In today’s World of WordPress, we are talking music at WordCamp Austin, acquisitions, and creating a virtual year-in-review for WordPress in 2020.
WordCamp Austin to have music.
I like that WordCamp Austin is going to include music in this year’s virtual event. In years past, Austin has become a center stage for many musicians.
Every year, the South by Southwest festival includes a large contingent of musicians, so this seems like a nod of the cap. SXSW was unable to hold their even this year due to COVID.
September is the last day for submissions, so we will wait to see what comes in and who performs. I actually passed the information along to a friend of mine to consider.
Will you watch the event to see who shows up?
One thing I find interesting is their use of Mozilla’s Hubs rooms for the conference.
“WordCamp Austin organizers are planning to use Hubs Virtual Rooms by Mozilla to create a unique environment for attendees.” WP Tavern
If you are tired of Zoom and other virtual conference software, you might check out WC Austin to see how it turns out.
The actual event takes place on October 9, 2020.
MotoPress Acquires Gutenix, a Gutenberg-focused WordPress Multipurpose Theme
Acquisitions and Gutenberg seem to be the talk of WordPress these days. I didn’t even know there as a Gutenberg based theme, but here it is, and MotoPress just scooped it up.
MotoPress has one of the top page builders in the industry and is known for its Hotel booking plugin.
The acquisition will help MotoPress become a bigger player in WordPress and increase its market share.
According to their blog post, this acquisition fits their purpose,
“Here at MotoPress, we are huge Gutenberg enthusiasts. We’ve been crafting plugins and themes for Gutenberg from the time of its first release, advocating its use on local WordCamps and in interviews.
“Acquiring Gutenix, we first and foremost affirm our dedication to invest and contribute to Gutenberg as the WordPress stronghold. We hope you’ll join us in this passion!”
Have you ever used Gutenix or MotoPress? Let us know in the MainWP Users Facebook Group.
WordPress year in view, Joe Casabona.
WordPress educator, podcaster, and developer Joe Casabona had an idea. WordCamp US 2020 was canceled earlier this year due to the COVID pandemic. Many of the WordCamps were canceled for in-person meetings, while others adjusted to virtual events.
According to his website,
“With WordCamp US 2020 canceling its virtual event, and many other WordCamps not happening now through 2021, the WordPress community needs something to help fill the void.”
The project is a cool idea to document a year in review online.
- The project includes an ebook (also a print version)
- A series of podcast interviews including WordCamp US speakers on How I built it
- A series of video tutorials focusing on WordPress features introduced in 2020
It is a very bold project, and Casabona is accepting donations to help using GiveWP.
The site is designed using the Twenty Twenty Theme, the block editor, and hosted on LiquidWeb.
If you have ever been to a WordCamp, you know how fun and helpful they can be. Casabon’s project is a way to be involved with the broader community, even if virtually.
Casabona told me by email,
“I know that you know the importance of storytelling. I feel like WordCamps help tell the story of WordPress from year to year. Without them, there are fewer stories. This project aims to fill that void through an ebook, podcast, and video series. Community support will go a long way in making this project happen. After all, what better story to tell about WordPress than one of community?”
Restrict Content Pro has a new home
Call it a surprise to me. iThemes has acquired Restrict Content Pro of Sandhills Development (aka Pippen Williams).
The acquisition is a big plus for iThemes, who seems to be looking to expand its products. Restrict Content Pro has long been seen as a reliable product for a simple membership site.
According to a blog post on the Sandhills blog, Pippen explained that he created products with the idea they may be sold one day. That is because he says,
“… I knew all products and companies will ultimately always meet one of three fates: they will slowly fade away and die; they will be discontinued; or they will be sold or transferred to someone else to carry forward.”
Source
Sandhills can focus on other projects moving forward.
Wrapping it up
Certainly, there have been lots of changes in 2020. We have had acquisitions and the emergence of online summits. We have transitioned to virtual WordCamps and seen new companies begin.
Many have seen a change or a downturn due to COVID.
When the year is over, we are going to look back and wonder what happened. The year 2020 has been quite a ride.
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