New user with a problem - eModern template

[scottb1]

Hi

I have bought the eModern template with the Template Installation ($144) and have installed it as per the video tutorial.

I am having problems trying to customise the home page with my images/sizes and logo

The installation text file continually refers to adapting the css files in a section under includes/languages/english/TEMPLATE_VARIATION/header.php

Trouble is I do not have a structure like that after unzipping the files. The TEMPLATE_VARIATION section is missing although I have been able to locate the styles_jbanner.css file under the folder modules_black

Even though I have adapted this file the resulting page still reflects the old format. How do I find the right files I need to edit?

Have I done something wrong in the installation?

Thanks

SB

[DrByte]

You need to talk to whomever you bought your template from.

[scottb1]

It is: 12leaves.com

[DrByte]

I have bought the eModern template with the Template Installation ($144) and have installed it as per the video tutorial.

It is: 12leaves.com

You bought a commercial product/service from them. They've given you instructions on how to use/customize it, and they're not making sense or are not accurate. You need to take that to *them*.

There is no such thing as a "modules_black" folder or a "styles_jbanner.css" file nor a "TEMPLATE_VARIATION" folder in any of the core Zen Cart files or the tutorials on the Zen Cart site. So you need to take the matter to whoever is giving you those instructions.

[scottb1]

Thank you

I am starting to get the picture now.

Two days ago, before purchasing what I thought was a ZenCart template, I asked Kerrin Hardy for advice. I got a gushing reply within minutes when it appeared that he/she could "get the job" in building a custom shopping cart. He/she even offered to give me a quote as there was "no ZenCart developer in Brisbane".

When I explained that I was a web developer and just needed some simple questions answered I never heard from him/her again. I have sent two unanswered emails in the last 48 hours.

So this morning I go and buy what looks like a ZenCart template that customises the base code. It is indeed a Zencart template because the ZenCart admin section works perfectly with the new template. Clearly the developer is associated with ZenCart or they would not be allowed to do it.

Thing is unless I get Kerrin to build my shopping cart it would appear that the shopping cart ain't going nowhere.

Why have this forum if everything I say is censored and no advice offered to assist me?

This is a joke.

If this is the level of support offered by ZenCart then I have very real concerns about the product itself.

Cheers

SB

[stevesh]

So this morning I go and buy what looks like a ZenCart template that customises the base code. It is indeed a Zencart template because the ZenCart admin section works perfectly with the new template. Clearly the developer is associated with ZenCart or they would not be allowed to do it.

Thing is unless I get Kerrin to build my shopping cart it would appear that the shopping cart ain't going nowhere.

I don't know why you can't build your own store without Kerrin's help, but you're mistaken about the relationship between the Zencart project and outside template designers. Technically, the Zencart developers could sue any entity that offers templates or mods for sale that doesn't follow the terms of the Zencart license, but as a practical matter, it isn't financally feasible to do so. Most open source software doesn't generate much revenue.

Your complaints and questions should be directed to the template designer, as DrByte said. If I buy a tire for my Taurus, and it fails, I would turn to the seller of the tire, not Ford.

[scottb1]

No.. as a client who bought your ZenCart manuals online...

Much easier solution I will buy a Honda which offers after sales service

[SPH]

Scott,

I've tested 12leaves' free templates and found them very good (although not using one.)

By "template_variation" they probably mean what zc calls "your custom template".

Modules_black, I'm guessing, refers to your template coming with at least two color options: Black and Blue, which you can switch with a click? Yes, modules_black is not a core zc file; but many mods in the zc downloads area come with their own files/modules.

In my several years with zc, I've formed the impression that many zc'ers are opensource purists, with a prejudice against paid mods/templates. Although I myself have a kind of opensource loyalty, IMO it does not make business or economic sense: business should come first.

I've recently had to re-install my entire zencart; that and the end of my season led me to wonder what else is out there, shopping cart wise. I've recently tested Prestashop, Opencart and the free version CS-Cart. All have great out of the box features; but all fall short of what I can currently do with zencart. So I see myself staying with zencart.

However, zencart does come with the least appealing-looking out of the cart template (again, IMO.) And I suppose I can understand why: the gracious people who develop zencart apparently wish to provide a base cart and it is for us to do any "improvements" with the template. The problem there, is that myself and pretty much everyone I've seen* lack either the technical skills or the artistic talent - or both - to make a professional looking template. Personally, I wouldn't want to present a store front made by myself, any more than I'd want to present a painting made by myself.

Some zc'ers who do have some artistic design talent offer free templates. And some of the newest generation of free templates are especially nice. But one can expect only so much with a free template.

My biggest thing for about a year has been getting the right template/look. I've had my eye on 12leaves' Strong set. Don't know if I'll pop for that.

I almost bought a template from a site very similar to 12leaves; but balked when they said I could not install it on a "test" domain. I'd have to buy another template if I wanted one for testing. That killed that.

But the above replies are correct: you should take specific template questions to 12leaves. Most zc'ers will be unfamiliar with your template anyway and, since it is paid for, it is only right that 12leaves solve your problem.

sph

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PS: A pet peeve: time and again I see people taking a very nice free template and immediately begin butchering it. First, with a bad-looking logo. Then unprofessional "slider" pics. Unflattering background. Entire color change. Really, as if they have the artistic talent to do any of this. My guiding philosophy: Get a template and stay as close to the original design as possible. The designer probably did a better job than we can. That's their thing. Our thing should be ecommerce; not template design.