Bio

CEO of 10up, organizer of WordCamp Boston.

Why do you use WordPress?

I believe in the democratization of publishing, and I believe WordPress is the most successful CMS because of its focus on author experience.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

In 2005, first for a personal blog, then later for corporate sites and non-profit sites.

What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?

It’s the best damn deal you’ll ever find for a conference in terms of value to cost ratio.

Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.

The presence of core team members in the room, the opportunity to meet the person whose plugin you rely on, the chance to network with other developers, designers, and PMs and talk about their challenges.

Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.

So many I’m not allowed to talk about. I do a site for a non-profit on the side called Food Empowerment Project – we’re working on some cool REST API stuff to power a mobile app – hope to have that done by WordCamp Ann Arbor.

What is your favorite part of WordCamps?

The “hallway track” – talking to people, getting to know the community.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?

Get started already.

Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.

I’m a huge music nerd – collector, musician, avid attender of concerts.

Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.

There are just too many to think of only one. Cory Miller is high on the list lately; Andrew and Brianna Norcross; Ryan Boren.

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?

Contributions to core in 4.1 and 4.2. Starting WordCamp Boston in 2010.

How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?

WordCamps have made a huge difference for 10up, from the beginning.

Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”.

are interested in the future

What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?

The difference between the future and the past. 😉

What is your favorite WordPress related resource?

make.wordpress.org

Where can we find you online?

jeckman on twitter, johneckman.com has a list of all the places.