Best way to learn Drupal

[ConstantChange]

I donated my time to a non-profit organization to create their website. The president wants to have a blog, so I figure this is a great time for me to learn Drupal.

I have a few e-books, but they seem to be focused on more complex issues than I need to deal with at this point.

I need to learn how to create a few static HTML pages and integrate a blog. That's it.....very simple site.

Anyone have any recommendations on books or websites where I can learn how to do these?

[snecz]

I have tried Drupal. I really like it but then I „discovered” Wordpress. And I must say WP is much more easy to learn.
I would suggest WP if you just need a blog and some static pages – there’re also more nice templates for WP.
Obviously you can still use Drupal – it’s really great CMS.
Both you can learn from theirs sites – there’s plenty of documentation.

[RussAdams]

In my opinion Drupal is alot more complicated to work with than WordPress. The blogging functionality of Drupal is not as solid as WP. Go with WordPress. You'll thank yourself.

[jonbey]

I think that the Drupal approach would be better for an organisation - unless the president wants to be the only blogger.

Other benefits of Drupal are that it is easy to have a private area, to create different user levels (i.e. can post comments, with/without moderation, postingto forums, viewing items etc)it is very configuarable. You may find that you are limited with WP. I used Drupal for my most recent project, and the client is pleased. The main thing is that it is easily extended. If they want a forum later, or more blogs, or directory, cart etc. all these can be added.

How to learn? Set up the core files - this will allow you to set up a blog, forum post pages, stories. Play with blocks, look at additional modules - views, etc.

Best way to learn is to build a site.

[ConstantChange]

After doing some reading, I think Wordpress might be the way to go for this project.

Thanks for the advise guys.

[jonbey]

Probably best. My advice then is find a Wordpress theme that you like, then build the blog in a subdirectory, e.g. blog, and then use the blog template to build the static pages in the root. That way you ensure the same theme throughout.

It is much easier to find a theme you like for Wordpress and modify, then convert to a static page, than it is to do it the other way around.