondering if I should revisit FP for ease in managing the navigation structure.

Any input appreciated.

[SurfMaster]

Why not use FP (not sure about 2002, but 2003 is great) and also use page-include function in FP, and I am sure you will save lot of time.

Also, if you wish you can check out mambo cms software it also works great.

Vishal

[edited by: pageoneresults at 10:25 am (utc) on June 14, 2005]
[edit reason] Removed URI Reference - Please Refer to TOS [/edit]

[ControlEngineer]

If nothing else a cms is overkill since I'm the only one that will be adding articles

City Desk by Fog Creek is definatly not an overkill. It runs on your PC and uploads static files to your server. It is really designed for situation where one person does everything (or has other people e-mailing articles for editing and placement)

There is a free version for up to 50 pages (or 50 files, including images). After that, if you are interested you can pay to get the full version (same as free but no page limit).

Another simple solution (I am told) is Orb Spinner. It has a free version. I don't know any details.

In City Desk you can build templates for different types of pages, and then open a window for a new article, type in or cut and paste in the article, title, author, teaser paragraph, etc. I have set one up with with a main front page and several section fronts. The main front page shows the Titles and teaser paragraphs from the most recent x articles; the section fronts are the same but for the most recent article relating to that subject (if it were a news paper, national, local, business, sports, etc.)

It's not necessary, but, as with everything, html and css knowledge are helpfull and can be used if you wish.