More Than One Way to Skin a Template

Joomla! is widely recognized as a CMS solution with templates in plentiful supply: template clubs, free templates, template frameworks, tools and generators*. The last two JoomStew shows have focused on what is under the hood of some commercial templates, and how to make templates usable. In our upcoming August 11 podcast, JoomStew Radio talks with freelancers Joe Sonne (JoeJoomla) , Dianne Henning, and Brian Sullivan, about how they approach adding a template to a new site. Do they custom build their own, or use a commercial template either out of the box or tweaked?

Homemade or instant?

If you have ever quick-loaded a new installation of Joomla! complete with commercial template and demo content, then you know that a beautiful designer website with all the bells and whistles can be yours within minutes. Or maybe you want more control, originality, and only the essentials, so you build from scratch. Whether you choose one of these methods, or something in-between, it all boils down to priorities, skill, and time.

Tweak preview

It is always inspiring and instructive to hear how fellow freelancers pull a website together. So whether you're a do-it-yourselfer, quick-fixer or tweaker, don't miss this podcast for some good JoomStew food for thought on custom and commercial templates!

* for a good overview of template options, see Joomla! Template Tools Part One, Joomla! Community Magazine, July 2010