Ok, I'm a newbie and I don't get it.

  • I’m liking what I see with WordPress but boy, the learning curve.

    I need it to function like a CMS where Pages have static content and posts are news items.

    I need a slideshow on the frontpage that displays excerpts of the static pages with a photo.

    The site is for a band and I’ve figured what plugins I want for tour dates etc. Don’t need a forum, no need for fans to comment.

    What I do need is user groups. I need press and promoters be able to register and access different sections to which they need to log in. These sections will have downloadable products.

    Any hints to what to do, what sections in the documentations I need to read would be greatly apprecated. Any hints to plugins, please pass them on. As for theme, I found one I liked and am customizing it to my needs. That is the easy part. ??

    Thanks in advance for any help.

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

  • Hi tintin65, welcome to WordPress!

    The trick to using WordPress as a CMS is in how you choose to organize your content. If you create a Static Front Page and move the blog to an interior “News” page, you’re off to a good start.

    You might also find it helpful to create a custom page template for your homepage if you need to have a different sidebar or other unique content on the homepage.

    There are a ton of slideshow plugins to choose from for WordPress. Some are very simple and just use images, others have headlines and content as well. Some are only posts, others have content independent from your pages and posts.

    You’ll have to try several of them and find one that works for you. I’d suggest sticking with plugins that are compatible with WordPress 3.0 and have been updated recently, older plugins might be harder for you to work with and are less likely to be well supported.

    You said you have found a plugin for tour dates? If you haven’t checked it out, I highly recommend GigPress, it’s an awesome plugin.

    There are members only plugins, you could create pages or sections that are only accessible to users of a certain level. But getting people to register for an account just to access a presskit or MP3 samples could be tough to do, and would be a lot of setup work for you.

    I’d suggest creating a password protected page, and giving that password out to press and venues.

    If you’re unclear about how to do certain things in WordPress, I’d suggest checking out WordPress.tv, there is a very helpful how to section.

    Thread Starter tintin65

    (@tintin65)

    Hi JLeuze

    Gigpress is the one I’m using. The ical/googlecal automation is priceless. I’ve already filled the database.

    I’m porting the site from a joomla install of 1.0.x to the latest wordpress. Over the years I’ve collected some 600 press contacts. The site has ben running for 8 years and is for a recording and touring band signed to a major label. All content (apart from press/promoters) have been transferred. I don’t want them to be prompted for new passwords etc before I’m completely done.

    Getting press to register has not been an issue at all. The requirements is to screen everyone and to be able to shut individuals off. We used to have one password for all but as with promoters, they are only to gain access once they have been confirmed to promote a show (i.e. they have paid the advance).

    So basically, I need a registration form where they enter address details, work etc. I also need a front end login that takes the press person to the press page and the promoter to the promoter page. The login and registration should be on each press/promoter front page which is accessed from the main menu.

    No menus in the sidebar until logged in.

    News and upcoming shows only in sidebar.

    Basically – I need the page to look almost (but not entirely) exactly as it does in joomla. I’m halfway there on the looks. Once the band records and release a new album, the site will be rethemed again to reflect new album cover. The site is for business purposes mainly another company is running a fan-club style page for them.

    Any suggestions greatly appreciated. I am have a really tight deadline here so not much more than the weekend to get it fixed.

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
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