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The Ever Changing WordPress Plugin

John's Intro:

It's Episode 616 and we have plugins for Embedding YouTubery and Ultimate XML'n'CSV… and WordPress News. It's all coming up on WordPress Plugins A-Z!

– ‘good morning, good afternoon, good evening, wherever you happen to be hiding out there on the globe today! Coming to you LIVE from …'

Amber's Rant:

Welcome to Episode 616 – The Ever Changing WordPress Plugins – We've got a couple of great in-depth plugins to cover for you, some recent news in both the WordPress World and the Tech World in general, and some awesome WordPress Tips!

As Jack Frost gets his dance just right so we are waking up with frost everywhere looking like it snowed a little. I hope everyone is finding their touques and scarves so they can keep warm on their way into work and school in the morning! In our area there's a couple spots on the highway that don't get any sun at all at this time of year, and it truly looks like snow even though it's just frost building up night after night. Living in a hilly area is kinda cool!

A few reminders before we start the show today….

Reminders:

A head up for those who may have missed the talks and announcements, our show has moved to every other Monday. This means our next show will be on December 11th, 2023. Listen for an announcement for what will happen around Christmas and New Years 'cause we always get a little funky about that time!
Remember that the show starts at 12:30 PM Pacific Time, with a pre-stream starting around 12:15 PM Pacific Time. Pre-stream is where we twiddle with the dials and knobs and really just warm up our voices, so join in for some entertainment value!
Our show notes for each episode can be found at wppluginsatoz.com – the newest show notes will be up within 24 hours and on our front page!
Don't forget that this is a value for value show, and that you are a big part of it's creation! You are our producers, and we need you to help us produce! Get out there and hit some like buttons, share an episode or two, and let people know that you help to produce the longest running WordPress Plugins podcast!

That's it for reminders, don't forget to stick around until the end of the show for some possibly life altering advice!

...When you see this in the notes, it means we didn't read this on the show. The only way to find this information out is to read our Show Notes!

…You can send any questions/suggestions or notes saying ‘hi' over to me at amber@wppro.ca, or hit up our site wpppluginsatoz.com/contact – Be creative with the title so that the spammer eater doesn't eat your note though!

Let's start the show with this weeks Featured Artist:

Artist:

Greg's Graphics
(Greg Holdsworth) — https://gregsgraphics.com

Love these guys! So much fun to watch them wander around – takes them forever to decide whether to put a foot down or not…

Going through the Art Vaults is awesome, but we would love some new art! You can send it into us at https://wppluginsatoz.com/artwork/. You can also check out the art vaults yourself there too!

…We can NEVER have too much art!

Breaking News in the WordPress World at large!!

…If I missed something, shoot me a link at amber@wppro.ca – it may show up on the next show!

News this week:

WordPress Vulnerability Report – November 22, 2023
(https://solidwp.com/blog/category/wordpress-vulnerability-report/) – 141 new vulnerabilities overall since their last report; there are 84 patched and 57 unpatched. Well known plugins such as WooCommerce, Jetpack, EWW Image Optimizer, WP Fastest Cache, and Forminator need to be updated ASAP if you are a user. Have a look through the list to see what you might have in your site that needs updating.

WordPress Vulnerability Report from PatchStack
(https://patchstack.com/database/) – This is a great link to keep in your saved list for more information on vulnerabilities and things to look out for.

New feature we noticed in WordPress
When doing our work the other day, John realized that there seem to be a new and useful feature in WordPress where when a plugin is no longer on WordPress Repository, you no longer have the option to activate the plugin in your site. Only option available is to delete it. He took a screenshot that you can check out here: https://app.screencast.com/25Wy3iJ6Qfqzn

Elementor Pro Pricing update slashes features in the Essential Plan for new customers
(https://wptavern.com/elementor-pro-pricing-update-slashes-features-in-the-essential-plan-for-new-customers) – What this means, is that in the future the Elementor Pro Essential plan is going to change; you will still get the Theme Builder along with access to 50+ Pro widgets, basic marketing tools, and the Form widget, but it will shift other more advanced features to the more expensive pricing tiers – things like the Popup Builder, e-commerce features including PayPal button, Stripe button, and the full WooCommerce builder or collaboration tools like Not4es or the Role Manager are being moved to the Advanced plan or higher. The decision will be rolled out on December 4, 2023 – to find out more follow the link in our show notes.

