I Spent 20 Hours Testing 60+ Niche WordPress Themes, All Junk?

[ad_1] It downloads as a zip file, which contains three other files inside of it: You then need to scroll a little further down and upload those files in their respective areas: Again, it’s not terribly difficult at all, but it also doesn’t explain it anywhere. For someone like maybe a typical Squarespace user who’s deciding to give WordPress a shot, it could feel confusing. If WordPress Core included a standardized demo importer that was user friendly, it could streamline demo content imports for everyone. Having said that, I also realize that from a technical perspective, attempting to create a tool like this could get messy. Importing demo content involves handling various types of data, including posts, pages, media, custom post types, taxonomies, menus, and widget settings. Ensuring compatibility and proper import for all these elements could get rather complex. Even with just the difference in block themes versus classic themes and how they are built would possibly require two tools. I do think that if the installers omitted auto-installation of plugins and forced users to install and activate their plugins manually that it would make the idea more feasible. However, I’m still not dismissing how challenging the task would be. My suggestion is from the end user perspective only. Developers’ websites are not always well maintained I might catch some flack for this one, but hear me out. I’m not expecting everyone’s website to be 100% flawless with every single thing up to date. I get it. People are working on other things and most companies don’t have a dedicated website auditor who is watching every element, every day. But when you have a developer with 13 themes that they’ve built, I would hope that the demo page for each theme at least shows the theme. Having an entirely different theme on the page, with even the live preview link going to the other theme feels careless to me. I mean someone manually updated this page, right? Luckily, this issue was not as widespread as some of the others, but I did come across it here and there. So what’s the solution to all of these problems? Well, I believe that it is up to all of us who care about WordPress and the internet as a whole to do our part to make things better. Below are my suggestions on how we can do that. My parting request to theme developers and WordPress users 🙏🏻 At the risk of coming across as overly preachy here, I’m going to share my thoughts on what all of us can do, depending on what hat we’re wearing at any given moment. For developers First, to all the theme developers out there, I’d like to say that you greatly inspire me with the amazing creations you come up with. But addressing the issues I’ve raised in this article (if they apply to you) would make a world of difference in improving the WordPress ecosystem: If your theme is a commercial theme, be up front about it. Don’t offer blank shell themes by dangling demo content that’s only available behind a paywall. Many people love Elementor, but many people is not everybody. If your starter site was built with Elementor, and the user is going to need to use Elementor to build their site, then disclose it. Make it crystal clear. Do it at the top of the funnel, not in the middle or bottom after the person has already invested time installing your theme. Create a neat divide between plugins that are required for your theme to work and those that are only recommended. Don’t just bundle them all into one suggestion and prompt people to download and install them all. For minor functions, try to build them into the theme. Maintain the important parts of your websites. I understand it’s tough to keep everything up to date all the time, but having the right theme on the right page is a pretty basic ask. If you go on the starter sites page for our flagship theme, Neve, you will see that we make it easy for our users to search for both Elementor-based demo content and for demo content that we built with Gutenberg (the WordPress editor). In addition, we label any paid demo content with a “Pro” tag so you know which starter sites are available in the free version of Neve and which ones you need to upgrade to get access to. Nothing is ambiguous. This is not only transparency in action, but it’s good practice that wins people’s business. There’s an SEO agency that I came across randomly not too long ago. I don’t remember the exact context of how or why I ended up on their page, but they made an impact on me with their blunt core values. I’m talking about the first one in particular: And in a nutshell, that’s what it boils down to. The only thing I would add to the sub line is “…and our users.” Care about your users. Stop throwing together low effort niche themes just for the sake of targeting search terms. I know you wouldn’t like it if you were on the receiving end, so why would you give another person that same kind of experience? It’s bad internet karma. Cut it out. For WordPress users If you’re reading this, then it’s highly likely you use WordPress in some capacity. And as a WordPress user, you can make a difference with small (or optionally, big) gestures to help developers that actually care about their users. If you use a theme or come across one that you’re testing out and it’s both good quality and transparent, then leave a positive comment in the repository. This will help other users (just like you) who are browsing for themes that don’t suck, and it will let the developers of the theme know that you appreciate the work they put in to make a solid theme. Share it on your social

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Socceroos coach Graham Arnold makes bombshell decision after team’s awful World Cup performances

