Is a CMS right for my new website, and about auction software

CMS, Auction Software

[keep it loose]

I have decided to start a new website with some very specific goals in mind. My website will cater to a well-established community, but will be unique in its niche as it will be (in time) the most comprehensive and informative site around, and will include a medium to buy/sell/trade products related to the niche (via an online auction system). I’ll give the general schema of the site as I currently envision it and then I have some very specific questions based on this information.

Let me offer my thanks in advance for any comments and/or suggestions. Anyway…

1. This site will require extensive use of images (in the range of 800-1,500 at launch, more to be added as needed) with 1-4 paragraph captions, including various info such as UPC/SKUs, release dates, etc. Each pic/caption would ideally have its own page, though in some instances it would more logical to include 3-6 seperate write-ups of items that were very similar or the same only different ;) on the same page (ie: Item A, Version 1 released 1840; Version 2 released 1841 with #*$! changes/updates, etc.) - in fact, I think that would be the best way to go all around.

2. This site will require extensive use of fresh articles, including articles to be submitted by the patrons of the site (eventually).

3. This site will require the integration of forums and chat for idle banter, as well as transaction details between individuals (not including sensitive data).

4. A hallmark of this website will be an auction section that will allow for the buying, selling, and trading of products related to the subject. The auction item base will consist of website patrons’ goods, not store stock nor products that I provide.

5. The website will eventually add content for several other similar niches requiring a the same format outlined above. Disparate websites for each related niche will not be necessary.

6. The homepage in particular will require frequent updates (at least once a day) to accomodate trade show info, breaking news, etc.

With these requirements in mind I have several questions that I seek specific answers to. I have searched Webmaster World extensively, and have found some very useful threads, but none of them related directly to my questions.

1. Is a CMS right for this type of site? I know next to nothing about CMS’s, but from what I have been able to ascertain from G’ing the subject, it certainly seems to be the most effective and efficient way to manage a website of this ilk. If a CMS were right for this site, any further information on the subject (including links to informative articles and/or posts) would be appreciated.

2. If a CMS were indeed the way to go, I would probably use Mambo, though from what I have read in these forums I am quite interested in DragonFly. Any testimonies about the use of either of these would be much appreciated.

3. Regarding articles/content: Will I be able to allow users to submit articles/write-ups for publication on the site via a CMS a la blogging, or would I simply request that they email me their articles so I can review and upload the articles myself?

4. Has anyone ever used any commercial online auction apps successfully? I am currently leaning heavily towards the use of PHP Pro Bid. Comments?

I believe that's all the questions I have at this time!

Again, any suggestions and/or comments are most appreciated.

Cheers

[keep it loose]

Sorry to post a link to an outside site (I understand if the link is removed), but here is an informative and helpful "beginner's guide" to Mambo. Many of the topics covered apply to CMS's in general.

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Cheers

[edited by: trillianjedi at 10:55 am (utc) on Aug. 4, 2005]
[edit reason] No URL drops as per TOS please. Thanks. [/edit]