Christmastized!
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It's Episode 491 so grab your Rum and Eggnog we have plugins for Balls, Pandas (maybe), Jolly Music, Christmasifying…, and ClassicPress Options. It's all coming up on WordPress Plugins A-Z!
Christmas Ball on Branch, Christmas Music, Christmas Panda, Christmasify! and ClassicPress options on Episode 491.
John's Intro:
It's the Rona Christmas Eve 2020 show, be sure to join us next week for a ‘Bringing in the Mutant New Year's Eve' show. Just a little different from the normal, whatever that is.
Keeping in tune for the new year knowing that life is just a bunch of good to great moments spread out in between all the crap that is thrown at you. So remember all the good that has occurred to you and no matter who you are or what has befallen you, there are lots of good moments to remember.
I notice everyone gets hopeful at this time of year, hell a war was once stopped so the enemies could have dinner and play soccer together. This is the time to remember the good and hope for the future
With great appreciation for the No Agenda Show for their inspiration of ideas and the occasional stolen sound clip.
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…
Producer Credits:
Show Art:
Daniele Pais — https://danielepais.com/
All the show notes can be found at: WPPluginsAtoZ.com
Ambers Rant:
This is #51 of 52 episodes for 2020. Its Episode 491 and things on this show have now morphed into a totally new reality! We have reached week 51 of the year 2020, and we are now 40 weeks into the Rona – our ‘new normal'; though I think I prefer the new reality on this show than what's going on in that odd world of ours right now. I wanted to mention the conjunction I heard about – the Jupiter and Saturn Conjunction on the 21st. I heard it was beautiful! But we were in the midst of a snow storm so we couldn't see the sky. It has been dubbed the Christmas Star! Pretty awesome eh? I hope someone out there got to see it!
The world has gone nuts, despite its beauty unfolding in the sky above us. This is such an interesting time for astronomy! So many things going on! But since we are not up in the stars ourselves, I say that in order to keep what little sanity you have left, create that place I keep talking about! A little place where you can TUNE OUT for a while! It can be anywhere – a blanket thrown over your couch to build a fort, in your bed with your door closed and a ‘Do Not Disturb' sign or a sock on your door, or even your car! Get into a space all your own, throw on some music and grab a book, or even throw on an audio book and grab a drink! Kick back, and breathe. Try to get there at least once a week, more if you can.
If you have kids, let them know that they should only bother you if they are broken, dying, or bleeding for 1 WHOLE hour. Make your area comfy for you, and try to remove all internet AND radio with news hours while zoning out. Try to let go of everything outside of your control, and work on pestering those you know and care about to get their own Zone Out Space's started.
Rinse and repeat as often as needed.
We have some news from the world of WordPress for you today as well as some great plugins.
Let's get to the fun we have today.
WordPress News and Info
Before we jump into the news, ……
Check out the interview currently out….
with Arindo Duque from WP Admin Pages Pro/WP Ultimo (Plugin was reviewed in Episode 484)
News this week:
State of the Word 2020: WordPress Moves Toward Full Site Editing
https://wptavern.com/state-of-the-word-2020-wordpress-moves-toward-full-site-editing
Virtual Events Suck.
https://aparker.io/posts/virtual-events-suck/
WordPress Vulnerability Roundup: December 2020, Part 2
https://ithemes.com/wordpress-vulnerability-roundup-december-2020-part-2
Automattic Joins Internet Works
https://transparency.automattic.com/2020/12/15/automattic-joins-internet-works/
SolarWinds and Supply Chain Attacks: Could it happen to WordPress?
https://www.wordfence.com/blog/2020/12/solarwinds-and-supply-chain-attacks-could-it-happen-to-wordpress/
The hall of shame via Automattic:
transparency.automattic.com/tag/hall-of-shame/
Matt's Famous Quotes
https://www.idrlabs.com/quotes/matt-mullenweg.php
Donor – Support
Talk about about what the value for value model is and why we are trying to use it. Explain why I do not have advertising, affiliate links ect.
Show Producers
This Show will not work without you, the producers, as it is a Value for Value model, meaning if you're getting any value out of it then give some value back and help the show out.
Start by subscribing to the newsletter for additional information and get out there round them up and rope them all in, belly up to the bar and enjoy. Spread the word about WP Plugins A to Z and catch it live every Thursday at noon PST on my YouTube Channel.
