1) it’s a branch off oscommerce
— fyi, it’s fixed the design vs logic issue, so at least there’s that.

2) fewer contributions. Given how broken the coupons module was for osc, I didn’t want to fuss with their “convert OSC contributions” instructions — the coupon code, along with it’s discount code prerequisite, would break the site. No way, thanks, keep the change.

3) the one coupon module mentioned was $150. I’m not paying out of pocket and customers are coming to me to be and remain cheap. It’s not much of an open-source package if things I believe are vital core elements of a store are left out of the ecommerce package, then charged money for. Joomla has a serious problem with people charging for contributions. Again, PmWiki spoils me.

I want to please my customer. For goodness’ sake I’m in the business of service, quality keeps me in business, I’m a sole proprietor, I want good references, et. al. I’ve been a hacker and coder for over 20 years (ok — since 15, I’m 37). I’ve been fooled by many well-written open source programs into thinking that these programs are about collaboration, team effort, allowing users/other programmers to code between the lines, to extend the work, to add functionality that I just don’t have the time for.

I’ve programmed on PmWiki plug-ins — I’m working on one right now to extend the mysql user authentication (intended for single-sign-in with other systems) to be stand-alone. That means I’ve programmed it to include user account creation, emailing the user a validation code, validating the user, allowing users to change lost passwords, etc. I haven’t had to touch a single line of core PmWiki code. I haven’t even had to LOOK at it. Barring configuration variables to be added to a config file, everything is self-contained in the one php file, and everything I needed to hook into PmWiki was already in the code I’m altering. Everything.

I’m embarrassed for oscommerce. I’ve dug through it enough that I have an idea of where to find the files I need to hack, as needed, but any program that takes me an hour to add a “contribution” to because I have to hand-edit files has got serious problems.

I’ll give you an oscommerce mixed blessing. Try out Basic Template Structure. It has to come with a HUGE disclaimer, however: DO NOT use it if your primary goal is function over design. If you have a client who insists on THEIR design and that’s the primary concern, it’s going to save you more than only hours. If you need to add plug-ins, realize that this contribution entirely(!) replaces a good 40% of the OSC back-end — moving all the design code OUT of the program code… and makes it almost EASY to redesign the site. However, when you add plug-ins back in, you may replace some of these files, or need to hunt down the files in question (command-line fgrep is my friend!) to find where portions of the code or design have been separated.

I added this hack um Contribution to the osc site I am currently installing for a customer. It made the design FAR easier. I had hacked SOME of the out-of-the-box design, then realized that portions of the design code are spread out in about 30 files…much of which is near-identical design. And it’s not something that you can just CSS away.

However it complicated adding contributions such as the discount/coupon packages later.

I’m considering adding Zen Cart to eclectictech.net and putting up a list of the package deals I offer for sale. If I do, I’m sure to need to change design elements and maybe hack a thing or three. I’ll be sure to put up a review, and I’ll try to remember to notify you!