Episodes

  • EP481 – Lies, Damned Lies, and Analytics

    EP481 – Lies, Damned Lies, and Analytics
    Apr 22 2024

    On this episode of WPwatercooler titled “Lies, Damned Lies, and Analytics,” the discussion revolves around the complexities and alternatives to using web analytics tools for website management. The hosts, Jason Tucker and Jason Cosper, delve into the fallout from changes to Jetpack stats, prompting users to consider paying for previously free services. They explore the importance of understanding web traffic and analytics beyond traditional tools like Google Analytics, emphasizing performance, privacy, and the need for lightweight alternatives. The episode is informative for those looking to navigate the evolving landscape of web analytics with a focus on WordPress platforms.

    Snow Notes: https://wpwatercooler.com/wpwatercooler/ep481-lies-damned-lies-and-analytics/

    Links
    • Koko Analytics
    • Umami
    • Fathom
    • Plausible
    Also on:
    • YouTube
    • LinkedIn
    Panel
    • Jason Cosper
    • Jason Tucker
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    48 mins
  • EP36 - Digital Spring Cleaning

    EP36 - Digital Spring Cleaning
    Apr 8 2024

    This month on Dev Branch we will be discussing our approach to spring cleaning, digitally. We explore the world of digital spring cleaning to consolidate and secure digital assets for improved WordPress site management. Dive into the benefits of domain and hosting consolidation, SSL certificate management tools, and the efficient monitoring capabilities of Uptime Kuma. Learn how centralizing website updates and streamlining monitoring can enhance security, manageability, and cost-effectiveness.

    • Uptime Kuma (Pikapods) (Yunohost)
    • Pikapods
    • Uptime Robot
    • Simply Static Plugin
    • WP2Static

    Panel:

    • Jason Tucker
    • Jason Cosper

    Sites:

    • https://www.facebook.com/events/1888308011615987
    • https://www.linkedin.com/events/7181856349545193472/comments/
    • https://wpwatercooler.com/devbranch/ep36-digital-spring-cleaning/

    Chapters:

    • 00:00 Welcome to DevBranch Digital Spring Cleaning!
    • 00:52 The Fun of Discord Communities
    • 01:47 Domain Dilemmas and Spring Cleaning Strategies
    • 02:40 The SSL Certificate Juggle
    • 03:40 Finding the Right Tools for Digital Management
    • 05:41 The Journey to Static Sites
    • 10:44 Consolidating Digital Assets and Web Hosts
    • 13:59 Domain Name Consolidation: A Necessity?
    • 21:36 The Shared Hosting Experience
    • 24:52 The Perils of Neglected Shared Hosting
    • 26:23 Discovering a Hacked Account
    • 26:45 The Journey of Account Cleanup
    • 27:53 Spring Cleaning Turns into Mitigation
    • 28:42 Exploring Old Installs and Security Measures
    • 31:44 The Power of WordPress for Content Management
    • 36:02 Leveraging Uptime Kuma for SSL and Domain Monitoring
    • 41:01 Consolidation and Management of Digital Assets
    • 43:38 The Importance of Regular Maintenance and Updates
    • 45:24 Utilizing Tools for Efficient Site Management
    • 52:40 Wrapping Up: The Value of Community and Engagement

    What is WPwatercooler?

    WPwatercooler is streamed live and recorded as the self-titled show on the WPwatercooler Network. Our objective with the show since the beginning has been to help people in this industry have a place to hear people, much like themselves, talk about the technologies and methods we all use on a daily basis. We named WPwatercooler to be that, the watercooler that WordPress folks can gather around and participate in the conversation, or just sit back and learn from the discussion. Our listeners and contributors come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. We strive to make this place as welcoming and accessible as we can.

    Learn more at https://www.wpwatercooler.com/wpwatercooler

    What is Dev Branch?

    Dev Branch is streamed live and recorded monthly on the first friday of the month as the developer-focused discussions of the WPwatercooler Network. Dev Branch is released on its own podcast feed and made available live and on-demand in video format on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitch.

