I still get a raised eyebrow or two when I’m recommending WordPress to a client. It’s usually the folks in the middle of the web-fluency pack that shoot me that quizzical look. If you’re new to the idea of launching a website, WordPress is just another term that you’re getting to know. On the other end, web enthusiasts have heard WordPress’s praises and might have even enjoyed it on their own. But the folks in the middle are concerned that their new site will look like a paint-by-numbers template, sidelined to a forgotten corner of the blogosphere with a URL like “http://somecompany.wordpress.com”.
If you’re questioning what your developer is recommending, take a look at the following video. I think that it will change some of that.
Below is the annual “State Of The Word” speech by WordPress founder Matt Mullenweg. He’s one heck of a happy guy, and his philosophy of what makes life — and websites — great shines through in this presentation. The trick to creating something that you’re proud of comes down to the details. You need to get the little things right, because they add up to something bigger.
There’s no reason for Matt to continue working on WordPress — the “free” software generates an enormous amount of money through consulting to enterprise-level users — but he has a passion for making things better, so he does it anyway. His focus continues to be on the way real, individual users interact with the software. To misquote scripture, “If it works for the least of these, it will work you too.”
Give it a chance. I think you’ll have to agree.
