I gave up on ArticleMS a few weeks back when I started developing All Asian Movies.
After more than 24 hours of tinkering, I finally was able to completely customize ArticleMS and build my own free article directory website – Home Improvements Central.
ArticleMS’s default template was a nightmare when I started looking into the codes. I got more than 70 Errors during validation. Fortunately, the CMS has a great backend that allows for the much-needed template customization. I started by understanding how the templating works and figured much of it in 3 hours.
The next step was to customize the look. The default template is in red so I have to make it more appealing to the eye. I battled between different colors but ended up with a ultra-light blue as the background and a Modern Family-inspired logo. It worked out well.
The goal was to create a design that is very straightforward.
- Make it easy for authors to submit articles.
- Make it easy for visitors/readers to view the content.
- Make sure the site loads fast.
That’s all my concern. Finally I ended up with just two images on the frontpage – the logo and a symbolic picture on Home Improvements.
I will slowly work on the designs of the submission pages, profile pages, etc. to make them more viewable and pleasing.
That’s it for now.
Another weekend filled with new studies and exercises.
hmm, i earn idea from ur post :)