Collaborate on a "project": how to get started.
I have searched the forums and am still a bit lost as to the best method to achieve this. What I am trying to do is the following.
As admin, I would like to create a content type called "Investigate", the admin could be the only person to add a brand new "investigate" node. So lets pretend the first node for content type "investigate" is "Losing weight". I would then like other users to be able to collaborate on this "investigation" but submitting follow up nodes that could include text, links, videos, pics (basic CCK fields).
In the end, the content "losing weight" would be a collection of users collaboartion.
Or is there a better way to collaborate. I need the functionality of users being able to add text, links, videos, pics as they see fit and want a simple way of displaying everyones work. The end result should be a "finished project" outlining the sites investigation into "losing weight". The admin could create new investigations as desired.
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based on your description you want a wiki style content type
to do this, give all users ability to edit the content type in question.
Personally, I'd use a content type called losing weight then allow users to create that content type and give it a taxonomy specific to that content type: videos, photos and so forth. then pull the information together with views.
I see. Interesting. The
I see. Interesting. The problem with that is that "loosing weight" could just be one of many as the site progresses. Is this a problem. For instance...what happens if in a year there are 50 investigations each a content type?
What about creating a content type called investigations and a taxonomy vocab for the "investigations"....one of the taxonomy terms would be "loosing weight". The problem with this idea....is that i think as the number of investigations grow the user will be forced which taxonomy term to contribute to...and the drop down list would allow for errors and maybe confusion. If there was a way to set the taxonomy term based on the view the user creates a new node from i think this would be idea....but i havent found any way to do this.
Is there a way to tag the
Is there a way to tag the Investigation node with a term "losing weight", and have a link automatically added at the bottom of the Investigation node that creates a new Evidence (or whatever) node that automatically takes on the taxonomy term of the investigation, and is unchangeable (and not even visible) to the user in the node form?
Then just filtering on the taxonony term in a view could pull up the whole Investigation and it's related Evidence terms.
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yes. likely a nodereference field.
that is exactly what i am
that is exactly what i am looking for. how do i set that up? not familiar with nodereference field....anything advice on where to read up on that. would like the taxonomy term of the current view to be set in new node creations made from that page....much like stanford outlined.
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http://lmgtfy.com/?q=drupal+node+reference+tutorial
As far as I know there is no
As far as I know there is no way for a node reference field to be filled out *automatically*. Like node comments: When you're commenting on a node, the node that the comment is associated with is implicit. I think new node creation should be be the same way.
I'd say just use forums, where admins can make new topics, and others make comments, but then that does not meet your need of having the comment being a full class node with video, etc.
If a user is looking at an Investigation node, and wants to add an Evidence node to it, it's a bit much to ask them to use an drop down list, or auto-complete to select the referenced Investigation node, when the associated node was just in front of them, like they would with an node reference.
This topic perked up my interest because it's similar to something I've been trying to figure out. Beyond taxonomy, the only way to associate nodes with each other seems to be the book module, which is more for admins than end users, and lead me to create this:
http://container-node.conceptfour.com/
I'd say try that out except that, although working just fine, it does not have Views support.
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other modules worth investigating =
nodereference_url
nodereference_explorer
nodereference_field
I like the looks of that.
I like the looks of that. One question. Is "Book" a content type or is it a content node within a type.
Meaning, using that module would i need a content type for each investigation....or would i just need one content type called investigations, and then add content, that users can add "pages" (evidence) too??
I agree...if a user wants to add evidence to an investigation, selecting a drop down list is a pain and confusing.
In regards to the module you made....does it support cck fields for the "add page"? Personally i love the layout....as users can thumb through the different "pages" of a particular "book". You say it doesnt have views support....does this mean that a listing of all "investigations" couldnt be compiled and listed on a page for a user to select an investigation?
The nodereference links provided look more like admin tools? Am i wrong?
What about using organic
What about using organic groups? And making a group for each investigation??
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Consider setting up a test site and seeing if that idea will fit your needs.
Forums for simplicity
Based on the short project overview, Drupal's Forums might be up to the job. Only an admin would have the ability to create a Forum topic (an "investigation"); other users would be able to "comment". As long as users were given the ability to embed links, attach files, etc. to their comments, they could contribute links and photos and what not.
That might not be powerful enough for you, but if you're only looking for a simple method, I would at least consider it before delving into a more complex solution like Organic Groups.
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