I'd like to acknowledge all the producers who have supported the show in the various ways over the last week.
This weeks show Art Work comes from:
Daniele Pais — https://danielepais.com/
This week's Executive Producer/'s are:
A big thank you to all the Producers who came in under $50 and to those who have set up weekly subscriptions they will remain anonymous and I thank you very much.
All these small subscriptions really help the show out.
A big thank you to those who have hired me because of the Podcast, thank you that is as good as donating to the show.
You can Support the Show by:
Yes, I am pimping out my daughter here, if you want to see her very pretty mug in the live stream it is now up to a $300 donation and until it happens that price will continue to go up… At the rate it is going she will never be live. Someone may want to start a Go Fund me to make her mug live.
Donating money to help the show Donations of $50 and over are credited with an Executive Producer Credit in the Show Notes, and their note is read out on the show.
Submitting art work at the WP Plugins Art generator,
Submit articles news and information
Submit plugin suggestions for reviews
You can also create a monthly donation at Patreon
Or something I may not have thought of.
I want to take the opportunity here, to thank all the plugin developers that have also supported the show over the year and years by donating plugins for us to use and give away in our contests. Without them, we wouldn't have a giveaway contest for you, our listeners, to enter and win. Be sure to go and check out the plugins and pages for those plugins that have been donated for the contests. If you decide to use one for your site, please, find a way to let them know you heard about them from the WP Plugins A to Z podcast show. We wish all you developers out there a great year in 2021!
Off we go into the meat and potatoes, Into the depths of plugin depravity…..
ClassicPress Options
ClassicPress is a fast growing fork of WordPress that is starting to come into its own. ClassicPress is focused on Business Websites, runs fast and is looking pretty good. There are a few plugins specifically for ClassicPress and all plugins for WordPress 4.9.9 work well on it. I do believe it has a future.
One thing I am looking forward to in the ClassicPress World is the expansion of the number of ClassicPress specific plugins and their own repository. Currently there are not a lot of ClassicPress specific plugins but I do know it is going to grow and I'll have to expand this segment then. Who knows, it could take over the whole show.
This week for ClassicPress I have:
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Just a note for my ClassicPress listeners please send me info to help keep the ClassicPress section full.
Random Links to ClassicPress supporters
ClassicPress Resources:
For some up to date news on ClassicPress check out the ClassicPress Blog.
“Must Have” Plugins List
https://forums.classicpress.net/t/must-have-plugins-list/1163
To find a listing of ClassicPress specific plugins check out this link https://forums.classicpress.net/t/plugins-built-specifically-for-classicpress/1011?u=codepotent there is currently 37 42 49 50 52 55 57 58 plugins here and growing. I look forward to the day they have their own repository. I can still recall WP when it had a small repository.
CodePotent's plugin directory
https://codepotent.com/classicpress/plugins/
WordPress plugins
Are you looking for some great newly released plugins check this link
https://wordpress.org/plugins/browse/new/
John's plugin
You can see my Christmas plugins in action on the WP Plugins A to Z website.
Christmasify!
https://wordpress.org/plugins/christmasify/
The lowdown:
This plugin adds a lot to your site, you get a Flying Santa, Decorations for images, Christmas font for all your headlines; and bonus you can lock it to just your front page.
Another pretty great plugin.
Rating 5 Dragons
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Amber's Plugin
Christmas Music
https://wordpress.org/plugins/christmas-music/
Description
This plugin plays Christmas music.
You install and activate, and it automatically places itself on your pages.
It DOES have the option to stop the music, which I am eternally grateful for – more of these styles should have that. There are a few pages I have been to that do not have that option to turn the music off.
The music is – typical Christmas music. Kind of reminds me of the malls during this time of year.
With the Pro option you can use your own music list, which would be cool – and the Pro option also allows for you to actually choose which page it goes onto. It seems like this free version is really just a tester, to see if it works on your site, and in order to get any of the worthwhile bits, you will have to pay for it.
So, if you are simply looking for some Christmas music that is reminiscent of shopping malls at this time of year, this is the one for you! Though if you are looking for something more indepth at no cost, this won't work at all for you.
Rating 3 Dragons
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John's plugin
Christmas Panda
https://wordpress.org/plugins/christmas-panda/
The lowdown:
While this is a great plugin to add a little Christmas spirit to your site, I was disappointed that there was no Panda to choose from. I wanted a Christmas Panda but got a Jolly fat non-elf. It adds a banner at the top of the page, a popup if you want it and even snowfall.
