What’s Gutenberg?

Gutenberg is the name of the new editor that’s now part of the WordPress core beginning in version 5.0, released in early December 2018. Before, when you created a new page or post, you used what’s now being called the “Classic Editor”, a kind of lightweight word-processor, similar to a bare-bones version of MS Word. It’s been pretty much unchanged for the last decade or so.

Gutenberg, on the other hand, is more than a content field. It’s a being touted as a modern editing experience and will be the foundation for building with WordPress from now on. If you’ve ever used a third-party page builder like Beaver Builder or the Genesis platform, then Gutenberg will look familiar to you because it uses a similar “block” approach for creating.

Gutenberg will be rolled-out in three phases. The first is the inclusion in WordPress 5.0, and that phase focuses on implementing “blocks” for a “content-first” approach. This will clear the way for the next two phases that will go beyond creating “posts” to actual page templates, then finally into full site customization.

The editor will create a new page- and post-building experience that makes writing rich posts effortless, and has “blocks” to make it easy what today might take shortcodes, custom HTML, or “mystery meat” embed discovery. — Matt Mullenweg

The Blocks

Blocks, in my opinion, are a welcome addition because they get rid of some of the clunkiness that I hated about WordPress. By that I mean blocks replace much of the need to use other formatting tools such as theme options, meta-boxes, shortcodes, embeds, widgets, post formats, custom post types, and others. Blocks are used to organize and compose content. They allow WordPress to be as functional as ever but without all the hacking and add-ons. It always felt like I was using some sort of Frankenstein approach when I was creating a page, and if you know code and appreciate its purity, you understand what I mean. Creating with WordPress wasn’t a clean way of creating at all. Blocks completely change this and it completely streamlines the user experience. I welcome that.

Blocks actually unify multiple interfaces. This streamlines the whole writing, editing, and publishing experience by way of simplicity. And developers can create their own blocks which means way less piecing together of shortcode, widgets, hacks, and plug-ins. To me, that implies a potentially faster, lightweight site with fewer elements that need updating or that could potentially break your site.

Blocks can be static or dynamic and each one contains configuration settings. They are hierarchical, so they can be a child or a parent to another block. They contain rich formatting tools for composing content instead of using text plus inserted media, embeds and shortcodes (although there IS a shortcode block). With one block you can do what a boatload of plug-ins would do, and I found blocks to be quite intuitive. I like that. Blocks focus on how the content will look without needing to use other configuration options, and this approach means that bloggers and developers can present content in a more engaging, direct, and visual manner.

The new Gutenberg editor is designed specifically for creating content-rich and flexible website designs. Paragraphs, headings, media, and embeds now become the content that’s stored in the WordPress database.

I should tell you at this point that when WordPress announced the coming of Gutenberg, I was not a happy camper. I was angry and I didn’t want to be forced to learn a new way of using WordPress because the current way was difficult enough, what with having to click around so many areas of the dashboard to find where to change this, or modify that and requiring the downloading of widgets and such. We end up literally piecing together a functioning site. It was often confusing and frustrating and it felt like a primitive and hodge-podge way of “developing”. And it felt risky at best. I thought Gutenberg would just add another level of unnecessary complexity and I resented that. I resented what felt like having no say and no choice if I wanted to keep creating sites in WordPress.

So here’s what I did. I decided that the best thing to do, for me, was to see how it worked and so I installed the beta plugin of Gutenberg.

I have to say that using Gutenberg was a little confusing at first, after being so used to the previous editor. Putting no pressure on myself, I just started playing with it on a test-site, to see what it could do. First, I found within a few minutes that it was kind of fun. I should also tell you at this point that I went ahead and installed the Atomic Blocks plug-in and Atomic Blocks theme (atomicblocks.com) to extend Gutenberg’s functionality and it made a big difference to me. Now there were even more cool things I could do with the blocks. Second, within just a few minutes, I had created a pretty nice looking page, designed totally from scratch from a blank page, using only blocks. It seriously would have taken 2-3 times as long to do that in code. And because you can see your changes live, as you go, there’s no clicking back and forth to the browser to see your changes take effect, like there is when you’re writing in code. So there’s that.

