Document+Machine+Reference

The Final Assignment is deceptively simple. There is a world of plugins and widgets that make WordPress extremely flexible and while these tools won't give your project conceptual clarity, if you have a nuanced plan as to how to tackle the final assignment it will be clear which ones you might investigate and experiment with. These list is by no means complete – be sure to spend time browsing through the [|PlugIns Directory]. Expect to invest time in troubleshooting any plugin you might like to use.

Last edited: November 15th


 * Archives**

[|Smart Archives Reloaded] – Alternative means of sorting posts chronologically. //Why might you use this? – If your site is post-driven and dates are important this might allow for a cleaner interface than the default archives widget within WordPress.//

[|Snazzy Archives]– "Snazzy Archives is a visualization plugin for your WordPress site featuring an unique way to display all your posts." //Why might you use this? – To provide a more visual means of navigating a post-based site.//

media type="custom" key="11113632" [|Custom Post Type UI] – An "admin UI for creating custom post types and custom taxonomies." //Why might you use this? To move beyond the confines of the generic 'page' and 'post' content types – this plugin allows you to edit many of the base post type configuraitons.//
 * Custom Content**

[|Custom Field Template] – More involved than Custom Post Type UI, this PlugIn"adds the default custom fields on the Write Post/Page." //Why might you use this? To add custom fields to your posts – this will give you more granular information over how your posts are displayed. This might lend itself to further 'breaking down' your source text beyond taxonomy and categories.// [|Dynamic Widgets] – "...gives you full control on which pages your widgets will appear. It lets you dynamically hide or show widgets on WordPress pages by setting conditional logic rules with just a few mouse clicks. No knowledge of PHP required." //Why might you use this? To control what widgets appear on what pages and enjoy more granular control over all aspects of your site design.//

[|Yet Another Related Posts Plugin] – "Display a list of related entries on your site and feeds based on a unique algorithm. Templating allows customization of the display." //Why might you// //use this? To algorithmically link content based on categories or taxonomy.//
 * Content Analysis**

[|Creating a Static Front Page in WordPress tutorial] – "By default, WordPress shows your most recent Posts on the front page of your site. But many WordPress users want to have a static front page or splash page as the front page instead. This "static front page" look is common for those who wish to not have a "blog" look to their site, giving it a more CMS (content management system) feel."
 * Front Page**

[|MapPress Easy Maps] – "The plugin will automatically insert a great-looking interactive map into your blog. Your readers can get directions right in your blog and you can even create custom HTML for the map markers (including pictures, links, etc.)" //Why might you use this? If your work of fiction particularly tied to geography? If so, mapping it might be a good organizational strategy with your site.//
 * Mapping**


 * Navigation**

[|Menubar]– "Single and multi-level menus for your WordPress site, styled with customizable menu templates." //Why might you use this? It provides an easy means of navigating 'deeper' sites.// Warning: working with menu plugins can be really finicky – there might be issues with the base theme and you'll probably have to spend a fair amount of time finessing the CSS of the menu.

[|Breadcrumb NavXT]– "Adds breadcrumb navigation showing the visitor's path to their current location." //Why might you use this? If you ended up with a relatively 'deep' site, this could be quite useful for readers.//

[|NextGEN Gallery] – The most popular WordPress gallery tool, it is extremely flexible and can be extended with numerous additional PlugIns.
 * Photo Content**



[|WP Nivo Slider] – "This plugin creates a Slideshow/Slider with post thumbnails in your posts configured for a particular category of your wordpress. It is entirely written in jQuery"

[|Custom Taxonomy Menu Widget]– "Creates a simple menu of your custom taxonomies and their associated terms, ideal for sidebars. Highly customisable via widget control panel."
 * Taxonomy**

[|Adobe Kuler] – A handy tool for setting up colour palettes. Choose a palette that works for your purposes and implement it across your site. //Why might you use this? To select colours for type and layout that work well together.//
 * Additional Tools**