Tidbits from Brian - Issue #16
My first WordPress blog... ✏️
I can’t believe it’s been over 14 years since I started my first WordPress blog (seen below). Time really does fly! Throughout all my different careers, WordPress has been the one and only constant.
I took some time this month to dive into an interview with Crocoblock. In it, I share some of my WordPress journey, tips, and work-life balance recommendations. I’m excited to see what the next decade brings. Life is a continuously changing adventure.
I think marketers are the most successful when they produce content in the same way they like to consume it.
Updates ✍️
We pushed out two big updates for Perfmatters and Novashare in the month of January. For Perfmatters, it was focused on improving compatibility across the board. For Novashare, we have a new highly requested Pinterest feature and improved performance! Here are a few of the main changes:
Perfmatters
Added new advanced option to load local Google Fonts stylesheet asynchronously. 🚀
Added support for CSS variables when they are being used for lazy loaded inline bg images. 🖼️
Added user agent check before running output buffer with initial exclusion for Usercentrics. Shout out to Hans Skillrud.
Improved delay all script handling of jQuery load event. 🔧
Moved buffer class initialization to wp action hook to improve filtering possibilities.
Changed all WooCommerce checks to use class_exists for better compatibility. 👍
Moved WooCommerce built-in exclusions to apply to select individual features instead of the entire buffer.
Adjusted the order of preloads in the buffer. 🧮
Many more updates and fixes.
Novashare
Switched to using CSS variables for various network colors to improve performance (stylesheet reduced by 19%). 🔥 Shout out to Saumya Majumder.
Additional stylesheet refactoring to help further reduce file size.
Added new Pinterest Share Button Behavior option to Show Pinterest Images only.
Added support for Social Warfare post meta to the Novashare Migrator.
Fixed various issues.
Interesting things 🔎
Misc.
Every year (and quarter), I'm reminded just how much of my income goes to paying taxes. 😞
OK, I ignored ChatGPT as long as I could. Now I think it’s amazing.
Here’s a first look at the Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices apps coming to Windows 11.
Brainy UK scientists create robust optic fiber that may unlock our quantum future! This is really cool. I used to help run fiber under roads in a previous job. 🤓
Do you think you have a cool entertainment system setup? Check this out!
Avatar 2 crossed $2 billion. I went to see it and loved it just as much as the first one. Encourage everyone to watch the behind-the-scenes on how it’s made.
GoldenEye 007 is now available on Nintendo Switch and Xbox. This is a major blast from the past.
WordPress
ClassicPress community votes to re-fork WordPress. I’m all for alternative options, but does anyone else think this seems like a mess?
The WordPress theme directory will soon be getting a complete refresh. Check out some of the mockups.
Awesome Motive acquires Thrive Themes. Wow, yet another one.
Yoast 20.0 was just released, and it comes with a completely overhauled UI. It’s also tricky to balance native UI versus completely going the other way. I think they did a good job.
Gutenberg 15.0 introduces sticky position block support. This is a great addition.
Performance
ShortPixel has launched WordPress hosting. Haven’t tried it, but for those on a tight budget, it would be nice to have some more and better options.
The WordPress performance team is working towards unbundling the Performance Lab plugin. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
WooCommerce seeks to improve cart and checkout blocks’ performance. This is badly needed.
KeyCDN is still my first choice if you need a traditional CDN. They just launched four new POPs, on two continents. Copenhagen, Dublin, Lisbon, and Lima. 🇩🇰🇮🇪🇵🇹🇵🇪
Marketing
Excited to have the new editor in Trello. It’s already helping me streamline my workflow even more.
AI can be awesome! But just be careful before quickly replacing your entire content marketing strategy with it. See what Google says.
Twitter officially bans all third-party apps. This is a shame.
Google Optimize is being retired. This was an excellent tool! Used it many times over the years.
Bitcoin (not financial advice)
If you’re looking for a great down to earth podcast, check out Blue Collar Bitcoin. Two firefighters talk all about Bitcoin.
By far the best thread I’ve seen to date on why Bitcoin mining is good for the environment. If you haven’t kept up, incredible things are happening around the globe right now.
Lyn Alden also has a great article on why Bitcoin’s energy usage isn’t a problem.
Check out this short documentary on the silent Bitcoin revolution of Africa.
Great thread from Danny Scott on how Bitcoin Lightning works.
Speaking of Lightning, this is now fully deployed in Cash App! Awesome. Clover is also doing a test pilot using Lightning.
Buying a beer. GBP converted to USD instantly and free using Strike + Bitcoin + Lightning.
NYDIG always has great reports and data. Check out their 2022 review and look ahead.
Texas A&M has launched a “Programming Bitcoin” course. Really cool! Props to Pierre Rochard on giving the first lecture.
Very cool website to see which senators and congress reps support Bitcoin.
Here’s a quick lesson from Duck Tales on how inflation works.
If you hate Bitcoin, this will give you a laugh going into the weekend. If you love Bitcoin, you can also appreciate it. 🤣 “Margaret, I swear to God…”
If you're ever in the Scottsdale, AZ area, hit me up, and we can grab lunch! 🥗👋