DNNNoob99 wrote
The forums are really slow and crash often.
First I think you have to make a distinction between Core and Modules. Modules give you the end user experience for a lot of stuff. While the core modules are developed by passionate people, it is simply not of the same magnitude of severity as the core. The core holds everything together. If it sucks, we're all doomed.
This brings me to a second consideration. Core modules vs third party modules. There are commercial forums modules that perform very well. You are not bound to the DNN forums version.
DNNNoob99 wrote
Most of the documentation is very limited, so when I ask questions in the forums and try to get help, the answers seam to be a line or two from a FAQ list. To try get detailed help or best practice advice seams pretty difficult.
We are working at making this better, but this is always a challenge given the limited resources. I would expect this to be no different than in any other open source environment though. The development on the platform at times is so rapid, that documentation can be a very ungratifying task. You'll find good installation manuals etc though.
DNNNoob99 wrote
I've installed a brand new server just for DNN and want to start developing all my sites using DNN. I am wondering if it is really the right way to go.
I develop locally on a machine, not even using a dedicated server. Windows XP Pro with IIS 6 or Vista with IIS7 will do just fine, IMO.
DNNNoob99 wrote
So I want to ask people honestly what the general consensus is.
Is DNN really ready for prime time ?
Absolutely. And I have seen it in prime time. I have worked on very serious and well performing DNN installations. I.e. large nr of modules, pages, users, traffic.
DNNNoob99 wrote
Can it be used for real commercial websites ?
Are real professional web developers using it ?
Or is it really for people who want to knock together basic website and portals quickly ?
I'd say the contrary given the steep learning curve.
DNNNoob99 wrote
Please don't get offended by my comments or questions, these are my honest observations from my limited exposure to DNN and maybe I am expecting it to be much more than it is.
(ps. this is my 3rd attempt to post this topic... it's timed out the last 2 times when I clicked submit)
Not offended. Pleasantly challenged ;-)