By gbaerg on

Hi All:

I am part of a larger media company that is developing a new new website that will feature a mixture of content with a social networking element. I have experience with more robust, customizable CMS systems like Vignette or have worked with home-grown ones, too. I have minor experience with Mambo and know Drupal only from reading The Onion and checking out some of the other sample sites that use it. All in all, I think from a content point of view Drupal and Mambo, etc. could all do well.

What I am curious about is any experience people may have in "marrying" Drupal with an existing Social Networking platform (Sparta, Prospero, Community Server, AIM Space) -- I see there are some FOAF modules, but I think that's just not strong enough for our needs. Also, I think there would be a database/wiki pages that would be part of this. In all, I suppose I could install different programs for each and just wrap everything with Drupal, but am not sure.

I am deliberately being vague about the type of website at the moment, but just think MySpace functionality meeting a content website of some sort (news and features driven).

I was initially hot on Mambo, but given all the problems they have with support right now, I am now drawn to Drupal. If we do choose Drupal, I don't mind saying we will probably be using these boards to find some developers to help build this (Los Angeles-based folks have a definite edge since that's where the site will be). My goal is to become as educated as possible about how integrated Drupal can get to other programs for a seamless experience.

I welcome any questions (by email or on this post), and I will share more info as I can. Pretty soon we will have a full strategy and overview doc that can explain more details. As an aside, none of the social networks I mention above are exactly what I'd like, so I also welcome suggestions on that front.

Thanks in advance for your help and advice!

Greg