Topic: WordPress 101
I wrote my first blog on self-hosted WordPress in October of 2006. Since January 2009, I have developed and maintained websites for churches, nonprofits, and other small organizations through my company, All-In Web Services. My first WordCamp was WordCamp DFW 2017. Since then I have enjoyed getting to know and share knowledge with other WordPress users and I’m honored to be able to speak at WordCamp DFW 2018.
How did you get involved in WordPress?
Back in 2004, a friend suggested that I start a blog. I looked at Blogger but I felt boxed-in with the way that platform did some things. I stumbled upon WordPress and began to acquaint myself with it; I felt more freedom than with Blogger. As I began to blog a little, I saw that WordPress could be stretched a to be more than just a blogging platform. I used a few plugins to make WordPress behave more like a full-blown CMS. I’m glad for new users that they don’t have to jump through those hoops to make WordPress do what it can do now.
What do you do with WordPress?
I occasionally blog on WordPress and technology. I also post on our church website to comment on what we’re doing with fellowships and outreaches.
What has your experience with the WordPress community been like?
My first WordCamp was 2017. From that, I began to get involved with the WP DFW MeetUp, getting to know local WordPress users and developers. It’s a good reminder that I’m not the only person who’s working with WordPress and it’s great to have some local people who can answer questions when I run across a complicated issue.
Why did you want to speak at WordCamp DFW?
Just as I have benefited from the knowledge of other people, I felt that I had something to share with new users, to help them avoid some of the issues that I have had to figure out on my own.
Why did you decide to speak on your topic?
Again, I felt that I had something to offer to newbies, including some best practices on using WordPress.
What do you hope the audience gets from your talk?
I hope the audience gains a better working knowledge of the WordPress and that people are able to pick up on something new that perhaps they haven’t considered before.
Tickets are now on sale for this year’s WordCamp DFW held on Nov. 10-11. There are also plenty of opportunities to sponsor the event or help run it. We hope to see you there!