Brainstorm Force invests in LatePoint Bookings and Appointment Scheduling Plugin
(https://wptavern.com/brainstorm-force-invests-in-latepoint-bookings-and-appointment-scheduling-plugin) – Brainstorm Force is the maker of the popular Astra theme for those that are unaware. Recently they have invested in LatePoint, a commercial booking and appointment scheduling plugin for WordPress. This could be great for Astra users, hopefully will continue to be great for current users of LatePoint. If you are a user of LatePoint, be sure to check out the article to get a better idea of what to expect.

Last Call
(https://wptavern.com/last-call) – This is to be the last article written by Sarah Gooding, someone who's articles we have been bringing to the show for quite a while! She is moving onto newer and grander things within the world of tech, and has left this article with her favourite 10 articles she has written over the years. If you are interested follow the link in our show notes to find the links to her favourite articles written over the years.

This smart ring claims to be the lightest ever – and the first with haptic navigation
(https://thenextweb.com/news/circular-ring-slim-thinnest-lightest-smart-ring) – It's slim, light, and craves human touch! Weighing in at just 2 grams and measuring at a mere 2.2mm in thickness, the device packs big features into such a tiny frame! This ring is used to analyse the wearers health by assessing seven biometrics and 142 derived markers. These markers are captured by a suite of sensors. One is a simple surface temperature sensor. Another is a three-azis accelerometer count, which assesses activity and movement. There is so much more to read about this too!

I thought this was a pretty nifty creation, considering how small and light this is, it has so much to offer! Talk about a difference between this and the first ‘smart' watches we called ‘baby-g' watches back in the day. Those things were bulky as heck – and had waaaaayyyyyy less available! It's amazing to see the difference between the tech when I was a kid and now sometimes. Check out the link to find out more!

The Extras – check out our Facebook, or Twitter page for even more!

What's Next?
https://wptavern.com/whats-next) – Matt Mullenweg is looking for new writers for the WP Tavern to replace Sarah Gooding – send in your application if you think you are a good fit!

WooCommerce 8.3 makes cart, checkout, and order confirmation blocks default on new installations
(https://wptavern.com/woocommerce-8-3-makes-cart-checkout-and-order-confirmation-blocks-default-on-new-installations)

WordCamp Aisia extends sponsor application deadline
(https://wptavern.com/wordcamp-asia-extends-sponsor-application-deadline)

Everything startups need to know about building security compliance program
(https://thenextweb.com/news/everything-startups-need-to-know-about-building-a-security-compliance-program)

This new EV supercharger on wheels recharges in just 6 minutes
(https://thenextweb.com/news/mobile-ev-supercharger)

AI is transforming the English dictionary
(https://thenextweb.com/news/ai-is-transforming-the-english-dictionary)

World-first CRISPR gene-editing therapy approved in UK
(https://thenextweb.com/news/world-first-crispr-therapy-approved-uk)

UK won't regulate AI anytime soon, minister says
(https://thenextweb.com/news/uk-wont-regulate-ai-soon-minister)

AI hallucinations pose ‘direct threat' to science, Oxford study warns
(https://thenextweb.com/news/ai-hallucinations-pose-direct-threat-science)

These AI agents could cut your workweek to just 3 days
(https://thenextweb.com/news/ai-agents-three-day-workweek)

Dragon Rating Time!

John's Plugin

Embed Plus YouTube WordPress Plugin With YouTube Gallery, Channel, Playlist, Live Stream

https://wordpress.org/plugins/youtube-embed-plus/

Version:14.2.1.2

Requires:4.5 or higher

Compatible up to:6.7.1

Released:24 December 2012

Downloads:7758153

Last Updated:12 November 2024

Ratings:

4.6

(4.6 star out of 5)

Download Link:Click here

The Lowdown:

Covering both the Free and Pro versions

YouTube WordPress Plugin to embed and customize a YouTube gallery (channel or playlist), YouTube livestream (and premiere), YouTube short, or standard YouTube video. This YouTube WordPress plugin can be customized in a wide variety of ways. The plugin also focuses on performance with the ability to lazy load with a facade and defer JavaScript while serving minified CSS and JavaScript. Here are a few recently added features to all versions (free and Pro) of this WordPress plugin:

If your looking for a plugin to place videos on your site in particular YouTube video this one is great. With a YouTube API key you can auto draw in videos and lists with ease.

Rating 5 Dragons

WordPress Tips

We would love to hear some tid bit tips from some of our producers out there – what did you figure out by breaking something? Or what did you need to learn in order to help someone? You can send these tid bits into me at amber@wppro.ca

Making Sites

One of the main things I was told when I took welding, was to ‘get comfy'. I was told over and over by all the prof's that taught us, ‘you're gonna be standing and/or sitting there until that entire bead is done, and that can take a rather long time. So don't start off uncomfortable. Take the extra time getting comfy first.'

