Passing the Torch
As I’ve already mentioned, I’m no longer using WordPress for this site. Several people, perhaps even you, have noticed that I’m delayed in updating my WP plugins, whether because WordPress has upgraded, or additional features are needed.
While this may not be the best excuse, it’s the only one I have: It just doesn’t matter to me.
It sounds arrogant when I write it like that, but what I really mean is that I’m no longer my most passionate user. I truly believe that you need to be in your target audience when developing pieces of software like these. Tiger Admin came about because I was unhappy with the WP admin design. I was passionate about the change, so I did something about it. Updates came because I was directly impacted. Not so much anymore. Now updates are few and far between. Why? Because I only see the WP Admin when I go to edit the plugin. I’m not presented every day with it’s bugs or inconstancies.
So why point all this out? Well, because I believe the Tiger Admin plugin and FeedBurner plugin deserve more than my apathy. I’m looking for fresh talent to take over Tiger Admin. I’m already lining up the next developer of the FeedBurner plugin, but I need somebody else to take Tiger Admin to the next level. (Currently, the next level is WP 2.1 compatibility.)
Now I don’t want to give this to just anyone. The plugin requires a good design sense, and a very good understanding of advances CSS techniques. And it needs somebody who is passionate about WordPress as a platform. If you’re interested, contact me directly, please don’t tell me in the comments section. I’ll select who I think would be the most appropriate person to take over the plugin development.
There’s lots of good things that come with the plugin. So if you’re interested, drop me a line. It will be hard to say goodbye, but it’s for the best.
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Published March 20, 2007 by:
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So far there are 16 comments.
Thanks for coming out with the truth Steve, it’s nice to see bloggers backing up their decisions with truthful meanings. I’m looking forward to seeing someone further developer Tiger Admin as my WordPress Admin area could really use the slick look. Good luck.
March 20th, 2007
Glen: Glad it makes sense. I’m looking forward to seeing updates as well. I kept telling myself “I’ll get to it when I get just a little free time.” That just wasn’t happening fast enough for anyone’s liking.
March 20th, 2007
Wow, talk about passing on the torch. It will be interesting to see what the future of Tiger Admin holds without you being the brains behind the operation—you’re an amazing designer and have influenced me, and many others, in so many ways! Your work really does show how great your skills are.
I wish this is a project that I could take on myself, but I’m sure there are much better people for the job..
Thanks for being honest with the interest of the wordpress community in mind!
March 20th, 2007
By the way, how is mephisto treating you?
March 20th, 2007
Jack: Thanks for the compliments. If I learned anything from SxSW, it’s that there’s a ton of talent out there that just needs some outlet. That’s what I’m looking for. And Mephisto is awesome. Seriously.
March 20th, 2007
Thats good to hear about mephisto. I really don’t like the direction that wordpress is taking (since 2.0), and it’s great to hear that there are some solid alternatives out there!
March 20th, 2007
On another note Steve, the Mephisto website wont load for me, it hasn’t for weeks and weeks now. Is there something wrong with their site at the moment? Because I’m really keen to take a look at what it’s all about.
March 21st, 2007
Hey Steve, I agree with Glenn on the backing up your reasons comment. You’ve certainly done a great job with the WP tiger plugin although i can’t say much for the feedburner one as i have not used it.
I think it is great that you are giving people the opportunity to take over development on each of them, although i am starting to steer away from Wordpress myself(you might have actually pushed me more in the direction of Mephisto), i am interested to see what the people taking over come up with.
Apart from that i don’t think there is much else to say apart from i am OH so jealous that you got to go to SXSW while i sit in Australia waiting for something as good to happen around here.
Good luck with Mephisto!
March 21st, 2007
Glen: The Mephisto Site is coming up for me. Is it still not for you?
Karl: Mephisto has been great to me, be do be aware that it’s still in its infancy. Currently at v0.73, things could change quite a bit between now and 1.0, although that’s something I was willing to deal with. If you are too, I’d encourage you to check it out. Especially if the idea of deploying a Rails application doesn’t scare you off. It’s not nearly the 5 minute install that WordPress enjoys.
March 21st, 2007
Steve, the Mephisto blog isn’t coming up for me as well. Perhaps you’re working with a cached version? Is there another website that talks about Mephisto?
March 21st, 2007
Frank: It’s not cached for me, I’m browsing around it right now after clearing my browsers cache. Perhaps it’s a DNS error. I’ll let Rick and Justin know. To be sure, you’re going to http://mephistoblog.com/.
March 21st, 2007
Nope, it’s coming up “Address Not Found” in Camino. I just read on the Techno Weenie blog though (thanks to Google), that they are having domain name issues. He wrote that post on the 15th, so hopefully before the end of the month he can get it all straightened out.
Also, just thought that you’d like to know: Something kinda wonky about the comments section. I was trying to write this one, but there wasn’t a comment field – just the “Thanks for leaving a comment” line that appears AFTER someone leaves a comment. I had to navigate to your homepage and then back to this post to get the comment form to reappear. Just a heads up…..
Frank
March 21st, 2007
Hey Steve. Along with Glenn and Jack, I just recently started using your plugin because I find that I’m more productive when I’m using an interface I find pleasing. But I have to say, because of your plugin I not only develop and write my ideas more effectively but also more often because I actually enjoy using it now. I’ve been an avid reader of your blog for a few weeks now and you’ve helped me grow as an aspiring designer. So, with that, thank you for plugin and your thoughts, I look forward to reading more in the future.
Derek
March 21st, 2007
Frank & Glenn : Maybe you could try the google cached site , although that won’t give you too much. You might be able to access the documentation site though which could be handy if you want to check out more about it. If you wanna check it out then you can get 0.7.3(bug fixes) from here
Hope that helps…
March 21st, 2007
Steve,
You were a positive force in the wordpress community and a big influence on my development projects and on my career. The community needs people like you. You will be missed. Best of luck.
March 22nd, 2007
steve,
its quite amusing when the first time i found this site/blog of your… i hardly recognize you as one of behind scene brain master of word press which i don’t know what you are doing for WP actually!!
gosh, i really glad to find this site/blog and as specially you… about that WP tiger admin panel, its too good that when i get to my another blog panel, everything is bizarre and i seem not use to classical admin panel, really!!
when i learn that you going to set apart from it and tries to emphasize on your new project… Anyhow, i wish you great luck of wisdom in the next future to come, hoping to see you with more innovation of IT solution, just can’t wait for it!!
well, can’t say much cause it time for me know dig on the net about Mephisto…. tq
March 24th, 2007