Things every New Zenner needs to know

[worldmaker]

About "the" book - is it up to date with the version I just got today? I have NO problem purchasing something that will be useful in learning how to use this cart. If it's "old" - outdated info, I'm afraid I will not be able to figure out what the heck I'm doing
THANKS!!!!!

edit: I would like to get the hard copy - anyone else have it? does it come quickly? the actual book I mean, not the 'smarts' to figure it out :)

I got the book last year when creating my shop, not touched the shop since then, but the book was a big help in understanding the cart and was reasonably up-to-date, and you get a free up-grade for the current version 1.3.8.

As for delivery, I believe it took a couple of weeks to arrive.

[Ryk]

However - and this is clearly stated elsewhere - the book is about the admin side; it is NOT about template building.

[SandyFishGirl]

the book is about the admin side

Clearly, I know very little about Zen, as I just got it yesterday. From reading in the boards - the entire program is built on templates, if you will. Does the book not have instruction as to how the different "parts" come together? Could you be more specific as to the "Admin" comment? I do not want a "template" site(s).
THANK YOU!!

[kuroi]

The book is aimed more at store administrators than people developing sites. So it's very good on setting up downloads or coupons for example, but not so good at telling you how to build a site.

That said, I always have it nearby and find it invaluable. It's just that at a mere 400 pages(!), it can't be everything.

[worldmaker]

... the entire program is built on templates, if you will. Does the book not have instruction as to how the different "parts" come together? Could you be more specific as to the "Admin" comment? I do not want a "template" site(s).

The book is certainly comprehensive about all the administrative details, but that also includes the formatting, using all the options in the administration to control what you want to display and how to display it, as well as the calculations you want to perform and how.

Templates - the override system - are covered, although not in any great depth in relation to the bulk of the book. However if you have any sophistication in design and layout you will begin to understand how the override system works to create your own unique style of site, your own template, combining design features through override and layout features through administration.

I recommend looking at the many sites showcased here (see "Live Showcase Shops") to understand how well you can shape the cart to your needs in style and content. The book covers it all.

[SandyFishGirl]

The book covers it all.

That said, I always have it nearby and find it invaluable. It's just that at a mere 400 pages(!), it can't be everything.

Well, if one is to use this cart, then the book sounds like a must have :) I'm spoiled by a terribly easy design program. Then again, it DID take some time to learn it. Has any one said "patience"? ha!
THANKS to both of you for the quick response!

edit -

I recommend looking at the many sites showcased here

Yes, some very nice sites. I visited this before I got the cart :)

[evil turinp]

Hi

So im totally new here and been looking at Cubecart and Zen both very modular and confusing to say the least and I design websites in xhtml...

What you really need is a few guides..
1. A guide with screen shots on a template shop from begining to end...
2. then a troubleshooting guide module bu module
3. your css guide
4. A customise template guide bit by bit ....

I have a website already I want to turn into a cart ... but both of these carts are very daunting
Especially if you want to customise a template to look like your own site or am i missing something

[worldmaker]

... I have a website already I want to turn into a cart ... but both of these carts are very daunting
Especially if you want to customise a template to look like your own site or am i missing something

If you browse the showcase sits you'll see what can be achieved with a little care. My own is a rudimentary attempt to master the system and needs a good overhaul some time soon, but if you are looking to replace your existing site with a Zen-based one you ought to be able to achieve good results, with the occasional compromise here and there to allow for the advantages of what is a good commerce technology.

[ilsita]

I've been messing around with my zc this week, and I think I'm getting the hang of it. I bought the cucumber guide, got my modules configured, and all that. I also got Easy Populate and Tabbed Products Pro...

Then I made a mess, took everything down, and am about to start over (no big deal: I was just learning the ropes and didn't start adding products or messing with the template).

Now, before I dive back in, I was wondering whether I should work on the template before or after I configure the store in the default template. Does it matter? If I wanted to upload a template, say, should I do that before I start messing with anything else?

Thank you.

ilsita

[kuroi]

I was wondering whether I should work on the template before or after I configure the store in the default template. Does it matter? If I wanted to upload a template, say, should I do that before I start messing with anything else?

Hi ilsita and welcome

It doesn't matter which way around you do this. In fact it's very normal to be changing both at the same time as your site develops.