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I selected WordPress based on its popularity. My simplistic reason being that any software this popular should be able to provide anything I’m going to need from a blogging tool.
To date I’m happy with my decision and learnt much whilst migrating the previous version of this site to WordPress. Here is a list of the things I believe are useful.
1. Pretty permalinks vs. Internet Information Server (IIS).
WordPress is aimed at Apache and “switch hosts” seems to be the standard answer for questions about WordPress hosted on IIS. I had many difficulties using pretty permalinks on IIS6, mostly related to redirecting pages. After upgrading to IIS7 with the Rewrite Module installed it worked as expected. I also found Ruslan’s Blog invaluable when configuring the rewrite module.
2. Handling of missing content can be temperamental.
For a long time I had “404 Not Found” error pages simply display the home page, or worse an empty blank page. I never truly found the cause, but if you are experiencing this problem you can read my trails and tribulations here.
3. Finding suitable plugins is difficult.
The WordPress Plugin Directory lists thousands of plugins. The Most Popular and Highest Rated links provided good candidates, but once I installed a few I realised some are a complete overkill for my needs. There is also a tremendous amount of duplication and overlap between plugins. Read my post Which WordPress plugins and why? for more information.
4. How do you use the ‘new’ Media Library?
My first attempt at using the Media Library to create an Image Gallery was very frustrating. I’m still not comfortable using this functionality and recommend watching the Manage Media Library video and reading the Using image and file attachments Codex page before trying to do either.
5. How to create an Image Gallery?
Initially I used the WordPress default gallery, but found both the in-post display and the navigation between pictures clunky. After some experimentation I settled on the Lightbox 2 plugin by Rupert Morris. You can view the outcome of my experimentation and the plugin in action here.
6. FileZilla is your friend
If you do not have a favourite FTP client already, give FileZilla a twirl.
7. Read the WordPress Lessons page
You will have to go a long way to beat the Lessons page for an introduction to WordPress.
8. How to create your own Theme
I knew before migrating that I was going to create a custom theme. I really enjoyed creating the Tawny Lion theme and would encourage everyone to try it for themselves. The WordPress Theme Development page is a good start.
9. The best thing about WordPress is its community.
A shameless attempt at currying favour.
