Over the last two weeks we have been busy fixing a lot of issues for people that could have been avoided all together if two simple tasks were done:

1. Backup your WordPress data
2. Keep WordPress up to date

Luckily for most people – both of these tasks are simple and even automated. First of all – make sure you always have a recent backup of your WordPress database. There is a great plugin available (free) that will actually automate the process and even email you a copy of the database every x days, x weeks, etc. If you have one plugin installed with your WordPress site – install AND use WP-DB-Backup.

If you have a lot of media on your local server – make it a point to back that up every x days (whatever you can live with if something were to happen).

As for keeping WordPress up to date – it has never been more simple. When there is a new version of WordPress available – you will be notified when you log into your site. Simply click on the link to either download the latest version or to update WordPress right then and there. You cannot imagine how much time, effort, stress, and money simply updating WordPress can save you in the long run.

WordPress 2.8.5 has officially been released. The update contains a few security fixes and updating is highly recommended. You can read more about all the changes and updates that went into 2.8.5 if you are interested. You can also see all the bug fixes as well.

Download the latest versions of WordPress: WordPress 2.8.5

I have been working with Topspin for a few years now and recently worked with them to create our theme “Lucidity Catalog” – with their artists in mind. Check out the recent Lucidity Catalog blog post I put together for them on their developers’ blog.

Over the past few days, there has been a lot of buzz going around about keeping WordPress up to date because of a specific worm going around that is causing havoc for out of date WordPress versions. The worm creates a user, hides it from the user list, and then inserts all kinds of junk into your posts.

There are multiple ways to easily find out when WordPress has been updated.

Since everyone who uses WordPress should stay on top of these updates, here are a few ideas on how to find out when a new version has been released:

1. Pay attention the the “Upgrade Now” notice when you log into WordPress.
2. Get notified by email with the Upgrade Notification by Email plugin
3. Read regularly/subscribe to the WordPress blog
4. Read regulary/subscribe to this blog

Updating is quick and easy – and should always be done after you have a database backup. Database backups are quick and easy as well with WP-DB-Backup plugin.

Not really sure if you want to do the upgrade yourself? We would be happy to do it for you – just contact us.

WordPress 2.8.4 has officially been released. The update contains an important security update and updating is highly recommended. You can read more about all the changes and updates that went into 2.8.4 if you are interested. You can also see all the bug fixes as well.

Download the latest versions of WordPress: WordPress 2.8.4

WordPress 2.8.3 has officially been released. The update contains a few important security updates and updating is highly recommended. You can read more about all the changes and updates that went into 2.8.3 if you are interested. You can also see all the bug fixes as well.

Download the latest versions of WordPress: WordPress 2.8.3

Our commercial WordPress themes Lucidity (see demo), and Lucidity Catalog (see demo) have been updated to version 1.1. This update includes more customizations and easier admin options.

You can now easily change the font without touching any CSS at all by simply selecting one of eight pre-defined options in the admin.

Select Your Font

You can also now easily select your site colors using a color picker. Simply point and click your way to new site colors!

Select Your Colors

We have also added more social networking site options so you can show off more of your sites (Technorati, LinkedIn, YouTube, and StumbleUpon)

You can purchase Lucidity for $50.00 or Lucidity Catalog for $75.00.

WordPress 2.8.2 has officially been released. The update fixes a XSS vulnerability and should be applied as soon as possible.

Download the latest versions of WordPress: WordPress 2.8.2

I have personally created over 100 WordPress themes for friends, family, and clients over the last 4-5 years. Over this time – I have been working on a “starter” theme which would allow me to have something to use for each new theme I create, all while giving the users the most easy way to control their content and everything about their site.

I finally did so by developing Lucidity – a commercial WordPress theme. This theme is great for people who want to control colors, add in their analytics code, their social network links, and just start blogging. Changing background colors, link colors, etc is as easy as copying and pasting in color codes into the admin.

This theme is also great for developers as well because if offers a solid start at theme development – with the customizable options for their clients on top of everything else.

All the code is cleanly written and not overcomplicated so it is a great theme to use or simply learn from.

You can test drive the site: Lucidity Demo Site, and also purchase it as well.

We will continue to develop the theme and use our user’s feedback to make it even better.

If you have any questions or comments – feel free to leave them here or in the forums.

WordPress 2.8.1 has officially been released. The update contains a number of bug fixes (over 50). You can read more about all the changes and updates that went into 2.8.1 if you are interested. You can also see all the bug fixes as well.

Download the latest versions of WordPress: WordPress 2.8.1