[wp-docs] FAQs - DRAFT of Section One - General FAQs

[Craig Hartel]

I invite your comments and suggestions. Is this the kind of product and the
style in which we wish to do the FAQs and the documentation. I have thick
skin to go with my thick skull, so don't be afraid to offer constructive
criticism. It's a team effort!

WordPress FAQs

Section One – General FAQs

What is WP?
	WordPress, or WP, is a content management and publishing system,
which has evolved from the b2 web log publishing toolset. You can use WP as
a stand-alone application to publish your web log, or incorporate its
functionality into an existing site.

How does WP work?
	Dang, I was afraid you were going to ask that. I’m just the lackey
typing documentation, but I can tell you what I DO know—PHP and an SQL
database, preferably MySQL, are two of the major components. You can find
detailed explanations from somebody who knows what they are talking about in
the SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS portion of the WP documentation package.

How much does it cost?
	WP is freeware. However, you can find ways to donate directly to the
developers through purchasing something on their wish lists or by making
direct donations. You can also help in other ways, like contributing to the
community by making sandwiches and coffee for the annual convention in Pouce
Coupé, BC, every year in March. Either that or you can write some hacks and
be an active member that supports expert and newbie alike.

How is WP related to other blogging applications?
	Well, it is the son of b2, and second cousin twice removed from
Blogger and the son’s uncle’s sister’s Mother’s brother’s cousin’s half
step-sister’s daughter’s Father-in-law’s nephew. Yeah, it’s hard to believe
that they look so different, eh? You can also post your own stories, ideas,
rants, reviews, links, and pictures of your toothless Uncle Ernie at the
wedding reception if you choose. So, as you can see, it’s similar to most
blogging tools out there.

Why should I use WP?
	Good question—you have a lot of them, don’t you? Well, we think that
you should use WP because it’s a great tool, and it’s getting better all the
time. It’s easy to set up and run, and there is a great bunch of people
around who are willing to help you get started so you can enjoy your
personal web-publishing experience. Oh, yeah, chicks dig people who use WP.
Uh, if you aren’t into chicks, well, then you should know that stud-muffins
dig chicks who use WP.

What are the major features?
	Glad you asked, because we think that WP has many great features.
Some of these include customizable templates, standards-compliant coding and
design, a built-in comment system, multiple RSS feeds, and an online support
forum. Oh, the Slurpee-sized cup holders are an extra option, as is air
conditioning and tinted glass. Everything else under the hood comes as
standard equipment. Don’t like standard equipment? Use your talents to mod
the stuff under the hood and share it with the community. The open source
concept is alive and well at WP.

Can I import posts from other blogs?
	Yep. There is even an automated routine for upgrading from Blogger
to WP. I used it myself, and it worked flawlessly.

Where do I find help?
	Well, check the Yellow Pages under “Psychiatrists” and
oh
not THAT
kind of help, eh? Well, we have a great FAQ section, some first-rate
documentation, and a 24/7 support forum chock full of eager WPers willing
and able to assist you with problems and to answer your questions. Don’t
forget about the README file that comes with your install package!

What documentation is available?
	Our documentation is currently 243 pages (single-spaced and
double-sided) of verbose, technical, and incomprehensible gibberish. Oops.
No, that was my divorce settlement
actually, WP has a batch of great stuff
posted on the forum at WordPress.org and our crack team of writers and
technical experts are at this very moment building a simple, yet
comprehensive set of documentation for WP. Keep an eye out for it very soon!

How can I get involved in the WP community?
	Well, first, download, install, and use WP every day. Tell your Mom
about it, and make sure everyone from your paperboy to your butcher knows
about both your site and the WP application you used to build it. Then,
create some cool style sheets, and share them with the other people in the
WP world. Help a newbie in the support forum. You could debate crunchy
versus smooth peanut butter in the Miscellaneous forum. Promote yourself and
the tools you use. Share your experience and expertise. Have fun!

I am a programmer/designer/hacker - can I help with the development of WP?
	Sure you can! Post your suggestions and requests for features in the
forums. Design or alter some hacks to add functionality to the WP suite of
tools. Got some cool ideas on an innovative design? By all means, build it
and show it off! If you want to be directly involved in the daily
development of WP, then you will have to contact the developers directly. If
they get permission from their Moms to let you join, then you will be yet
another great asset to the WP team.

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