By finedesign on

I have a media-rich website designed to inform visitors about relevant issues. We want to create a very large listing of media resources, for example:

  • books
  • videos
  • websites
  • audio files
  • key people
  • etc

with something like the following for each record:

  • title
  • author
  • USBN
  • publisher
  • year published
  • key words
  • genre
  • url
  • amazon affiliate link
  • location
  • abilities
  • notes
  • language

[Obviously not all records will require all fields]

I could create a "resource" view type and enter all the fields manually. But I'm wondering if there is already a module that best addresses this need? For example, each record doesn't need it's own node. But I still need very granular fields that allow for views blocks and search ability.

Example: if I want a way to organize url bookmarks, I could use the "Userlink" module:
http://drupal.org/project/userlink
I'd like the same for a resource library of many different types.

This also needs to work with the "Node Access" module to grant permissions to certain users. In addition, I'd like certain users to be able to contribute their own resources.

Also, I'd like to use "Node import"
http://drupal.org/project/node_import
to import records from a CSV file.

I'm not sure if RDF
http://drupal.org/project/rdf
is applicable. (Or overkill?) I still need to do more reading on it.

⋅ Categories: Drupal 6.x

Comments

scoutbaker’s picture

scoutbaker commented

I don't think RDF is applicable to what you are doing (as described). It's also an Alpha release module, so probably not something you want to play with unless you're looking to help with troubleshooting it.

You stated you don't need nodes, yet you want to use Node Import and Node Access. Since these work with nodes, you'll be using nodes.

I would recommend creating your own content type and using CCK to add the additional fields you need. Then you can use Views to provide various displays of that data.

finedesign’s picture

finedesign commented

Thanks Scoutbaker....

You're right, I shouldn't have said I don't need nodes. I guess I meant I don't need to display a full node ever. But I realize that doesn't matter.

I'm pretty sure I'll just do it manually, but I was hoping there was a module already developed for this purpose.

Drupalace-1’s picture

Drupalace-1 commented

I would say that CCK really *is* the module developed for this purpose. A module that was created to provide a "media" content type wouldn't likely have exactly the fields you want, so you'd still have to tweak it with CCK to make it just right. (Although it's true that tweaking such a ready-made content type might be a little quicker for you than creating it from scratch.)

maboleth’s picture

maboleth commented

Sorry to interrupt here, I just didn't want to create the topic of similar subject.

My client needs some kind of a "catalog", with product listings. The user can then click on the desired product where s/he will get information and photographs. However my client does NOT want to sell products online in any way...

So... I thought ubercart would serve the purpose if I manage to disable all payment/cart/etc. modules... ? What do you think?
Thanks!

Drupalace-1’s picture

Drupalace-1 commented

I've seen Ubercart or eCommerce suggested for unorthodox "non-product" uses, including as a way to have a node "sold" (i.e., visible to) only to users who have "bought" it – all involving no actual payment. I think you may be able to do what you suggest, though I haven't yet played with such ideas, so will leave the question to someone qualified to answer.

Of course, if you are able to put Ubercart to use for that purpose, I don't know that it'd be easier than just making a new Product content type via CCK, and using one of the access-restriction solutions to limit its viewing.

maboleth’s picture

maboleth commented

Thanks! I already have ubercart for another fork site... I guess I'll add it to the main site as well and disable all cart/payment modules and see how it works.