Seth Alling is a Detroit-based developer turned designer turned developer, who has been working with WordPress since 2009. Currently he works remotely as the Lead Developer for Ranch House Designs, a small agency located in Wharton, Texas, where he is primarily responsible for developing custom WordPress websites and plugins. When he’s not developing (or designing), you can find him running, playing soccer or spending time with his wife and two sons.
Seth Alling will be presenting “Getting Dialed In” on Friday, October 14 at 10:00am in the Pendleton room.
Why do use WordPress?
Because it’s awesome! Seriously, I use it because it’s easy to use and learn. Also, it has a great community of people to continually help make it better.
When and how did you start using WordPress?
Before graduating from BYU in 2009, I needed to quickly put up a portfolio for one of my classes. I had heard of WordPress and gave it a shot, and found out how easy it was to pick a theme and add some content. I started developing with it a few months later when I was asked if I could develop a WordPress theme while working as a web designer. Even though I had never done it before, I said sure, found a couple posts on how to build a WordPress theme, and everything just kinda took off from there.
What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?
You will meet some of the smartest and coolest people. And, the amount you will learn is well worth the price.
Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.
I was able to talk with Eric Meyer a bit at WordCamp Northeast Ohio this year. He asked what my speaking topic was, and when I told him, he said he was interested in it and came to listen to my session.
Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.
There was a site for a conference that wanted to begin selling virtual tickets. I developed a plugin to integrate with the already built site and allow people to purchase both yearly and lifetime memberships for the virtual ticket on a per conference basis.
What is your favorite part of WordCamps?
Hallway track.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?
Work hard and learn hard. Everything else will follow.
Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.
I love eating all sorts of different cheeses from around the world.
Name someone in the WordPress community that inspires you.
The user who is afraid to try new technology, but is willing to login and try out WordPress for the very first time.
What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?
I developed a plugin called No Page Comment that provided a solution to individually set the default comment setting on new page. This solved a problem that didn’t have a native solution until WordPress 4.3.
How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?
It’s an opportunity to meet up with people who “have been there”. Each time I attend, I am able to find some knowledge and inspiration to help me improve.
Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you ___________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp.”
just want to talk about anything WordPress
What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?
Nothing. Just attend the two sessions before mine on Friday, and you’ll be all set!
What is your favorite WordPress related resource?
WordPress.tv or just the source code of WordPress.