What goes into the new site? Well...
- Take 1 open source CMS (content management system) like Joomla.
- Layer on 1 theme from the good folks over at Rocketthemes. We decided on Refraction.
- Adjust some of the underlying php as needed.
- Augment with 1 open source bulletin board system like phpBB3.
- Apply another layer of Rockettheme template for the boards so that they look all nice and tidy.
- Install Rockettheme's RokBridge so that the content front end and the boards talk to each other and our users only have to log in once.
- Sprinkle in multiple other modules from various sources.
- Several SEF and SEO modules
- A blogging module from Joomlaworks called SuperBlogger
- Miscellaneous other mods.
- Install Google Analytics and Adsense.
- Bake them all in the oven under the steady heat from an amazing hosting provider like HostGator until the interior checks in at 250deg. Let cool and serve.
Overall I would say that building this site has been some of the most rewarding website work I've ever done because it has all come together so smoothly. Thanks to our wives and family for helping Gecko and I test things out and offering words of encouragement as well.
Along with the new site we're going to be doing things just a little bit differently around here. Namely, we will be publishing full articles on a weekly basis, every Friday, and we'll be posting forum links pretty much as we run across notable food-related items on the web. We hope the steady stream of content will keep everyone well fed and involved. We're looking forward to 2010 and we hope things turn out as brightly as they look from here!
BTW: If anyone needs some Joomla consulting I'll be happy to provide a table of fees. :) And yes, if anyone asks... I really did order a chef's coat just for this photo. Got it from the fine folks over at Chef's Emporium. If you decide to order one please tell Jessica that I sent you. I love this thing and am sitting here writing in it RIGHT NOW!!!!
