Chris Wilcoxson is the Lead Developer at DCC Marketing, a full-service, boutique marketing agency based in Decatur, IL. He has worked with WordPress since 2007 and authors several plugins including ArtistDataPress and BP Profile Widgets. When not coding, he enjoys time with his wife and two kids, watching movies, and making music.
Why Do You Use WordPress?
I think its easiest system for clients and developers to use. I’ve used other systems and found that WordPress continually thinks about how people are going to use this to get things done and make it easy for them. Plus, the WordPress community is just amazing!
When and How Did You Start Using WordPress?
I started a blog on WordPress.com in 2006. In 2008, I setup a self-hosted copy of WordPress and even wrote an ebook helping other musicians do the same. In 2011, I began writing plugins and themes and now I do that full-time.
What Tips or Resources would you recommend to a new WordPress User?
WP Beginner and WP Tuts are great sites for learning more about developing for WordPress. If you’re thinking more for the user side, I’d say YouTube is the best place. People are always posting new tutorials and you can find almost anything and see it in action.
What advice would you give someone who’s building a business around WordPress design or development?
Know your audience and solve their problem. WordPress can do anything you need it to do, but you’ve got to know problem you’re trying to solve and plan the best experience for when they are using your solution.
How do you stay informed about WordPress (news, tips, etc)?
I follow the core devs on Twitter and their respective blogs. These people know a ton and share it often. Other good devs to follow are Nathan Rice, Tom McFarlin, Justin Tadlock, Bill Erickson, and Lisa Sabin Wilson. There are so many great sites to keep handy too: WordPress Tavern and Smashing Magazine, plus Yoast’s website is always full of good information. Of course, the Codex.
What’s a cool WordPress based site you’ve seen recently?
I’m thoroughly impressed that Wired.com is a single WordPress install now. They have a crazy amount of stuff there and it gets a lot of traffic, yet it works smoothly.
What do you like most about WordCamps?
Sharing what I know and learning from others. I think the community around WordPress is the best thing about it and the fact that people are so willing to share what they know is amazing.
Where can we find you online?
Web: slushman.com
Web: dccmarketing.com
Twitter: @slushman
Facebook: Slushman Design
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