Compatibility

I was concerned about compatibility, and I’m pretty sure there are lots of us out there still dealing with the anxiety that the Gutenberg roll-out has caused. For those of us who have highly-tailored existing sites, it’s good to know that our posts are totally backwards compatible, and our shortcodes still work. WordPress is exploring how to accommodate highly-tailored metaboxes, and is looking at other desired solutions such as a plugin that disables Gutenberg altogether, or possibly auto-detecting whether Gutenberg should even be installed/activated or not.

Not saying it’s better in any way than writing in code. I’m still a code girl. But it’s a nice alternative.

Here’s the Gutenberg Handbook for Designers and Developers in case you’re interested.

What’s Next

If you don’t want to use Gutenberg just yet, there is a way to keep the “Classic Editor” as the default. Go to “Plug-ins” and “Add New”. In the search box, input the keywords “Classic Editor”. Once it appears as a choice, install it and then activate it. IF YOU’VE ALREADY USED GUTENBERG to create a page or post, your formatting and CSS will be wiped out. So be careful.

Also, you know to make a backup of your full site before updating to WordPress version 5.0 and installing/activating/using Gutenberg, right? Just sayin’. Look in your C-Panel to find any backup utilities you could use. There are several WordPress backup plug-ins available as well. Go to Plugins>Add New>and search for keyword “backup”. Of course, you could also have me do it. I’d be happy to download a copy of your entire site, databases and all, for you to keep somewhere safe and sound, to restore your site in a jiffy if need be.

WordPress will continue to find ways of ensuring that a page’s existing functionality continues to work while allowing us developers the necessary time and tools to make a smooth transition. And I think that Gutenberg will certainly create desirable opportunities for plugin and theme developers to begin designing even more visually engaging user experiences.

In the meantime, if Gutenberg’s got you down, give me a holler. I can help with that. I’ve been using Gutenberg since it was available in the beta version as a plug-in and I’ve developed a couple of live sites with it.

Diane

Email me at [email protected]

More contact information is on my site Imageandaspect.com.

 

Questions? 

[email protected]

My Contact Page

Other articles you might like:

-10 Things to Do After Creating Your Website

-Using images: Tips to improve your SEO rankings

-Use a customer thank-you page to avoid missed opportunities

 

About the author

I developed Image and Aspect because I believe that professionals need to have an impactful web presence. One that showcases their unique talents, skills, and abilities as well as their values and style. A presence that focuses on social engagement and connection.

I’m passionate about what I do; I like helping fellow humans, I like having all kinds of social connection with others, and I want to give back, to make the world a better place.

I do much of the designing and coding myself, and I also have a wonderful network of professionals that may contribute as well; photographers, copywriters, branding experts.

I love designing and coding beautiful, elegant and responsive web creations. I ALSO teach and help others who want to learn how to do it themselves.

‘Tips and Snips’ is my blog, and it’s full of information and inspiration to help transform any online persona from “meh” to AMAZING! Sign-up HERE to get blog posts right to your in-box every Friday! I write about Design, Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Branding, Vlogging, Color Theory, HTML5, CSS3, Bootstrap, WordPress, Social Media…anything you’d want to know to get yourself noticed online.

Visit Image and Aspect to learn more about your web presence options

Diane M. Metcalf, M.S.

The Revelation

It took me a while for some reason, but I finally realized that the way I was working was not conducive to happiness, health, or a sense of mental or emotional well-being. My priorities HAD to change if I wanted to stay sane. So I changed them.

Work is important, sure, especially when you’re your own boss and you’re doing the work of several people. But I finally remembered that I’m important too, and that I should be on the priority list along with everything and everybody else! Sleep is important. Eating is important. Socializing is important. Enjoying the life that I’m creating is important.

So here’s what I’ve changed so far, to balance my life. I’m happier, healthier, and I feel more rested and peaceful because of it.

