Transcript of Email CMS Interview

I recently conducted an email interview with Mark, one of the branch managers of my local library system who happens to run our website through Wordpress. Here's the transcript (I will be posting my reaction to it later today):

How and where did you hear about CMS (Content Management System)?      

The first time I became aware of them was when I took an information technology class for my MLIS. 

    

Do you like using CMS for the library website? What are its advantages/

disadvantages?

I have only used a CMS to update the library website. In my information technology class we had to build a website from scratch, but that was the only time I have ever done that. Using a CMS makes it a lot easier to add and change content. It saves time because you don’t have to manually enter code.

Have you used CMS for any other purpose? If so, what?

No.

What is the name of CMS you are using now?        

Wordpress.

What are the important benefits or advantages of CMS you are using now over another CMS system you’ve used in the past?        

Not applicable.

How was the learning curve?

       It didn’t take me very long to learn the functions of Wordpress. I had Dixie

       show me the basics but most functions are fairly intuitive. I have been using

       computers pretty much all of my life, so I am comfortable doing some

       advanced functions. Also, if you have a question about how to incorporate

       something using Wordpress, doing a quick Google search will usually give you

       a correct answer.

If you were to use another form of CMS to run the library website, what would it be?

I have heard of Joomla, but I have never used it. That would probably be the first CMS I would try if I had to use a different CMS.

How often do you have to update the content and how much time does it usually take?

I update content almost daily, usually to take down posts or images of events that have passed. Updating or removing content usually doesn’t take very long, just a few clicks and hitting the backspace key is all it takes. Creating the content, e.g., creating a flier in Publisher then saving as jpeg, usually takes up the majority of the time. Upload the image to Wordpress and inserting it in the proper location usually takes less than a minute.

For this class, we’ve had to use Joomla to build and manage a site. Do you have any experience with this CMS platform and, if so, what did you think of it?

No.

What advice do you have for CMS beginners?

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Wordpress has lots of great plugins that can enhance your website. Also, Google is your best friend when it comes to troubleshooting.