Ship Wrecked WordPress Plugins
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Ship Wrecked WordPress Plugins
It's Episode 571 and we have plugins for User Logs, Thank-you Woo Pro, Preloading, Ultra Shortcodes, All the Socials, Responding Popups… and ClassicPress Options. It's all coming up on WordPress Plugins A-Z!
User Logs, Custom Thank You Pages PRO for WooCommerce, Preload Everything, WordPress Shortcodes Plugin – Shortcodes Ultimate, Social Share Buttons, Social Sharing Icons, Click To Tweet – Social Media Plugin by Social Snap , Popup Maker – Responsive Popup, Exit Intent Pop Up, E-mail Optins, Autoresponder & More……. and ClassicPress options on Episode 571.
John's Intro:
This is a value for value show and I look forward to everyone providing some value back.
Before I get started, you will want to hang around to the end of the show for our Q & A segment with Amber…. and to those listening on the podcast, you may want to check out the YouTube version which has some great discussions before the show starts…
Amber's Rant:
This is #30 of 50 episodes for 2022!
Ever wonder why we wind up keeping those irritating habits like pulling all nighters on the one night a week you really shouldn't be doing that? I have too… no answers as of yet though. The only thing I have really learned regarding that is it takes 30 days to create a habit, and 3 days to break it.
Hopefully everyone has had an opportunity to get outside and get some toasty sunshine on them this summer! After all, we are drawing near the end of the summer – and for those who are going to be looking for the shooting stars this week, be aware that the full moon is a Super Moon this year, and so the shooting stars will not be quite as visible! Cool we have a Super Moon, last one of the year, though also kinda sucks the timing.
If you are going camping to check out the shooting stars and the full moon, make sure you turn your phone off and ignore the socials for a few days. Take the opportunity to disconnect from that, and reconnect with your humans near you!
Laughter is the best medicine – Patch Adams says so.
We have some news from the world of WordPress for you today as well as some great plugins
News this week:
Just a quick observation: WordPress.org was down for hours this last week, and it is nearly impossible to find any information on that. Nobody seems to be talking about it, although when Amazon or FaceBook goes down for a single hour everyone talks about it. I find that interesting.
(https://wptavern.com/serverpress-is-shutting-down) ServerPress is shutting down – ServerPress is the maker of DesktopServer, a WordPress local development tool; they are announcing their shut down after 12 years of business due to the rapid changes in the world of WordPress. In their farewell letter to their customers they stated that having been so focused on building out their v5.0, they lost site of the changes in the WordPress world, and realized too late that they will not be able to afford the overhead costs associated with continuing the country. When asked about possibly making DesktopServer available as open source code, the response was vague only stating that they cannot say at this time – though it may be something that will be considered down the road.
They have stated that they will continue to support their Premium Subscribers until their subscription is up, which for some may mean migrating to another local development tool.
For those who use ServerPress, be aware that they are shutting down if you did not receive the letter and think about your own next steps on what you will do.
(https://wptavern.com/new-proposal-calls-for-contributors-to-stop-merging-experimental-apis-from-gutenberg-to-wordpress-core) New proposal calls for contributors to stop merging experimental APIs from Gutenberg to WordPress Core – The practice of merging experimental APIs from Gutenberg into WordPress core may soon (hopefully soon!) be coming to an end. The proposal was published by Automattic-sponsored contributor Adam Zielinski. The issue he brings up is that the users are using these experimental features that could be removed or changed at any time, causing a serious maintenance burden. Every new Gutenberg/WordPress release means potentially breaking changes – which all developers are familiar with; this is one of the reasons we recommend not updating immediately, but instead waiting for a bit before updating.
(https://wptavern.com/gutenberg-contributors-experiment-with-custom-labeling-of-blocks-in-list-view) Gutenberg contributors experiment with custom labeling of Blocks in List View – Rich Tabor proposed a solution to the clicking around wildly to make the block you are looking for surface: set it up so users can double-click to rename a block within the list, giving it a unique identifier. Allowing this custom labeling/naming of the blocks in the List View is only currently available for Group blocks only. When the idea was posted in Twitter though, there was an overwhelmingly positive response. The idea is currently in testing and the pros and cons being weighed.