I Schedule Social Time

Once every week or two, I make a few coffee or lunch dates with friends. I FaceTime with distant friends or family. I text with friends or family members that I don’t see very often.

Socialization doesn’t have to be face to face, but that would be ideal. Unfortunately, much of my family lives in other states, and so to socialize with them I need to talk on the phone or FaceTime or Skype, or text. These all work for me because it’s the interaction and connection that’s important.

I find a pleasant space to hang out, nowhere near my workspace, so I can fully focus and enjoy the interaction.

Whatever type of socialization works for you, do it!

I Have a Schedule

There was a time when I preferred to code for hours without any breaks, but that was not helpful in the long run.

One time, I started at 10 PM and the next time I looked up from my screen it was 6 AM. I had no idea. When I was new to working from home, I didn’t want to have “a schedule”. I really felt that the beauty of working from a home office was that I could work “whenever” I wanted. And often I wanted to work very late at night.

It didn’t take long for this new found “freedom”  to negatively impact my sleep cycle. Having the freedom to work “whenever”, wasn’t working for me at all. I wasn’t tired at night when I should be sleeping, and I was tired all day when I was also working and taking care of other responsibilities.

So I decided to have more structure in my days and nights. In order to keep that feeling of freedom I now use a loosely defined schedule, beginning anywhere between 7 and 8 AM and ending anywhere between 4 and 5 PM. But it works for me. I work only half a day on Friday and I don’t work most weekends.

Making myself stick with this structure has fixed my sleep cycle and given me back a sense of control over my life.  It impacts how I plan my days. I can work more, or less, depending on what I need to get done.

I Take Breaks

Now that I have a schedule, I still have a tendency to get immersed in my work,  sometimes to the exclusion of everything else.

When I first started taking little breaks, I worried about how “behind” I was getting in my work. But I soon realized that for some reason, my mind worked better, my thoughts were clear and I was actually more productive after I took a couple of breaks! I had no idea that would happen simply from taking a little time away from my work throughout the day. So I decided to keep taking breaks and make some of them a little bit longer.

I’m getting all of my work done and I don’t feel like I’m falling behind on other responsibilities while at the same time, I stay sane.

During a 30 minute break, I might do a little banking. On another break, I’ll make myself a nutritious snack or lunch. On a shorter break, I’ll play with the dog.

See what I mean? I don’t have a set break schedule but I’m aware that I need to take them and I honor that. I take them in the morning and in the afternoon, at various times and for various lengths, depending on my needs. I no longer drive myself like a workhorse. I’m kinder and more considerate to myself, and it shows in my work. Go figure, huh?

I Get Out of the House

I think one of the best ways to stay sane is to get out and about. Even if it’s just to make a quick coffee run, pick up the dry cleaning, or go to the grocery store for 2 things, I DO IT.

Some ways you can get yourself out of the house are:

If you have a dog, take her for a walk or go to the park for an hour.

Join an exercise class.

Join a small business club or your Chamber of Commerce. These types of groups often have get-togethers, so not only will you get out of the house, you’ll meet other entrepreneurs, hear new ideas, learn new things and build your network. All good for you AND your business.

Check the mail or take a short walk. Get your muscles working and your blood pumping.  Your body will appreciate movement, you’ll get to look at something besides your computer screen. And that brings me to the next thing:

Make a Change of Scenery

I started working from a different area after each break. So on some days, if I’ve had three breaks, I’ve worked in three different areas, including outside. This one really helps me stay sane.

My advice to you: change up your workspace now and then. Work in different areas of your house or sit in a different chair or in a different room, so your view changes. Work outside for 30 minutes if you can, sometimes in your front yard, sometimes in the back. Work from your favorite coffee spot and change-out the location now and then. Not only will you have a change of scenery, but you’ll meet and interact with different people.

I hope you’ll try a couple of these yourself and see if it makes a positive difference in your life. 🙂

Questions?

