Alan is presenting: Scaling WordPress for the world and on a (relatively small) budget
1) Why do you like using WordPress?
WordPress’s installation is simple, and explaining how it works to users and clients is easy. I can get a simple site running in under 10 minutes and the wealth of plugins make it a simple choice for content sites. With it being PHP and (mostly) leveraging PHP features, it makes scaling WordPress as simple as most other LAMP-based applications.
2) Why did you decide to speak at WordCamp Ottawa?
I find it fulfilling to share my knowledge with others, and every time I speak, I learn more about the subject by talking with people and experimenting with newer technologies. I honestly didn’t know WordCamp existed until I started participating in the WordPress Toronto Group, and was encouraged by the members to participate.
3) What is the one thing you want people to walk away with from your talk?
There is no shame in failing a release as long as you own up to your failures and learn from mistakes. Scaling an application requires knowledge and experience, which you won’t get unless you get some battle scares. By understand what you are up against and how the stack works, you will feel more prepared and less overwhelmed when you need to scale up.
4) What is your favourite WordPress plugin or theme? Why?
W3TC – a swiss army knife of performance enhancing tricks, as long s you know what you know its quirks.