[ad_1] National team has struggled badly in last two games  61-year-old has been in the top job since 2018   By George Clarke For Australian Associated Press Published: 20:55 EDT, 19 September 2024 | Updated: 21:04 EDT, 19 September 2024 Graham Arnold is set to step down as Socceroos manager before Australia’s next World Cup qualifier in October. Sources familiar with negotiations have revealed that Arnold has been in dialogue with Football Australia this week, ironing out an exit strategy from a role he has held since 2018. Arnold’s departure comes after the Socceroos picked up just one point from a possible six in their opening two games of third-round World Cup qualifying against opponents they should have easily accounted for. Australia fell to Bahrain earlier this month and then were held scoreless in a 0-0 draw with Indonesia. FA declined to comment when contacted. In his six-year reign, the 61-year-old has overseen Australia’s best-ever finish at a World Cup and two quarter-final exits at the Asian Cup. Arnold went precariously close to getting the sack in 2022 when Australia blew their hopes of direct World Cup qualification and had to rely on Andrew Redmayne’s penalty shootout heroics against Peru to get to Qatar. Once there, Australia knocked over Denmark and Tunisia before narrowly falling to eventual winners Argentina at the last 16 phase. Arnold (pictured centre during Australia’s scoreless World Cup qualifying draw with Indonesia this month) is on his way out of the top job he’s held since 2018  The 61-year-old steered the Socceroos to their best ever finish to a World Cup as they narrowly lost to Argentina in the round of 16 in Qatar  Following Australia’s performance in Qatar, Arnold was rewarded with a new four-year deal by FA and turned down approaches to coach at club level to guide the Socceroos to the 2026 tournament, which will take place in USA, Canada and Mexico. Arnold said in June of this year that he believed he had a squad capable of reaching the semi-finals in North America in two years’ time. But the former Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners boss has opted to walk away from the final two years of that deal after an underwhelming start to the third round of qualification. The Socceroos suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Bahrain on the Gold Coast before a frustrating stalemate against Indonesia. Those two results in which the Socceroos failed to score, have left Australia second bottom in group C and their hopes of securing a top-two finish and automatic qualification on shaky ground. The Socceroos host China in Adelaide on 10 October before heading to face undefeated Japan in Saitama on 15 October. ‘Arnie’ is walking away with two years left on his contract after turning down club coaching opportunities to stay with the Socceroos Arnold was visibly frustrated after the Indonesia draw and vowed to go away and have ‘a really good think about things.’ While many interpreted that throwaway line to suggest he would revamp his squad and tactics – Arnold’s critics have frequently bemoaned Australia’s lack of cutting edge against perceived ‘smaller’ teams – the Socceroos manager has instead been considering his position. Arnold met FA bosses earlier this week and it is believed that he indicated he would be willing to step aside after a challenging six-year reign. His likely exit leaves FA facing a mad scramble to find a coach to step into the role on an interim basis as they continue a search for the next permanent Matildas coach. The Socceroos will need to announce a squad for the October window fixtures with China and Japan in a little over a fortnight. Share or comment on this article: Socceroos coach Graham Arnold makes bombshell decision after team’s awful World Cup performances [ad_2] Source link

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Court fines Musk website for site’s brief return

[ad_1] Brazil has fined Elon Musk’s companies after some users in the country were able to briefly access the social media platform X, despite a ban imposed last month. Brazilian users swarmed the site on Wednesday after X updated how its servers within the country were accessed. The platform’s restoration was unintended, the company said. Hours later access was again blocked. On Thursday, a Brazilian court fined the firm five million reais ($920,000; £695,000) for breaching the ban. The company moved its service back to its previous provider on Thursday afternoon, according to the ABRINT internet provider association, which said it noticed the change while testing to block the new servers. X and Cloudflare have not yet confirmed the move, but ABRINT said X’s public DNS (Domain Name System) indicated a return. Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes had described the company as having committed a “trick” in re-enabling access for some users. He then fined X and Mr Musk’s other company, the internet satellite firm Starlink, more than $920,000 (£695,000) for each day X operates in Brazil. But it’s unclear if the court can enforce payment of the fine or will seek payment now that service has been return to its previous servers. Mr Musk’s firms have previously ignored Brazilian court orders, including the court order from Justice de Moraes which led to the social media site being banned in the first place in August. Explaining the sudden access for some users on Wednesday, X said a change of network providers had “resulted in an inadvertent and temporary service restoration to Brazilian users”. “While we expect the platform to be inaccessible again in Brazil soon, we continue efforts to work with the Brazilian government to return very soon for the people of Brazil,” an X spokesperson said in a statement. The company’s explanation had caught some observers by surprise. “Everything that happened during the day led us to believe that it was on purpose,” said Basílio Rodriguez Pérez, advisor to ABRINT, the country’s leading trade group for Internet Service Providers (ISP). ABRINT said X moved to servers hosted by Cloudflare, and that the site appeared to be using dynamic internet protocol (IP) addresses that change constantly, indicating to him that the change in access to Brazilian users was purposeful. By contrast, the previous system had relied on specific IP addresses that could be more easily blocked. Mr Rodriguez Pérez, ABRINT advisor, said those dynamic IP addresses could also be linked to critical services within Brazil. “Many of these IP [addresses] are shared with other legitimate services, such as banks and large internet platforms, making it impossible to block an IP [address] without affecting other services.” That includes the service PIX, which millions of Brazilians depend on to make digital payments. Despite the change, some experts said Cloudflare was well-positioned to help Brazil reinforce the ban. “Actually, I think the ban would be even more effective if Cloudflare really cooperates with the government,” said Felipe Autran, a constitutional lawyer in Brasilia, the country’s capital. “I think they will, since they are such a huge provider for many Brazilian enterprises and also the government.” Brazil is said to be one of the largest markets for Mr Musk’s social media network. The platform was banned in the country last month after failing to meet a court deadline to appoint a new legal representative in the country. It marked the most significant development in a feud between Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and Mr Musk, which began in April, when the judge ordered the suspension of dozens of X accounts for allegedly spreading disinformation. At one point, Musk’s satellite internet provider Starlink – a subsidiary of spacecraft manufacturer SpaceX – declared it would allow its customers in Brazil to log onto X. Starlink backed down after the nation’s telecommunication agency threatened to revoke its licence to operate there. Observers in Brazil have expressed frustration with both X and the Brazilian government over the fractured relationship. “It’s a game of chess and we are the pieces on the board,” Mr Pérez said. “But it’s not us who are playing. It’s the government and X who are playing.” [ad_2] Source link

