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Should I go back and do a manual install?

Should I go back and do a manual install?

I’m currently working on a site http://www.churchofchristhub.com which i had started on before signing up for wpmudev. This morning at ridiculous o’clock whilst reading through some of the beginner documentation, I read that it’s better to install WP and plugins via an FTP client. It didn't say why it was better. It just is.

Here’s a simple flowchart of what im trying to do with the site:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/6750227/published-screenshots/Screen%20Shot%202013-08-01%20at%203.30.43%20PM.png

After a convo with some helpful folks here, I think i should be using :
1. BuddyPress & maybe bbpress?
2. Classifieds plugin
3. Fundraising plugin
4. Multiple themes?

So, I assume everybody here knows more about all this stuff than I do. What do you think? Should I go back and reinstall everything via FTP rather than the bluehost c panel super easy way?

While you’re here, what is your opinion on whether or not i work on the server directly or through the MAMP thing, or on my mac locally , then publishing?

Where should I start?

Please remember, I went to art college and am a graphic designer for a living. I am a white belt in Wordpress. So please don't kick me in the crotch!

  • PC
    • WPMU DEV Initiate

    Hey there, Richard,

    Thanks for posting on the forums.

    First of all welcome to the club.

    Its suggested to use the FTP installation method for WordPress to avoid any issues while auto installing WordPress using the hosting tools as sometimes the hosts include their advert in the footer or do not keep their auto installers updated to install the latest WordPress version.

    However as you have already installed it and if its working fine, then there is no point reinstalling everything unless it makes you more satisfied :slight_smile:

    While you’re here, what is your opinion on whether or not i work on the server directly or through the MAMP thing, or on my mac locally , then publishing?

    Well, I personally prefer doing it live. I generally configure a plugin, make sure its working fine and then take a backup before installing and configuring other plugin.

    A few also like to create a live dev site, and when its working then they simply push it live (by changing the site url) http://codex.wordpress.org/Moving_WordPress

    The plugins you have chosen look fine to me for what you want to achieve (bbpress would be best for forums along with BuddyPress)

    For facebook features you can use Ultimate Facebook which would help a lot along the way :

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