What do you use for you backups?

There are a couple of different backup plugins out there, but I’d be curious to hear what YOU use. I’m using wp-DB-Backup in a couple of places, but it doesn’t quite cut the mustard. So, if you could leave me a comment letting me know what you use, I’ll put them all together into a review post so that everyone can have a read. Oh, and I am quite interested in whether anyone has an online backup strategy that includes some way to quickly restore the blog if the need arises. You know, like a one-touch restore.

Ring ‘em in!

We’re almost up to WordPress 3.0

Ist looks like we’re on a final sprint to get WordPress 3.0 Beta 2 out. There’s a call for developers to come and make a final push to sort out some bugs. The second Beta is slated for next Monday, and it’s worth testing it out on your blog just to make sure everything works as you expect. It doesn’t matter if your blog is all about jokes or focused on lipofuze reviews, you always need to keep it running on the latest version of the platform, and 3.0 has some major changes in it.

Did you know, for example that you can turn your blog into a multi-blog platform with WordPress 3.0. Must be some major changes in there, so wait for Beta 2 and try it out on your blog.

Heading to WordCamp San Francisco ?

I’ve just read down the WordPress Blog that WordCamp San Francisco is happening in a few days time. If you’re unfamiliar with WordCamp:

If you’re unfamiliar with WordCamps, here’s the skinny: the San Francisco event is the flagship, put together each year under the direction of WordPress co-founder and lead developer Matt Mullenweg, who traditionally reports on the “State of the Word” and assembles a lineup of speakers that have inspired him over the past year. This year’s lineup includes luminaries such as Richard Stallman, the father of Free Software, best-selling author Scott Berkun, and Salon.com co-founder Scott Rosenberg. As the final speaker list is finalized, the remaining speakers will be added to the WordCamp SF website, but a surprise or two is still possible.

There are also a number of other WordCamps happening all over the world. So, forget about that relaxing weekend or that blackhead treatment you had booked, and head down to meet your WordPress buddies.

Send eCards from WordPress

Did you know that you can use WordPress to set up an Ecards site? Well, you can, using a plugin called WP Ecards, a plugin designed to turn one of your blog pages into a fully fledged eCards engine. You get to create eCards from any of the pictures in your WordPress Media Gallery, and the plugin will let users send messages and invitations to anyone they want.

It’s an interesting application and one that can help increase the stickiness of your website. So, if you have a number of graphical assets you want to turn into eCards, check this plugin out. It could make a huge difference to your website.

WordPress Theme: Innovation

I came across a great theme called Innovation that has a great feature list including:

  • 14 custom option modules
  • 20 custom widgets and unlimited sidebars
  • 10 highly customizable page templates
  • Unique+powerful features and tools
  • Exceptional design and accordion slider
  • Accessible system for multiple galleries and portfolios
  • Special sections for News and Articles

The theme looks exceptional and is recommended for anyone who wants their blog or website to look like a million bucks. So, if you’re after something special, install the theme; project it onto a widescreen TV, mount some home theater seating and sit back and feast your eyes.

Test drive the theme here

Turn WordPress into a Shop

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI - NOVEMBER 28: Holiday sh...
Image by Getty Images via Daylife

An interesting plugin which can help you turn your blog into a real life shop is called WP e-Commerce. It includes a number of features including a full stock control, the ability to handle variants and the ability to purchase premium plugins to handle a whole bunch of different features.

You may use the plugin to sell anything you like, from jokes all the way to jewellery. You may not get all the functionality you find when yo ubuy Amazon books, but the reality is that it’s code and it’s up to you to make any changes you like, if you’re so inclined of course.

So go ahead, and get selling. See if you can make your living online.