v11 Manual Users can have multiple listings. Adding mobile option would be a relatively easy task. No smarty tags or smarty templating system used.
Thanks for the manual link. That is far different than the manual link on their site. Am waiting for a response to my pre-sales question about mobile access and license issues.
Looks like PHPMyDirectory just lost a sale as they don't have a mobile template and would require 2 licenses to redirect a .mobi to a .com (hell, I could do a simple text format template) and redirect to a subdomain accessing a single database.
While I hate having to face that horrid Joomla learning curve and pay through the nose for a template this may be a good choice as it leaves open expansion to news/information, classifieds etc.
Yeah, Joomla is Damn powerful, but its tough to get through to learn it. I have a site setup on Joomla at one of my domains for testing purpose at abtlocal.com But I'm still trying to workout Virtumart on Joomla. I really get pissed off at times when I have to deal with the Pages, Sections, Categories and Articles. And then various modules, plugins, etc.
This is a free solution and you may like it ... Check this link .. http://www.osdesigner.net/phpld-templates/lemon-shadow-2/ Check the LIVE DEMO link .. Now here is the real deal. Either you yourself change the coding to your needs or contact a designer, I'm sure, someone can customize it according to your needs within $200. I thought it was based on Wordpress, but checked the download link and found it is another PHPLD theme. Regards, Andy.
The Joomla directory component is very nice to look at but is short on some of the functionality I want plus it looks like the premium/featured plugin has not been updated to V1.5. I wish I could get a look at PHPMyDirectory - ain't laying out a C-note without knowing it will meet my needs. Also, they said there are no plans for a mobile template. Maybe I want to much but I am going to invest lots of time in this and... Like I want some categories as free and never expire. Other categories that are free standard listings for first year and if extended or upgraded to premium there is a charge else they automatically revert to a basic listing. That puts the load on me to provide value for their advertising dollars. I need either a mobile version installed and running of same database or a method to detect a mobile device and set the proper template. Here I am again -- square peg trying to fit into that round hole. Been that way for 60+ years and to old to change now.
I think you are absolutely alright. You are doing what you should be doing, otherwise you will be wasting time later on trying to fix things. I would suggest same, take your time. You know what I do in such a situation? I do a heavy searching on Google for website designing firms and website designers. I check forums, I check blogs, I check links below blogs, I search directories and contact EACH and EVERY person/firm while doing all of this. I write them email stating my needs. I give them options like if they can make changes in PHPLD or other free directory scripts. I write them a LONG email stating all my requirements and needs. I get a lot of emails in reply. Then I invite them on a messenger or talk to me over the phone. Then I peel them with my questions to know if they really know what I needed. I ask them to show me sample sites, show me their previous work. Then I negotiate with them about the cost of the project. Once I'm totally satisfied, I give them the project. Once again, you have to set your mind on 'your budget'. I know, this all needs time. But I'm sure, this all will help. let me know if I can help you in any way. I won't mind doing a heavy search to find website designers for you. One I can recommend right away. I have 2 websites designed by Patrick Bennett from ModernBlue.com He is an expert at Wordpress and designing plugins. I don't know if he specialize in designing directories. But may be he can recommend someone. You should contact designers and take their input. Check with them how much they will charge for the project. By recommending, I don't mean to advertise anyone. I just think he is a good designer and he has done great projects for me, so I feel you should atleast take his advice for your project. I think, he lives in California. Regards, Andy.