WordPress v3.2.1 (at the time of presenting)

Deliverer – Zayd Junglee Module – CO350 WordPressv3.2.1 (at the time of presenting) “Code is Poetry”

A bit about WordPress... • WordPress started in 2003 by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little • Each version released since v1 have been code-named after Jazz musicians. • Everything is created by the community which means it’s open-source which means it’s FREE! • It’s built on a PHP/MySQL framework. • It takes out a lot of the “I can’t do PHP!” and can turn it into “Oh so that’s how you do that...” • It’s a great example of GOOD practice for web-developers.

Why WordPress? • Most widely used Content Management System (CMS) in the world! • It’s not just a blogging tool! Make it your tool. • Plugins – 1000’s of these • Themes – also 1000’s of these • Widgets • Change your web site style quick and easy! • Sites such as Mozilla Labs, Playstation, TED and Yahoo base portions of their sites using WordPress. • http://wordpress.org/showcase/

Demo • What are we going to cover now • Uploading WordPress • Installing WordPress • Adding Users • WordPress Settings • Posting a post! • Widgets and theme editing • Akismet and custom plugins • Click here to follow the above tutorials

Is it cheating? • Debateable! What are your views? • Is having a FREE pre-built system that does “everything” going to put you out of a job? • WordPress won’t win any awards for originality if you just slap a downloaded theme on top of your content • Unless you design the theme too (a module in itself!) – you benefit both technically and artistically = huge advantage. • But it will get the job done quick and easy for non-experienced designers – and who are they? Answers

So what’s in it for you? • WordPress can be used to manage your project • WordPress is a CMS that you can customise for clients to use too. • Different User types. • It reduces the time and energy to create something from nothing. • Freelancers are limited by time. • Most business’ primary goal (freelance or otherwise) is to be profitable. • An opportunity for you to learn as well as design.

What you need to do now... • Check out previous MU350 teams. • Register project server space with Adam. • Decide on a colour scheme/theme for your team. • Organise your posts/pages under suitable project management categories/headings. • Ensure you have a suitable chronological structure to organise your documents, i.e. being able to sort posts/pages by: • Author • Date created/uploaded • Topic/Role

Free “Commercial Style” Themes • http://wordpress.org/extend/themes/ • http://3oneseven.com/wordpress-themes/ • http://slodive.com/freebies/professional-wordpress-themes/ • http://www.templatelite.com/ • http://www.freewpthemes.net/ • http://www.towfiqi.com/category/wordpress-templates/free-wordpress-themes • http://www.ezwpthemes.com/popular-themes

References • WordPress (2010) Blog Tool and Publishing Format. [Online], Available at: <http://wordpress.org> [Accessed 14 October 2010].

Links • Wordpress.org • Tutorials • Themes • Plugins • Creating your own theme

WordPress v3.2.1 (at the time of presenting)