Peter Shackelford is the Web Architect for Spring Arbor University. When not working with WordPress, he is taking care of his cattle, chickens and garden on his “homestead” with his wife and daughter. He also heads up the Jackson WordPress meetup with Kyle Maurer.

Peter will be presenting Fledgling WP Developer? Learn your PHP!

Interview

Why do you use WordPress?

The people in the WordPress community are why I use WordPress. I have built a career on the openness and generosity of the community. Getting help me on the forums. Reading people’s posts about setting up and managing multi-sites. Meeting some of those people and new people at WordCamp or other events.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

I started using WP as a blogging platform in 2005 and did my first freelance project in 2009. Since 2010 I have worked full time building and maintaining WordPress as a platform for my employers.

What tips or resources would you recommend to a new WordPress user?

Don’t be afraid to try things out. If you are worried about making changes to an admin panel, take a screenshot of it so you have a record. Figure out how to change things. At the very least learn the basics of HTML and CSS.

What advice would you give someone who’s building a business around WordPress design or development?

Github. Vagrant. Local development. PHPCode Sniffer.

How do you stay informed about WordPress (news, tips, etc.)?

Twitter. I follow people who do a lot with WordPress. I keep an eye out for slideshares/speakerdecks of recent WordCamp talks. I also read most of what comes out of WP Tavern, Halfelf.org, thethemefoundry.com, tommcfarlin.com, curtismchale.ca, justintadlock.com, etc…

What’s a cool WordPress-based site you’ve seen recently?

sweden.se [the official site of Sweden].

What do you like most about WordCamps?

Meeting people who I recognize online. Being apart of the community. Having my toolset, workflow and approach to problem solving kicked up a notch. Getting a new wardrobe of WP shirts.

Where can we find you online?

Twitter: @pixelplow