However, the idea may seem overwhelming. Even technically-minded people might feel some trepidation. And non-developers might wonder if they have anything to offer.

I’ve had reservations about contributing. I know how to write code. But I’m not an expert. Plus, I was skeptical of what I could add to WordPress. There are a plethora of brilliant people already contributing.

Despite my uncertainty, I volunteered for Contributor Day at WordCamp US 2023. I figured it would be a good starting point. Besides, it’s only a day. Any disasters would be temporary!

Here are some thoughts and observations on what it’s like to participate. Is WordPress Contributor Day for you? Keep reading to find out.

There Are Myriad Ways to Contribute

There’s a perception that developers are the main contributors to WordPress. And sure, the project could use expert programmers. But coding is only part of the story.

As of this writing, there are 22 different contribution teams. Several have nothing to do with PHP, JavaScript, or CSS.

The Photos team is a prime example. Members are responsible for, among other things, moderating submissions to the WordPress Photo Directory.

Or you might help fellow WordPress users via the Support team. It includes answering questions on the project’s support forums. A working knowledge of WordPress will help. But you don’t have to know anything about code to pitch in.

There are also opportunities to help with marketing and community wrangling. These are great options if you’re a people person.

And we’re just scratching the surface. Your skills may translate to contributing more than you think.

Team Leaders Are There to Help You

I spent Contributor Day working with the Support and Documentation teams. I figured these teams were a good fit, given my background.

But there were challenges. Part of my task was to update the block editor documentation. Some articles were outdated and needed to be refreshed.

It sounds straightforward, right? Not quite. There are processes to follow that were foreign to me. I spent a few minutes staring blankly at my screen.

Thankfully there were some terrific team leaders on hand. In my case, Milana Cap was incredibly kind and patient. She walked me through each step and was always happy to answer questions. Oh, I had a lot of questions.

The point is that you’re not flying blind. Experienced team members are there to guide you. Therefore, it’s OK if you don’t know everything. No one expects you to be perfect.

For my part, progress was slow. I submitted a handful of edits to an article. Were they good enough to be published? Time will tell!

You’ll Feel a Sense of Community

Contributor Days are held at WordCamps worldwide. Therefore, attendance can vary based on the size of the event. In the case of WordCamp US, several hundred people were there.

There was a real sense of community among the attendees. Even a grumpy introvert like myself couldn’t help but notice.

I spoke with people I knew from previous WordCamps. But I also met contributors from far and wide. And many were first-time participants.

And the biggest surprise was that I wasn’t the only neophyte. The Documentation team table I sat at had several newbies. We all faced similar challenges in getting up to speed.

That was comforting. One of my biggest fears was being behind the curve. I didn’t want to slow everyone else down.

Refreshingly, the new contributor orientation said to expect things to move slowly. That statement did wonders for my stress levels. From there, I was able to relax and learn.

https://twitter.com/WordCampUS/status/1694816958791766190

Other Things Worth Noting

I couldn’t be everywhere at once. However, I did make a few general observations about WordPress Contributor Day. I hope that they help you get a sense of the overall experience.

There Are No Sales Pitches

I was grateful that Contributor Day didn’t turn into a sales pitch. You know, the kind where you’re prodded into making a long-term commitment.

My experience was nothing like that. Attendees were free to move from team to team. And the teams I worked with were all about helping and having fun.

I felt no pressure to do anything I wasn’t comfortable with. That’s a rarity in the world we live in.

There Are Some Very Dedicated Contributors

How has WordPress thrived for over 20 years? Its many contributors are a big reason why.

I witnessed some incredibly passionate people at their best. They knew how to get things done. Yet they were still welcoming of newcomers.

Some contributors are paid to be there. But I didn’t notice anyone treating their work as just another job. I saw enthusiasm everywhere I went.

WordPress Contributor Day Is Worth Your Time

If you’re attending a WordCamp that includes a Contributor Day, consider giving it a try. There are learning opportunities everywhere. Not to mention the chance to meet some great people.

I found the experience to be a positive one. And I gained a different perspective on how contribution works.

It takes a lot of coordination and dedication to keep WordPress going strong. There are a lot of unsung heroes who help make it happen.

Most importantly, know that your skills are valued. There’s a place for you to contribute – regardless of your expertise.

This was my first WordPress Contributor Day. But it won’t be my last.

