Breaking Through with Great WordPress Plugins

John's Intro:

It's Episode 605 and we have plugins for  Reloading Login Limits, Bottoming the Admin Bar… 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 605 – Breaking Through with Great 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!

Hoping everyone out there is taking good care of themselves in the heat as summer has decided to come back with a vengeance! Remember you need salt alongside that water to let your body absorb the water right!

Some reminders before we start the show today….

Reminders:

• 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: 

Jsaliba

This one makes me think of explorers of the New World – the iciest areas of our planet have not been fully explored so really it is a snapshot of humans exploring a New World! Very cool picture

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 – June 28, 2023 (https://ithemes.com/blog/wordpress-vulnerability-report-june-28-2023/) – There is a surprisingly small list of new vulnerabilities this week, and the list of patched plugins is rather extensive!!

The ones I most easily recognize for plugins with vulnerabilities are: WP Cookie Notice for GDPR, CCPA & E Privacy; Form Builder; Image Protector; and Upload Resume.

One theme vulnerability: Balkon

Be sure to check the link in our show notes to see the list in full for both patched and unpatched.

Hackers actively exploiting unpatched privilege escalation vulnerability in Ultimate Member Plugin (https://wptavern.com/hackers-actively-exploiting-unpatched-privilege-escalation-vulnerability-in-ultimate-member-plugin) – This vulnerability allows unathenticated attackers to create new user accounts with admin privileges to take over the site. This has since been patched, although it is good to be aware of how they did this, and to give your member list a once over to see if anything stands out. If any of the names stand out double check and delete them. Be sure to check out the article to learn more on this.

Reusable blocks renamed to patterns with synced and non-synced options (https://wptavern.com/reusable-blocks-renamed-to-patterns-with-synced-and-non-synced-options) – This could be a little confusing for some, so be aware that this renaming has taken place. The reason for this name change is because of the difference between reusable blocks and patterns. The reusable blocks now that they have been renamed, will still have the same working functions as before, though now with the option to sync or not to sync there should be less confusion – once everyone gets over the initial confusion of the name change that is.

WordPress 6.3 will introduce a command palette (https://wptavern.com/wordpress-6-3-will-introduce-a-command-palette) – A quick update on the spirited debate on calling the command center the wayfinder – the majority of the participants were against calling it the wayfinder. It appears that the command center will now be referred to as ‘Command Palette'. You can read the article in depth to find out why this seems to be the chosen name.

WP Feature notification contributors seek feedback on admin notices with community survey (https://wptavern.com/wp-feature-notifications-contributors-seek-feedback-on-admin-notices-with-community-survey) – If you are interested in adding your 2 cents regarding the current system of notices in the WordPress Admin, be sure to check out the link in our show notes so that you can become an active party in this survey!

UK police report epidemic of Android false emergency calls (https://thenextweb.com/news/uk-police-report-epidemic-android-false-emergency-calls) – Users are being urged to temporarily turn off the emergency SOS feature as it appears a recent update in Android smart phones has been sending calls – the new feature update has set it so that if the power button is pressed 5 or more times it sends an SOS. The power button can easily get pressed 5 or more times consecutively in a persons pocket or bag – I know my volume gets hit constantly when I shove my phone into my back pocket while working out in the garden… This could be entertaining if it weren't such a nuisance!

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

WordPress 6.3 Beta 2 released, ready for testing (https://wptavern.com/wordpress-6-3-beta-2-released-ready-for-testing)

WordPress plugin review team adds 6 new sponsored volunteers, opens applications (https://wptavern.com/wordpress-plugin-review-team-adds-6-new-sponsored-volunteers-opens-applications)

Gutenberg 16.1 introduces pattern creation and library, adds distraction free mode to site editor (https://wptavern.com/gutenberg-16-1-introduces-pattern-creation-and-library-adds-distraction-free-mode-to-site-editor)

WordCamp Asia 2024 scheduled for March 7-9 in Taipei (https://wptavern.com/wordcamp-asia-2024-scheduled-for-march-7-9-in-taipei)

WordCamp Europe 2024 calls for organizers (https://wptavern.com/wordcamp-europe-2024-calls-for-organizers)

Twitter limits number of tweets users can read amid extended outage (https://techcrunch.com/2023/07/01/twitter-imposes-limits-on-the-number-of-tweets-users-can-read-amid-extended-outage/)

Netflix axes basic plan in Canada, IRL shuts down and Shein's influencer stunt backfires (https://techcrunch.com/2023/07/01/netflix-axes-its-basic-plan-in-canada-irl-shuts-down-and-sheins-influencer-stunt-backfires/)

This week in robotics: teaching robots chores from YouTube, robot dogs at the border and drone consolidation (https://techcrunch.com/2023/07/01/the-week-in-robotics-teaching-robots-chores-from-youtube-robot-dogs-at-the-border-and-drone-consolidation/)

It's clearly time: all the news about the transparent tech renaissance (https://www.theverge.com/23774468/clear-transparent-tech-gadgets-news-announcements-products)

An AI model designed a functional RISC-V CPU in less than 5 hours (https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/2/23781985/an-ai-model-designed-a-functional-risc-v-cpu-in-less-than-5-hours)

Dragon Rating Time!