(https://wptavern.com/gutenberg-13-8-introduces-fluid-typography-support-and-revamped-quote-block) Gutenberg 13.8 introduces Fluid Typography Support and Revamped Quote Block – Last week's release had some major enhancements that should delight block theme authors and users alike! Like the fluid typography support that provides smooth scaling between smaller and larger viewports, adapting in a fluid way to varying widths. There is also Template part UX improvements, border controls for image blocks, post comments and comments blocks have been merged into a single block, new content size and wise size controls in global styles under ‘layout' allowing users to override content dimensions defined by a theme, improved labels and tool tips across the editors, and a new WhatsApp icon for the Social Icon block.
(https://wptavern.com/wordcamp-us-2022-publishes-speaker-schedule-livestream-will-be-available) WordCamp US 2022 publishes speaker schedule, livestream will be available – If you are interested in the WordCamp, it will be going on from September 9th to September 11th. It is happening in San Diego, CA this year, and the three day event will feature three tracks with a combo of lightning talks (15 mins), standard talks (45 mins), and workshops (1+hours).
(https://thenextweb.com/news/study-just-how-many-remote-workers-are-actually-lonely) First of its kind study SCRW (Social Connection in Remote Work): just how many remote workers are actually lonely? – The answer is not exactly what one would think – most of the people who work from home are less lonely now than they were when they worked in an office surrounded by co-workers! Only 15% of the sample population of 1,000 workers in 55 countries fell into the ‘at risk' category of feeling lonely. Very interesting read!
The extras – for even more extra news, check out our Facebook, or Twitter page!
This is the extra news stuff that someone out there might find interesting. To read more, you can head on over to the show notes or newsletter and check it out! If you find something to add for next show, send me a link at amber@wppro.ca
(https://thenextweb.com/news/governments-and-private-companies-need-to-take-responsibility-for-space-junk) We need to talk about Space Junk – This is something brought up a few times every year, though the more we send things out there the more they collide and the more they cause possible catastrophic damage in the near future. Read on my space junkies to find out more!
(https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/offer/deals/practice-for-job-interviews-with-this-ai-prep-coach-deal/) – Practice for job interviews with this AI prep coach! Pretty cool right? Check out the article for more information!
(https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/githubs-new-privacy-policy-sparks-backlash-over-tracking-cookies/) GitHub's new privacy policy sparks backlash over tracking cookies – Whoops! That is something worth reading about – check out the article!
(https://thenextweb.com/news/future-dark-matter-research-will-ultimately-be-decided-by-politicians) The future of dark matter research will ultimately be decided by politicians – Now why do you think that is? Read the article to find out!
(https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-exchange-extended-protection-needed-to-fully-patch-new-bugs/) Microsoft: Exchange ‘extended protection' needed to fully patch new bugs – Actually, that sounds about par for Microsoft. ‘Your computer will be hacked and your livelihood will be destroyed if you don't get these new bugs fully patched – now pay us even though you spend an obscene amount of money to get our program that we promised we would fully support for you'…. Or perhaps I am wrong, and the article says something entirely different! Check out the article to find out!
(https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/chinese-hackers-use-new-windows-malware-to-backdoor-govt-defense-orgs/) Chinese hackers use new Windows malware to backdoor govt, defense orgs – Ah, yes, the backdoor method. Read the article to find out all the nitty gritty details!
(https://thenextweb.com/news/russia-building-a-satellite-blinding-laser-expert-technology) Russia's reportedly building a satellite-blinding laser – An expert explains what that means – Honestly, I think the whole idea is awesome! Not for the destruction, but just the idea of building a giant laser – Dr. Evil would be so proud! Although I am sure he would find a way to add in sharks somehow… that guy loved sharks….
Matt's Famous Quotes
https://www.idrlabs.com/quotes/matt-mullenweg.php
The hall of shame via Automattic:
transparency.automattic.com/tag/hall-of-shame/
This show won't work without YOU the Producers as this is a Value for Value kind of show!
If you find value in our show, toss some value back! Help keep the show going so we can keep on plugging!
Show Producers
This is where we like to take the time to thank everyone who supports the show!
This weeks show Artwork is by:
Greg's Graphics (Greg Holdsworth) — https://gregsgraphics.com
You can Submit Artwork yourself by going to https://wppluginsatoz.com/artwork/
You can also check out all the art work yourself by going to https://wppluginsatoz.com/show-art-submitted/
Show Executive Producer/'s up on the stage this week:
Nobody this week, maybe next week!
Executive Producers are the ones coming in with $50.00 or more in donations. You can also send along a note that will be read out live on the show! You can just say hi, or you can send in your elevator speech and get a little self promotion while donating to a good cause!
