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If you are looking for a Content Publishing System that is fast, simple, and flexible then you’ll want to consider using WordPress. Some of the advantages of WordPress are that it’s easy to expand and it can accommodate just about any kind of site design with minimal programming skills.

Speaking of site design, if you’re planning on creating a unique look and feel for your WordPress driving site then you’ll need this book, WordPress Theme Design by Tessa Blakeley Silver. Tessa does an excellent job of explaining in detail how to create a WordPress theme from start to finish — the author even walks you through an example theme design “step-by-step.”

Not only will this book teach you the basics of the famous “WordPress loop” but how its framework is arranged and how it’s used by the application. Furthermore, you’ll understanding how themes are integrated into this framework and how to create them or modify existing ones to take advantage of WordPress’ full capabilities. Then, if that wasn’t enough, Tessa continues to expand your theme development knowledge by sharing with you how to troubleshooting it, validate it, integrate common template tags, add some interactive AJAX or Flash, and is wrapped up by sharing with you some great design tips.

What I enjoyed most about this book was that it was thorough in every way. It becomes obvious that Tessa takes into consideration the entire process of building a web site. The book covers the list of required skills and tools, cross-browser compatibility, accessibility, web standards, a good walkthrough of CSS, tricks and fixes, packaging, core functions, plug-ins, widgets, and the integration of additional features like Flash and AJAX. No matter what level you are in using WordPress I highly recommend this book because it enables you to have full control over your site’s look and feel.

Links of interest from the 15th Week of 2009

• Twitter Applications You’ll love and use: TwtApps
• Bring Twitter Right Into Gmail with the Amazing TwitterGadget
• 25 Most Useful Blogs for Web Design & Development
• A must have, The Golden Ratio Calculator
• 16 Design Tools for Prototyping and Wireframing
• Look at W3C web site redesign in beta, more info
• IE 6 Fixer
• Into UX, wireframes, the blueprint css design framework, and OmniGraffle then you’ll need these Stencils and Templates

So for you recruiters out there, here is some more information about me — me trying to be transparent.

Some typical questions that have been asked, thus far:

1. Still looking for other opportunities?
   • Yes, I’m still entertaining new opportunities — though in all honestly I’m always open to hearing what you might have to offer.
2. Why are you looking?
   • Well I was laid off due to reduction in the workforce. My prior company’s parent company required a 10% cut across the board.
3. Previous positions perm or contract?
   • For the last few years, my previous positions have all been permeant.
4. What would you like to earn?
   • My current salary requirement would range from $**,000 to $**,000, with specifics flexible, negotiable, and dependent upon such factors as benefit
     structure, responsibility, tele-commuting and advancement opportunity. (masked for personal reasons)
5. What are you looking for in a position?
   • I’m looking for opportunities where I can expend my extensive knowledge across many areas of web design and development in a dynamic team environment that allows me to manage the entire web product process as well as think and act beyond just the tasks at hand (no silo positions please, small awesome team preferred).
6. Give me your commuting or relocation guidelines.
   • I’m open to relocating to any other place but would have to entertain it case-by-case. However, at a minimum, there would have to be a relocation package — I can’t afford to do it on my own.
7. What percentage of travel would you be willing to do?
   • I’m okay with travel up to 50-60%.
8. Relevant experience:
   • Some highlights of my qualifications include:
     • Ten years professional web experience in front-end web development.
     • Strategic thinker and planner, skilled in the execution of innovative website solutions.
     • Gifted communicator, able to form relationships with colleagues and clients at all levels.
     • Adaptable to diverse situations and projects while maintaining focus under tight deadlines.
     • Intuitive worker able to complete projects reliably with minimal supervision.
     • Outstanding leadership abilities; able to coordinate and direct all phases of project-based efforts while managing, motivating and leading project teams with a commitment to deadlines.
9. Are you available to interview on short notice?
   • Possibly.
10. When can you start?
    • A.S.A.P.
11. Have you ever worked with a recruiter before?
    • Yes
12. What is your current work eligibility?
    • I’m an US Citizen.

Links of interest from the 11th Week of 2009

• Look up a #hashtag definition (or create one)
• Reposted from maxdesign.com.au links: JavaScript best practices
• Fluid Grids
• Making a footer stick to the bottom of a page
• Need a private phone number with voicemail that can be upgraded to a live Receptionist, get evoice
• Learn more about WordPress at WordPress.tv
• A site for fans of bands, MoBoogie
• Card Observer a neat site to check out the designs of business cards
• PixelPipe
• Trying to muster up the cash to attend WebVisions

As is stands I have the opportunity to change my life and that of my family’s for better or for worse, let’s hope it’s all for the better.

Recently being laid off, in a dwindling economy, I’ve been forced to consider some things. Questions I’m asking myself are, “who am I?” and “what do I want to do?” as well as “how can I provide for my family and glorify the Lord?” As a result I’ve considered a few ideas.

The first idea of going freelance, providing web design and front-end development for any client that needs the service. Yet, I don’t think I’m ready for this step nor do I think I want the stress of finding clients, managing clients, an invoice and billing system, let alone the start up cost to providing such services (i.e., I need a new computer, monitor, external hard drive, and a some adobe software — my current computer is an older PowerBook G4; donations anyone?).

Second, do I just take whatever job comes my way and forget about building a career path. If I do that what kind of money will I make? Will it provide enough for the family? Will I be forced to take on two or more jobs? What will it be? A truck driver, a cook, an electrician, quality control agent for some warehouse and distribution company?

Third, maybe I should switch roles and focus more on a Product Manager instead of a Front-end Web Developer. Seems to fit my personality and background a bit more — will have to give that more thought.

Forth, take whatever job, but try to build out a few of my product ideas. Whatever happens I might still end up doing this anyway. The only problem again is cash to hire the help needed to get them off the ground and marketed.

Fifth, maybe I could have some fun and try out for The Best Job Ever. I’m sure my whole family would enjoy the adventure.

Sixth, should I just go out and create some buzz about some random topic and video stream and blog about it. Maybe I’ll find a niche that will take me to the next job. I just need to spend some cash again and get some equipment.

Hum, there’s a lot of stuff to think about and some mountains to climb. Anybody have a crazy thought or suggestion?

• all packed and ready to go to sxsw in the morning. w00t. #
• At the airport. One hour before takeoff to Austin. #
• @alexdesigns when are you getting into Austin? #
• @andrewhyde what airline u flying? #