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How to Theme WordPress: From Blank To Beautiful in 2 Hours by WEB|CMS Squad
List Price: $35.00Our Price: $31.49You Save: $3.51 (10%)Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: DVD See more DVD details
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DVD detailsActor: Aleks Monahan, WEB|CMS Squad Director: WEB|CMS Squad DVD: Region Code 1 Audio: English (Unknown) Format: NTSC Running Time: 120 minutes DVD Release Date: 2008-08-08 Studio: Stallion Press Group
DVD Reviews of How to Theme WordPress: From Blank To Beautiful in 2 HoursDVD Review: A Little Misleading Summary: 2 StarsFirst, let me say how disappointed I am that I paid this much money for someone's PowerPoint presentation that lacks appropriate knowledge of what colors look good or bad on other colors. White font on yellow backgrounds is never a good idea for any business that wants their information to actually be read. I'm seriously considering making a shoddy DVD from my PPT on how to make an appropriate PPT and selling it to them for $35.
Aside from that the information was all about css and html for the first part, of which I already had a very strong grasp. I didn't buy this DVD to get html and css tutorials. Those are free online. I bought it to learn how to take that knowledge and make it a WordPress theme. So there was only about 15-25 minutes of the video that did me any good. And I should clarify it was the audio that helped me, because I couldn't see the screen to tell what was typed on it.
Also, the voice of the presenter got highly annoying after a few minutes. There are people out there willing to work for voice overs if your voice is not made for public presentation. If you're going to charge $35 for a DVD of this type, at least put the production costs on your end into it to make it worth it on my end.
DVD Review: Learning to Create WordPress Themes Starts Here Summary: 5 StarsI'm usually a skeptic about books and DVDs promising you can learn a subject in a matter of hours. Not in this case. I agree with the 5 star ratings. How to Theme WordPress: From Blank To Beautiful in 2 Hours by Aleks Monahan exceeded my expectations. It's an excellent primer if you want to learn basic HTML and get a firm understanding of CSS (the first half of the DVD).
Aleks instructions are easy and to the point. If you already know HTML and CSS, you can delve into creating WordPress Themes from scratch immediately after completing the second half of the DVD.
The instructions on how to install WordPress to your local server is very good as well. As for installing WordPress to your hosting server, most hosting companies offer an auto-installer that will install WordPress in seconds, or you can find a plethora of information on the web about installing WordPress to your hosting server.
This DVD hands down is a must for any beginner to CSS or anyone wanting to quickly learn how to created WordPress themes from scratch.
Thanks Web CMS Squad for a great product.
DVD Review: Pretty Good Summary: 5 StarsI've read the other reviews and I agree with most everything everyone else has to say, including some of what the gentleman from Michigan said. For me, it did exactly what I needed it to do, it introduced me to theming Wordpress in a very straightforward, no nonsense kinda way. I think that it was slightly overpriced, but considering how long it would have taken me to research and read up on that information myself, the cost was reasonable. I will likely get a book to compliment this DVD and did a little deeper into the areas that were left out. If you've never created a theme for Wordpress and have trouble learning straight from a book, this DVD will certainly benefit you. If you're at a more advanced level with CSS, PHP and HTML there is probably only a few things you'll learn from it. Overall, it's excellent for a beginner but not really meant for someone with advanced knowledge.
DVD Review: Great DVD for Learning Summary: 5 StarsThis DVD was excellent in my opinion. Like most, I thought the presenter was professional. The presenter's voice is no Britney Spears, but I had no problems at all with her. I was more interested in the information. I think only a boob would think that tutorial was not good. Professional, right to the point, and authoritative.
I have the other book on theming. It's by a different author, Tessa Blakeley Silver. I bought it first.. about a month ago. Unfortunately didn't get around to reading it yet. But will do when I find some more time for it.. and plan to post a comparison of the 2.
Meanwhile, this tutorial's been great. I have no problem recommending it to others. I've been having a template in mind for a very long time for my blog, and it got me to action time. Recommend it..
DVD Review: The presentation is terrible... but it has a few good tidbits. Summary: 2 StarsLet's start with the negative... This DVD is overpriced. For $35 I expect more. I have seen homemade videos on YouTube that have way better quality and I am not talking about the new HD vids. This video is grainy and the design sample as well as the wallpaper colors used in this presentation are absolutely horrible. I mean, it's bad. It is so bad, it is distracting to the viewer. Now I understand that this is not a presentation focused on the design process but the title of the DVD includes the phrase, "from Blank to Beautiful." C'mon, it wouldn't have taken much to improve in this area. If the author of this presentation would have considered the viewing experience for more than 5 mins, they would have definitely picked better colors than bright yellow, orange, red, etc in the design. The end result is an ugly, ugly, ugly presentation.
Another problem I have is how they approached the process of coding the theme. Why lose the flexibility of the header and footer template files on the other pages?? That is just ridiculous. The author needs to go back to the drawing board and revamp this presentation using competent programming logic.
Next, at the end of the vid, you are left with Wordpress on your local server and your pants down around your ankles. No discussion of the process of uploading or installing Wordpress on your web host. It just ends abruptly.
Lastly, I can't stand listening to Aleks' voice. It's very annoying to have to listen to her for more than a few minutes. Some people just aren't cut out to do voice-overs.
Now for the positives... If you need to install a local server, you will get an easy walk thru. Aside from that, there are a few tidbits here and there that may be found useful. The rest is disappointing. Hold your breath for the next "Advanced" DVD.
If you have any grasp of XHTML/CSS and/or slicing a PSD, you will find the entire first hour utterly useless. After that, you may find yourself arguing with the presenter on a few issues. This DVD was not advertised as a beginner level presentation. It is for newbies only.
Description of How to Theme WordPress: From Blank To Beautiful in 2 HoursHow to Theme WordPress: From Blank to Beautiful in 2 Hours Whether you are learning how to theme WordPress for your own use, or to offer your theme design services for hire, or to even build a brand of WordPress themes to distribute to the masses, this DVD shows you how to get started theming the popular WordPress and to get results quickly. In just a matter of 2 hours, you will learn the process of going from a blank page in your web browser to a fully-functional WordPress theme, including how to integrate your own unique graphics. Sit and watch as Aleks Monahan from the WEB|CMS Squad teaches you tremendously valuable information that will build your skills and open doors to new opportunities. No need to spend days or weeks trying to figure out all pieces of the puzzle. WordPress is one of the most popular CMS platforms in today's Web 2.0 world, and its popularity is only increasing. Not only is WordPress popular, but also WordPress custom theming projects are bid anywhere from $200 to $2,000 or more on the freelance networks, and those who have the WordPress theming skills guard their knowledge like Fort Knox. Join those who can, and start theming WordPress today.
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