Bio
Bobby is a Web Developer at 10up. He has been working in and around WordPress for close to two years. Prior to working in WordPress, he spent 13+ years in the US Marines as a Communications Technician.
Why do you use WordPress?
I enjoy the versatility that WordPress provides. As a developer, I like that WordPress has been built over time, to be a highly customizable and extensible platform. It can be built to fit a large number of use-cases.
When and how did you start using WordPress?
I started using WordPress in mid 2013. At the time I wanted to get involved in web development, and WordPress looked like the perfect place to start. And it was! Since then I have been able to branch out into the larger web space. But it was WordPress that got me started.
What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?
The easy argument is the return on investment. The knowledge value that can be gained at a WordCamp is of the charts. However, for me, I really enjoy that WordCamps give me a chance to talk to other developers. Mainly because most people don’t know what I am talking about. haha
Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.
I have been fortunate to give a few WordCamp talks, and the feedback I have received from attendees has been really rewarding.
Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.
Most recently I worked on a Github to WordPress integration, which allowed users to write articles in Markdown on Github, and it pulled them into WordPress as posts.
What is your favorite part of WordCamps?
That’s easy. Getting to catchup with folks I have met at previous WordCamps.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?
Due to the low barrier of entry WordPress provides, a lot of people jump into the WordPress business space. Which over time has lead to people assuming WordPress is easy and more importantly cheap.
Meaning: You need to work very hard to prove that you are providing a lot more than just a website. Especially in the service space.
Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.
As my bio states, I did spend almost 14 years in the Marines. I did a lot of cool things while in the service.
Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.
Easy Pippin Williamson. He has built a number of awesome and successful products. But more importantly, I feel he does a lot for the community at large: Core Plugin reviewer, prolific WordCamp Speaker, and provider of top notch tutorials online.
What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?
I am proud to be a Web Engineer at 10up. Being able to work among the great group of talented engineers they have assembled is really rewarding. But honestly, every time I built something cool that I have never done before, I feel really proud.
How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?
WordCamps are directly responsible for me continuing to learn and grow as a developer. They were also responsible for me learning about my current company. All of which lead to my current position.
Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”.
enjoy development
What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?
My talk is developer specific. But honestly, if you understand how development works, then you will be ready for my talk on using IDE’s.
What is your favorite WordPress related resource?
Free: YouTube, and managewp.org Paid: Treehouse