Using WordPress

by Tris Hussey

WordPress has grown into the #1 blogging tool in its category: several million bloggers have downloaded this powerful open source software, and millions more are using WordPress.com's hosted services. Thirty-two of Technorati's Top 100 blogs now use WordPress. Using Wordpress is a customized, media-rich learning experience designed to help new users master Wordpress quickly, and get the most out of it, fast! It starts with a concise, friendly, straight-to-the-point guide to Wordpress. This exceptional book is fully integrated with an unprecedented collection of online learning resources: online video, screencasts, podcasts, and additional web content, all designed to reinforce key concepts and help users achieve real mastery. The book and interactive content work together to teach everything mainstream Wordpess users need to know. This practical, approachable coverage guides readers through getting started fast, and covers the recent release of Wordpress 3. This major upgrade includes built-in image editor and the ability to host multiple blogs from one WordPress install. This new version of Using Wordpress adds a DVD, so that all the interactive material previously available only online is now also available for offline reading and study.

Genres: Nonfiction, Computers, Business, Technology

351 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2010

Reviews

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

Both my husband and I read this book to get different opinions. My husband is a very technical software product manager and I am a photographer. So you have a more savvy technical-oriented reader and a complete neophyte.

I had used Wordpress to set up a blogsite for my company earlier in the year. As easy as Wordpress is, it can still be challenging and so I was hoping this book will make the next update project easier. Although it isn't as graphical as I would like, it does get me up and running with wordpress. I do feel more comfortable about tackling my next blogsite redo/update without having to go running to my husband when I get stuck.

My husband, however, had an interesting opinion after reading the book. He feels that it does help you get started but worries that in 'dumbing down' a lot of the concepts of wordpress, it might be doing a disservice in the long wrong. He felt that recommending you get scripts/templates from elsewhere to learn how people use Wordpress would be liking going into a custom built house to learn how houses are built. Typically, they are so specific to the creator, often with faults or strange/unecessary ways to approach tasks, that readers could pick up more bad habits than good.

I'm rating this 4 stars because it is meant for the less technical oriented like myself. 1 less star because I would have liked it more graphical and with a greater focus on the neophyte. The minute I start reading heavy Linux recs next to basic tips like to use someone else's scripts, I think the focus gets a bit fractured and too all-purpose.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of little tweaks to my blog even though it was already self-hosted and I learned how to fix somethings if they broke and enjoy some other perks. Learning tricks I never thought possible was fantastic was an added bonus. Playing along with the online DVD made this book not only a great read but interactive so I didn't need to practice on my own blog with the possibility of breaking it.

It would be worth adding to my shelf if I wasn't afraid information changes so fast.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this is an okay guide on how to use WordPress, but there were specific things I was looking for that this book was not able to answer. It's fine for those seeking an introduction to WordPress, but not for those who are looking for a reference book on WP.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far, so good. I'll update once my blog looks just how I want it !

[Charise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to managing a self-hosted WordPress site. For beginners.

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

The books is not for me right now. Instead, I am checking out Typepad online for a way to write blogs in the future and have them published online.

[Jeanine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides a good overview of wordpress for a new user. Will likely read again.