How Weve Prepared Our Themes Plugins for the New Block Editor in WordPress 5.0

Here at ThemeIsle, we started building themes and plugins six years ago. To be more exact, ThemeIsles first theme was published in the WordPress repo in July 2013. Back then, we were on WordPress 3.6 and people were doing the Harlem Shake. A lot of changes have happened in WordPress (and music) since then, and weve gotten better at making themes and plugins.Changes happening with the WordPress CMS are influencing our users, our products, and our business. And the recent release of WordPress 5.0 was no different.The new block editor pushed us to reconsider our product portfolio and come up with a plan to integrate the new block editor (AKA Gutenberg) into  our themes and plugins.While the block editor was undergoing testing, we watched the community talking about it, bashing the initiative and the adversity it created. But as the release rolled out, developers found that most end-users were quite content with it.At the time that were publishing this post, over 30% of users have upda ted their sites to 5.0, which is a considerable amount even if some of them are still using the old editor.So heres what we did to prepare a smooth transition to the new editor and a few considerations for users who are faced with the challenge of whether or not to use the block editor. Neve has integrated the Gutenberg editor seamlessly into the backend. Now your edits will look almost identical to the frontend.Weve also looked at what we can offer within the blocks and how we can bring more of each themes flavor into the blocks styling. Weve made sure that all typography, color, and layout options (including both those  from the theme or from the new editor)  make for a smooth transition between the backend and frontend, alongside default and custom blocks that beautifully match the themes styles.Weve made it our primary mission to make sure they have the best user experience possible. This is why, with the WordPress 5 in place, weve focused on paying special attention to the new editor and ways of integrating it in the themes.Rodica Andronache, Theme Lead at ThemeIsleNew block templates for Hestia and Neve, powered by OtterBoth Neve and Hestia recommend our new free plugin called Otter. Gutenberg Blocks and Template Library by Otter Author(s): ThemeIsleCurrent Version: 1.2.5Last Updated: September 10, 2019otter-blocks.zip 96%Ratings 113,328Downloads WP 5.0+Requires With Otter, were exploring new uses for blocks and templates (like pricing plans, features, team member showcases, and more) that speed up post creation.While you can use Otter with any WordPress theme (as long as youre using the new block editor),  weve added some special goodies for Neve and Hestia users.If you have one of our Hestia or Neve themes installed, you will be greeted with a surprise Otter offers pre-defined block configurations that nicely match the themes looks.Styled Hestia templates in Otters section blockBlock editor compatibility for our plugins, tooFor plugins, we needed to decide which of the Gutenberg APIs was better suited for the integration. That is, where would users find the plugins options and how would those options be integrated into the editor?For Feedzy RSS Feeds, we introduced a block that replaced the older shortcode method:New blocks created for Feedzy RSS Feeds and Section block (in Otter)In the case of WP Product review  , we decided to use the Plugin API and integrate the WP Product Review options into the sidebar:For Visualizer: Tables and Charts, the block was a portal to display/edit the existing shortcodes, which were saved as a custom post type.Backward compatibility was our main focus so we tried experimenting many ways to make sure we give the seamless experience as before while making sure our products are just as much Gutenberg ready in terms of code, as theyre in their design philosophy.Hardeep Asrani, Product Manager at ThemeIsleAre you ready for the block editor?Going back to the editor adoption by users now and what is the best course of action at this time, I see two scenarios depending on what type of user you are.Use case #1 WordPress newbiesPeople who are joining WordPress for the first time dont have a real concern for historical facts and what was here before they arrived.If it works (and it does) why bother to look for options? For people building their first sites, the block editor is the only reality. These new adopters are not challenged by previous habits and they will start using it right off the bat.If you have a new site and youve just joined WordPress, just roll with it and make sure youre updating to the new versions when they come out. The 5.1 release is coming out  on February 21st and brings new site health features and a faster running editor.Use case #2 Long-time WordPressersThis is where we also belong. Here are people that have at least a live site on WordPress. They built their sites when the classic TinyMCE editor was around and needed to learn all the wid gets and plugins that came to help.If your sites were published before WordPress 5.0, its better to wait a couple of months until all theme and plugin developers have made the transition to the new editor. You can still update WordPress, but use the old editor instead (heres how to keep using the Classic TinyMCE editor for now).The next steps for usOver the next few months, were putting more effort into the development of themes, with Neve coming along with a starter sites library built with the new block editor.Beyond that, were going to keep enhancing our Otter blocks plugin to help users get more from the block editor. WordPress UI keep evolving. This was a needed challenge to bring more usability to the users and it feels like things are moving in the right direction. In order for us to evolve, we need to change our old ways and rediscover how to be creative, which is best brought by the unknown.Free guide5 Essential Tips to Speed Up Your WordPress SiteReduce your loading time b y even 50-80% just by following simple tips.

Free Writing Sample Essay - American Citizens Must Speak Out

Free Writing Sample Essay - American Citizens Must Speak OutIf you have an illegal immigrant family member or are planning on opening up a restaurant, you should consider writing a sample essay that they can use for an amnesty application. As an American citizen you have the right to participate in the national discussion about illegal immigration. And, if you are able to, you should write an essay on behalf of the United States of America.People all over the world are against amnesty. Why? Because it will take away the culture and heritage that is embedded in this country.Why do you think the illegals come here? The answer is simple. It is cheap labor, the cheapest in the world. It is not an easy job, but with today's technology anyone with the skills can do it.There are illegal ways to find out the best legal ways to bring in this type of workforce. Many illegal migrants have contacted me to say that they are glad I wrote their samples for amnesty applications.The illegal aliens ha ve their own way of looking at things, they live in their own little world. That is what makes America so great. But it has come at a cost and the debate will continue until it is resolved.If you have the right perspective, the top level cabinet positions may open up. You may have a higher salary, have access to more benefits, you may be able to live in gated communities and you may have to comply with federal laws. But, only if you have the right attitude.Do not let an illegal immigrant win. Write your own sample essay and make sure it is both honest and authentic. Only then will we truly see how your perspective and arguments will contribute to an amnesty.