Blog Tipz

Since WordPress was released to the public in a final version last week, there have been a number of problems users experienced, mainly because it was such a large upgrade over previous versions.  Many of the recently added plugins have been geared towards the new release and fixing the potential problems.

Please note that not of the plugins listed below will be compatible with WordPress 2.3.3 or lower, as most have been recently updated or released only for version 2.5.0.

1. Recent Posts Extended – This plugin, by Ricardo González Castro creates a new widget in the dashboard area for recent posts.  For users that run multi-author blogs or need to quickly see their recent posts (and when they were posted), this recent posts plugin solves that problem.



2. Dashboard Fixer – Developed by Viper007Bond, this plugin fixes the error message displayed in the 2.5.0 dashboard.  The plugin resets the options which cause the dashboard widget options that may have been corrupted.  Note: Using the plugin will not prevent the error from occurring.
3. CNN News – Requires 2.3.3, compatible up to version 2.5.  Bloggers that feature a news section of their site will find this plugin useful, which has been recently updated to reflect the WP upgrade.  It allows the blog owner to select a feed from a list of feeds on CNN and use it to feature news topics.  No local storage of feeds is done and users are guaranteed up-to-date information as the feed is fetched for every view.  Plugin by Olav Kolbu.

   

4. Google Talk Widget – As Google Talk and other online chat/networking services become more popular, additional plugins will be necessary for users creating a social hub on their blogs.  This plugin adds a widget for displaying the Google chat back badge and allows visitors to chat through Google Talk.  Plugin by Alax.info.



5. Alluric Admin – Note: Only for WordPress 2.5 or higher, will not work with WordPress 2.3.3 or lower.  Developed by Justin Wong, it gives the administration panel a new look with built-in drop-down menus.  Dean Robinson worked on the backend and Ozh contributed to the drop-down menu code.  The theme brings together the previous “sharp” appearing theme with the “smoother” theme we have in WordPress 2.5.

   

6. Smilies Themer Toolbar – This toolbar plugin makes it easier to add custom smilies to comments.  It requires the Smilies Themer plugin.  It builds off the previously released plugin by allowing non-traditional smilie usage (good for branding your site).  Plugin by Frasten.



7. Yougler Blogger Profile Page – This plugin will allow direct communication between the writer and reader without exposing the writers email address to spammers or spam bots (plus, it doesn’t use scripts or require the use of work-arounds).  It integrates into each post by adding a link ot he end of all posts by the particular blogger to their Yougler Page.  Sample page here.
8. Login Box – Marcus Danillo created this plugin, which inserts a login form on all pages, invisible to readers.  It resembles the default WordPress login screen and is fairly easy to incorporate into your theme.  Compatible with WP 2.2 to 2.5.
9. WP Multilingual Support – As an extension, the Multilingual plugin adds support for translating your posts, which greatly expands the availability of your blog.  There are specific steps for setting it up and may involve editing of the database, so it is intended for more advanced users.  More details here.
10. Reveal IDs for WP Admin 2.5 – With the new release of WordPress, the IDs in many areas, including in Manage Posts/Pages, and Authors area, so you must now either highlight over the link or find an alternative location.  The plugin displays IDs like in versions of WP previous to 2.5.

    

11. Alternative WordPress Image Uploader Using Flickr – This plugin addresses the problem that users encountered with the photo uploader in the recent release causing images not to resize properly.  It uses Flickr’s services to attach images to blog posts, but is meant ot complement the original uploader.  You must have the photos stored on Flickr, then attach the images into the editor.



12. JP Admin Stylish Blue – Created by J.P. Jarolim, this theme recreates the classic WordPress color scheme and was “pimped up a little bit for more style, clearness, and readability”.

    

13. Dashbaord: Draft Posts – This plugin adds a list of draft posts right in the dashboard area.  Plugin also by Viper007Bond, and requires WP 2.5 or higher.
14. WP-Affiliate – Allows bloggers to monetize their links using a friendlier format.  Compatible with WordPress 2.5+, available here.

    

15. Admin Big Width – Enlarge Your Admin – English version of release page.  This plugin is yet another release for people concerned with the reduced (1024px)  area of WordPress and allows you to use the full width of your screen for posting.  Compatible with WordPress 2.5 or higher.

I am appalled at the number of plugins that have already been released addressing concerns other bloggers are having with the new interface.  This allows more people to customize their blogging experience they way they want to.  A few new themes for the admin were also released, which may be worth checking out if you do not feel as though you will become accustomed to the new colors anytime soon.

Are there any plugins that you used to use but are no longer compatible, or have you found a newly updated plugin which makes you a more productive blogger?

On an alternative, but equally related topic, WordPress 2.5.1 is in preparation with many bug fixes, and WordPress 2.6 is expected to be released with many minor fixes/additions (according to more than 718 active tickets) that users have requested.  [Source]