Tidbits from Brian (Black Friday edition) - Issue #2
Hey everyone, it's that time of the year! 💥
Time to grab some of those sweet Black Friday deals. Instead of compiling a massive list like everyone else, I prefer to just share a few select deals on products and services I actually use (see below). But if you're looking for a comprehensive list, this Black Friday roundup from Ben is awesome.
Black Friday deals on things I use 🏷️
GeneratePress: 25% off yearly licenses. $30 off lifetime licenses. 45% off license renewals and extensions! You can even upgrade to the lifetime license (through Dec. 2).
GenerateBlocks: 25% off new licenses and upgrades (through Dec. 2).
Kinsta: Two months of free hosting when paying annually and free migration.
Easy Digital Downloads: 60% off all passes (through Nov. 26).
EDD EU VAT plugin: 30% off (through Nov. 29).
ShortPixel: 5x more credits (Friday, Nov. 26 – Tuesday, Nov. 30).
WP Fluent Forms: Up to 40% off (through Dec. 5th).
Mangools: 50% off on first payment (Wednesday, Nov. 24 – Tuesday, Nov. 30).
SmarterQueue: 30% off your first year if paid annually (Friday, Nov. 26 – Monday, Nov. 29).
Affinity Designer and Photo: 30% off.
Plex Pass: 25% off a lifetime pass (through Nov. 29).
New customers can also get 30% off all of our WordPress plugins (Perfmatters, Novashare, WP Coupons) through Dec. 1st.
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Interesting things 🔎
Updates
TIDAL launched a new free plan. I gave it a try and really like its UI. However, the lack of an Apple M1 optimized app is a dealbreaker. Definitely, one to keep an eye on. I like that they give more to artists.
Cloudflare Registrar has matured quite a bit. Their prices are also cheaper than Namecheap now, especially for extensions like .io. Is it time to migrate?
Google just pushed out a broad core algorithm update, and it hit fast and hard. Check out the data.
Performance
The new PageSpeed Insights is here. I use this daily, and I'm not in love with some of the changes that were made. But we move forward!
Chrome Priority Hints are coming. They give you more granular control on the order of assets loading. More than a standard preload.
I've seen some move to headless WordPress solutions, but Aaron Jorbin actually decided to move back. Interesting read.
WordPress
There have been a lot of WordPress acquisitions this year, but GoDaddy acquiring Pagely is not one I expected.
WordPress 5.9 has been delayed until January 2022. This is probably a good thing. Make sure everything is working first, we can wait.
Flippa is still a great place to offload old WordPress projects and domains. I just sold one this week.
Has Gutenberg divided WordPress? Read why Paul Lacey is taking a big step back from WordPress.
With the holidays approaching, I recommend you wait to update plugins and themes (unless it's security related). Don't create an unnecessary headache for yourself.
Crypto (not financial advice)
Everyone can mine Bitcoin. Check out how the Navajo Nation is mining Bitcoin with renewable solar power. It's incredible.
Following AMC, Regal Cinemas is now going to be accepting Bitcoin and crypto to purchase movie tickets and concessions.
No more gas fees! Grab a domain name at Unstoppable Domains to automatically translate all your messy wallet addresses. I registered a .wallet domain.
Apple CEO Tim Cook mentioned he owns Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Check out this little hack on how you can use the Gemini API to buy crypto for just pennies and no spread! That's right, I buy crypto from AWS with an API. 🤓
Atomic.Finance is creating a way to earn yield on your Bitcoin without giving up custody. Looks very promising!
For those of you in the states, have a great holiday, and remember to take some time to recharge with your family.