Back Room Producers hanging-out in the Lounge:
Back Room Producers play a big part in keeping this show going! Some of these producers are the anonymous benefactors coming in with donations under $50.00.
Our best known Back Room Producers are those who help us out with our contests, artwork, and site organization!
Some of our Back Room Producers help out the show by sending us in notes, questions, plugin suggestions, and plugin reviews.
Other Back Room Producers help out the show by sending in licenses for the contests.
Our least visible Back Room Producers help out the show by hiring us! This is as good as donating, plus we get the added bonus of more experience to bring to our listeners here on the show!
A big thank you to all the Producers out there, we couldn't do this show without you!
Support the show with your Time, Talent, or Treasure:
Time Support:
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Spread the word about WP Plugins A to Z through your social media, YouTube – wherever you find yourself! Get on out there to round them up and rope them all in, then belly up to the bar and enjoy with your catch of the day while we do our best to bring you the latest and greatest of plugins and news with a laugh!
You can also catch us live on our YouTube Channel every Thursday at 11 AM PDT – show up by 10:45 AM PDT to catch our pre-stream! Really quite entertaining most days as we fiddle with the dials and knobs to chase away the gremlins that have moved in since the week before.
Send us in articles, news, or general WordPress information to share either here on the show or on the WP Plugins A to Z site. You can do this anonymously, or have your name attached – just let us know in the email. Articles and General WordPress information will land on the site, while News may land either here on the show, or on the site – or both!
Send us in plugin suggestions or reviews for the show. This can be a plugin you love or hate, your own write up, or just a recommendation for a plugin to review!
Random tasks that need doing. See a task that you'd like to take on? Shoot us an email and we can talk about it!
Talent Support:
Submit Artwork into WP Plugins Art Generator. LOVE seeing the creativity of all the artists out there! Submit your artwork to https://wppluginsatoz.com/artwork/
See somewhere that could use your talent? Shoot us an email and we can talk about it!
Treasure Support:
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Something we haven't listed here? Shoot us an email and we can talk!
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Off we go into the meat and potatoes, Into the depths of plugin depravity…..
ClassicPress Options
ClassicPress DOES have a future – we just don't have the time to help ClassicPress get themselves out there right now.
As the ClassicPress World expands the number of ClassicPress specific plugins in their own repository we see them growing. There are a few plugins specifically for ClassicPress currently, and all the plugins for WordPress 4.9.9 work well.
If anyone out there is using ClassicPress and would like to send in some reviews or news, we will gladly add it into this section! You can do so anonymously or let the world know your name – we will respect your choice!
ClassicPress News:
ClassicPress has projects they are looking to have some support with. They have a page with these projects listed and who the contact is for the project. Check out the following page if you are using ClassicPress and are interested in helping them move forward! https://forums.classicpress.net/t/currently-active-projects/3630
They also have some petitions posted check them out! https://forums.classicpress.net/c/governance/petitions/77
Check out the new ‘chats' in the forum
https://forums.classicpress.net/
WordPress does have a section devoted to plugins that are compatible with ClassicPress, check it out!
https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/classicpress/
If you're looking to learn how to use ClassicPress check out the tutorials on their site.
https://www.classicpress.net/category/tutorials/
For some up to date news on ClassicPress check out the ClassicPress Blog.
ClassicPress Resources:
“Must Have” Plugins List
https://forums.classicpress.net/t/must-have-plugins-list/1163
You can check out the ClassicPress repository here https://directory.classicpress.net/plugins They now have 71 plugins (and counting!) available.
ClassicPress Information – The information that will keep, and help you on your way to understanding and using ClassicPress!
Find out more about ClassicPress 1.4.0 rc2 https://forums.classicpress.net/t/classicpress-1-4-0-rc2-release-notes/3785?fbclid=IwAR3wGK5IW8ssJ-XC4k7IiZMBtSjUTVN2pexk6ATCRvuMN-Fn-McOy-XJJv8
WordPress Plugins
Are you looking for some great newly released plugins? Check out this link:
https://wordpress.org/plugins/browse/new/
——————————–
John's Plugin
User Logs
https://wordpress.org/plugins/user-logs/
The Lowdown:
User Logs plugin allows you to monitor user activity on your website. View user logins, logouts, comments and user registrations.
- The plugin helps fight spam. Filter the logs by IP address to find out any suspicious activity.
- Interact with Google line chart for a better view at spikes in user registrations, logins, comments etc. Filter data as per your requirement.
- The plugin is Light weight and fast.