    Learn more at https://www.wpwatercooler.com/devbranch
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    54 mins
  • EP35 – GPTs Gone Wild

    EP35 – GPTs Gone Wild
    Mar 2 2024

    This week on WPwatercooler’s Dev Branch, we’re diving into a hot topic that’s buzzing in the WordPress community: GPTs and their role in programming for WordPress. It’s not just about what these powerful tools can do; it’s about how we, as developers and creators, use them.

    Should we lean on GPTs to craft code for our plugins and themes? And when things get tricky, is it fair to ask for a helping hand in forums for code that a machine helped write? Plus, we’re curious – how’s everyone finding debugging when GPT’s involved? Has it been smooth sailing, or are we navigating through a storm?

    Join us as we explore these questions and share stories from the trenches of WordPress development. It’s all about learning from each other and figuring out the best path forward in this rapidly evolving landscape.

    Show Notes can be found: https://wpwatercooler.com/devbranch/ep35-gpts-gone-wild/

    Panel: Jason Tucker, Sé Reed, Jason Cosper

    Chapters:

    • 00:00 - Introduction with Jason Tucker
    • 00:27 - Welcoming Sé Reed and Jason Cosper
    • 01:04 - Discussion on Spotify and data monetization
    • 02:20 - The theme of the episode: AI in the machine
    • 03:24 - The post that sparked the episode discussion
    • 06:12 - The challenge of debugging code written with ChatGPT
    • 07:19 - Discussing the implications of AI-generated code and its impact on forums and debugging
    • 10:01 - The potential misuse of AI in generating code and the role of developers
    • 14:26 - PHP version support and security implications
    • 18:10 - Exploring the practical uses of GPT and AI in development and systems administration
    • 22:14 - The idea of integrating AI with WPCLI for WordPress administration
    • 26:05 - Reflecting on the evolution of GPT's capabilities and the concept of "poison data"
    • 33:37 - The potential for AI to impact the WordPress community and plugin ecosystem
    • 37:50 - Ethical considerations and the potential for misuse of AI in development
    • 41:39 - Closing thoughts on AI's role in technology and community engagement
    • 43:44 - Wrap-up and invitation to join the Discord community

    What is WPwatercooler?
    WPwatercooler is streamed live and recorded as the self-titled show on the WPwatercooler Network. Our objective with the show since the beginning has been to help people in this industry have a place to hear people, much like themselves, talk about the technologies and methods we all use on a daily basis. We named WPwatercooler to be that, the watercooler that WordPress folks can gather around and participate in the conversation, or just sit back and learn from the discussion. Our listeners and contributors come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. We strive to make this place as welcoming and accessible as we can. Learn more at https://www.wpwatercooler.com/wpwatercooler

    What is Dev Branch?
    Dev Branch is streamed live and recorded monthly on the first Friday of the month as the developer-focused discussions of the WPwatercooler Network. Dev Branch is released on its own podcast feed and made available live and on-demand in video format on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitch. Learn more at https://www.wpwatercooler.com/devbranch

    Want to create live streams like this?
    Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5756954563575808

    #wordpress #webdev #wordpressdeveloper
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    44 mins
  • EP476 – Free as in Piracy

    EP476 – Free as in Piracy
    Feb 17 2024

    On this episode of WPwatercooler Jason Tucker, Sé Reed, Jason Cosper, and guest Mika Epstein delve into the complex world of software piracy within the WordPress ecosystem. The discussion begins with an introduction of the hosts and quickly moves into the nuances of what constitutes software piracy, how it impacts the WordPress community, and the moral and legal implications of using pirated software. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights on the prevalence of pirated plugins and themes, the risks associated with their use, including security vulnerabilities and legal repercussions, and the broader conversation about open-source ethics and the value of supporting developers and creators within the ecosystem. The episode offers a balanced perspective, highlighting both the temptations and pitfalls of piracy and encourages listeners to consider the long-term health of the WordPress community by supporting legitimate sources and practices.

