Open Channels FM launched version 5.0, featuring new shows, enhanced navigation, and updated content focus, shifting toward open source philosophy and community engagement.

Hear Astha read her own essay aloud. I come from a transitional generation, and somehow, I’ve ended up as a hard core non-tech person in a heavily tech-driven space. Fitting into a box has never really been my thing. And perhaps, that has been the point. How often do you think you’re […]

See how a WordPress site stack, precompressed WebP files, and Optimole compare for payload, visual quality, delivery speed, and maintenance. The post Image CDN vs Local Compression vs Server-Side Optimization: A Controlled WordPress Test appeared first on Themeisle Blog.

Comparing Plausible, Umami, Matomo and Independent Analytics for WordPress: what they collect, cookieless tracking, real pricing, and which fits your site. The post Privacy-Friendly Analytics for WordPress: Plausible vs Umami vs Matomo (2026) appeared first on Themeisle Blog.

In July, students at two campuses in Kishoreganj, Bangladesh, built 108 websites. In eastern Uganda, a workshop that arrived to find no electricity at the school ran anyway, for more than 100 learners, because a former student had asked for it. In Costa Rica, three university students taught a […]

You have the number. You just need a good way to show it. It might be sitting in a PDF, buried in a spreadsheet, or somewhere in your notes. Turning it into a clean, useful chart can feel like more work than it should. We built an AI chart builder into Visualizer to close that... The post How to […]

Your WordPress site got hacked? Follow this ordered recovery checklist to clean the infection, clear Google's warning, and protect your search rankings. The post WordPress Site Hacked? What to Do: A Recovery Checklist That Saves Your Rankings appeared first on Themeisle Blog.

Predictions about technology and trends emerge year-round, but many can be trivial or obvious, lacking real insight or originality. But there are the golden nuggets.

Bob Dunn shares his perspective on open source and the web in the first (official) solo episode of Open Signal.

Turn curated job feeds into a self-updating WordPress job board. Pick your sources, let Feedzy import new openings as posts, and watch your niche board fill up. The post How to Build a WordPress Job Board With RSS Feeds (2026) appeared first on Themeisle Blog.

bbPress 2.6.15 is a security and maintenance release that fixes five security issues and includes a few compatibility improvements. Everyone running bbPress should update as soon as possible. This release strengthens authorization around topic and reply editing, topic splitting and merging, […]

Build a timed popup in the WordPress block editor with the free Otter Blocks plugin, no popup plugin needed. Pro adds scroll and exit-intent triggers. The post How to Create a WordPress Popup Without a Popup Plugin (Free Method) appeared first on Themeisle Blog.

Examining the impact of AI on podcast content, marketing, and the value of real human voices.

Clicks that feel stuck have a name: INP. Learn what Interaction to Next Paint measures, how to test it on your WordPress site, and the fixes that work! The post How to Improve INP in WordPress (Interaction to Next Paint Guide) appeared first on Themeisle Blog.

Transcript [00:00:19] Nathan Wrigley: Welcome to the Jukebox Podcast from WP Tavern. My name is Nathan Wrigley. Jukebox is a podcast which is dedicated to all things WordPress. The people, the events, the plugins, the blocks, the themes, and in this case, navigating WordPress security in the era […]

A candid conversation on contributor day turned hackathon, Cloudflare, product pivots, and the realities of founder-led sales.

Bu makale Türkçe olarak da mevcuttur. WordPress has never been merely a content management system for building websites to me. As a blind web developer, it showed me that I could create my own field of work, solve real problems, and contribute to the same open-source community as people around […]

Omnisend continues its support for Open Channels FM, offering affordable services and fostering a strong community connection.

WordPress supports open-weight AI while enterprises address agent sprawl and new audit solutions like Halo Record offer verifiable trails.

Important note: Programs like the Kim Parsell Memorial Scholarship are made possible by the WordPress Foundation. Ongoing legal action by WP Engine threatens the Foundation’s ability to continue supporting scholarships, education programs, and community initiatives like this one. We’re proud […]

Launching an online course? This checklist covers validation, presales, a beta cohort, launch week, and the post-launch flywheel that keeps sales rolling. The post Online Course Launch Checklist: A Realistic 5-Phase Plan (2026) appeared first on Themeisle Blog.

The rise of AI in open source software has expanded contributor diversity, necessitating improved communication and documentation to guide participants effectively while ensuring sustainable collaboration and high-quality resources.

