1. 

   Ryan Imel
   

   offline

   Head of the playground

   This idea is something I've had cooking for a while now -- why not present it here, in the new forum? :)

   There is a surplus of less-than-quality blogging about WordPress going on. Hopefully I'm not contributing too much to that pile. So this idea really began as a single realization: we (WordPress bloggers) are all fragmenting ourselves and diluting the potency of our blogs, I think, in the process.

   There are just too many people writing about WordPress in too many places.

   Of course I would never think of asking any WordPress bloggers to join me at the Playground and leave their blog behind, as I wouldn't leave my own blog for anyone else. So instead my thoughts drifted toward a larger, more concentrated effort, that those interested in writing about WordPress and open source software could contribute to and get excited about.

   For this concentrated effort: why not a printed publication?

   Much of my inspiration for this idea comes from the awesome A List Apart, the site for people who make websites. ALA is essentially a more critical sort of blog built out in the spirit of traditional magazines (monthly articles). So how about a website, kind of like this, for people who make websites with WordPress?

   I'm also very interested in a new web service called MagCloud, which is all about helping people publish and distribute their own magazines. I'm not one that wants to fight for the necessity of printed media, by any means. But I recognize that, nowadays, words printed on paper take on a more quaint appeal, one that amplifies the voice of the author. And the more I considered it, the more eI think this sort of format would be beneficial to the nature of writing about WordPress.

   I mean, I would drop a few dollars for a nice printed version of each issue of ALA. Something more than what I would get if I just printed the pages off at home.

   I'm reminded of the awesome work Jason Santa Maria has been doing with his blog by designing each article somewhat independently of each other.

   A few things concern me about this idea. I would love to get some thoughts on these:

   • How could printed content interact with what would also need to be on the web?
   • Is there enough of a window open for content to be written as a fuller interpretation in print?
   • Would enough WordPress people be interested in paying for a modest publication like I'm describing?

   That said, I'm interested in talking with anyone who would be excited about being a part of this sort of a project. If it sounds like it might have legs, I may run with it.

   Alright, you talk now.

   Posted 9 months ago #
2. 

   Anonymous
   

   offline

   Unregistered

   When I saw the title of the post, I thought it would be a horrible idea, but only for the costs of maintaining a magazine. But MagCloud and your reasoning sold me on it. I think it would be a great idea or at least something I'd pay for.

   I can imagine it releasing every two months or every quarter. I don't know exactly how you're thinking about it, but I think it would work well as a designer/developer showcase. A little WordPress news in the beginning, then it will feature three designers/developers per issue. There's an interview with the des/dev and then they take you through the creation of an awesome WordPress theme or plugin. And all the files can be downloaded from the site.

   At least that's what I'd be more likely to pay for.

   Posted 9 months ago #
3. 

   joshf
   

   offline

   Member

   I completely agree with the state of blogs about Wordpress. I guess the same is true with blogs in general.

   I'm not sure if merely going to print is the solution. After all, ALA is not distributed that way. It's the combination of regular, organized, thoughtful content written by those with expertise that make it stand out.

   So, I think this is one of those "If you build it will they come?" conundrums, right?

   In order to generate some enthusiasm towards a wordpress reference that would rise above the current mass of blahgs, I suggest a more holistic approach.

   I'm a big fan of Coudal Partners. They produce a wide range of creative design content and products with a certain witty sensibility.

   How cool would that be to have wordpress themer matches (akin to layer tennis)? Some wordpress related products could round out the mix, such as poster sized reference guides.

   A print version could certainly be a component of a successful publication, but I think some creativity and a little personality could go a long way.

   Posted 9 months ago #
4. 

   Ryan Imel
   

   offline

   Head of the playground

   @JDBentley: Exactly, something a bit more in depth and comprehensive, especially when it comes to things like designer/developer features and interviews.

   @joshf: I agree that a simple move to print wouldn't be enough to make a difference. I guess the point I was getting at is that the content would need to be fit to print.

   I'm also a fan of Coudal's work, and would definitely stack their stuff up their with ALA as far as a quality of work worth emulating. I guess the tough part with WordPress-centric blogs in particular, is how to concentrate the efforts of many into one product that's more than the sum of its parts.

   Should I be attempting to bring other WordPress bloggers under the Theme Playground umbrella, to concentrate the effort? For some reason that just comes across as a snobbish, asshole-ish thing to try and do.

   Posted 9 months ago #
5. 

   Ryan Imel
   

   offline

   Head of the playground

   As a heads up, Jeff of WPTavern posted his thoughts after I talked to him the other night about this very topic. Looks like I worked him up to a blog post.

   http://www.wptavern.com/is-wordpress-information-too-fragmented

   I'll be interested in seeing what discussion pops up over on his site, and how much trickles over into this post.

   Posted 9 months ago #
6. 

   andrea_r
   

   offline

   Member

   I've been thinking more and more about collaboration, and writing, and getting my name out there.

   But there's the whole time issue, and havign to work on the paying items first. :-/

   Posted 9 months ago #
7. 

   Ryan Imel
   

   offline

   Head of the playground

   Glad you're thinking about it more. This whole issue of WP blogging collaboration has been sitting with me for a few weeks now, pretty heavy.

   If you are interested in something more like collaboration, we should talk soon. Might have something coming up you'd be interested in :).

   Posted 9 months ago #
8. 

   andrea_r
   

   offline

   Member

   Might as well send me an email, I have some cool things cooking as well... ;P

   Posted 9 months ago #

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