Word Press vs Joomla - pros & cons of each platform
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- Roy Warner
- Sr. Rocketeer
- Posts: 126
- Thanks: 2
- got Answers?
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I am starting this discussion for the benefit of new users of either platform - to help them make an informed decision on which platform is best for their particular needs.
I invite anyone to add their opinions and experiences regarding how their use of either platform has helped or hurt you.
What are your opinion(s) concerning whether to use joomla vs. Word Press?
My Opinion
Word Press seems to be more stable than Joomla only because Joomla is in the midst of a platform redevelopment and this is causing problems for many joomla 1.5 users - including myself.
I've tried twice to migrate my database and plugins on two different joomla 1.5 sites and failed both times.
So I decided to stay with 1.5 at least until it becomes completely obsolete some time after version 2.5 is released in March 2012. Even then, I am dreading having to manually migrate from 1.5 to 2.5 because as I understand it, the two formats are vastly different, which requires that you manually migrate (no push button operations available).
I also have read that once you migrate to 1.7, the update to 2.5 will be as easy as pressing a few buttons. Is this true? Does anyone know this for sure? - -Roy-
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- Ben Simon
- Elite Rocketeer
- Posts: 4301
- Thanks: 8
- Full-time web developer
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Hi Roy,
With regards to your Joomla migration commentary, the change from 1.6 and beyond is (should be) one click of a button for the main Joomla framework. First problem is that it doesn't work all that well as of right now. The second is that although the framework updates, third party developers who make extensions and templates are not all integrated in to the update system yet. So Joomla might update but your may have to continue to update templates and extensions manually.
I can't say I've ever recommended WP to a client. I offer a WP hosting package but it's not built for businesses which is my main focus. On the other hand Joomla isn't the solution for every business, but is the largest part of my business. - B
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- Roy Warner
- Sr. Rocketeer
- Posts: 126
- Thanks: 2
- got Answers?
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Thanks for your input.
I get the feeling that since you specialize in Joomla, your opinion may be a bit biased, no?
I used to use Joomla exclusively, but ever since the platform change occurred and migration became a major issue, I began considering Word Press as an alternative.
In fact, this Joomla migration issue has become a big problem for me, in part because I use Community Builder on some joomla sites and that has made migration a nightmare - at least for me.
I have Not been able to successfully migrate my Community Builder as of yet. Joomlapolis has documentation, but it involves using CBjuice to help migrate the users table and that makes it even more difficult.
Since you specialize in Joomla, do you have experience with migrating Community Builder?
If so, I am looking to hire someone to do the Joomla/CB migration.
Would you be interested or can you recommend someone?
Other factors:in the Joomla vs Word Press
The Rocket Launch factor
Con - Joomla
Because Rocket Launch bundles are only available for joomla versions 1.5 and Not for 1.6 and beyond, this becomes a drawback for someone who does not want to deal with having to migrate by starting their new site from 1.7.
This forces one to have to manually replicate the demo theme, eliminating the benefits of ease and speed of the rocket launch bundle.
Pro - Word Press
Because there are no migration issues with WP and because this platform makes all updates as easy as pushing a button, this makes the Rocket Launch bundle very attractive because it becomes a no brainer to start with it - when you want to replicate the demo. - -Roy-
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- maybenot
- Hero Rocketeer
- Posts: 366
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- I'm running into the same situation. I support a church website, which uses Perihelion, and runs 1.5 Between the constant Joomla upgrades, the module updates, and this theme not getting updated, I've decided to switch to WordPress. I'm still learning, and maybe it seems easier because the themes now have Gantry, but so far, I find WP much easier to use. Can't believe I was actually debating on using Drupal.
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- Ben Simon
- Elite Rocketeer
- Posts: 4301
- Thanks: 8
- Full-time web developer
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Hi Roy,
I was using WordPress years before I started with Joomla. I really like WP actually for all of the reasons that you mentioned. The only reason I don't use it now is because my clients pay me to build in Joomla. To me there isn't a lot of crossover between the two platforms unless you're a hobbyist.
