Matt: It's the WP minute.
Let's talk about block-based themes versus well, everything else coming up next.
As you might already know, I'm a huge fan of the 20, 24 theme.
I think it's one of the most important default themes
WordPress has released in a while.
Sure.
The design is fairly opinionated, but with the mix of new
patterns and blocks available.
I think someone with a little WordPress know-how and grit.
We'll be able to design a solid website for their brand or business.
Even for the freelancers or agency owners out there searching to offer a more
affordable solution for their clients.
I think 20, 24 can fill that gap.
But don't confuse that with it being a solution on par with
cadence or generate press.
Certainly not as powerful as Elementor or BeaverBuilder.
There are large gaps that cause it to fail really quickly.
One that stood out to me recently was the lack of mobile design features in
the site editor in my latest video, customized mobile views on 2024.
I demonstrated the lack of simple breakpoint features
inside the site editor.
I'd have folks comment on my channel, asking how to change things in the mobile
nav or on a landing page with no clear direction on how to do it in the theme.
When the debate of page builders versus blocks comes up.
How could we not want to clear up this confusion?
A few takeaways from Eric Carfax posts from the link above.
Number one, quote, some people aren't fans of the site, editor or
Gutenberg they'll naturally point to its quirks and limitations.
Fair enough.
And quote.
And number two, quote.
Perhaps this doesn't apply as much to block themes more than anything.
They may be limited by the site editor.
There may be a feature that it doesn't offer yet.
Thus, you must work within its capabilities end quote, and this
is why there's such a fierce debate from the page builder audience.
WordPress still has so much time to catch up if ever.
One area I disagree with cargo back on, at least in the context of 20, 24 is the
gap between commercial and free products.
Isn't as wide, you aren't missing the ability to customize a look and layout,
nor are any crucial features locked down.
We certainly are missing some of those crucial, crucial features for mobile
or even a more robust query block.
For example.
And while I know it's the site editor's fault, your average end-user doesn't
and a much more critical on the default theme experience because, well,
it's the default theme of WordPress.
Target back encourages us and the WordPress developers to
create a better narrative.
Which brings me back full circle to where I always land.
The core experience is good enough for the masses, but when you need more, you go
to a full featured theme or page builder.
But I don't know if that excuses, some of these features being
missing from the default experience.
I think the core experience of WordPress plus 2024 can live alongside a freelancers
toolkit, which also includes something like a cadence or an element, or for
example, speed and simplicity, being the obvious advantage of the former.
And at the end of the day, I think that's perfect at least for now.
And if you invest in that core experience, there are products like 20 gig that
can supercharge a 20, 24 website.
I think a third party tool that enhances default themes is very smart.
Maybe this is where block-based themes and the default experience of WordPress lives.
Do we need more?
Hit reply.
And let me know.
Don't miss this WordPress content.
Now it's time for the links you shouldn't miss.
As always check the show notes.
Or more importantly, visit the WP minute.com and
subscribe to that newsletter.
So the links just end up in your inbox, hopefully just like today.
Here we go with those links.
Aruba med launches JS essential is for WP devs with the first
lesson dropping on March 4th, 2024.
Angie Byron reminds us why your peers might not care about your
dev REL or community efforts.
Amber Heinz continued to climb up the mountain of accessibility
adoption for wordpress.org and other WordPress related websites.
Apparently some progress has been made.
Make sure you check the link so you can read up on that.
Get a deeper look into Automotive's founder.
He's business mind.
In this recent interview.
WP Tavern launches writer, hunger games.
WP mainline shares how you can make more money with LearnDash.
Lastly, Eric Clark evac, which I linked above in the script
today wants us to clear up the confusion surrounding block themes.
Now don't miss our YouTube videos.
We've made a lot, I've made a lot.
So follow the WP minute on YouTube, learn more about sink, pattern
overrides coming to WordPress 6.5.
Supercharger 2024 theme with 20 gig customized mobile views in 2024.
And your website in a virtual world, WordPress in the metaverse.
And then lastly, a sponsored video from our sponsors at.
Theme I'll optimize WordPress images with the optimal plugin.