Backup Buddy Plugin – A Dream Come True
If you have read my blog, attended my workshops, or even casaully discussed WordPress with me, you know my feelings about backing up your files. Yes, most servers and hosts do it routinely, and yours might be one of them. But I don’t like to rely on them.
I always recommend using WP DB Backup plugin for your database which it basically all of your content — pages and posts. But what about your other WordPress files. And all the media you have uploaded? Yes, you can back those up usually using an FTP client, but maybe you don’t have the know how or the time.
I know what you are thinking.
This sounds like an ad.
Well, in a way maybe it is. But PlugInBuddy.com from iThemes, has come up with Backup Buddy. It’s great. And it backs up everything.
A side note. I was concerned the otther day when a client that I was doing consulting told me another “so called” WordPress expert told her to just use the export tool, and that will backup everything. Not! What are these people anyway, giving away wrong info!
Yes, I am an affiliate for this, a few bucks in my pocket. And yes, it’s not a free plugin. But damn, it’s great. And well worth the money!
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WordPress 2.9 – Update Success
This is the second day since WordPress 2.9 has officially been released. Normally, I wait a couple of weeks to upgrade. But this time I took the dive and the update went through seamlessly. In fact, I have seen a lot of the same results via Twitter. Sounds like a lot of the bugs were worked out in beta. Way to go WordPress!
Of course, I did backup all my files and database just in case!
I will come back and post any plugin or widget conflicts as I hear them.
And how did your experience go?
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WordPress 2.9 Teaser
Okay, just a quick post to let you know a couple of features to expect in 2.9. I just uploaded the beta version and hope to come back soon with more to share.
THE TRASH CAN – When you delete a post, page, category, comment, or any bit of content, it is moved to the Trash where you can decide whether to pull it back at a later date.
IMAGE EDITOR – ALTHOUGH SIMPLE… Image editing will allow bloggers to crop, scale and rotate images from right within WordPress.
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Warning Signs of the Wanna Be WordPress Expert
Everywhere you look, WordPress “experts” are popping up. Try googling it if you dare. There are even sites that will tell you how to become a WordPress expert in hours. Amazing, huh?
Well, I just don’t buy it. Like so many professions, people toss around the word “expert” effortlessly.
So, let’s look at the definition of “expert”.
expert: a person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of, or skill in, a particular area
Hmm, sounds like some gray areas there. The question is, what do you expect of the expert you contact?
The saying goes, calling yourself an expert means nothing, someone else calling you an expert, well, that’s justification. Right?
I would like to propose 10 red flags to look for when searching out your WordPress “expert”.
- You find out your WordPress expert was only a month ago picking up their first copy of WordPress for Dummies.
- They use “WordPress Expert” prominently— and everywhere— on their own site. Sounds like someone is trying to pick up some serious google juice, wouldn’t you say?
- They list themselves as an expert in 2, 3 or 4 different areas, eg. WordPress expert, Social Media expert, SEO expert, on and on… wow, that really is an expert.
- They leave open comments on every static page of their own website. Like, yes, I would really like to comment on your services.
- Only 2 weeks ago they were a landscaper.
- They use cliches like “killer”, “rockstar” and “suck”. Really watch out for the the Rockstar WordPress designer who creates “killer” websites that don’t “suck”.
- They tell you WordPress is simple and you can have a “killer” (okay, there’s that word again) website yourself in only a couple of hours. Not!
- Their prices are too good to be true. Often they use the old “bait and switch” approach here. And in the end, you still need help.
- Their tagline is “We Make a Wordpress Expert and Blogger”. Say what? (Seriously, I found this one the web).
- And last, but not least, they do not follow protocol, and ignore using uppercase W & P when spelling WordPress.
In closing, all I can say is, “BE CAREFUL OUT THERE.”
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I Survived My 2.8 Update!
Just had to do a quick post as I finally made the move to update to version 2.8. From past experience, I have found it useful not to jump on the bandwagon and update the minute the new version comes out. It’s pretty much my practice across the board with most hardware and software.
I did take the time to read other horror stories via Twitter and LinkedIn, took note of all the disappointments and frustrations, and basically, sat back and waited. Nearly 30 days later, with some of the bugs worked out, on the day after the 4th of July, I decided to take the plunge.
I anticipated similar fireworks and explosions that had been a constant for the past two days.
Fortunately, it didn’t happen.
Like a good WordPress neurotic, I:
- backed up my files (although I do use WP-Dbmanager plugin for auto updates)
- turned off all of my plugins and updated them — several had updated versions for 2.8, lucky me (and yes all 14 plugins)
- clicked my auto install update
- activated plugins again
- and presto, my site worked like a charm, and 2.8 was active
I must note that we do use a premium theme from StudioPress that survived the update without a glitch.
(Heavy sigh). Now it’s off to update client sites. So far 3 updated, and things are good.
If you updated recently, let me know how it went for you!
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WordPress Themes – Free Vs. Paid
A couple posts ago I talked about the basics of a theme. Now let’s talk about the free versus paid.
If you use WordPress, you know how many free themes are out there —literally hundreds. There are a lot of good ones, and some that are okay. If you are using yours for a blog, the choices are endless, depending on your needs. But if you are choosing WordPress as a platform for your website, you may want to consider the benefits of a paid theme.
Now don’t get me wrong. Again, there are plenty of good free themes out there, and I’m not slamming any of them.
But, let’s look at what you may get with a paid theme:
You get what you pay for. Hey, that’s life. I don’t need to explain this one. In fact you will find that many of the “free” theme developers, have paid one’s as well. Get the point?
More bells and whistles. Yes, the paid themes will be more widget-friendly. They may already have a lot in place that you don’t even need to bother adding.
Support. Here’s a big one. Again, someone that offers a theme for free, how much time can they give to supporting that theme. Sure, they may have a forum on their site, but still the opportunity of being able to contact someone when you need them, is so much more beneficial.
Updates. Another biggie! When WordPress does its updates (and they can be often), this can send your theme into oblivion. I’ve seen it happen with clients. Sites that offer paid themes have a bit more reason to make sure that their themes will work with the next update. In fact, many get hold of the “beta” version of the next update, just so they can be ready!
So the choice is yours. Just give it a bit of thought as you choose your next theme. What do you want it to do for you? Think long term.
Of course you can always change midstream and that works will with blogs. But a complicated website — changing the theme can cost you time, money and several ongoing headaches!
Here are just a few links to some great paid themes:
Again, just a few. Look around, ask around. I’m sure you will find just what you need.
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