textpattern

Textpattern Solutions: PHP-Based Content Management Made Easy
$39.99
I'm afraid this book really does read like it had 5 authors. Yes, it's probably complete, which would suit those already familiar with Textpattern, as were most of the reviewers here. But for those wanting to get started with Textpattern I think it is badly written. And needn't have been.

Maybe I'm in the minority, but if I'm trying to understand and learn a new technology (or find my way in a new city) I want to start with an overall picture first, then progressively zoom in... If you start feeding me details before I know where and how they connect and fit, you'll just confuse me needlessly.

Page 2 Starts off well. "What is Textpattern?" Then follows a half page of bewildering text that for me, failed to expand on the 1 sentence description on the Textpattern site.

I was relieved then, to see the heading on Page 6 "How Textpattern Works". Great so far. The text then goes straight in to a half page description of the LAMP Platform. Then 3/4 of a page on Licensing. Licensing. I'm not saying that is not important. But please just tell me in the intro what is Textpattern and how does it work first, so I will know enough to care about the differences between a GPL and a BSD license!

I'm afraid to say that the book holds many similar frustrations for me, and I fully agree with the previous reviewer. I expect to use it as a reference but it completely missed the opportunity to be helpful to a new user like myself.