WordPress.org launched WordPress Showcase on Nov. 1, 2008. I couldn’t be more excited
to see this message posted to Twitter!
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…
- You mention “screenshots” in your Showcase announcement.
- 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.”
- 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.
- 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?)
- I’m still intrigued. I want more anyway. I’m willing to figure you out…
- Where do I go? I read more…
- I laugh! Your previous post was about
usability testing?! You just demonstrated poor usability and confused your visitor, me. - I’m still trying to find that WordPress Showcase, but the post ends.
- 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.
- I continue to talk with you as I log in to WordPress and start this blog post.
- 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.)
- 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.
- Your Showcase? It’s super cool, however. WordPress.org, your Showcase rocks!
- 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.
Tags: Blogging, CMS, Conversation, Usability, WordPress Showcase, WordPress.org
Eh… “free” always has its consequences! I’ve been there with their usability issues just on the “templates” page, where one day, the “template test drives” were working and the next, they weren’t. I’ve struggled with the open source vs. paid software issue for a few years and found that the grass isn’t greener with “free.” How many plugins and featurs do i try only to have fail due to a bug. BUT…that said. I still love WordPress and the developers. Patience and a little creativity with what’s available really works wonders. instead of always waiting, maybe take what’s available and modify code or how to use the available tools. That’s what I try to do. Still looking for that perfect photo gallery tool that plugs into WordPress. Haven’t found one yet. (i want a wordpress plugin, not flicker or other hosted solution.)
Bloody Heck!:
I agree that a good theme is worth paying for as well. I’m using a theme for which I paid $199. BUT, it’s not widget-ready nor does one have access to update MULTIPLE CSS files. You can override with one CSS file, but you have to guess at the names of the various div tags and classes. More research on my part would have avoided disappointment and headache and what feels like a waste of money.
So free or paid? I recommend one look at layout and functionality in a theme and go from there. The open source community is contributing some awesome WordPress themes that greatly reduce development time. No solution is perfect, but we now have many options, thankfullly.
Photo Gallery? Check out Viva Thumbs. I purchased it but cannot load it with this theme. You might like the scrolling gallery.
I’m late to this, but I am using Viva Thumbs on the bella site. (I use is to automatically resize uploaded photos to the features on the front page) It was recommended by Brian Gardner (who writes fantastic templates by the way) and its simple and works like a charm.
I use the Mozilla developer tool to look at the CSS of a template before I purchase (or even if its free cuz I can’t be bothered)If I can’t understand the logic of the code, or it looks otherwise messy, I go no further.
I am going to use nextgen gallery in my next WP build (I think I am addicted to making WP sites now…) and I think it has a sidebar widget.
Thanks for stopping by, Sabine. Good input. Firefox’s Web Developer Toolbar is a great way to view CSS. Unfortunately, it doesn’t display all the hooks one must consider, but it is a good approach for tier 1 analysis of a theme.
The newer versions of WordPress have a feature by which one can preview their site before publishing, which is sweet for free themes.
Glad to see another happy Viva Thumbs customer. Even with all the new WP gallery plugins, they receive some of the highest reviews.
It’s great that you’re so excited about building WordPress sites. Many who start doing it as a business end up like the auto mechanic and don’t have time to work on their own sites! Beware!
I like when developers also set up an admin sneak preview instead of just the site as viewed.
eek! Not doing it as a business. That would require actually knowing what I am doing. I enjoy being able to claim innocence when I bring the house down.
But yeah, I know that you mean about the auto mechanic dilemna. Its been ages since I reconciled my bank account.
And I didnt know you were blogging…I’ll have to add this one to the feeds!
Sabine
Sabine, thanks again for your insight! It’s nice to have you visit and participate.
One advantage to WordPress is that IF one “brings the house down,” it’s pretty easy to restore, especially if you do a backup each time you upgrade.
It’s inspirational to see how you and others are using it to showcase work and talents. You are doing a great job using WP for Velo Bella as well as displaying your photography and creative side for your site.
I’m laughing deeply about “reconciliation.” Oh, you CPAs! With so much automation available in WordPress, maybe someone should code an “auto reconcile” plugin!