About 6 months ago, I decided to use Sobi in creating a complex on-line directory; my decision was made after reviewing all the alternatives, including MT.

Since then, I've entered a lot of data (with more to go), upgraded once (and about to do so again - skipped a couple in the interim because the changes weren't crucial for me), learned a lot about CSS (after years of being HTML-bound), and have come to know what an incredible component this is - as well as how generous a community supports it.

Sobi is flexible, offering broad customization through its backend and CSS templates w/o ever having to enter the arcane world of the files themselves (although, if you are able and willing to go there, the opportunities to express creativity are seemingly boundless). With a programming background that is limited to Basic, VB, and HTML, I had a lot of trepidation about venturing into CSS. To my surprise (and relief), it has been, while not painless, buffered by the experience of being introduced to it through the medium of Sobi.

The program produces a wide variety of directories with simplicity or complexity of content and bare-bones or elegancy of appearance limited solely by the user's imagination and effort. Do you need a program in your native language - not English or German? Last time that I checked, Sobi or some aspects of it were available in 27 languages.

Are there features that Sobi lacks, which I and others would like to see? Absolutely. Some include: the ability to import/export easily and directly to/from it (especially using MS Access); drop-downs; and radio buttons. But, at least some of these are available thru hacks and others are being worked on - by the developers themselves or others in the community.

And, the existence of that community is one of the most compelling features arguing for Sobi as the directory component of choice. My prior experience with freeware was limited to downloading an occasional quickie program - and the existence of the SIGSIU Forum was an eye-opener to me. It's rare that a query, plea, or complaint is posted for more than 6-8 hours without a reply. The developers are there almost daily - guiding, gently chiding, and patiently and generously helping both the technologically challenged and the gifted. Additionally, other users are quick to offer their problem-solving skills, advice, experiences and knowledge. (Afraid that your written English or German is inadequate to express your issue? Trinity has a remarkable ability to understand almost any question - regardless that it makes little or no sense to the average reader.)

Shortcomings and desirable improvements are routinely taken up as challenges to be met in upcoming editions or as fixes worked out by other users. Responsiveness is the watchword. Kudos to Sigrid and Radek, as well as the entire Sobi community. I have not and would not hesitate to recommend this component to anyone and I eagerly look forward to its further development.

Neil