Rating 4 Dragons
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Amber's Plugin
WordPress Shortcodes Plugin – Shortcodes Ultimate
https://wordpress.org/plugins/shortcodes-ultimate/
The Lowdown:
Once installed and activated, you will find the dashboard to the left hand side. They start you out in the ‘About' section, which is very helpful if you are new to using Shortcodes.
You can write your own shortcodes with this plugin, or you can click on the ‘View All Shortcodes' button in the ‘About' section. This will take you to the plugin maker's site, where you can search for the shortcode you are wanting, or you can browse through all the shortcodes available.
The ones available are impressive and include (though not limited to!) posts, accordion, buttons, image carousel, lists, QR Code, Highlight, Dummy Text – there are SO many! Over 50 in the free version.
In the premium version you will get extra shortcodes, additional skins, shortcode creator, and even more add-ons.
This is a great plugin as they give you everything you need to really get started in the free version! Worth checking out for sure!
Rating: 5 Dragons
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John's Plugin
Custom Thank You Pages PRO for WooCommerce
https://wordpress.org/plugins/custom-thank-you-pages-for-woocommerce/
The Lowdown:
This plugin lets you setup custom WooCommerce thank you (aka “order received”) pages for: * single products * by category * for all products at once.
The custom thank you page could be a page within your WordPress or any URL outside of your site.
You can also add any tracking codes to these custom TY pages. This helps you setup more advanced tracking for WooCommerce so much easier.
For example, if you have to track different conversion events for different checkout funnels, you can easily set that up with the plugin.
Rating 4 Dragons
——————————–
Amber's Plugin
Social Share Buttons. Social Sharing Icons, Click To Tweet – Social Media Plugin by Social Snap
https://wordpress.org/plugins/socialsnap/
The Lowdown:
This is a plugin to set up Social Share buttons on your pages.
When I first activated this, I was surprised to see such a comprehensive dashboard. You will find the dashboard on the left hand side under ‘Social Snap'. Here you can change the look and feel of the buttons, decide which buttons will appear, where they will appear (top, sides, bottom), and enter in your links.
The way this works, is once you have created your Social Share Buttons and have them to your liking, they will appear on every page and post of your site in the spot you place them – though you have the option to go into the post or page and turn the option off for them showing.
I really like the ability to personalize these buttons this way, and I like that you don't need to individually add them to every post and page – they just show up.
Although I think I like the fact that there is an option to stop them from showing even more – all the other plugins I have tested up to this point that automatically show on your pages and posts do not have this option. They have the option of showing up on only posts or pages, or even in specific categories – though this is my first time seeing a plugin that offers the option on individual pages and posts to turn the buttons off for only that page or post. Very cool!
There is a Premium Version; in the Free Version you do not have access to all of the Social Media Buttons, and you do not have access to all of the personalization options. Be sure to double check that the social media option you need is available in the Free Version if you are not wanting to go pro.
Rating: 4 Dragons
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John's Plugin
Preload Everything
https://wordpress.org/plugins/preload-everything/
The Lowdown:
Turn Your Website Into An Ajax Powered Instant Loaded Single Page Website. It’s Not SPA, but More Likely! Make Your Website More Fast By Caching The Pages Ahead Of The Time. While Your Visitors On A Page, Preload Other Pages For Fast Access! You Can Cache Internal, External or Even Both Type Pages! Plugin Will Use Browser Built-In Storage First To Store Caches, As Well As Clearing Them When User Leaves The Website! The Cache LifeTime is Equal Session Lifetime! Once User Closes The Tab Caches Also Be Deleted!
Features:
- Enable/Disable The Plugin Functionality
- Cache Your Pages Ahead Of The Time
- Uses Browser Native LocalStorage & SessionStorage To Store Cache Content
- Fallback To JS Variable Cache Storage If Local-Session Storage is Not Available/Full
- Clears Cache On Tab Close
- Set Cache For Internal-External Links Explicitly
Rating 4 Dragons
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Amber's Plugin
Popup Maker – Responsive popup, Exit Intent Pop up, email Optins, Autoresponder & More
https://wordpress.org/plugins/popup-maker-wp/
The Lowdown:
The first thing that happens when you activate this plugin and go to the dashboard – found on the right hand side under ‘Popup Maker' – is you see a notification stating that you need to create a free account with ‘Popup Maker'.
I don't like it when plugins do this. I don't like the fact that in order to use their plugin you need to go and make a free account; I feel like that is a bit of an underhanded way to get information – you have what they need, but only allow them to use it they give you your info. I don't like it.