The post What to Know Before Attending a WordPress Contributor Day appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

No, it’s not everyone who feels this way. It may not even be the vast majority of those who use the software. But, ever since the process behind the building and release of the Gutenberg block editor (and continuing with some dashboard drama), there seems to be a bit of a trust issue. Some have voiced displeasure with the direction of WordPress and tend to think that there are ulterior motives for various changes that have occurred.

This tension has even led some folks to abandon the CMS altogether and jump onto the bandwagon of an alternative. The drama is real in some corners of the community.

While acknowledging the issues, I can confidently say that I have zero plans to move to another CMS. Why? Here are but a few reasons…

The Software is Still Amazing

At one time in its history, WordPress was but a small up-and-comer. That’s changed quite a bit in recent years, as it has become the dominant CMS on the web. Therefore, as WordPress has gotten bigger, the stakes have gotten higher.

With that growth comes a lot of pressure to keep pushing things forward. As the software adds new features and changes our workflow, it’s only natural that some friction within the community comes to a head. Change is difficult and not everyone’s going to agree (I am no different, as I’ve had my own share of gripes).

That said, WordPress is still the software that has enabled so many of us to make a living. At its core are the features and flexibility that we love.

And even with all of the Gutenberg-related fears that the sky was falling, it didn’t. The controversial new editor (a pretty decent one, at that) is a far cry from any sort of self-sabotage. WordPress still works much the same as it has (and exactly the same, if you opt for the Classic editor).

The reality is that nothing stays the same forever. So, we can either choose to move along with progress or stay in the past. The bottom line is that WordPress still gets the job done quite well.

The Community is Like No Other

The best communities are made up of people who have a variety of experiences, backgrounds and opinions. The WordPress community just so happens to be a very diverse one – and that’s part of what makes it fun to be a part of.

Go to a meetup or a WordCamp and you’ll meet both expert developers and novice users. Not to mention a healthy mix of freelancers, corporate IT professionals and bloggers of all subjects. It’s not “professionals-only” and open to anyone who wants to learn more about the software. Indeed, the WordPress community is a reflection of greater society.

But diversity isn’t its only strength. There’s also a culture of sharing knowledge and a general comradery that makes you want to pay it forward.

Much like the software it celebrates, the WordPress community isn’t perfect. But the good certainly outweighs the bad in my view.

The Ecosystem Remains Strong

There are plenty of other content management systems out there – many of them are quite good in their own right. Some may even outperform WordPress in specific areas.

But what separates WordPress from most everyone else is both its core extensibility and enormous library of plugins. Any type of functionality you’re after has likely been built already.

If not, there are plenty of resources and documentation out there to help you build it yourself. Not into the whole DIY thing? Then the strong development community provides plenty of opportunities to hire a qualified person to build it for you.

That doesn’t mean every developer knows what they’re doing, nor that every plugin is of the highest quality. But the quality is out there, if you know where to look. And no one can match the array of choices available.

The Future Looks Bright

When you invest your time in learning and implementing a CMS, you’re essentially betting that it will be with you for a while. The hope is that the software will grow with you and have the ability to meet your needs as they evolve.

What you absolutely don’t want to see is a product clinging to a paper-thin market with very little chance for growth. More often than not, it leads to a piece of software that either isn’t going to be there or will become seriously outdated down the line.

Time and again, WordPress has been able to rise to the challenge for a large number of users. The fact that it has been around for over 15 years (or more like 100 in “web years”) means that it has had to adapt to numerous changes in the industry. The transition hasn’t always been perfect, but it has been on the right side of the curve overall.

Odds are that WordPress will continue to move along with whatever is next in web design and development. As long as there is a massive user base and a dedicated community, it’s hard for me to imagine using anything else.

The post Reasons to Stick with WordPress appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

But it has affected me outside the office. I haven’t been to an in-person industry event in a few years. And I suspect many of you have faced a similar fate.

That’s going to change. I’m scheduled to attend WordCamp US this summer. It looks to be an exciting event. But it’s also going to be a bit scary for this grumpy and introverted designer.

I wonder how I’ll cope with the crowds and inevitable small talk. Will my brain turn to mush? Will I be able to find my way home afterward? These are the questions that run through my mind.

I need a plan. And there’s no better way to formulate one than by writing it out. But it’s not only for my benefit. Perhaps it can help those of you with similar feelings. Yes, maybe we can reenter society together!

Coming Together After Being Pulled Apart

I don’t attend a lot of events. That was true even before the pandemic. My lifestyle isn’t conducive to hitting the road several times a year. And I have to pay my way as a freelancer.

