I have been avidly searching (with dire need) for a new theme (and approach) for Pixel Position’s blog, so the timing was perfect. Showcases are inspirational and give one an opportunity to expand horizons and outside-the-box ideas. A WordPress Showcase? Perfect!

Timing. Desire. Need. I’m ripe for conversion.

Drop everything! No conscious thought was involved. Nothing else was needed to convince me. I was there! Their call to action was simple:

Browse through the WordPress Showcase…

I clicked through to WordPress.org to check out the latest examples of how people are using this blogging platform that doubles as a content management system (CMS). Their site announced:

Today we launched the WordPressShowcase, a display of some of the best and brightest WordPress users, who are using it to do a whole lot more than blog.

I read on… Behold! What did I see? A feature on Duke Center for International Studies, an educational site. This is even better! I’m helping a .edu organization, and we’re in the planning phase, looking at best practices and case studies for educational institutions.

My heart is now pounding with excitement. I”m exhilarated to learn more.

I’m no longer interested in the rest of the announcement. I follow the second call to action without thought.

Visit Site

Huh? I’m confused. My mouse arrow doesn’t turn into a hand. There’s no link. I click anyway. WordPress, you just told me to visit the site!

UGH! Frustration abounds. Forget this. What’s happening on Twitter? What’s on my task list. What else needs to be done right now? What was I working on before I got sidetracked and excited about your offering?

My Conversation with WordPress.org

WordPress.org, I can’t get you off my mind. I revisit your site. I’m frustrated, feeling let down. Was there a mistake?

• I return to the WordPress Showcase launch announcement.
• I reload the page. I try to click on “Visit Site” again.
• I clear my cache, reload again. I try to click on “Visit Site” again.

I read further, “Site screenshots are constantly updated…” I think how usability and conversion is a conversation, or the lack thereof. It took very little to convert me. But you’re not usable. I continue to have conversation with you and your site, and you don’t even know it. Unfortunately, it’s a one-way conversation. You’re not letting me in or talk back! My monologue continues…

1. You mention “screenshots” in your Showcase announcement.
2. You include a life-size screenshot that looks like code (HTML & images). My mouse hovers longer over “Visit Site” to reveal ALT text – “Showcase Screenshot.”
3. Your Twitter announcement lead me to believe I was going to visit a showcase, not a screenshot. I’ve been taken to a press release page instead. Now I get it. That’s okay, sort of.
4. But, your screenshot in this announcement confused me. It was too real and lifelike. (Who hasn’t taken a screenshot and then tried to click on the links and buttons in Photoshop?)
5. I’m still intrigued. I want more anyway. I’m willing to figure you out…
6. Where do I go? I read more…
   
7. I laugh! Your previous post was about
   usability testing?! You just demonstrated poor usability and confused your visitor, me.
8. I’m still trying to find that WordPress Showcase, but the post ends.
9. I take my own screenshot of your page, thinking this is a good time to do a case study on usability. This is a good example to share with clients of what not to do.
10. I continue to talk with you as I log in to WordPress and start this blog post.
11. I realize that I have yet to see more about Duke Center for International Studies and their use of WordPress. I visit you again. OH… Now I see it. (Aside to readers, take a look at the image above and note the link in the first line of WordPress’ Nov. 1 announcement. There is the link to WordPress Showcase.)
12. You only had one link to the Showcase in your announcement. Your image could have linked through, too. You could have closed with a link as well.
13. Your Showcase? It’s super cool, however. WordPress.org, your Showcase rocks!
14. Your blog posts and announcements could use some usability testing. But I like you enough to keep coming back for more!

So, what do you think of WordPress’ new Showcase? I’d love to see your example of using WordPress if you’d like to share below.