studionashvegas | design and social media

WordPress is, by far, one of the most versatile pieces of software out in cyberspace today. As a developer and designer, my first choice for any project, no matter the scope or purpose, is to see if it’s a job WordPress can handle.  9 times out of 10, it is.  People ask me how software can be so versatile, and how much work is involved to get it that way.  Honestly, it all boils down to the plugins you use, with a few special modifications here and there that most anyone can do.

This year, I’ve made it my mission to show people that WordPress can be used for, well, dang near anything!

Today was a whirlwind day at PodCampNashville.  There were so many great sessions, I saw a lot of great people, and we had a lot of fun at the after party. It’s too soon afterward to really digest things, so I leave you with my session (video is being re-encoded – will have it up ASAP)

No, no sappy Christmasy rhymes tonight.  I’m getting my gear bag together for PodCampNashville tomorrow at the Cadillac Ranch and thought I’d lay down some tips for any newcomers to the podcamp scene (trust me, I’ve done more than my fair share.  I guess that makes me a “podcamping expert” *shudder*)

1) Leave your expectations at the door.

If you’ve never been to one of these, come in with an open mind.  There will be coders, PR hacks, designers, tech geeks, and other strange anomalies, but we’re all here for one thing: to have fun and to network (ok, so that’s two things).  Get ready to meet lots of like minded people and pass out business cards.

2) Remember the Rules of Podcamp.

First rule of Podcamp – you don’t talk about Podcamp.

Wait, that’s not right.

Here are the real first rules to remember:

1. Everyone’s a rock star.  There are no keynotes and no digital dignitaries.  We’re all learning, and we’re all teaching.
2. Law of two feet – if you don’t like what you’re hearing, or you’re bored out of your mind, leave. Not the conference, mind you, but find another room that talks about what you want to hear about.  No one will be upset.
3. If none of the rooms interest you, may I suggest the “hallway track”? Catch up with old friends, meet some new ones, and just eavesdrop on what people are chatting about.  Chances are something may peak your interest.
4. Bring something to take notes, video, and pictures with.  Yes, I said and.  You’ll be on information, and new person, overload by the time it’s all over, so get ready to have trouble remembering who that one dude was or what’s-his-name with the spiky hair and bandana.

3) Bring Stuff

I’m actually breaking my own rule here.  I didn’t order business cards in time (doh!) so i’m on a skeleton supply, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t be giving the few I have out like candy.  For everyone else, I’m taking down email addresses and getting them my info that way.  Here are some other things you may want to consider bringing:

• Power Strip
• Extension Cord (those two will make you the popular kid in the room)
• Alternate Internet source (if you have it, because sometimes the Internet just goes down)
• Bottle of Water
• Notebook (the paper kind)
• Notebook (the digital kind)
• iPhone or SmartPhone (no iPad jokes, please)

So, come tomorrow ready to learn, have a good times, and drink a little beer too (thanks Yazoo!)

It’s that time again!  Time for Nashvillians and people from all around to flock to the Cadillac Ranch to get the tech knowledge on.  Saturday, starting at 9 AM (be there early to get registered, swagged up, and get your networking on) some of the best presenters in Nashville will be showing you how they do what they do best.

I’m taking the entire day tomorrow to finish preparing my slides on “How to use WordPress for Dang Near Anything” and you can guarantee that anything less than perfect for this is going to be unacceptable for me.  I checked the site signups today and found out that nearly 200 people have signed up for my sessions.  I’ve been to entire conferences that have less than that many people.  This is a true honor for me, and I’m not going to let you down.

So, by far, today’s PodCampNashville was one of the most fun events that I’ve been to in the last while. I made a lot of new connections, but the best part was hanging out at the after party and just reveling in the “real life” of things.  Sure, we all met online, but it’s a driving community spirit that keeps us all coming back for more (that, and the fact that @TROnash still has a #gpsassassins smack-down coming, but that’s beside the point).

I think my presentation went well, but it was little strange having people come up to me and say they came just to see my presentation.  It’s a little unnerving sometimes; having people who look to you in that manner is a heavy responsibility… one I take with great honor and responsibility.  Honestly, John Morgan, I’m not sure how you don’t crack under the pressure sometimes

For those of you who were at my presentation, and for those of you who missed it, here are the slides below:

And, (insert shameless plug) if you’re looking for a podcast delivered daily with a bite-sized chunk of WordPress goodness… feel free to subscribe to the WordPulse podcast!

Oh, and here’s the video from NewsChannel5 in Nashville.  I *think* I’m up on stage giving the presentation… can’t tell, though.