It is a great plugin and adds some Christmas cheer to your website.
Rating 5 Dragons
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Amber's plugin
Christmas Ball on a Branch
https://wordpress.org/plugins/christmas-ball-on-branch/
Description
The very name brings me much amusement!
Once you install and activate this, a little cartoonish evergreen bough appears on the upper right hand corner of your screen on your site, and there is a bright red Christmas ornament swinging in the non-existent wind.
It looks so happy up there in the corner! Almost like it's dancing in the wind!
This would work beautifully together with a snow plugin; I personally would recommend Weather Effect – Christmas Santa Snow Falling plugin that I reviewed back in October. This has an amazing option area in the settings, and would go GREAT with the Christmas ball on a Branch.
Also, totally free Plugin.
Rating 5 Dragons
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Random links for plugins
WordPress plugins crafted from love and experience
https://codeat.co/
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This show is brought to you by:
***Play an ad from JohnOverall.com***
John Overall.com WordPress & Web Services
Finding quality WordPress and ClassicPress hosting and support can be a challenge, well you can drop that stress by contacting JohnOverall.com web services. I can help you eliminate your WordPress stress and ClassicPress needs. Solving your ClassicPress or WordPress Emergency issues or doing the more day to day items such as finding that perfect plugin, helping you move to a new hosting provider or even providing Quality WordPress hosting.
With 20+ yrs Exp. on-line and over 10 years dedicated to WordPress, and ClassicPress from its inception. JohnOverall.com provides all your web service needs from hosting to WordPress and ClassicPress development, repairs and WP Malware Removal.
Visit my website JohnOverall.com, Call 818-850-7729 or send an email to john@wppro.ca
Listener Feedback / Audio Clips
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I want to mention Jes, the winner of our contest for the Cart Lift plugin. It seems he has company called ‘Silent World Apparel'. https://silentworldapparel.com/ it's a local apparel company here on Vancouver Island.
For those who also listen to No Agenda check out my new pet project The No Agenda Red Book https://naredbook.com/
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Listener Questions
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Transition to Contest here<<<<<<<<<<<<
Enter The Contest to Win!!:
Contests Powered by Simple Giveaways who kindly provides us with the premium version for our contests.
I do want to thank Charlie for coming to the aid of the show and getting our contests all organized. I also want to thank all the developers again for supporting our show with their plugin donations! Please check them out.
Enter for your chance to win an UNLIMITED LIFETIME License of
https://brizy.io
Next-gen website builder that anyone can use
Build amazing websites in minutes. Once you go Brizy, nothing else feels easy!
This giveaway is for an UNLIMITED LIFETIME license valued at $299.
Listen to the great interview with Dimi Baitanciuc, the co-founder of the Brizy Page Builder
Let your friends know about the giveaway!
Christmastized! Share on XVisit 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: Christmas Panda – 5, Christmasify! – 5
Amber's Plugins: Christmas Ball on Branch – 5, Christmas Music – 5
Trivia:
Matt's Famous Quotes
https://www.idrlabs.com/quotes/matt-mullenweg.php
Reminders / Commercial / Promotions:
Next Week:
No meetup planned at the moment but you can keep tabs on this at https://wppluginsatoz.com/meetup .
Would you like to be on an interview show? Simply connect at https://wppluginsatoz.com/interview
Follow my Journey at TheRoguesTavern.com check out my adventures into the wild Hunting, Searching for Gold, Hiking, Camping, out on the gun range and more.
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/
****Show segment Q & A Time ——– Catch this info on our YouTube Channel*****
Questions and Answers –
*** Note if you have questions you would like asked, send them to Amber at WPPro.ca she will get them into this segment. ****
What is SMTP, and is it something that you would choose over POP3?
I read about having your own SMTP servers – what are they talking about there?
What is a Raspberry Pi? What is it for, and how do you use it?
When you are having troubles with a plugin on your site, sometimes the makers of the plugin want your login info to check out your website to see what's going on.
Do you give them your own personal login info?
(If making account for them, how do you set it up? With their email? your email? Do you give them administrator access? How do you keep a monitoring eye on them while they are in there themselves? Do you delete the account afterwards?)
Closing out this Episode
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
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Just some reminders:
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How to Contact Us:
John can be contacted at:
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Amber can be contacted at:
- email: amber@wppro.ca