[email protected]

My Contact Page Other articles you might like: -How your personal brand makes the difference -Using images: Tips to improve your SEO rankings -10 Things to Do After Creating Your Website

About the author

I developed Image and Aspect because I believe that professionals need to have an impactful web presence. One that showcases their unique talents, skills, and abilities as well as their values and style. A presence that focuses on social engagement and connection. I’m passionate about what I do; I like helping fellow humans, I like having all kinds of social connection with others, and I want to give back, to make the world a better place. I do much of the designing and coding myself, and I also have a wonderful network of professionals that may contribute as well; photographers, copywriters, branding experts. I love designing and coding beautiful, elegant and responsive web creations. I ALSO teach and help others who want to learn how to do it themselves. ‘Tips and Snips’ is my blog, and it’s full of information and inspiration to help transform any online persona from “meh” to AMAZING! Sign-up HERE to get blog posts right to your in-box every Friday! I write about Design, Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Branding, Vlogging, Color Theory, HTML5, CSS3, Bootstrap, WordPress, Social Media…anything you’d want to know to get yourself noticed online. Visit Image and Aspect to learn more about your web presence options Diane M. Metcalf, M.S.

4 Ways to Reduce the Chances of your Passwords Getting Hacked

One type of attack used back then that’s still around today, is the brute force attack. In a brute force attack, bots continuously guess common passwords in an attempt to log into an account. What used to take weeks or months back then, now takes hours or days. The harder the password, the less likely they will able to break into your personal accounts.

A dictionary attack is a way of guessing long passwords. It uses the same repetitive technique as a brute force attack but uses a list of common passwords and words from dictionaries and literature as the starting point for guessing.

And with the huge number of password breaches that occur every year, hundreds of millions of active passwords are out there on password-lists floating around in cyberspace, just waiting to be tried. Is your password already on one of those lists? It could be.

So, what makes a good password anyway, in these days of bots, A. I., brute force attacks, breached password lists and personal information all for sale on the dark web?

What makes a secure password?

There are a few things to consider when creating your next password that will reduce the chances of your password getting hacked. You’ve heard these things before but they’ve changed just a bit and can make the difference between being safe and secure and being hacked:

1-LENGTH: the longer the password, the higher the probability of it not being guessed. Strong passwords are long. How long? At least 12 characters. 16 or more is even better. The more characters, the more secure.

2-COMPLEXITY: make your password complex, by adding numbers and unique characters. This will change an easy-to-guess password into a more secure password. By adding numbers, characters, and a few upper and lower case letters, it will be much harder for bots to guess.

3-UNIQUENESS: have a unique password for each account. Don’t reuse your passwords. If an account becomes compromised, make sure that it’s an isolated event. Accounts that all use the same password have the potential to all become breached once that password is known.

The biggest complaint I used to hear is that long, complex passwords are really hard to remember. That’s even more accurate today. With long, complicated passwords we can end up locking ourselves out of our own accounts, which causes frustration, password resets and lost time. I hear ya! Been there, done that.

So we’re at the point now with password-security being an absolute necessity rather than just being a good idea or a good practice. You might want to check out some of the password managers out there, to further reduce the chances of your password getting hacked.

4-PASSWORD MANAGERS: I don’t endorse any products here, but generally, password managers are all very similar – they keep your passwords in a “vault” for you. You can enable them to auto-generate strong passwords for you, and to auto-fill your password when you log into a website. They’re worth investigating and checking out.

Here’s some information and reviews from trusted sources PC magazine and C-NET about the best password managers of 2018.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start making your passwords more secure today.

There. I hope I scared you a little.

Happy Halloween!

 

Questions? 

[email protected]

My Contact Page

Other articles you might like:

-How your personal brand makes the difference

-Using images: Tips to improve your SEO rankings

-Use a customer thank-you page to avoid missed opportunities

 

About the author

I developed Image and Aspect because I believe that professionals need to have an impactful web presence. One that showcases their unique talents, skills, and abilities as well as their values and style. A presence that focuses on social engagement and connection.

I’m passionate about what I do; I like helping fellow humans, I like having all kinds of social connection with others, and I want to give back, to make the world a better place.

