Comments for WordPress 2.7: If You Don't Like It, Change It

WordPress 2.7: If You Don't Like It, Change It

2008-12-11T09:00:27Z

The last time WordPress - the popular open source blogging platform - changed their user interface, they got a reaction. And it wasn't positive. Even diehard fans were questioning the reasoning behind the changes, trying to figure out ways to work within the new construct, or simply throwing their hands up in despair. So, it comes as little surprise that the latest release, WordPress 2.7 - codenamed "Coltrane" - has had a great deal of time and energy focused on improving that interface. But could the WordPress development team win back the adoration of those angry users with yet another interface change?

]]> If the initial reactions are any indication, the answer would be yes. Now, those same users who were hating WordPress 2.5 are gushing that WordPress 2.7 interface "reeks of pure awesome."

Personally, I experienced a similar reaction when I saw Coltrane demoed in front of the WordCamp Portland crowd in September. Jaws were dropping. I swear there were "Oohs," "Ahs," and spontaneous applause. (Which I guess is appropriate for a release named after a jazz legend.) Everyone - from new user to WordPress developer - was downright giddy.

WordPress 2.7 delivers an interface that is nearly impossible to hate - because each user has ultimate control over the way the interface is arranged. Practically anything you can touch on the interface can be changed. Don't like something? Put it away. Drag it somewhere else. Resize it.

The new release also offers features that users have been requesting, including things like "sticky posts" - posts that remain stuck as the first post on a blog even as additional posts are published - and the ability to do more from the dashboard. If the first word to describe Coltrane is "customizable," then the second word is definitely "thoughtful." Across the board, users can complete more activities with fewer clicks.

All the shiny newness on top hints at changes to under-workings, as well. There have been several changes to APIs, bug fixes, and inline documentation added to assist in development and support.

But for as impressive as the new release is, I'd offer that the positive reception has less to do with the technology and the functionality. I think it's far more visceral than that. I'd say it has more to do with the fact that users felt that the WordPress interface team - led by recent Automattic addition Jane Wells - listened to their concerns and worked to resolve them. What's more, they allowed users to be involved throughout the development process.

With WordPress 2.7, WordPress users feel like they're part of the team again. And that goodwill could gain WordPress far more ground than any of the new features.

To read more about the new release, see the WordPress blog. Or take our word for it and download WordPress 2.7.

Comment from gowers on 2008-12-11

2008-12-11T09:30:05Z

I love wordpress!!!

Comment from Dragos Roua on 2008-12-11

2008-12-11T09:47:39Z

Good article.

Just installed 2.7 in my blog and found my way easier in it. And I totally agree that what matters most now is not the number of changes, but the way in which changes were made.

You can't simply put something out there and expect people to swallow. Blogging has become such a thin ice lately, and approaches like tumblr or even micro-blogging like twitter can really break through. I still bet my money on "traditional" blogging as opposed to micro-blogging and having more efficient tolls to blog is a must for my activity.

Comment from InAction Man on 2008-12-11

2008-12-11T11:02:04Z

@Dragos Roua

Funny typo. I guess you meant that wordpress is an efficient tool, not a toll.

Comment from Marcos on 2008-12-11

2008-12-11T11:02:44Z

The interface seems rather sleek. On another note and being a Jazz fan I have to say, they call it "Coltrane" and then don't use Coltrane at all in the promo video...

Comment from Civil Engineer on 2008-12-11

2008-12-11T11:26:27Z

Love wordpress like crazy :D

Comment from Smashcut on 2008-12-11

2008-12-11T14:14:29Z

@Rick - thanks for the thoughtful coverage and for sharing the video

@Marcos - Good point on the Coltrane tip, but legal complications aside using Coltrane in the background would (a) be a crime against humanity - Coltrane deserves full and undivided attention IMHO, and (b) make it pretty tough to hear the voiceover - tenor sax + my tenor voice don't gel so well (and the Soprano stuff might blow a few laptop speakers) :)

Comment from Ahsan on 2008-12-11

2008-12-11T16:06:55Z

excellent

Comment from Ryan Graves on 2008-12-11

2008-12-11T16:13:42Z

I just upgraded my blog ryanagraves.com last night and I really like it. I usually wont use the quick post section but I like the open design of the new post page way way better. Great work on using ajax and customization!
I'm a fan.

Comment from chrispian on 2008-12-11

2008-12-11T18:14:39Z

I just posted my obligatory WP upgrade post and I'm in the "whoah, much better" category. The 2.5 admin area was terrible. Just bad. This is a major improvement.

Comment from Rick Turoczy on 2008-12-11

2008-12-11T19:33:48Z

@Smashcut Thanks so much for swinging by. We're big fans of your screencasting skills. In fact, I was half tempted to embed the "This time, it's personal" one, as well. Please, by all means, keep up the good work. Your videos are always as informative as they are entertaining.

Comment from dymos.myopenid.com on 2008-12-11

2008-12-11T22:17:16Z

I've been doing some work for a client who runs a blog on 2.7 - so far it's been an absolute joy to work with compared to the previous version, things are in more logical places, and getting things done is straightforward.

I think the only thing I don't like is the Source code editor, it's in dire need of something just a tad better

Comment from Tony on 2008-12-11

2008-12-11T22:27:29Z

This is one of the nicest user interfaces I've seen in a long time. Awesome job wordpress!

Comment from Mark on 2008-12-11

2008-12-12T06:56:32Z

I like the new version. Appealing to the eye and as usual easy to use, modify and customize. Most of our customers have requested the upgrade, so will be rolling out to everyone who requests it shortly.

Comment from HappyTutors.com - Connect Tutors with Students & Parents on 2008-12-11

2008-12-12T07:53:14Z

We like the "sticky posts". We've used sticky posts in our HappyTutors.com Blog.

HappyTutors.com
~ Connect Tutors with Students & Parents ~

Comment from Smashcut on 2008-12-12

2008-12-12T12:31:52Z

@Rick Turoczy - thanks so much for the feedback - very much appreciated! Another hundred or so on screencasts on the way very soon for 2.7 support, and some fun projects incubating, too

Thanks again, and keep up the great work at RRW!

Comment from Going LikeSixty on 2008-12-13

2008-12-13T22:06:15Z

How can you (everyone) ignore the bug with the flash uploader? Serious flaw!

Comment from James on 2008-12-13

2008-12-14T05:52:02Z

Fantastic release, I've just started upgrading my blogs to use it. Nice clean and easy to use interface.

Comment from منتدى on 2009-01-02

2009-01-02T16:42:47Z

This is one of the nicest user interfaces I've seen in a long time. Awesome job wordpress!