Super Newbie Questions

I am fairly new to Joomla (only 3-4 years) and BRAND NEW to CB. So, before I tell my client that they need this, I need help navigating to find certain data. Here are my questions:

Wait, first let me tell you their need. They need a tool that will allow them to have and manage various end-user managed social groups. And they need a subscription based offering that will place certain videos and media behind a pay wall.

I'm thinking CB is perfect as long as we add CB Subs and Group Jive.

Questions:
1. If I start with the free version, can I easily upgrade to a advanced?
2. Are there any concern with going from free version to advanced?
3. Will CB (or with the addition of GroupJive) allow a page that lists all the groups?
4. Is there front-end management for group managers?
5. Do subscriptions connect to existing PayPal?

I apologize in advance for asking questions rather than read, read, read... but I need to make a recommendation very soon.

syzygymedia wrote: I am fairly new to Joomla (only 3-4 years) and BRAND NEW to CB. So, before I tell my client that they need this, I need help navigating to find certain data. Here are my questions:

Welcome to our forums and to Community Builder!

Wait, first let me tell you their need. They need a tool that will allow them to have and manage various end-user managed social groups. And they need a subscription based offering that will place certain videos and media behind a pay wall.

I'm thinking CB is perfect as long as we add CB Subs and Group Jive.

You are thinking correctly.

Questions:
1. If I start with the free version, can I easily upgrade to a advanced?

There is only one Community Builder version and its free.
Anything else you download (with Advanced, Professional, Developer membership and CBSubs) is installed above what your already have a CB plugins. So your CB installation is not really upgraded, its just enhanced with more plugins.

2. Are there any concern with going from free version to advanced?

Nope (see previous answer)

3. Will CB (or with the addition of GroupJive) allow a page that lists all the groups?

I am pretty sure GroupJive has such an option - Kyle might follow-up on this on Monday.

4. Is there front-end management for group managers?

Yes, groups can be manages in frontend.

5. Do subscriptions connect to existing PayPal?

Yes CBSubs supports Paypal.

I apologize in advance for asking questions rather than read, read, read... but I need to make a recommendation very soon.

No worries - hope answers so far helped.

Terrific news! And GREAT forum/moderation!
It appears that the CB / CB Subs tackles 1/2 of my need. I'll focus in on reading about Group Jive. Meanwhile I have these follow-on questions while I search:

Does Group Jive allow you to:
-export list of group members to .csv?
-Post and share group calendars online?
-Enable leaders to track/post attendance online?
-Have any ease of use instructions for front-end managers (who may not be very web savvy)?

syzygymedia wrote: Does Group Jive allow you to:
-export list of group members to .csv?

Nothing like this has been implemented, but you could export from database.

-Post and share group calendars online?

There is an events calendar for groups - not sure if it the same as you want.

-Enable leaders to track/post attendance online?

Not sure what this means ... so I am guessing no.

-Have any ease of use instructions for front-end managers (who may not be very web savvy)?

Should be simple enough for them to learn.
Nothing exists at the moment.

Another question on CBSubs.
If I get the Starter Subscription, can I later move to the Beginner license and just pay the difference? Or would I have wasted the $128 on the starter?

syzygymedia wrote: Another question on CBSubs.
If I get the Starter Subscription, can I later move to the Beginner license and just pay the difference? Or would I have wasted the $128 on the starter?

You just pay the difference to upgrade to a higher user level.

However you need to keep your maintenance period up to date (regardless of level):
www.joomlapolis.com/forum/87-presales/163914-cbsubs-license-and-maintenance-periods