Requesting feedback on new "flexible" content block.
Permalink 2 users found helpful
UPDATE: BETA version released - see attachments. Requires Concrete 5.5
Hey everyone,
I've been using a custom block internally for quite awhile and have reached the point where I'd like to get some pre-marketplace feedback on it. I'm currently refining it from the ground-up and hope to release it on the marketplace in the next few weeks.
In short:
The block *could* be a replacement (or supplement) for the standard content block that allows an editor to easily insert an image* or pullquote and then define a layout. It is similar to the "Content around Image" block that is currently on the marketplace.
*When I say insert an image, I don't mean the "Add Image" function in the content block - I'm basically tying the "Image" and "Content" blocks together.
I always found it frustrating when I needed to insert an image after I had content in a content block. It typically involves quite a bit of work to get a layout that looks nice. The block I'm working on doesn't require an image or pullquote - it can simply be used as a content block. The strength is later you can go back in and easily insert an image or pullquote at anytime. This block also removes the need for layouts, image resizing, or other complexities that new website editors might not be familiar with.
other features:
* Currently six different layout options (left float, right float, left column, right column, above and below) that allows an editor to choose the placement of the image or pullquote.
* Option to automatically insert the image's description as a caption.
* Option to center the caption.
* Image title automatically used as Alt Text
* Image can be linked to a URL or concrete5 page
* Image can be resized using a max width (just like the image block)
* Pullquote width determined using a max width.
* Tabbed base options.
Just to clarify the image and pullquote options are mutually exclusive - only one can be activated at a time.
So check out the screen captures of the interface, let me know your thoughts and feature requests. I'm trying to keep the block as simple as possible - so only requests that will be used often will be incorporated into the design of the block.
The only thing I'm on the fence about is perhaps including a set of predefined styles for images or pullquotes (different borders/effects/etc.)
Here's an example of usage - both pullquote and images (3 blocks being used):http://onyx.smwc.edu/issues/spring-2011/a-path-of-providence...
Block will be released free when finished!
Hey everyone,
I've been using a custom block internally for quite awhile and have reached the point where I'd like to get some pre-marketplace feedback on it. I'm currently refining it from the ground-up and hope to release it on the marketplace in the next few weeks.
In short:
The block *could* be a replacement (or supplement) for the standard content block that allows an editor to easily insert an image* or pullquote and then define a layout. It is similar to the "Content around Image" block that is currently on the marketplace.
*When I say insert an image, I don't mean the "Add Image" function in the content block - I'm basically tying the "Image" and "Content" blocks together.
I always found it frustrating when I needed to insert an image after I had content in a content block. It typically involves quite a bit of work to get a layout that looks nice. The block I'm working on doesn't require an image or pullquote - it can simply be used as a content block. The strength is later you can go back in and easily insert an image or pullquote at anytime. This block also removes the need for layouts, image resizing, or other complexities that new website editors might not be familiar with.
other features:
* Currently six different layout options (left float, right float, left column, right column, above and below) that allows an editor to choose the placement of the image or pullquote.
* Option to automatically insert the image's description as a caption.
* Option to center the caption.
* Image title automatically used as Alt Text
* Image can be linked to a URL or concrete5 page
* Image can be resized using a max width (just like the image block)
* Pullquote width determined using a max width.
* Tabbed base options.
Just to clarify the image and pullquote options are mutually exclusive - only one can be activated at a time.
So check out the screen captures of the interface, let me know your thoughts and feature requests. I'm trying to keep the block as simple as possible - so only requests that will be used often will be incorporated into the design of the block.
The only thing I'm on the fence about is perhaps including a set of predefined styles for images or pullquotes (different borders/effects/etc.)
Here's an example of usage - both pullquote and images (3 blocks being used):http://onyx.smwc.edu/issues/spring-2011/a-path-of-providence...
Block will be released free when finished!
This block sounds like it will be ideal for responsive layout designs. I have a couple responsive themes in the marketplace now: FlexCRETE, and FlexCRETE: Masonry.
I plan to release more responsive themes soon, so I will be sure to include support for your block(s)!
I plan to release more responsive themes soon, so I will be sure to include support for your block(s)!
Looks awesome! I was a bit surprised that C5 doesn't seem to have an easy way for a user to float an image left/right with text wrapping using the content block. This sounds like a perfect solution!
It looks good , you make in my opinion a very good addition to concrete blocks.
bravo!
bravo!
Wow, this looks great. I have sites that client have made a real mess of when inserting images into the content block.
Maybe it could even replace the current content block in the core!!
Maybe it could even replace the current content block in the core!!
PS, I think some preset styles would be great:-)
I love the look of it. Well done!
It would be a highly valuable block and make it really easy for newbies to use. I look forward to its launch.
It would be a highly valuable block and make it really easy for newbies to use. I look forward to its launch.
I like the look of the block great work, looking forward to being able to give it a test drive
Are you aware of Designer Content (http://concrete5.org/marketplace/addons/designer-content... )? With a little customization, I believe it will do most of what your block does. But I still think your particular block would be useful to people who aren't designers or familiar with HTML/CSS themselves.
One thing to watch out for that I ran into when building Designer Content is that there are some bugs in C5 that prevent image selectors and WYSIWYG fields from working properly when they're both in an edit dialog -- the "insert image" in the WYSIWYG editor gets confused with the image selector, and once you use one, the other one sends the image to the wrong place. Just something to watch out for in your testing.
One thing to watch out for that I ran into when building Designer Content is that there are some bugs in C5 that prevent image selectors and WYSIWYG fields from working properly when they're both in an edit dialog -- the "insert image" in the WYSIWYG editor gets confused with the image selector, and once you use one, the other one sends the image to the wrong place. Just something to watch out for in your testing.
It's been awhile.
But I'm back!
Attached is a beta version of the content_plus block.
Again, this is a BETA version and improvements will be coming. I wouldn't recommend using it for a production site.
It uses the bootstrap library for the backend, so Concrete 5.5 or greater is required.
I'll submit it to the marketplace after I get some feedback and do some more testing myself.
Few notes, it's really easy to customize the colors by using a custom template - I built it with custom templates in mind - instructions in the example Custom Template.
Please provide your feedback. Also if you see pullquote or image styles on the web that you think should be included shoot a link my way.
Thanks!
But I'm back!
Attached is a beta version of the content_plus block.
Again, this is a BETA version and improvements will be coming. I wouldn't recommend using it for a production site.
It uses the bootstrap library for the backend, so Concrete 5.5 or greater is required.
I'll submit it to the marketplace after I get some feedback and do some more testing myself.
Few notes, it's really easy to customize the colors by using a custom template - I built it with custom templates in mind - instructions in the example Custom Template.
Please provide your feedback. Also if you see pullquote or image styles on the web that you think should be included shoot a link my way.
Thanks!
Sounds cool. I will definitely check this out and offer some feedback when I have the chance (unfortunately it won't be for a few weeks -- but I like the idea of this so I'm putting it on my todo list).
I'll give it a try and gbs.
The current content block doesn't work well for novice users and it can be hard to get images in the right place with the right padding and wrap etc.
I think it looks fantastic. The styling would also be helpful. I have users who know what they want to do but do find the content block tricky to use especially as they don't have the skill to manipulate the html source to achieve what they want.
Iknow you indicated that you intend to release the block for free but I'd certainly be willing to pay for it if it was at the lower end of the market ($10 to £20 sort of range).
Iain