Sandbox

As a non-profit volunteer, I would like to see more core components and modules.  I can find many add-ons, but they really hinder progress in the long run.

I don't have the time or superior skills to track all the updates and bug fixes.  And right now one site I can't upgrade because one of the third-party's has decided not to support Joomla.  (Which I've come to prefer over the other system mostly because of this community's support.)

We need things in core or from developers that are totally committed to keep pace with Joomla.

Things I know we would use:
Calendars,
Events Registration,
Donor modules integrated with secure services,
More user levels than just the three and more control over grouping what they can see (the way some forums work)
AUDIO MANAGEMENT!!!  Ability to manage audio of speakers and messages

The problem is that we're volunteers and it takes forever to research every new topic.  The MORE Joomla core can provide, the better. 

We love JOOMLA!

Although it's unusual for me to suggest another CMS as I love Joomla, sometimes for specific needs other solutions may be better.

Have you looked at the Civic Space and CiviCRM on the Drupal CMS? These projects are specifically designed for non-profits. They already include volunteer and event management , podcasting support and are working on the donation function

http://www.civicspacelabs.org

Thanks, and yes I did consider them.

I just thought the purpose of this forum as described was to share how Joomla can become better for NPs.
Sorry if I've misunderstood.  I wasn't asking for help as much as offering my two-cents.

Hi vickiea,

We're currently doing for Joomla what CivicSpace does for Drupal: customizing an out of the box experience for non-profit organizations.

If any non-profit organizations are interested in getting up to speed faster on Joomla, feel free to email me.  You can do so by clicking on the little mail icon just below my photo on the left of this thread.

We're providing the bridge between non-profit users and Joomla in a more efficient manner.

Best,
Ryan

vickiea wrote:As a non-profit volunteer, I would like to see more core components and modules.  I can find many add-ons, but they really hinder progress in the long run.

I think that it is important to point out to anyone reading this forum that Joomla's philosophy is a little bit different.  There are a lot of web applications that intend to offer the package deal.  Drupal is a great example.  This package offer a large variety of extensions, but you all know what happens when you spread yourself thin.  Rarely have I seen a great looking Drupal website (although the technology behind it is great).

Joomla intends to provide a great core system that individuals can extend.  In fact, one of the primary goals of the new J!1.5 release is to improve the system that developers can use to build their own extensions.

Pros and cons -- of course.  In my opinion, this strategy doesn't hinder progress in the long run because it invites people to build on the core product, the Joomla CMS.  You can have a great forum like SMF and a great e-comm application such as VirtueMart.  But they don't come preinstalled.

Even though I'm focused on building tools for NGOs, most of my clients are commercial businesses.  But when I think about it, what is the difference between accessing a database of vendors and accessing a database of clinics.  The improvements that I make to my component, which respond to commercial needs, also serve non-profits.  I call this a win-win.

vickiea wrote:The problem is that we're volunteers and it takes forever to research every new topic.

This is a legit issue.  To anyone reading this, please check out the extensions site (http://extensions.joomla.org).  There are a lot of choices, not all of them good.  Stick to the recommended ones and you should be okay.

Toby

I've been asked by the thread starter to close this thread.  I'll do so, but will add that it's great to hear these opinions and ideas.  Keep them coming vickiea!

Best,
Ryan