While monitoring twitter today, I noticed a few prolific theme designers agree with a point that Chris Pearson made today.
Now that I’ve built the platform, I see why Thesis can do plugins’ jobs more efficiently than the plugins themselves. There’s no comparison. – pearsonified
I think I understand the reasoning behind the statement. Instead of using a plugin that may have more functionality than is needed, ONLY the functionality that is needed can be built into the theme making more efficient use. However, I’ve always been a fan of the idea that themes should be about good design alongside flexibility while leaving anything that can be handled by a plugin, to a plugin. Sure, a theme that provides all sorts of plugin functionality built-in provides a ton of convenience, but the distinct difference between a plugin and a theme is that when the theme disappears, the plugin and it’s options are still there. The same can not be said for a theme. What’s the difference between putting a wall around me, and building in a bunch of functionality that is typically left to plugins? I don’t see much of a difference. If the theme is built in a way that semi-locks in the user, that theme is doing it wrong. But, I’m not the one with a theme business so perhaps I’m wrong.
At the end of the day, the user has to decide on whether they want convenience, or flexibility.
Should Themes Contain Plugin Functionality Built-In?
Carl Hancock who is part of the team behind GravityForms asked an interesting question on Twitter the other day.
What do you prefer for software support? A support forums or a good FAQ and a support ticket system?
I thought it would be nice to expand on the question so that we can answer it with more than 140 characters. In the past, I’ve really enjoyed working with software that has an in-depth FAQ because I enjoy solving my own problems. I think the more avenues for support, the better. However, if you are offering so many ways to receive support to the point where it’s decreasing the overall quality of support, then you introduce a new problem. I’d rather go to one place that I know is going to give great support and not spend time with four or five different methods that are sub par. There is no reason though why a good FAQ can’t compliment either a ticketing system or a forum, although one could argue that a forum fills both needs. I’d to hear what you think is the best method of support based on experience.
Last but not least, do not use the commenting form on a blog post to provide support. Nothing like traversing hundreds of comments to see if one is similar to the problem I’ve having.
Over the weekend, I finally had a chance to sit down and beta test a new theme from iThemes called Builder. The theme aims to blow the walls off of Flexx and take theme development to the next level.
I won’t dive into a lengthy review here but in the Builder theme, users can easily build Layouts. In the time span of 5 minutes, I created a layout that mimics the one I’m using on WPTavern.com complete with the widget spots.
Created this layout in just a few minutes
After building my layout with clicks of the mouse and not having to touch one bit of PHP code, the only thing left for me to do is style the layout through CSS. This is the type of theme framework I can get behind which doesn’t require me to know hooks or filters, etc although I’m sure those are built in. One of my wishes for WordPress was to one day, be able to use a WYSIWYG theme creation tool where I could whip up a theme using standard elements. Although Builder and Elastic are not exactly what I had in mind, they are pretty darn close and both impress me quite a bit. They really empower the end user to create things instead of relying on a developer.
Between Builder and Elastic, I’m wondering if it’s possible for a theme developer to put himself out of business by creating and releasing something that for the most part, removes the developer from the equation. Let’s discuss.
Can A Theme Developer Put Himself Out Of Business?
This past weekend at WordCamp New York, I had the unexpected opportunity to meet and greet Anil Dash, founder of Six Apart the creators of MovableType. While some may wonder why I would bring an Automattic competitor onto a show about WordPress, I think Anil Dash has a lot to offer outside of blogging. If I were to bring him on the show, I’d discuss the WordPress products that his company offers. I’d also like to talk a bit about Web 2.0, the importance of data portability, some of the lessons learned throughout the lifespan of MovableType and of course, any questions you would submit to me through the forum. Before I setup a date to have Anil on the show, I just want to hear your thoughts.
Would You Like To Hear An Interview With Anil Dash?
Been awhile since we’ve had something to vote on but I’ve finally found a topic where we you can weigh in on one side or the other. Recently, there was a discussion on the WordPress Hackers Mailing list that discussed the idea of changing the blogging nomenclature found within the administration panel of WordPress. The line of thought is that WordPress is constantly being used for more than just blogging but it will never be taken seriously as a powerful CMS until the blog nomenclature is removed in favor for something more generic. As for myself, I’m fine with both sides but I lean slightly more in favor of switching the words to something more generic because by having the word blog splattered everywhere in the backend, it gives the sense that WordPress is only meant for blogging and nothing else. That may have been the case when the project was lifting off the ground but these days, WordPress is powering some pretty hefty sites that blow blogging out of the water. It’s a simple change that I think would have a big impact on the software especially as it relates to perception. What do you think?
Should WordPress Change The Blog Nomenclature Within The Backend?
Before I left for vacation, I announced a little game where the winner would receive a copy of GravityForms. In order to play the game, readers had to submit their craziest upgrade story in the comments. We received quite a few crazy stories during the week, some of which still have my laughing! Now it’s time to open the voting booth to allow you to choose who you think has the craziest upgrading story. The poll is open for a week which is when the winner will be chosen.
So who do you think is responsible for keeping WordPress updated? The New World Order? Matt Mullenweg? You tell me by voting in the poll. I am hoping that 100% of the votes will be for a particular answer but judging by the usual voting crowd, I have a feeling some of the voters will opt for one of the other choices.
Who’s Responsible For Keeping Your WordPress Site Up To Date?
Considering all of the security talk of the past week, I figured the poll question ought to deal with the subject. Plain and simple, do you think WordPress is secure? Let’s talk about it.
Due to the recording schedule change for WordPress Weekly, these polls will now be conducted every Tuesday instead of every Friday. This week, I want to know which theme company in this list has the best word of mouth advertising. Now, I don’t want you to guess but if the company you continuously hear about from others as a recommendation is in the list, vote for them. If not, add the company name to the comments. No one better mention Thesis because they don’t count.
In my own opinion, WooThemes has the best word of mouth advertising right now. In fact, I’m very impressed with the marketing aspect of the company. Everywhere I look I see Woo this and Woo that. Also, they are doing some cool posts on their WooCamp blog with the theme ShowDowns. While most commercial theme authors have a showcase featuring sites using their theme, ShowDown takes it a step further by getting the audience involved.
This week, I’m bringing the poll question a little closer to home in order to generate feedback regarding the site. The Tavern opened its doors back in March and since then, it’s been a blast witnessing the site growing in popularity and establishing a base of regular visitors. WPTavern site and forum is being mentioned at various WordCamps these days which is awesome. This site almost has 800 RSS readers according to the insanely accurate Google FeedBurner, the Alexa ranking for the domain is around 35,000 and the site has a PR of 5. More importantly though, we have about 100 active members on the forum, it’s active, and there is plenty of discussion revolving around WordPress in the comments of this blog, Twitter, and the forum.
As head of the Tavern, I’ve been working here, there, a little bit of everywhere. Unfortunately, I’ve quickly realized that I can’t do everything I’d want to within my own little community here because there is not enough time in the day. However, this week, I want to hear from you regarding what you’ve read on the site so far since March. Take a break from reading this site in your FeedReader and comment on this post. Let me know what you like, dislike, want to see more of, etc. I have my own goals in mind along with the direction I want to take the site but I’d love to compare my vision with yours.
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