How do I get my manager to move away from Joomla?

Question

Well, the facts :

• I'm a php programmer (php4/5) and object since several years now.
• I use to work PHP Framework (especially Zend Framework)

At my work, we have to work Joomla for some website. I had to develop components, modules, plugins, and i had a revelation. Almost all users of Joomla are not developper, just users, whom doesn't know about best practices, etc.. I scratched my head for a bunch of hours, looking at tutorials, documentation, but all i found was API documentation which is often incomplete. I tried on Joomla Forum, same, only classic customer answered to my programming question but inviting me to download this extension or this one... Same with IRC.

So Joomla could be nice (even if i don't think what i typed) in some cases. But adapting Joomla to my needs seems to me a big waste of time. While I could have wrote some nice reusable library for Zend Framework, and with time develop our own CMS.

If you go on milw0rm.com you will be surprised on the number of exploit existing...

The Joomla code is sometimes really poor in quality.

Enough for the moments.

So my question is : How could i make understand to my chief that Joomla is evil ? Without make him feeling weak because of his choice or embarasse him. By the way, what are your cons about Joomla ?

Answer 1

Why not simply send them a polite email - or sit down with them and explain what you just explained to us?

You shouldn't be afraid to speak to your boss - s/he might be your superior, but I'm sure if you made a polite suggestion to improve security, efficiency or other factors, they will think of you all the better.

Answer 2

Hit him in the pocketbook. Let him know quantitatively the pros of your method and the cons of Joomla. Money talks.

Answer 3

I would talk with your manager and go about planning out exactly what you're looking to do and see if Joomla still fits into your desired framework. Could be you're using the wrong tool for the job.

Figure out what exactly you need and if Joomla isn't the right tool for the job it should be readily apparent. The you can present your alternatives. The difficult part will be trying to convince your manager to give up the time/money that has already been spent to integrate Joomla into your enterprise. Usually it's a very difficult task to end a project and completely scrap it so be prepared for an uphill battle.

Best of luck to you !

EDIT: To add to what Daniel said, above all, be polite. Going into a discussion with "Joomla is evil" isn't going to help. Politely explain your point of view, why you think Joomla is causing issues, what future issues it will cause and identify some good alternatives. You'll need a compelling case with all the pieces in the right order to get management support.

Answer 4

Daniel May and Jason give great answers.

I'll add to them by saying this: Before you speak poorly about a current issue, be ready with a better alternative and explain the alternative when you explain the problem to your boss.

And as Scott Vercuski says, "Be polite."