Yes I have migrated CB as well as JomSocial. It sounds like you are looking for an extension or tool that will move the db tables. I would recommend posting a request in The Marketplace forum. There are plenty of developers looking for work.
There are several Rocket Launchers available for 1.7. Are you trying to install an older template that doesn't have one yet? - B
e courteous to staff and members that volunteer their time helping you
E ssential Tool - FireBug
N ever assume I know what version you're talking about
S earch the forum for a solution first
I nclude a link to the problem
M ark your resolved issues as [SOLVED]
O nly PM moderators if they request it first
N o...
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- Roy Warner
- Sr. Rocketeer
- Posts: 126
- Thanks: 2
- got Answers?
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I have already tried using two extension for migrating the joomla database tables.
I have used jUpgrade as well as SPupgrade.
The following information may help those who are dealing with this and trying to make an informed dcision as to which extension to use for migrating Joomla.
SPUpgrade has a cleaner and simpler migration because it requires you to create a new/clean database in which the new Joomla tables will be inserted along with the migrated data.
Conversley, jUpgrade creates additional tables with different table prefixes in the same DB. This to me makes for a messy, convoluted database. That is why I prefer SPupgrade, but you do have to pay for it.
My Problem with Migrating
Both extension work to migrate tables, however, the complication stems from the migration of the users table, which has differences in some way (maybe in field structure) between the joomla 1.5 and 1.7 format.
As a result, when I migrated,, most of the Community Builder 'profile Tabs' vanished because the profile fields lost their configuration.
Joomlapolis advises you use the extension, CB Juice to migrate Only the user tables properly and JUpgrade to migrate the rest of the database.
CB Juice is a bit tricky to use, though, and that is why I am looking to hire someone who has experience successfully migrating Community Builder. - -Roy-
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- Roy Warner
- Sr. Rocketeer
- Posts: 126
- Thanks: 2
- got Answers?
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Ben Simon wrote:
Are you trying to install an older template that doesn't have one yet?
Thanks for your feedback, Ben. It was helpful.
I never did answer your question. Yes, I am using Dominion. So it won't be as easy as using a rocket launch install for joomla 2.5.
In fact, after months of not making any headway with migrating (I'm still using 1.5), I have decided to take a shortcut.
Though I'm still debating whether to switch to Word Press and try BuddyPress as a social community, I'm still not sure whether to make the platform switch because I'm still trying to evaluate if BuddyPress works.comparable to Community Builder .
The proposed short cut:
I may forget about trying to migrate any CB user tables and instead, just install a new blank 2.5 Joomla with the dominion theme - and no demo (obviously cuase there's no rocket launch for 2.5).
I will then just send out a mass email alert to registered users inviting them to customize their Profile Pages.
My Job Offer Stands
Even though I could probably manually configure rocket theme (module by module) of the new 2.5 install, this may take me longer than it would for a more seasoned developer.
In the interest of saving time, I would like to inquire to Ben (or any Joomla developer who wants a gig) about your rate not for migrating any DB tables, but rather, for simply configuring a blank rocket theme install to match the demo settings - along with maybe a few of my own specifications.
If anyone is interested in a job, send me a Private Message or provide your link on this thread. - -Roy-
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- Pera Tut
- Newbie
- Posts: 6
- Thanks: 0
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I have switched over from Joomla to WordPress.
It was when Joomla 1.3 was going over to Joomla 1.5.
Since then I upgrade WordPress with one button...
WordPress is for Business to! You just have to check out the themes here...
Here is Swedish page, but on the bottom is big compare image in English.
winstart.se/cms/
Until I can see and test Joomla button update I will shore be with WordPress.
I have no issue! Feeling like less problems (strange things... if you know what I mean) than Joomla.
I can find all plugin, themes, change design...
Now I will try BuddyPress... don't like it ... never done before... but have it in one offer... I put high price... will see. - Pera
winstart webbhotell
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