Same thing goes for working on websites. Get comfy! If that means finding your favourite socks, loosest pants, fuzzy sweater, extra pillows, or even lighting a good smelling candle – do it! Take that extra time before you get started to get comfy – 'cause just like in any other trade, once you are into work, once you are hitting that ‘zone' – you won't realize just how badly you are damaging yourself or how freaking cold you are getting until you are done. And by that time, the damage is done, and now you gotta go reverse any and all damage you may have done to yourself by letting yourself get cold or holding your back in an awkward position for way too long.

You are not being fussy by adding an extra pillow for back support, and spending that $350 on a chair you can sit in all day is not a waste of money.

Keep that saying in mind and use it as your mantra before starting work and when looking at things that will help to keep you comfy for long period of time at the desk, and you will find that not only do you get more work done, but you will have more energy to get up and finish the laundry, go for a walk, and feed the humans in training.

Get comfy.

Beginners Tips

Hand in hand with ‘get comfy', if you feel that cold tingling or like you are getting pins and needles in your back/shoulders/hips/wherever – stop and stretch. Go for a walk, do some exercise, then when you come back make sure you reposition yourself.

DON'T ignore those sensations – because what you are feeling is literal nerve damage in it's early stages. To offer a bit of my early geek life as an example – I was a band geek. In marching band, the whole thing. And, I played flute. I can hear the american pie jokes floating around already…

When I was playing flute, I held the thing wrong for the first 4 years. My wrists were not straight, and I gave myself carpel tunnel which turned into arthritis. I had that cold tingly, almost electric pins and needles feeling – but didn't realize what I was feeling. So now, much later, I have degenerative arthritis 'cause I ignored the feeling and didn't bother fixing the way I held my flute.

Your body is telling what you're doing wrong, it's up to your brain to take the info and do something with it so you can avoid developing the worst things in your back. Took years for my wrists to get bad, but I was still made of rubber when I damaged myself. As an adult, it won't take long to damage yourself – your made of rubber years are over. You feel the damage being done, stop and fix it. Don't ‘push through it', don't ignore it, do something about it. Wont' take you but a minute, so bother.

…Some random entertainment in the World of WordPress!

…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/

Amber's Plugin

WordPress Ultimate CSV, XML Importer Pro

https://www.smackcoders.com

The Lowdown:

This week I am covering the Pro version of the Ultimate CSV, XML Importer by Smackcoders. The guys over at Smackcoders are really excited to interact with some of our producers out there who might find their plugin useful, and have made it possible for you to save a little money by using the code WPPROAtoZ30OFF to save 30%. Just head over to www.smackcoders.com and when you go to buy the pro plugin, toss in the code and save!

Now in order for you to get this plugin, you do have to download it from their site. Once the plugin is bought and paid for, look for the word ‘downloads' on your left-hand side menu on the site. In here you will find a list of any and all products you have bought, and you can click on the link offered. Once the download is saved to your computer, you want to get into your sites dashboard, go to ‘add new plugin', then at the top you will see the option for ‘upload plugin'. Click on that, and hit ‘browse' if your plugin is saved directly to your computer, otherwise drag and drop the file. Hit ‘install now', then ‘activate', and you have your new plugin!

Now, this one does not open up automatically for you, though when you look in your left-hand menu you will see ‘Ultimate CSV Importer Pro'. Click that and it will take you to the dashboard for the plugin.

First thing I noticed and really liked, is that there is really no difference between this dashboard and the free versions dashboard, which means there will be no learning curve. I have seen that a few times now where the pro version has a different dashboard – and I found it really irritating.

Going through all the options, there is no difference between the initial ‘Dashboard'. Still Importers activity and IMport Statistics.

Import/Update tab: You now have access to the bottom option of ‘choose file in the server'. This looks like when you are linked into your Cpanel file wise. If you are not overly familiar with this, I would recommend doing a bit of research before trying.

Manager: In the free version, all you had access to was ‘Log manager. Two more options of ‘file manager' and ‘templates' was visible but not available for use, just had ‘pro' stamped on it – however, in the pro version you see the following options:

‘smart schedule'
‘scheduled export'
‘templates'
‘log manager'
‘media report'

These 5 options are really interesting! The smart scheduling I can see would be very useful, alongside of scheduled export. Great if you are doing something like a show every other week and need to keep your other sites updated with the posts….

