Hello,

I have been having a hard time tracking down and finding the various FREE dnn modules available for download, so i started compiling my own list and put it up on my website for display so all can take advantage of the free stuff out there.

http://portal.supertoadman.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=80

If you see something that i dont have listed, reply to this post

Various other people have listings of components (free and otherwise). Two of the best examples are:

http://www.lucaslabs.net/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=318
http://www.wwwcoder.com/main/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=68&action=cat&parentID=215

Laudable though all these efforts are, I think we need to organise the community a bit better, with regards modules. When I started out in DNN, it took me a while to compile a list of links to the best modules, and checking through them now, two or three are broken, or gone altogether. In addition to this, many newbies assume that the core modules listed on the dotnetnuke site are the only ones available. Perhaps, a scheme similar to other CMS's, where module developers can submit their modules to the core site i.e. dotnetnuke.com, and other users can offer mirrors for the code, rate & review the modules etc., is worth thinking about.

Cathal

Well thanks for the reference. I'm still working on it, one of the things I'm building into the directory is to do an HTTP status code check, this should keep it up to date somewhat.

Granted there may be some benefit for a centralized location for module reviews, etc, but then again having multiple resources on the Web to the various modules is a good thing. For example, Google ranks sites based upon how many links from other sites are linked to yours. So it would benefit the promotion of modules and DNN to have these links on many sites, this will increase the ranking of the module developer's site and raise their ranking when someone does a keyword search on Google. And Google can make or break nowadays so getting your site on the first page is something everyone should try to do. From the various articles I've read the rest of the search engines are going to be ranking their results using a similar method.

So my advice for module developers is get your link on every site you can and let the resource directory worry about keeping the listings clean.

Cathal,

First, thank-you for referring to LucasLabs!

Second, I have discussed several times in these forums the idea of a centralized repository where both free and commercial modules would be "Certified" and available for purchase/download and installation. I think this makes alot of sense.

Great observation.

Cheers.

Just another two cents on the modules, I think SnowCovered.com is doing a good job of providing a resource for module developers.

Great point Patrick!

Egan and Brice are great to deal with and have a great set of applications performing alot of functions. Perhaps this may be an avenue to pursue.

DNN is an open source project openly available for the public. This makes DNN ideal for folks working on freeware or open source projects. I am currently working on a freeware application and we use DNN for our website. This gives us great opportunity of having a professional looking website with little money or time invested in it.

When i compiled my list i did not want to take the wind away from those who have worked hard making commercial modules, but there are various other places on the web (mentioned above) that have commercial listings as well. But for those poor college kids its nice to have a place where we can find free stuff.

Apologies if i have offended anyone with my post.

No offense taken. I think what we were trying to do as a benefit for everyone else who reads this thread is to make them aware of the many resources that available for people to use regarding DNN. As I said the more links the better, glad you're promoting the use of DNN! Good to have you aboard.

No offense taken! We are only as good as the sum of our parts and we are all part of DotNetNuke. Modules are modules and the more resources the better. Kepp up the great work and discussion.

I doubt anyones offended, this is a friendly community. Your point is a good one, in that many people will only be interested in free components, and most of the listings don't give an easy way to search based on price. I keep a bookmarked list of components, and tend to use the free ones for personal/free sites, and purchase components off snowcovered for business sites, so your list is another handy resource for me.

Cheers,
Cathal

Just thought I'd add another thought to the discussion. DNN may start a verification process for modules sometime within the next couple of (major) releases. This would not stop unverified modules from loading just act as a "stamp of approval" if you will. It has been discussed briefly in this forum and a lot amoungst the core team. These verified modules (or links to them) could then possibly live on DotNetNuke.com and become a great resource for modules which meet some standard criteria for things such as security practices, proper use of DNN core functions, and general quality of coding standards (just examples). This would allow end users to feel confident that the verified module has been checked out and passed a series of reviews and tests and should not cause any harm to their current DNN installation. It should be easy to install, uninstall, and use. No decision has been made by the core team on this aspect but a lot of discussion has happened. Just thought I'd throw that out. The core team realizes that this area could be more organized and it will likely be addressed after some core changes (DAL, skins, etc.) and standards are set it place over the next couple of versions.

Jeremy

Jeremy,

That would be awesome if your idea was implemented. I'm a newbie to DNN and all i can say is this community of Developers is great. I'm glad i decided to go w/DNN instead of rainbow. Good job guys.