Still, I usually made it to one or two WordCamp events per year. They got me out of this chair and into the company of fellow geeks. It was just enough socialization to balance out the isolation.

The pandemic took that balance away. The ability to connect in person was sorely missed. As was the chance to learn in a laid-back setting.

Besides, I’ve found it hard to get excited about virtual events. I’m still stuck in my office, watching while I work. This isn’t the escape I need.

Thus, the return of occasional road trips is welcomed. They serve as a healthy distraction from my everyday routine.

A Tale of Two Extremes

WordCamp US will be my first “flagship” event. I previously stuck to a few local and regional gatherings.

The best aspect of smaller events is familiarity. You get to know your way around the venue. And you also start to see the same faces each year. That’s a big bonus for us introverts.

Sadly, these events haven’t returned to my area. The pandemic seems to have a particularly negative impact on them. And I do wonder if they’ll ever come back.

But this year’s WordCamp US is within a few hours’ drive. Therefore, I decided to jump in head first. “Why not make a long weekend of it?” I thought.

It sounds fun! But this ups the social ante quite a bit. The number of attendees will be significantly larger than I’m used to. And there will be dozens of online friends that I’ll be meeting in person for the first time.

It’s akin to a science experiment. You keep a web designer in relative captivity for a few years. Then release them into the unknown. Who knows what hilarity will follow?

Preparing for the Onslaught of Socialization

So, how does one prepare for a return to in-person events? Maybe I need to treat it like the Olympics and train. Some advanced preparation couldn’t hurt.

There’s a real possibility of becoming overwhelmed. With that in mind, here are a few ideas to deal with those feelings:

Don’t Try To Plan Every Moment

Perhaps the best plan is not to plan at all. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have specific goals. But it’s also important to remain flexible.

Creating a rigid plan is bound to fail. For instance, you might end up in a nice conversation with someone. You don’t want to spend it worrying that you’re missing something.

Having a general outline may be more effective. Make note of the conference sessions you want to attend and the people you want to see. But don’t be afraid to go with the flow, either.

Take each moment as it comes. Give yourself time to enjoy what’s in front of you.

Have an Escape Route

Socializing can be exhausting for introverts. We expend a lot of energy when engaged in conversation. That’s not to say we’re having a bad time – quite the opposite. But the act doesn’t come naturally to us.

Finding solitude is one way to combat fatigue. Stake out a quiet spot where you can recuperate. That might be your hotel room. Or it could be a quick walk out to a parking lot.

It’s a great way to relieve some pressure and collect yourself. After a few minutes of rest, you can get back to the crowds.

Realize That You’re Not Alone

It’s easy to experience sensory overload during these events. Especially when you’re used to a more subdued environment. All the noise and people moving about can be unnerving.

You might feel alone in those moments. But chances are that others feel the same.

Just knowing this can be comforting. However, you can also seek out the support of others. Try striking up a conversation with a friend or acquaintance. Even talking to a stranger might do the trick.

Making connections can be difficult. But it’s likely one of the reasons you came in the first place. Take advantage of the opportunity.

Just a Designer Stepping Out Into the World

When it comes to attending events, I’ve noticed a pattern in my behavior:

1. Get excited about the event;
2. Register for the event;
3. Panic and regret registering for the event;
4. Show up anyway;
5. Be better for the experience of attending;

Moving past the fear in Step 3 is always a challenge. But things tend to improve once I make peace with it.

The truth is that getting out of the office is healthy – even if the thought of doing so is frightening. Sometimes that feeling is a great motivator.

If you’re in a similar situation, it’s OK. Don’t be too hard on yourself. If this grumpy designer can get back out there, so can you!

The post The Grumpy Designer Meets the Outside World (Again) appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Each event has an interesting mix of presenters. You’ll find anyone from WordPress core contributors to passionate users willing to share some tips and advice. But the presentations aren’t just about technical knowledge. You also get a healthy mix of business advice and other forms of inspiration. What you end up with is a day (or two) of hearing from different people with different perspectives.

In that spirit, here are a handful of terrific presentations that run the gamut of subject matter. Each is worth taking the time out to watch.

Aaron Jorbin: The Website That Almost Didn’t Launch

I was in the audience for Aaron Jorbin’s talk at WordCamp Lancaster (US) 2017. It is by far one of the most compelling presentations I’ve ever seen. Jorbin tells the story of how a very large publication (hint: they’re famous for their satirical cartoons) went about re-launching their website using WordPress and all of the unexpected challenges that they had to face. There are no slides, no special effects – just an edge-of-your-seat story that will leave you quite impressed.

