Chris Klosowski is the founding developer of Filament Studios, which produces the Post Promoter Pro and WP-Push plugins. He’s a contributing developer and Support Technician on Easy Digital Downloads, and also works at GoDaddy where he primarily specializes in large-scale WordPress installations as well as JavaScript development.
Chris currently resides in San Tan Valley, Arizona with his wife and son, and hails from Wyoming, MI.
Chris will be presenting Wrangling WP-Cron.
Interview
Why do you use WordPress?
Primarily for the community involvement, specifically around development. There’s always something new and interesting coming out of the group of developers I follow.
When and how did you start using WordPress?
I started using WordPress by migrating from LiveJournal, back in the fall of 2005. From there, a small tweak to a theme turned into my first plugin.
What tips or resources would you recommend to a new WordPress user?
My number one tip for new users is get involved and don’t be a stranger.
The forums on WordPress.org are full of people in the community who want to help. While WordPress may be open-source, that doesn’t mean it’s without amazing (community provided) support.
Some helpful blogs are WPMayor.com, BobWP.com and Smashing Magazine.
If you are looking for developer resources, PippinsPlugins.com and WP TutsPlus.
What advice would you give someone who’s building a business around WordPress design or development?
Be transparent and give back. I love having a mix of commercial and free plugins available for people to check out.
How do you stay informed about WordPress (news, tips, etc.)?
I have a Twitter List that I follow for news including Pippin Williamson, Chris Lema, Brian Krogsgard, and most of the core dev team. Being that I’m talking daily with the Easy Digital Downloads team, it’s rare that I miss a story.
As far as blogs I tend to watch PostStat.us for news. I also subscribe to the weekly email from WPMail.me. When I need developer tips I look towards PippinsPlugins.com, TomMcfarlin.com.
What’s a cool WordPress-based site you’ve seen recently?
I’ve recently been working with a copy editor named Lisa over at wordmaid.com. It’s a great site designed by another EDD contributor, Andrew Munro.
What do you like most about WordCamps?
Getting to catch up with people I usually only talk to on social media. As much work as we can get done co-located, those face-to-face conversations mean a lot to a relationship.
Where can we find you online?
I blog personally at kungfugrep.com and you can check out my plugins at filament-studios.com.
You can follow me on Twitter at @cklosowski.