Sebbie on the Webbie

When we’re reliant on open source scripts, we often find ourselves in a situation, that nothing that exists out there quite fits to what we need. The more specialised your needs are, the more certain it is that there’s no such thing developed for that exact use. Take my case for example. I wanted to create an identification database for Barbie-dolls, so that the users could use drop down menu’s to select the dolls eye colour hair colour and body parts used to find the doll they are looking for. (Makes sense to a collector, trust me.) You can bet that there was nothing like that available. I tried finding general collectors items databases, without luck. Then I looked into catalogues that were supposed to be perfect for collectors… At least if you collect DVD:s or books. I tested out a few shopping catalogues hoping to find a solution, but found that they weren’t really suitable for the job, even if some managed to do what I wanted, using them would be way too complicated as I wanted a database users could add to (as there are thousands of different kind of Barbie dolls out there!)

I found my solution with a Joomla! component called Sobi 2. It is a directory component, generally used as a business directory or a real estate database or a classifieds add system. It had all the features I needed, even though I had to change some words in the language files and disable some features that didn’t fit my needs and that sort. Even though it still doesn’t work quite like one would hope if it was a custom made site, it’s good enough given the fact I paid nothing for it.

To figure out if there is a solution for you, start by listing the features you need from your site, what are a MUST HAVE, what are the ones that would be really good and what you can live without if push comes to shove. Then start thinking what “normal” scripts do the same thing – ignore words and terms, they can (most often) be changed. If your idea is a complex one, I would start looking into Joomla sites and it’s extensions, which more often than not, provide a solution. For more simpler things, think of blog tools or photo galleries, maybe even a discussion forum system?

Another tip: Be patient, and remember, that even if you can’t find anything like what you’re thinking right now, in a couple of more months there might be something available. Also, don’t waste your time on scripts that don’t work the way they are, because there’s a very small chance that they’ll work for a use they’re not intended for.

This website is like gold to open source -users. You can test out different scripts without worrying about messing them up, as the installations are returned back to the default settings every two hours. Try out the scripts at Open Source CMS.

Good luck!