August was a big month for WordPress. WordPress 7.1 arrived on schedule, and WordCamp US brought four days of AI-focused talks to Phoenix. WPVibe doubled its install base in a single month. There is also a brand-new screen recording tool that we think you will… Read More » The post WPBeginner […]

Hostinger Ecommerce offers a fast, easy way to build an online store. I recently used it to create a mockup shop called Apex Warrior Training, and the whole process took me about two hours. Compared to more established options like Shopify and WooCommerce, I found Hostinger Ecommerce to be more […]

Hi, There is good news for me and good news for you. The good news for me: with my five-year anniversary at Automattic, I get to go on a 3-month sabbatical, starting this week. It also means not only a break from Automattic but also from the WordPress community, a place that kept me engaged […]

Learn how to gamify your online course in WordPress with points, badges, and ranks using free tools, plus the honest limits of when it works. The post How to Gamify an Online Course in WordPress (Points, Badges, Ranks) appeared first on Themeisle Blog.

This week's Open Channels News discusses the Linux Foundation's AI license proposal, Debian's debate on AI code, Bitcoin's security challenges, and the impacts of AI on employment and cybersecurity, emphasizing the balance between efficiency and accountability.

An informal look at WordCamp US featuring hackathon day, community feedback, networking, and thoughts on the new event structure.

Bob Dunn discusses the move from highlighting builders to engaging with open source’s wider future.

We’re proud to announce that WordPress has signed Open Weights and American AI Leadership, an open letter asking US policymakers to not place early restrictions on open weight AI models. These are artificial intelligence models that anyone can download, inspect, modify, and run on their own […]

Hear about X and Nitter, how AI changes human roles with meat proxies, and the shift toward rapid online degree programs

Transcript [00:00:19] Nathan Wrigley: Welcome to the Jukebox Podcast from WP Tavern. My name is Nathan Wrigley. Jukebox is a podcast which is dedicated to all things WordPress, the people, the events, the plugins, the blocks, the themes, and in this case a new way to keep up with WordPress news […]

In this episode, Adam and Nate discuss WordPress's evolution amidst AI's rise, emphasizing challenges like security and the need for developer intent and standards.

Open Channels News discusses AI's impact on open source, highlighting the Linux Foundation's new license, Debian's debate on AI-generated code, and Bitcoin's security vulnerabilities.

This news episode reports on challenges posed by AI in cybersecurity, including supply chain risks, vulnerability discovery bottlenecks, job market shifts due to layoffs, and the balance of autonomy and accountability.

In this 134th episode of the Gutenberg Changelog Podcast, Birgit Pauli-Haack hosts Jessica Lyschik , senior developer at Greyd, to discuss recent Gutenberg and WordPress developments. The conversation centers on the releases of Gutenberg 23.7, 23.8, and WordPress 7.1 (“Mary Lou”), highlighting […]

Howdy, It has been another evenful week for sure! WordCamp US came to an end and WordPress 7.1 was released. Your WordPress profile now has a shortcut w.org/@[yourusername]. If you want to check out mine w.org/@bph (don’t forget the @ sign) . Mullenweg mentioned in his closing fire side […]

A focus on guiding new contributors in open source, discussing AI's impact, and adding insightful commentary.

A few times during the WordCamp US keynote, I asked for a show of hands and got mostly blank stares back, especially on the AI questions. That’s not a criticism — it’s a reading list. If the future is going to be built on this stuff, the WordPress community should be fluent in it. Here’s […]

An update on Open Channels News, new fall series (including "AI for the Rest of Us"), and a preview of the Open Channels FM 5.0 release coming in September.

WordCamp US (WCUS) 2026 just wrapped up after 4 days at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Over 1,100 people from around the world registered to attend, and thousands more watched online through livestreams. Contributor Day and Showcase Day opened the week before two main conference […]

WordPress 7.1 is finally here 🥳, and we have been closely following its development. The new version launched on August 19, 2026, timed with WordCamp US. Its focus is on how you collaborate, style, and manage media on your WordPress website, and it fixes a… Read More » The post What’s New […]

Each WordPress release celebrates an artist who has made an indelible mark on the world of music. WordPress 7.1, code-named “Mary Lou,” honors pioneering jazz pianist, arranger, and composer Mary Lou Williams. A child prodigy who began playing publicly at six, her influence and work cut […]

Transcript [00:00:19] Nathan Wrigley: Welcome to the Jukebox Podcast from WP Tavern. My name is Nathan Wrigley. Jukebox is a podcast which is dedicated to all things WordPress, the people, the events, the plugins, the blocks, the themes, and in this case, the decline of WordPress work on Upwork, […]

Old posts losing traffic? Learn a simple workflow to refresh old blog posts for SEO, plus a free tool that tells you exactly what to fix first.