Under ‘Export' – initially we needed to install an addon to have this working. In the Pro version it is simply there for you, all in one packaging! Very useful! This offers you the same abilities as in the free version, it's just included now rather than you having to get an addon for it.

‘Settings' you have the same general setup, only now you have access to the ‘database optimization'. This area does warn that if you are going to mess around with this, that you do a proper backup beforehand because any lost data cannot be reverted. This gives you the ability to delete various items including items in trash, orphaned post/page meta, trackback comments, auto drafted post/page, etc. Very useful when building off templates!

Because everything is added into this one plugin now, you don't have an area for your ‘addons', and the ‘support' tab looks exactly the same as it did in the free version. This tells me that Smackcoders cares as much about their users who pay as they do about the ones who use the plugin for free. I really like seeing that and hope that does not lead to them burning out.

Overall, this pro version gives you the tidbits that are most useful, and that will absolutely make your life a little easier in the long run what with the ability to schedule things ahead of time to be taken care of for you with importing and exporting. I like how easy this plugin is to use – although for when you get confused and need further clarification, they have a lot of awesome videos on YouTube that run you through some fantastic how-to's!

I definitely recommend grabbing this plugin if you do a lot of moving around of things, especially if you are regularly importing and exporting posts and pages just between sites to keep both updated with the same information.

This plugin gives you the option to choose particular pages/posts, and the option to choose the authors/categories, a lot of options.

If you're unsure, the free version does give you enough to test the plugin. The free gives you a broad capability, whereas the pro gives you pinpoint precision capability and more control overall. I think they have split the plugin between the free and paid very well.

Rating: 5 Dragon

Onto Our Producer Know How and Donations Segment!

Earn yourself a Producership Credit!

We have 3 levels of Producers that help to keep the show's larders stocked to bursting – Free-Lance Producers, Back-Room Producers, and War-Room Producers. There are special perks for Back-Room and War-Room Producers that you can learn about on our site wppluginsatoz.com. Click on Time, Treasure, or Talent Donations in our main menu to learn all the nitty gritty details on how you can add your 2 cents!

Free-Lance Producers:

… Free-Lance Producers always show up when least expected, and often times when most needed! No donation required to become a Free-Lance Producer – you just are one if you're here!

… If you have listened to even 10 minutes of this show, or shown up a single time to one of our live shows on YouTube, you are one of our many Free-Lance Producers! Although you guys are always popping in and out at unexpected times, we appreciate your support and periodic help with one thing or another – thank you!

Back Room Producers:

… Back Room Producers always seem to be about the place helping with our contests, artwork, site organization, notes, questions, suggestions, and even more! While they tend to hang out a lot in the back lounge and consume massive amounts of coffee and doughnuts, it's well earned through both hard work and their donations – never above $50 dollars and absolutely equal to their Time and Talent donations!

… Back Room Producers, if you ever notice something that needs some work feel free to reach out to us and let us know – you can offer to take it up yourself, or just let us know and we will add it to our list. We always appreciate your help in organizing and changing of the coffee – thank you!

War Room Producers:

… War Room Producers receive a few extra perks with their donations of $50 or more – an official A to Z Handle of their choice, a spotlight in that weeks show for a short speech, and an official Executive Producership Credit! These credits are real and can be used in the real world to your advantage! Only draw back is that they sometimes gotta make fresh coffee when the Back Room Producers emptied the pot…

**If you prefer to stay anonymous, please let us know at the beginning of your note to us regarding your donation! We are more than happy to keep you anonymous from the world – nobody is ever forced out of the tender embrace of the shadows on this show!**

… Official A to Z Handle means you will receive a specialized login to our site. We are working to update our site where we will have a Members Only section, and you will have access to a variety of things through your personalized handle for our site! To receive your Official A to Z Handle, think up an original name, and send it in to us along with the show number and the show name.

… Your spotlight can be an elevator pitch for your business, a note, or you can just skip it – just be sure to let us know your choice and we will adhere appropriately.

… The Producership Credit we offer is REAL! When you send your donation in to us of $50 or more, please be sure to note down the number and title of the show your donation appeared on, and we will back up your right to claim Producership!

… You don't ACTUALLY have to make the Back Room Producers coffee, but you might want to make yourself a fresh one. 😉 Especially if you are planning on pointing out things going wrong on the site… we got a long list and will likely try and convince you to help us out a little!

