I have 4 different content management scripts that I mention to webmasters
who ask. Two are free, open source scripts, one is a unique dynamic script
I initially wrote for content sites, and the other is a typical commerical script.
Looking at what webmasters choose of the four, a pretty admin area sells
intially, but a basic, clear, easy to use admin makes them much happier in
the long run. They'll buy the pretty one, then bad mouth it on the boards and
have me install the plainer looking one that is easier to use and adapt to different
situations because the system design is logically correct.
Don't get your hopes up too high, by the way. Webmasters all want things
a bit different and unless your database was designed by a true data architecture
professional who really understands relational theory and did it right, you're
going to have a lot of work to do in order accomodate what would seem to
be trivial enhancements and changes. When you do encounter the first feature
requests (or complaints) that require the code to be reworked, consider saving
yourself a lot of money in the long run by redoing your database schema to
be absolutely solid rather than coding around logical flaws in the schema.
A real pro who can get the schema right will cost you some money,
but a oot less money than coding around an incorrect schema for the
next 5 years.
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