When I saw the Slack notification preview, “Matt, I’m literally crying right now,” I must admit my first reaction was “Oh no, what happened…” Matt, I’m literally crying right now. I just read the Baby & Caregiver Attendance policy that Automattic will fly your baby and whoever […]

Sarah Perez at TechCrunch writes: WordPress.com targets the next generation of web creators with a free student plan. $24/yr, starting with “6 GB of storage, backups, staging sites, and other tools, as well as support for plug-ins, SFTP/SSH, phpMyAdmin, and Studio Sync“

In this episode of Open Web Conversations, Adam Weeks chats with Nate Stewart on AI's transformative impact on open source. They explore challenges, opportunities, and the evolving role of agencies as digital experiences shift in the AI era.

Selling courses in WordPress? You might not need WooCommerce at all. This guide compares native LMS checkout against WooCommerce so you can pick the right setup.

AI tools are amazing for getting stuff done, but could be losing basic human skills like handwriting and critical thinking. Let’s not forget to practice these essential abilities as we embrace the digital age.

Want an AI page builder in Gutenberg? Otter Blocks 3.2 generates full sections and pages from a simple prompt. Learn the setup, the catch, and what free vs Pro gets you.

Hi there, Before you read any further, another security updates needs your attention: WordPress 7.0.4 is out. Update now! You might have noticed, that the Gutenberg Times website has a new theme. It’s built on top of the Twenty Twenty-Five default theme. I started working on it last year, […]

Open Channels News highlights initiatives for transparent AI, WordPress security challenges, and the significance of community governance in technology for resilience and innovation amidst evolving risks.

Want a WordPress AI chatbot that answers from your own posts and pages? Learn how RAG actually works, then set up Hyve Lite free, limits and all.

Fame has evolved from traditional celebrity status to digital prominence, where online figures may lack universal recognition. Digital fame offers influence but is often more situational and fleeting.

Open Channels News discusses Alibaba's Qwen AI model's commercial restrictions, Mozilla's view of AI as community-driven infrastructure, a critical WordPress update, and highlights from the upcoming WordCamp US.

TechCrunch on how Me.sh (née Clay) is now available on Android. Also, kudos to those other Clay folks for winning the Clay memetic namespace dominance.

The official WordPress Browser Extension is now available for Google Chrome and Chromium-based browsers in the Chrome Web Store and for Safari on macOS in the Mac App Store. This new open source extension lets logged-in site users easily hide the admin bar while keeping its most helpful shortcuts […]

Open Channels News discusses OpenWALDO's launch, promoting true AI openness through transparent data sourcing, and AT&T's shift to open models for cost savings and AI sovereignty.

WordPress 7.0's AI connectors and wp_ai_client_prompt() give any plugin a provider-agnostic way to talk to LLMs. Learn the API and build a working plugin.

WordPress 7.0.4 is now available WordPress 7.0.4 is now available which features a security fix. Because this is a security release, it is recommended that you update your sites immediately. You can update to WordPress 7.0.4 by downloading it from WordPress.org, or visiting your site’s […]

Choosing a hand-drawn logo crafted by an artist infuses your site with warmth and personality. This personalized touch celebrates creativity and connection, making every visit feel special and authentic. It's a joyful expression of individuality.

Transcript [00:00:19] Nathan Wrigley: Welcome to the Jukebox Podcast from WP Tavern. My name is Nathan Wrigley. Jukebox is a podcast which is dedicated to all things WordPress. The people, the events, the plugins, the blocks, the themes, and in this case, what draws people into the work of open […]

Want to sell engraved or personalized products in WooCommerce? This guide builds a customizable product with free PPOM: text fields, paid options, conditional logic.

Open Channels News covers a WordPress supply chain attack, user preferences in plugins, and highlights WordCampUS in Phoenix.

Beeper has some fun new features where you can merge chats with the same person across multiple networks, polls, labels… Very exciting work happening on that product.

Welcome to the Source of Truth for WordPress 7.1! Before you dive headfirst into all the big and small changes and pick your favorites, make sure to read these preliminary thoughts about this post and how to use it. If you have any questions, leave a comment or email me at […]

In this episode, Bob and Adam chat about managing digital workflows, tackling challenges like email overload, CRM usage, and the benefits and downsides of AI tools.

Want a 90+ PageSpeed score in WordPress for free? This guide walks through the free stack: caching, image optimization, theme discipline, with measured before and after results.

Learn how to generate local SEO landing pages in WordPress from one CSV with MPG: templates, placeholders, free-tier limits, and the thin-content risks to avoid.

The main theme of this month’s WordPress news is measurement. Most of what shipped in July shows you something that your site was already doing without telling you. WPForms can now show which form field people abandon, and AIOSEO can tell you the day a… Read More » The post WPBeginner […]