     Panel:

    • Jason Tucker
    • Sé Reed
    • Jason Cosper
    • Mika Epstein

    Show Notes can be found:

    https://wpwatercooler.com/wpwatercooler/ep476-free-as-in-piracy/

    Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction
    • 00:17 Meet the Hosts
    • 01:00 The Definition of Software Piracy
    • 05:30 Impacts of Piracy on WordPress
    • 10:45 Personal Insights on Piracy
    • 15:00 The Risks of Using Pirated Software
    • 20:30 Legal and Ethical Considerations
    • 25:45 Supporting the WordPress Community
    • 30:00 Conclusion

    Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5756954563575808

     

     
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • EP34 – Zip It: How Devs Gatekeep the Internet

    EP34 – Zip It: How Devs Gatekeep the Internet
    Feb 12 2024

    On this episode of Dev Branch, titled "Zip It: How Devs Gatekeep the Internet," Jason Tucker, Jason Cosper, and Sé Reed delve into the complex issues surrounding development practices, including the unintended consequences of updates and the broader implications of developer decisions on the WordPress community. They discuss a recent bug in WordPress 6.4.3 related to how macOS and some Linux distributions' zip files are handled, highlighting the challenges of maintaining compatibility and the debates within the developer community about standards, practices, and the ethos of the WordPress project. The episode also touches on the broader tech industry's layoffs and the societal impacts of technological advancements, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive approach towards both development and community engagement.

    Links
    • https://bakoburrito.org/#donate
    • https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/60398

     

    Show Notes can be found: https://wpwatercooler.com/devbranch/ep34-zip-it-how-devs-gatekeep-the-internet/

    Panel: Jason Tucker, Jason Cosper, Sé Reed

    Related Episodes:

    Chapters:

    • 00:00 Introduction
    • 00:38 Celebrating Jason Cosper's Birthday
    • 02:16 Supporting Bakersfield Burrito Project
    • 03:58 The Tech Industry's Layoffs and Impact
    • 06:12 Gatekeeping in Development Decisions
    • 08:22 macOS Zip File Bug in WordPress 6.4.3
    • 10:51 Developer Debates on Fixing Bugs vs. Standards
    • 14:32 The Importance of Supporting Community and Inclusivity
    • 22:05 How Gatekeeping Affects WordPress Users
    • 29:19 The Role of Hosting Companies in Supporting WordPress Users
    • 36:03 Workaround Plugins and Technical Debt
    • 39:05 Appreciating Responsive and Respectful Developers
    • 43:11 Closing Thoughts

    What is WPwatercooler? WPwatercooler is streamed live and recorded as the self-titled show on the WPwatercooler Network. Our objective with the show since the beginning has been to help people in this industry have a place to hear people, much like themselves, talk about the technologies and methods we all use on a daily basis. We named WPwatercooler to be that, the watercooler that WordPress folks can gather around and participate in the conversation, or just sit back and learn from the discussion. Our listeners and contributors come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. We strive to make this place as welcoming and accessible as we can. Learn more at https://www.wpwatercooler.com/wpwatercooler

    What is Dev Branch? Dev Branch is streamed live and recorded monthly on the first friday of the month as the developer-focused discussions of the WPwatercooler Network. Dev Branch is released on its own podcast feed and made available live and on-demand in video format on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitch. Learn more at https://www.wpwatercooler.com/devbranch

    Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5756954563575808

     
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    43 mins
  • EP33 - Our 2024 Predictions

    EP33 - Our 2024 Predictions
    Jan 7 2024

    On this episode of Dev Branch, titled “EP33 – Our 2024 Predictions,” the panel, including Jason Tucker, Sé Reed, and Jason Cosper, delve into their predictions and expectations for WordPress in 2024. The discussion kicks off with a focus on WordPress’s development and the potential improvements and changes anticipated in the upcoming year. They explore topics such as the implementation of automatic update rollbacks in WordPress, the challenges with the current release schedule, and the desire for fewer, more impactful updates.

    Show Notes:

    https://wpwatercooler.com/devbranch/ep33-our-2024-predictions/

    A significant part of the conversation revolves around the Fonts API, particularly the integration of custom fonts in WordPress and the possibility of a WordPress-specific font library. This ties into a broader discussion about WordPress’s evolution towards a more modular and customizable platform, catering to diverse user needs.

    Another major theme is the user experience within the WordPress admin interface. The panel discusses the complexities of user role management and the need for a more streamlined, intuitive approach to handling different user roles and capabilities, especially as WordPress continues to grow and evolve.

