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

[Geof F. Morris]

Just my thoughts, which are worth what you pay to read them.

--On Friday, November 28, 2003 12:21 AM -0700 Craig Hartel 
<milquetoast at telus.net> wrote:

> I invite your comments and suggestions. Is this the kind of product
> 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.

        That works.

> 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.

        First thought: because we will have many voices working on 
documentation, and because there are many hands in getting WP done, I 
think we need to use "we" rather than "I" in the documentation. 
That'll keep voice more consistent--people are used to "we" having 
sometimes varying voices, but "I" is always expected to be the same 
person.

> 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.

        Where is my convention invitation?  I'd love a week in BC.

        However, I don't think we want to advertise something that 
doesn't exist.  [Unless it does, and then, hell yeah.]

> 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.

        Actually, Michel's inspiration was primarily GreyMatter.  I 
was around at the time.  I think it would be fair to say that b2 was 
one of the first relatively-complete PHP/MySQL solutions in the 
blogtool marketplace [pMachine being the other one] and note that WP 
is just moving from 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.

        That tells people nothing, really.  Just because we think 
it's great doesn't mean that they should.

> 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.

        This is probably the place for a very quick featurelist. 
Also, if we're going to highlight the people who work with WP [and I 
think we should], a page with mug shots and two-line bio/role quips 
would be good.

> 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.

        I personally think that this is hilarious, but if I were a 
gay man, well, I'd wonder.

        If I were a gay man, I would also have some explaining to do 
to my roommates!

> 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.

        We probably need a sarcasm-deflation device right here, like: 
"[Oh, wait.  We're talking about the Weblog tool, not the car design 
we have going on back in the shop.]"

> 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.

        I think we'd need a definitive listing of what all converters 
exist.

> 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!

        Divorce settlement ... LOL  Perhaps our bill to repeal the 
DMCA instead?  ;)

> 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.

        Craig, thanks for laying something out there to be discussed.

        GFM