Twelve years ago I created an online lodging directory filled with different properties from all over the world. It was hand edited html on a Unix server with server side includes.

Eight years ago I automated the directory with Perl and dbi.

Four years ago I bought an ASP ready-made Yahoo type directory with SQL Server 2000 on the backend.

Six months ago I decided I was sick of all the limitations and started looking for our next platform. So I downloaded DotNetNuke and when it didn't run after installation and configuration, gave up on the product.

Was that harsh and judgemental? Maybe, I guess I'm used to commercial software which just installs without any trouble. I can't remember the last time I went to install something only to have it not work when I went to start it up. After all, I've been working on computers for 26 years now and one thing I've learned is that if you have a problem in the beginning, just wait til the nightmare you have in the end.

So here I am wondering what all the hullabaloo about DotNetNuke is. Do you really love it that much or is this just the usually freeware (okay, it's GNU!) hype that seems to follow projects such as Firefox, Linux and PHP?

Honestly, I want to be sold. I want to hear the praises of DotNetNuke sung from the monitor tops. However, I also want somebody to cut through the BS and tell it straight. I'm not looking for a programming environment, I'm looking for a platform which I can build on -- hopefully which has already built most everything I need.

So sell me experts and if you're anything less than a DotNetNuke expert, please sit this one out and let the real experts do the talking here as the last thing I need is a bunch of regurgitated kiddy praise without any of the downsides. Cold, hard facts -- that's what I need to hear.

Okay, fire away!

My 10 reasons for using DotNetNuke would be -

1 - Clients Love it
2 - Able to add solutions without redoing the whole site
3 - Child Portal concepts make management easier
4 - Intuitive to work with once some time is spent working with it
5 - Able to disguise and hide from being DotNetNuke
6 - Great developing base for .Net developers
7 - Dynamic development by way of add on solutions
8 - 1.1 & 2.0 framework - can now take advantage of better technology
9 - Great friendships throughout the world
10 - More opportunities to offer solutions to my clients

Not in any order since it depends on the mood I'm in obviously.

I have posted quite a bit more on my blogs about this since it has more personal views on the matter.

It's a very interesting topic and you've posted some thoughtful comments and it's a subject close to my heart.

I would be interested in seeing what others think too.  Everyone has an individual perspective on this application that never ceases to amaze me.

Nina Meiers

Ducki wrote:
"one thing I've learned is that if you have a problem in
the beginning, just wait til the nightmare you have in the end."

So, if you are finally here -  you are not rally sure about this simplistic saying.