I do much of the designing and coding myself, and I also have a wonderful network of professionals that may contribute as well; photographers, copywriters, branding experts.

I love designing and coding beautiful, elegant and responsive web creations. I ALSO teach and help others who want to learn how to do it themselves.

‘Tips and Snips’ is my blog, and it’s full of information and inspiration to help transform any online persona from “meh” to AMAZING! Sign-up HERE to get blog posts right to your in-box every Friday! I write about Design, Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Branding, Vlogging, Color Theory, HTML5, CSS3, Bootstrap, WordPress, Social Media…anything you’d want to know to get yourself noticed online.

Visit Image and Aspect to learn more about your web presence options

Diane M. Metcalf, M.S.

Keep it simple

Use images that complement the text, but are lightweight and will download faster. Images that have lots of patterns, textures, and colors are often large in size. (For those less experienced: I’m not talking about the dimensions of the picture, but the file size or “how much it weighs” as in how many KB or MB it is.) When you use images in this way, it can actually help you to improve SEO rankings.

Images with words superimposed on them will tend to weigh more than images that don’t have words on them. If you absolutely have to have words superimposed on the image, save that image as a PNG file rather than a JPEG. Illustrations with words superimposed on them work better than photos with words. You could also save the photo as a GIF, but experiment with that. Sometimes GIFS are treated as animation and will have a “play” button on top of them.

Keep in mind that using other types of features in your images can also make them larger. For example, adding drop shadows and gradients will increase file size.

Remember: images need to load quickly, and very quickly on smaller mobile devices.

Compression

Make your image smaller but don’t use HTML or CSS to do this because you won’t save any weight. The image will render at a smaller appearing size (the number of pixels) but the weight will stay the same.

Instead, use an app like Irfanview to compress image files and maintain their quality. Irfanview (www.irfanview.com) is free, and resizing an image takes literally just a few clicks. The image will weigh less but will retain its original quality, all within seconds. Upload the compressed image to your site to improve SEO rankings.

Relevance

Ensure that your images make sense and are relevant to the content. Don’t use them solely to make the page interesting-looking or attractive. Doing that would add weight for no good reason and your page would load slower, giving your visitors a sub-par experience.

Accessibility

Make sure all of the page photos and images are accessible to seriously-visually-impaired and blind people. Always use the “alt image” field to describe the photo, rather than using it as an opportunity for keyword stuffing.

Also within the realm of accessibility, you may want to limit the use of emoji’s and GIFS and to consider using color-contrasted text and buttons so that visually impaired people will be able to enjoy using the site.

Don’t forget to add “alt text” and captions, so that screen readers will be able to inform the visually impaired user of what’s on the screen.

With a little forethought and planning, your site could rank a little higher because of your images, and how you used them to improve SEO rankings.

Questions? 

[email protected]

My Contact Page

Other articles you might like:

-How your personal brand makes the difference

-5 Tips to Stay Sane when Working from Home

-Use a customer thank-you page to avoid missed opportunities

 

About the author

I developed Image and Aspect because I believe that professionals need to have an impactful web presence. One that showcases their unique talents, skills, and abilities as well as their values and style. A presence that focuses on social engagement and connection.

I’m passionate about what I do; I like helping fellow humans, I like having all kinds of social connection with others, and I want to give back, to make the world a better place.

I do much of the designing and coding myself, and I also have a wonderful network of professionals that may contribute as well; photographers, copywriters, branding experts.

I love designing and coding beautiful, elegant and responsive web creations. I ALSO teach and help others who want to learn how to do it themselves.

‘Tips and Snips’ is my blog, and it’s full of information and inspiration to help transform any online persona from “meh” to AMAZING! Sign-up HERE to get blog posts right to your in-box every Friday! I write about Design, Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Branding, Vlogging, Color Theory, HTML5, CSS3, Bootstrap, WordPress, Social Media…anything you’d want to know to get yourself noticed online.

Visit Image and Aspect to learn more about your web presence options

Diane M. Metcalf, M.S.