Tammie Lister: Getting to know Gutenberg

Tammie Lister is the team lead for the Gutenberg project, the brand-new editing experience that ships with WordPress 5.0. Therefore, she is the perfect person to provide some behind-the-scenes info on how the editor works and how it will change the content creation process.

Aaron Campbell: How The WordPress Security Team Works

Aaron Campbell is head of the WordPress Security Team. He’s also someone we interviewed awhile back regarding another of his sessions about finding success while being an introvert. Here, he provides a fascinating look at how WordPress handles security issues.

Panel Discussion: How Do You Build a Custom Theme?

WordPress enables us to accomplish our design and development goals in a variety of different ways. A great example of this is in custom theme development. At WordCamp London 2017, a panel of experts spoke about their process for building themes. It’s interesting to learn about some of the various approaches that are taken.

Morten Rand-Hendriksen: CSS Grid Changes Everything (About Web Layouts)

CSS Grid is one of the biggest advancements in web design layout that we’ve ever seen. Morten Rand-Hendriksen introduces us to what CSS Grid is and demonstrates the power of what it can do. But this talk is also a prime example that not all WordCamp sessions are about WordPress, specifically. There are sessions that cover a variety of topics that relate to design, development and business in more general terms.

Always Worth the Time

I’ve attended a number of local and regional WordCamps over the years and I can honestly say that each one has been a worthwhile experience. There is always an opportunity to learn a development technique, a new plugin, a business strategy or you may even benefit from a valuable piece of advice.

Then there are the attendees. If you visit the same camp more than once, you’ll find a great mix of new and familiar faces. People (even this somewhat shy guy) tend to be very willing to strike up a conversation. The atmosphere is very fun and relaxed, while the tickets are quite affordable.

The talks above are examples of both the variety of subjects discussed and presenters you’ll interact with. I would encourage you to seek out a WordCamp in your area and experience it for yourself. But even if you can’t get out to the next gathering in person, you can still enjoy the presentations via WordPress.tv.

The post 5 Must-See WordCamp Presentations appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

First of all, attending a WordCamp in your area is fairly cheap compared to other conferences, with tickets usually around $20 USD. For that, you’ll get a day packed full of learning opportunities, a chance to meet like-minded devs, and a pretty cool t-shirt. How many other events offer all of that value for just $20?

Sometimes, traditional conferences can feel a bit formal and stuffy. WordCamp is nothing like that. There are a lot of creative people in attendance and everyone is encouraged to relax and be themselves. No need to wear a suit or evening gown. In 2012, I spoke at WordCamp Baltimore wearing jeans and a WordPress t-shirt. It felt right at home.

Another important contrast compared to other conferences is that you don’t need to be a WordPress expert to be welcomed and accepted at a WordCamp. In fact, most camps have tracks specifically for users that have little or no experience of WordPress. They are great for getting your questions answered and for learning the basics of the platform.

If you are an advanced designer or developer, there are sessions geared towards helping you learn how to take advantage of the latest and most powerful features from WordPress. I can personally attest to having gained knowledge on many important subjects such as security, custom post types, responsive design and version control. Many sessions will whet your appetite for knowledge and provide a great starting point on your quest to gaining new skills.

WordCamp sessions provide you with not only a diverse subject matter but a diverse group of presenters as well. You’ll have the chance to learn from expert coders, designers, bloggers, marketers, and quite often, a lead session with someone that contributes to the WordPress Core.

That learning diversity is a beautiful thing. Listening and interacting with speakers from different backgrounds, varied specialties and experience levels can have such a positive effect on your own skill-set that it leads you to think outside of your comfort zone and push your WP knowledge ever-further.

Last but not least, you are bound to meet some very cool people who share a passion for their work. You might gain some new friendships and resources for learning even more about your favorite CMS.

Is there a Wordcamp near you? Chances are there will be. You can check the Wordcamp schedule here.

The post Is There a Wordcamp Near You? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Saturday (March 24th) will open the event with a series of talks on WordPress! A full program of Saturdays events are available on their website. Saturday’s high point is likely to be the SEO talk by Joost de Valk.

On Sunday (March 25th), talks will include such highlights as our very own CTO Andrew Killen’s talk on website performance optimization and Rogier Mostert on social network integration. Again, the full schedule for day 2 is available online.

The conference will be held at Seats2Meet in Utrecht, lasting until around 5pm on Sunday. If you’re available, stop in and say hi!

The post WordCamp hits the Netherlands this weekend appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.