UNACMS Community platform (unacms.com) needs a do-over, but why?

UNACMS: Embracing Unlimited Potential with a Fresh New Face

If you’ve ever searched for the perfect CMS to bring your vision to life, you probably know the struggle. There are countless platforms that promise the moon—some with sleek interfaces, others with industry-specific solutions—and it’s easy to get drawn to them. I’ve been there too. At one point, I wished I had the funds to invest in platforms like MooSocial or SocialEngine. Looking back now, I’m glad I didn’t. That financial limitation led me to something far better: UNACMS.

UNA isn’t just another content management system; it’s a world of freedom and unlimited potential. It’s a platform that empowers creators to build something extraordinary—whether it’s a community hub, a niche social network, or a full-scale solution (All thanks to the founders together with their vendors - none excluded). But here’s the thing: to truly fulfill that potential, UNACMS itself needs to evolve.

The Hidden Gem of CMS Platforms

What makes UNACMS special? Unlike many CMS solutions, it’s not boxed in by rigid templates or restricted features. It offers unparalleled freedom to customize, adapt, and grow. The power it gives its users to bring their dreams to life is unlike anything else on the market. But for all its strengths, UNACMS’s user interface—its face to the world—feels like a relic of the past. As beloved as UNACMS is by its community, we can’t ignore that its current UI feels more like mainframe software built with COBOL than a modern CMS leading the charge in the digital age. This isn’t a critique; it’s a call to action.

Making UNACMS Shine

During my research journey, it became clear why other platforms grab attention: they position themselves as solutions for specific industries, showcase Case Studies, and boldly market their features. UNACMS has all of these strengths, but they’re hidden, waiting to be brought to the forefront. Imagine if UNACMS’s marketing highlighted its unique ability to adapt across industries. Imagine seeing its Case Studies and live examples featured prominently, demonstrating the incredible solutions powered by the platform. UNACMS doesn’t just need a redesign; it needs a rediscovery.

Real Success, Real Stories

One of UNACMS’s most underutilized assets is its community. There are countless live and successful sites that are powered by UNACMS, but they’re not showcased enough. These success stories aren’t just a testament to UNACMS’s power—they’re the inspiration future users need. Let’s bring these stories to light. Let’s show the world what UNACMS has helped people accomplish, from thriving online communities to groundbreaking industry solutions.

Together, Let’s Build a Brighter Future

UNACMS has already given us so much, and now it’s our turn to give back. We need a new face for UNACMS—a modern, sleek, intuitive interface that reflects its true potential. We need to elevate its marketing, positioning UNACMS as the go-to solution for creators who demand more than the status quo. And we need to celebrate and share the incredible success stories of the UNACMS community.

To every UNACMS user, builder, and supporter: this is your moment. Together, we can create not just the best CMS on the market, but a platform that redefines what’s possible. Let’s give UNACMS the do-over it deserves—because the best CMS deserves the best face to show the world.

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Replies (5)
    • My intentions were good, but just in case it's been interpreted negatively... please shout.

      • Hiya Chris. Design. Branding. UX. UI. What fascinating subjects you bring up!

        How many UNA themes are out there? I'm satisfied with Protean for my needs. It seems quite customizable to me.

        One size will never fit all. If a site is for funeral directors it would not resemble one for race car drivers. And if there is no useful content - it will make little difference. Content will always be king. Most users will ignore bad presentation to get to the good content. That said, the medium must fit the message. So we, of course, should seek the best possible presentation.

        As for site navigation, it should be simple. This is where page breadcrumbs can help. A good rule for site navigation is: Don't make clients wonder. If they are wondering where they are or what to do next, we are wasting their time.

        UNA devs are amazing. UNA visionaries, likewise. I am confident things will keep improving. And that they will consider every suggestion for improvement.

        • To keep it on the level I wrote... this is my response to your comment, but first, thank you for your input @banister :

          Beyond a New Face: The Benefits of Transformation

          A fresh new face for UNACMS brings more than aesthetic value. As demand grows, vendors responsible for plugins and extensions will find consistent work, driving innovation and ensuring the platform continues to evolve. Despite being open source, UNACMS’s growth benefits everyone, including its founders, who will see sustainable income streams from increased adoption and engagement. Most importantly, with these enhancements, UNACMS has the potential to take the lead globally, becoming the CMS of choice for creators and organizations worldwide.

          If one reads between the lines, vendors seem to lose interest. Despite the recent negatives towards them, they form part of UNACMS and are valued accordingly. An acceptable framework like ITIL should be adapted to balance things, etc. I hate to think that we must lose them. Once again forgive me for speculating. Like I said, if we read between the lines.

          • For those not understanding the abbreviation ITIL, ITIL stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library. It is a set of best practices for delivering IT services effectively and efficiently, focusing on aligning IT services with the needs of businesses.

            Within it, I refer to SLA's (Service Level Agreement)

            • Acknowledging the Power of Criticism and Collaboration

              I was hoping for more engagement and even criticism because, while criticism can be difficult to hear, it often brings to light critical points that might otherwise be overlooked. It’s through this lens of honest feedback that we grow.

              For example, the recent projects published by Andrey showcase the level of dedication and commitment behind UNA CMS. Consider the following:

              1. 43-Step Launch Checklist added to Documentation
              2. Opinionated Out-of-the-Box Apps Incoming

              These initiatives reflect not just technological advancement but also the unwavering dedication to excellence. As Andrey aptly put it, "We have been 'quiet' for a few months, piecing together the new NEO universal app, core UNA CMS update, and a handful of new modules." This quiet period wasn’t inactivity—it was preparation for something monumental.

              We are fortunate to have such a winning team behind UNA CMS, and this extends to all the vendors as well. Their commitment drives the platform forward.

              Reflecting on this, I’m reminded of a personal story from my days as a team lead in the Department of Finance. Our director, Ignat, was a passionate Natural Adabas programmer. Despite his leadership position, he remained hands-on, constantly working behind those old-fashioned terminals. His passion for programming never wavered, and it inspired our team to strive for excellence.

              What I’m aiming at is this: while we have the best technical team driving UNA CMS, could we ask if there’s room to make time—especially from a marketing and user experience perspective—to ensure we’re not only keeping pace with competitors but surpassing them? Are we doing enough to showcase our strengths in UX and UI and position ourselves as the ultimate CMS solution? These are questions worth pondering.

              Together, we have the power to redefine what’s possible for UNA CMS and for the creators who rely on it. Let’s take this journey as a community, ensuring that UNA not only has the best face but also the strongest foundation to lead the CMS world. This is our moment—let’s seize it!

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