    Lastly, the episode touches on the rise of AI-generated plugins and the potential impact on the WordPress ecosystem. The team speculates on how this trend could lead to a proliferation of similar plugins, making the case for integrating more fundamental functionalities into the WordPress core.

    In summary, the episode provides insightful predictions and desires for WordPress in 2024, focusing on development improvements, user experience, and the impact of emerging technologies like AI on the platform.

    Chapters:

    0:00:00 – Introduction
    0:01:50 – Discussing WordPress Development and Automatic Update Rollbacks
    0:03:10 – The Fonts API and Custom Fonts in WordPress
    0:06:59 – User Experience and Admin Interface in WordPress
    0:10:03 – AI and Its Impact on WordPress Plugin Ecosystem
    0:15:02 – Modularization and Customization of WordPress
    0:20:19 – The Complexity of User Role Management in WordPress
    0:25:58 – Potential Changes and Improvements in WordPress Core
    0:30:07 – Predictions for WordPress Development in 2024
    0:35:10 – The Rise of AI-Generated Plugins
    0:40:03 – Closing Remarks and Episode Wrap-up

    Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5756954563575808
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    48 mins
  • EP32 – WP Playground’s Plugin Problem

    EP32 – WP Playground’s Plugin Problem
    Oct 9 2023
    This month on Dev Branch, we delve into the intricacies of the WordPress Plugin Directory with a keen focus on its newly rolled out feature, Live Preview. The addition of the Playground feature marks an innovative shift in user experience, granting potential users the capability to test a plugin in a live WordPress environment before integrating it into their own sites. As the conversation unfolds, the panel sheds light on the immediate challenges following its release. Many developers raised concerns after discovering compatibility issues or even outright non-functionality of their plugins with this new feature. The roundtable brings to light the broader theme of communication within the WordPress community, the importance of public dialogue, and the ongoing need for transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. There’s also a palpable sense of urging for more active involvement from plugin authors in the Make community to ensure their voices and concerns are heard. The episode winds down with an optimistic outlook on the open-source nature of the project and a call to uphold the core values that make WordPress unique. Links Trac Ticket #7251 Add a Preview in Playground button to the plugin directoryThe Frustrating State of the WordInstaWP Launcher – Chrome ExtensionLatest Posts – Make WordPress Chapters [00:00:00] Introduction & Live Preview Overview Discussing the new Live Preview feature in the WordPress Plugin Directory. [00:05:30] Challenges with Live Preview Developers voice concerns over compatibility issues and plugins not functioning as expected. [00:15:20] Communication in the WordPress Community – The importance of public dialogue, understanding where conversations are happening, and addressing concerns openly. [00:27:45] Holding the Project Accountable Emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and active participation in decision-making processes. [00:37:10] The Role of Plugin & Theme Community Delving into the significant contributions and influence of the plugin and theme community in WordPress. [00:45:20]Open Source and its Implications A reflection on the open-source nature of WordPress and the responsibilities and opportunities it presents. [00:57:15] Moving Forward & Conclusion Closing thoughts on the importance of unity, collaboration, and upholding WordPress’s core values. What is Dev Branch? Dev Branch is streamed live and recorded monthly on the first friday of the month as the developer-focused discussions of the WPwatercooler Network. Dev Branch is released on its own podcast feed and made available live and on-demand in video format on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitch. Learn more how you can watch or listen to both Dev Branch and WPwatercooler by visiting our subscribe page https://wpwatercooler.com/subscribe Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5756954563575808
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • EP31 – Playing the Fields API

    EP31 – Playing the Fields API
    Oct 7 2023

    In this engaging episode of WPwatercooler titled “Playing the Fields API,” hosts Jason Tucker, Sé Reed, and Jason Cosper sit down with returning guest Scott Kingsley Clark. No stranger to the show, Scott previously joined us in February for “EP443 – WordPress Fields API with Scott Kingsley Clark” and even before that in “EP398 – Gutenberg Blocks and Custom Fields.” The panel delves into the intricacies of Custom Fields and the Fields API, exploring their impact on WordPress, the products made with and for it, and the community working to build it.
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    48 mins