It has always perplexed me, when I mention XMod in various DotNetNuke® forums, that I receive the following comments:

• XMod is too difficult to learn
• There are other form builder modules that are better
• I bought XMod years ago but never took the time to try it

Folks, I am here to assure you that XMod is much more than just a form builder.

My background:

For the past 15 years, I have sat behind a computer and cut code. With the advent of the Internet, I started with HTML and then proceeded to write applications in ASP (remember spaghetti code?) and finally ASP.Net. I spent endless hours writing .Net applications for banks, utility companies, and businesses integrating Microsoft® SQL and Great Plains accounting software.

I finally realized that life was passing me by and there had to be more to life than spending 16 hours a day cutting code and compiling DLLs. It got to the point that I would be cutting code in my dreams. Let's not forget to mention the annual expense of keeping current with Microsoft® Visual Studio and Microsoft® SQL license fees.

One day, I was writing some custom web projects using IBuySpy (the predecessor to DotNetNuke®). It was cool stuff and I got hooked on the new technology.

With the advent of DotNetNuke®, I soon discovered Kelly Ford and XMod. I started with version 1 and have been a user ever since.

I soon realized that I could write sophisticated applications, using XMod, in one tenth of the time it had taken previously in .Net. No compiling, No hefty License fees, I could save on the purchase of many custom modules, and have more time to pursue other interests. Fantastic!

The Power:

The real power, besides the fact that XMod is a great form builder, is its use of branch logic - You know - If Then Else.  The potential for rapid application development is only prohibited by your imagination.

With the help of XMod, I have created:

• Business Listing Directories
• Success Story Applications
• Inventory Listing Content Management Systems
• Link Exchange Applications
• Testimonial Applications
• Google Map Integrations
• Video Integrations
• and custom forms for many uses

The point to all of this:

Two years ago I completely abandoned .Net programming. With the time I have saved using XMod, for application development, I was able to spend more time pursuing my passions:

• Spending more time with family and friends
• Internet Marketing Consulting
• Web Video and Film Production
• Web 2.0 Design
• Operating the DNN training site, DNNprofessor.com

They say the most powerful universal law is the law of reciprocation. If that is true, Kelly Ford, you now know the reason why I wanted to share my occasional XMod experience on the DNNdev Blog.

Thanks to XMod and the XMod community, I now have my life back.

I look forward to sharing your experiences, comments and thoughts.

Buck