… War Room Producers, same as for the Back Room Producers, reach out to us if you notice something that needs work! Whether you are wanting to take up the job yourself or just inform us and leave it, we will add it to our ever-growing list!

Join in and be part of your own production and support the show at the same time!

There are loads of ways to use us as your tool to get on out there like getting an interview, leaving a review for a plugin or donating your own plugin review, or your own plugin license! I recommend you give it a go and see how it helps – you can check out our show notes in this section to see all the ways to be part of your own production!

…Reach out to John and get yourself Interviewed – use us as your tool to get out there!

… Looking for a way to get your name and work out there? Use us as a stepping stone! Hit us up at https://wppluginsatoz.com/interview

…Send in your Plugin Reviews, or suggestions for a Plugin reviews!

… Have a plugin you love? Or one you really think people should avoid? Reach out to us and get your words and opinion out into the world by hitting us up at https://wppluginsatoz.com/submit-plugin-review/

…Send in your own Plugin License and add it to the contest – this is a great way to get your name and your work out there!

… Is your plugin worth its salt in Dragons? If so, send it on into us and add it to the contests! You can do this by hitting us up at https://wppluginsatoz.com/plugincontest/

…Send in questions and/or comments – we always love hearing from our Producers!

… Have a thought to share? Send it in! You can stay anonymous or belt your name out in all caps! Stitcher Radio, Google Play, or the iTunes Store. Doing this will also help you in producing the show for your own benefit too!

…You can support the show by Subscribing to our Newsletter, Donating, or reviewing us on Stitcher Radio, Google Play, or the iTunes Store. Doing this will also help you in producing the show for your own benefit too!

…You can check us out on Facebook, or our YouTube Channel! Be sure to hit the ‘like' button and share share share!

… YouTube Channel and joining us live every Monday at 12:15 PM PDT is a FANTASTIC show of support – and since you're already on the net's, might as well check out the Facebook page and hit that ‘like' button and share it out!

… Just showing up to our YouTube Channel and joining us live every Monday at 12:15 PM PDT is a FANTASTIC show of support – and since you're already on the net's, might as well check out the Facebook page and hit that ‘like' button and share it out!

… Don't forget – if you leave a review of us on any platform, that will help the show get noticed too; and if you happen to add your name to the show via questions or that awesome spotlight offered with a War Room Producership, that will get YOUR name out there too!

Questions, Notes, and Feedback from our Producers out there:

… No such thing as a stupid question people! I was new not too long ago, and I know how overwhelming it can be stepping into this world at this stage – I know for a fact that questions you have are the same questions others out there have!

Reach out through email to amber@wppro.ca, or through the site at wppluginsatoz.com/contact/!

Miscellaneous Announcements from us and Producers:

Have an announcement like a meetup, or to announce you'll be on stage at a WordCamp? Let us know and we will add it here and help get your news out to the world!

WordCamp Udaipur, Rajasthan, India – December 2

WordCamp Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India – December 9

WordCamp Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan – December 9-10

Kolkata CareerCamp – January 6

WordCamp Nepal 2024 – January 12-13

To see the entire list you can follow the link here in the show notes, then click on ‘More WordCamps' right below the list of the next 5. https://central.wordcamp.org/

If you are interested in finding a WordPress Meetup somewhere around the world you can go check out the places here: https://www.meetup.com/pro/wordpress/
If you are in Victoria BC, you can keep an eye on the WordPress Meetup's at WordPress Victoria Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/yyjwordpress/

Keep checking back every week to find out what else is going on!

And remember, the show notes found at wppluginsatoz.com has a whole lot of extra information to grab up that we don't read on air so be sure to check them out!

How to reach us:

We have a real brick and mortar address where you can send in art and/or notes – you can find the address in our show notes!

WP Plugins A to Z
C/O John Overall
20-754 E Fairview Rd.
Victoria, BC V9A 5T9
Canada

We also have virtual addresses too!

John:

My website: http://www.johnoverall.com/
WordPress Emergency Support: http://wppro.ca/wpemergency
email: john@wppro.ca

Amber:

email: amber@wppro.ca

Today's Plugins we covered were:

John’s Plugin:

Embed Plus YouTube WordPress Plugin With YouTube Gallery, Channel, Playlist, Live Stream By Embed Plus YouTube Plugin Team

Automatically center all your videos
Show/hide related videos at the end
Show/hide player controls

Rating: 5 Dragons

Amber's Plugin:

WordPress Ultimate CSV, XML Importer Pro By Smackcoders

Import or export as CSV/XML
Scheduling Options
Grab your posts/pages/media, AND your taxonomies