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Healthy Aging Month: Tips for seniors to lead a healthier lifestyle | Open

[ad_1] September is recognized as Healthy Aging Month, a time to encourage older adults to take charge of their health and well-being by making simple yet impactful lifestyle changes. As your County Extension agent for Family and Community Health with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, I’m proud to share helpful tips to guide our seniors toward healthier aging. Healthy living doesn’t require drastic changes; small, consistent habits can improve quality of life, boost energy, and foster a positive outlook. Below are a few areas seniors can focus on to maintain their health: 1. Eat Nutrient-Rich Meals Eating healthy is essential at every stage of life, but it becomes especially important as we age. A balanced diet can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve immune function, and maintain energy levels. Here are a few tips for healthy eating: Focus on Variety: Include a range of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your meals to ensure you’re getting a variety of nutrients. Eat Smaller Portions: As metabolism slows with age, seniors often need fewer calories. Instead of large meals, try eating smaller, more frequent meals. Stay Mindful of Sodium: Keep an eye on sodium intake, as reducing salt can help manage blood pressure. 2. Incorporate Daily Physical Activity Regular exercise promotes physical strength, mobility, and emotional well-being. You don’t need an intense workout regimen; simple, enjoyable activities can provide numerous benefits: Walk Daily: Walking is a low-impact exercise that can improve cardiovascular health and enhance mood. Aim for 30 minutes a day. Stretch: Gentle stretching can improve flexibility and balance, helping to reduce the risk of falls. Join a Class: Many community centers offer senior-friendly fitness programs like chair yoga, swimming, or strength training. 3. Stay Socially Connected Maintaining strong social ties can improve mental health, lower the risk of depression, and provide a sense of belonging. Here are ways to stay socially active: Join Clubs or Groups: Engage in activities you enjoy with others, whether it’s a book club, gardening group, or senior center events. Volunteer: Giving back to the community can create purpose and help build connections with others. Connect with Family and Friends: Make time for regular phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits with loved ones. 4. Stay Hydrated Hydration is key to maintaining good health, but many seniors are prone to dehydration because the sensation of thirst decreases with age. Here are tips to stay hydrated: Drink Water Regularly: Aim for 6–8 glasses of water a day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Eat Water-Rich Foods: Fruits like watermelon and oranges, along with vegetables like cucumbers and lettuce, can contribute to your daily hydration needs. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can be dehydrating, so enjoy them in moderation. Your Partner in Healthy Aging The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is here to support seniors and families in our community. We offer educational programs and resources to help seniors stay informed and proactive about their health. Healthy aging is about maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being through simple, sustainable habits. For more information on our programs or to schedule a consultation, please contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at 972-825-5175 or visit our website at ellis.agrilife.org. [ad_2] Source link

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용리단길, 서울. 핫셀블라드 X2D 100C / XCD 38v. 가리워진 부분은 언제나 상상력을 동원하게 한다,,, 그 또한 사진의 매력이다….

[ad_1] 용리단길, 서울. 핫셀블라드 X2D 100C / XCD 38v. 가리워진 부분은 언제나 상상력을 동원하게 한다,,, 그 또한 사진의 매력이다. #라구나스타 #leica #bwphotography #bnw #bnwmood #bnwphotography #black #blackandwhite #streetphotography #photoshoot #leicamonochrom #leica #leicacamera #travelphotography #travel #photography #bnwmood #라이카 #라이카m #summilux35 #summilux50 #noctilux #summilux #noctilux50mm #용리단길 #서울여행 #용산 #용산카페 #핫셀 #핫셀블라드 #x2d #907x [ad_2] Source

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WordCamp Nairobi, Call For Speakers

[ad_1] I noticed recently that WordCamp Nairobi is on the calendar for 1-2 November. Then I noticed their Camp slogan is “Beyond the Savannah: Connecting the Kenyan WordPress Community to the World”, and I thought “Yes! That’s so perfect for HeroPress!” So much so that it’s going to help drive the mission of HeroPress in the future. At the moment we’re simply a Media Partner, so I’m here to tell you that the call for speakers is open! If you can attend you should apply to speak, we need as many voices as possible. I recently met with Moses Cursor Ssebunya, Patrick Lumumba, and Emmanuel Lwanga, all organizers of the WordCamp. If you see them, say hi and shake their hand for me. It sounds like it’s going to be a great event. Moses Cursor Ssebunya Patrick Lumumba Emmanuel Lwanga Related [ad_2] Source link

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