John's Plugin

Limit Login Attempts Reloaded

https://wordpress.org/plugins/limit-login-attempts-reloaded/

The Lowdown:

Limit Login Attempts Reloaded stops brute force attacks and optimizes your site performance by limiting the number of login attempts that are possible through the normal login as well as XMLRPC, WooCommerce and custom login pages.

Simple to get setup and running in just a few minutes and begin blocking those bots and other malicious attacks on your site. Simply set the number of time they can fail then set the lockout time and if they exceed the number set the set the number of days they are locked out in hours.

This is available in a couple of flavours of Premium for this plugin which provide additional benefits such as Auto IP Blocklist, Block by Country, Access to Cloud Optimizer, and a full on Auto Block List.

Rating 4 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

When you are making sites and looking for plugins for said sites, make sure you actually read the description thoroughly – not just look to see if it does what you are looking for. Often times in the description there will be bits further down that tell you whether they will work with whatever theme you are using, or if they are just meant for a block editor, or if they won't work with your current theme or site editor.

Also be sure to check out the last time this plugin was updated, because sometimes plugins that are older and have not been updated in a while will still work, though generally they will either create issues or just break your site.

Beginners Tips

When searching for a specific plugin, don't be afraid to download a bunch of plugins that look like they might work – but don't activate them until you have a few collected. As you try them out, don't forget to deactivate the one you just finished testing.

Often when you have more than 1 plugin that does the same thing – such as an SEO plugin – they will counteract one another if you have them both going at once. So only activate them one at a time, test it thoroughly, then deactivate it before moving on.

If you think you found the one you want, make a note of the name of the plugin – but still deactivate it and finish testing all the rest. Just 'cause you think you found the right one doesn't necessarily mean you have – there is still a chance that a different plugin will give you what you need AND what you want rather than just what you need.

A lot of time is spent testing and trying out different things and comparing. Often this busywork will actually teach you quite a bit though, so don't let it frustrate you. Use it as time to experiment – keeps things interesting.

…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

Bottom Admin Toolbar

https://wordpress.org/plugins/bottom-admin-toolbar/

The Lowdown:

Ever been working on a site, and wish your admin toolbar could just go away for a moment while you finish off your header/top of the page? I know I have, and I came across this plugin that just moves it down to the bottom of your page.

After working with it down there for a bit, I actually find it really useful! It's out of the way of most things until you get to the footer portion, though you can just go in and turn the plugin off while you are working on that.

Having the admin bar down at the bottom is really nice I am finding. It gives you more of a feeling of a user to not have that bar right up there and covering some of your work.

This is a plug'n'play free plugin that does exactly what it says it will – nothing more and nothing less. Very straightforward, if you want the bar at the top again, just disable the plugin.

There are no settings, plays well with others, no ads, nothing to think about.

Sometimes, the simplest plugins are some of the best tools!

Rating: 5 Dragon

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!

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/

Next WordPress Victoria Meetup will be on July 6th – this meetup aims to happen every month, so be sure to check out the link here in our show notes to see which one you might be interested in joining! https://www.meetup.com/yyjwordpress/

There are now 2 WordCamps happening in July: Philippines and India! To find out more you can check out the link here in our show notes https://central.wordcamp.org/

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:

Limit Login Attempts Reloaded By Limit Login Attempts Reloaded

• Stops brute force attacks
• Optimizes site performance by limiting login attempts
• block IP/username when limit # has been reached

Rating: 4 Dragons

Amber's Plugin: 

Bottom Admin Tool By Michael Revellin-Clerc

• Moves your admin bar to bottom of page
• Clears up the top area so you can more easily see your site
• Simple plug'n'play

Rating: 5 Dragons

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 – let's see if we can stump my dad!

• How do you know whether you need to add additional security into your site?

• How do you figure out which security plugin to use?

Questions asked after closing credits:

• How can you tell if a security plugin is working if it's a new site?
• How do you figure out the combination needed for security plugins that will work for what you want?