Kathryn thrives on helping people get the most out of WordPress. After a career designing and building websites for clients, she now supports WordPress.com users around the world as an Automattic Happiness Engineer. She enjoys spreading her passion for WordPress at WordCamps, Girl Geek Dinners, Podcamps, and other grassroots events. Non-WordPress hours are spent collecting vintage Pyrex mixing bowls, growing organic garlic, and cavorting with her three cats.
Kathryn is presenting: Help Me Help You: The art and science of getting good WordPresss support
Why WordPress? Why do you like using WordPress? | I love witnessing how WordPress makes it easy for just about anyone to publish their content on the web. Every day, I hear from users all over the world – from teenagers to folks in their eighties – who are equally passionate about WordPress, and that makes me smile. |
Why did you decide to speak at WordCamp Ottawa? | I was excited to see a new WordCamp spring up just a few hours away from Montreal, where I’m based. There was no question about showing up to support it! |
What is your talk going to be about? | As a volunteer moderator in the WordPress.org support forums, and now a Happiness Engineer for WordPress.com, I’ve watched people ask for help in some pretty ineffective ways. Knowing how to get useful WordPress assistance is in itself a skill, so I’ve decided to share some tips on what to do – and what to avoid – when you’re stuck on a WordPress problem and ready to reach out. |
What is your favourite WordPress plugin or theme? Why? | Akismet may be the most taken-for-granted plugin out there. But deactivate it and just watch what happens! |