Patrick spends most of the work day slicing and dicing code to help out WooThemes customers. He also organizes the Appleton WordPress Meetup and regularly speaks at the Web920 Meetup. Patrick loves to be outside, to run, and to practice yoga. His ultimate goal is to figure out a way to code websites while in a headstand or biking around town.
He’ll be presenting Evaluating E-Commerce Solutions.
Interview
Why do you use WordPress?
I use community driven tools because they’re continually maintained and there’s an open air about everything. If you don’t like the way WordPress works you can discuss it, open a ticket, submit a patch, get on a committee, do something to get it fixed. I like that. 🙂
When and how did you start using WordPress?
I started using WordPress in 2008 to make a portfolio site. I found it to be the easiest way to set something up quickly. Once I understood WordPress a little more I realized it could be more than a blog and I started using it as a CMS both at work and at home.
What tips or resources would you recommend to a new WordPress user?
As a developer who used to build everything from scratch (believe me – don’t go down that road) I highly suggest you learn that WordPress can get you 80% of what you want very easily. It can get you another 10% with some minor customizations. But the last 10% will more than double the hours you have to put in. Just let it be.
What advice would you give someone who’s building a business around WordPress design or development?
Use prebuilt tools. They’re expensive but when you think about how much time they save you they’re a bargain.
How do you stay informed about WordPress (news, tips, etc.)?
My company has an internal P2 blog. I also organize the Appleton WordPress meetup where we discuss all things WordPress. I also follow local and distant WordPress devs on Twitter.
What’s a cool WordPress-based site you’ve seen recently?
BlameLema.com – it’s built with a WooThemes theme (The One Pager theme) which is ironic considering that WooThemes started the whole pricing discussion in the past weeks.
What do you like most about WordCamps?
Meeting people and seeing all the different ways WordPress can be used.
Where can we find you online?
Speakinginbytes.com is my development blog. I usually blog once a month about various things; sometimes a discussion and sometimes some code snippets or a tutorial.
I also Tweet way too much at @BFTrick.
