Hello! First off, I am really really stoked that I found Drupal. The days of hacking the pants off of MovableType are finished. I plan on learning this CMS from front to back and eventually contributing to the efforts (whether by code or funding)
Here is what I want to use Drupal for:
I want a community site that will have a main blog (that some members will have permissions to post to), a forum section (all members have permission) and photo galleries that all members can post to (but not all can create the galleries) . I would also like an event calendar that one person will add events to and users can either RSVP or at least see the events/dates somehow.
Since the site is so community driven, I was initially drawn to Civicspace. After doing some research, Civicspace seems a bit too bloated and will have features that I won't need or want to utilize.
Here are my questions:
1.Is it better to install Drupal and pick and choose the modules that I need, or go with Civicspace and just ignore some of the extra features? Civicspace seems bloated and I've read reports of sluggishness (and that it's server intensive). Can anyone validate this?
2. Based on how I will be using Drupal, can you give advice on the best modules for this application? I would like to look at the individual modules before proceeding with the drupal installation. (yes I have been through most of the modules, but would like to hear from a seasoned drupal user to get advice on this).
3. Does installing the modules take a lot of time and effort? I will weigh this option. I.E. - If installing CS takes 20 min and little configuration, it may be the best choice if installing Drupal and modules manually takes 3 hours and much effort.
I REALLY appreciate any advice and thank you in advance. I have seen other threads here with info on CS but each application is different, so I had to ask.