However, I have to admit that they provide a lot of options. You have access to loads of templates, and the option to create your own from scratch. They don't have a Premium Version, though in a way you are paying with your information – they really do set you up well, and offer a lot of personalization on the popup you create.
The popup's look great, work well, and although I don't like it, it is admittedly a decent trade for the information you give them.
Tip – they are one of the few places that accept the 555-5555 number for your phone number, so if you don't feel comfortable passing them your number steal the dud number from the movies. They definitely have that in their favour in my opinion.
Rating: 5 Dragons
——————————–
Random links for plugins
WordPress plugins crafted from love and experience
https://codeat.co/
Listener Feedback / Audio Clips
Feel Free sending in your thoughts to us – The Good, The Bad, The Ugly – we'll take them all!
Listener Questions
Nothing this week, maybe next week! – Remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question!
There is no contest right now – we are just waiting on the worker bees to return with our next contest! Be sure to stay tuned to find out what will be available next! If anyone out there would like to help our current worker bees, contact us. Many hands make light work and more contests!
There is no contest right now – we are just waiting on the worker bees to return with our next contest!
Be sure to stay tuned to find out what will be available next! If anyone out there would like to help our current worker bees, contact us. Many hands make light work and more contests!
Contests Powered by Simple Giveaways who kindly provides us with the premium version for our contests.
A BIG Thank You to Steve Goodtime & Brant Matthews who have created our Awesome jingle for the contests!
A BIG Thank You to Steve Goodtime & Brant Matthews who have created our Awesome jingle for the contests!
A BIG Thank You to Charlie for coming to the aid of the show and getting our contests all organized!
We also want to give a BIG Thank You to all the Developers for supporting our show with their plugin donations! Please be sure to check them out!
Short note about participating in the contests folks – we go to great efforts to get these licenses. We would LOVE to see a bit more participation from you, The Producers.
Visit http://WPPluginsAtoZ.com/contests for more info.
For all developers who would like to support the show. You can donate a premium license to be used in a future contest please go toWPPluginsAtoZ.com/PluginContest
Visit http://WPPluginsAtoZ.com/contests for more info.
For all developers who would like to support the show. You can donate a premium license to be used in a future contest please go to WPPluginsAtoZ.com/PluginContest
Visit http://WPPluginsAtoZ.com/contests for more info.
For all developers who would like to support the show. You can donate a premium license to be used in a future contest please go to WPPluginsAtoZ.com/PluginContest
The plugins we covered were:
John’s Plugins: User Logs – 4, Custom Thank You Pages PRO for WooCommerce – 4, Preload Everything – 4
Amber's Plugins: WordPress Shortcodes Plugin – Shortcodes Ultimate – 5, Social Share Buttons. Social Sharing Icons, Click To Tweet – Social Media Plugin by Social Snap – 4, Popup Maker – Responsive popup, Exit Intent Pop up, email Optins, Autoresponder & More -5
Matt's Famous Quotes
https://www.idrlabs.com/quotes/matt-mullenweg.php
Reminders / Commercial / Promotions:
Next Week:
Next Meet Up is planned for September 10th at 3pm! You will have to RSVP to join us – you can do so at https://theroguestavern.com/events/month/2022-09/ – Be sure to RSVP or you won't be able to find us! Looking forward to having you there and catching up!
Would you like to be on an interview show? Simply connect at https://wppluginsatoz.com/interview
If you have suggestions on plugins you would like to have reviewed please submit them on the website at https://wppluginsatoz.com/submit-plugin-review/
Q & A Time with Amber ——– Catch this info on our YouTube Channel
If you have questions you would like to have asked on the show, send them in to me at Amber@WPPro.ca and we will answer to the best of our ability!
- It appears that most people who wind up in this business have ADHD, though I have spoken with a few people with ADHD who are incapable of focusing on the computer because of all the distractions that exist on the computer.
- Do you have any advice to offer those out there who are finding it hard to focus on the computer due to constant distractions offered?
- Why do you think we have moved so far away from the original design of using HTML coding in sites?
- Learning HTML and CSS is a must for this branch of work – is there another coding language that you would recommend people learn alongside the HTML and the CSS?
Closing out this Episode
Just some reminders:
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How to Contact Us:
John can be contacted at:
- on my website @ http://www.johnoverall.com/
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- email: john@wppro.ca
Amber can be contacted at:
- email: amber@wppro.ca
