{"id":2044,"date":"2016-10-01T09:00:08","date_gmt":"2016-10-01T13:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/2016.annarbor.wordcamp.org\/?p=2044"},"modified":"2016-09-30T12:58:01","modified_gmt":"2016-09-30T16:58:01","slug":"speaker-spotlight-becky-davis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/annarbor.wordcamp.org\/2016\/speaker-spotlight-becky-davis\/","title":{"rendered":"Speaker Spotlight: Becky Davis"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"becky-davis\"<\/a>Becky is an indie web developer based in Chicago. She\u00a0specializes in custom themes; not only making them functional and beautiful, but making them user and client friendly. Training on how to use a site during development is a big part of what she\u00a0offers.
\nShe has\u00a0been active in the WordPress community here for over 5 years, have spoken at many WordCamps and\u00a0hosts the Northside WordPress meetup.<\/p>\n

Becky Davis will be presenting “Constructing a Large Information Site” on Saturday, October 15 at 9:00am in the West Conference Room.<\/p>\n

Why do use WordPress?<\/h3>\n

As a developer it’s the devil I’ve come to know and love. There is always a way to learn something new and get help. For my clients, I want to empower them. I think we sometimes forget that WordPress is content management, I want all my clients to truly be comfortable with changing their own content.<\/p>\n

When and how did you start using WordPress?<\/h3>\n

My Dad was a poet and political activist. I setup my first WordPress site for him, so he could have a place to publish his thoughts.<\/p>\n

What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?<\/h3>\n

It’s cheap and easy to attend. You’ll meet some really cool and interesting people and your brain will feel like and over-full sponge by the end. What’s not to like?<\/p>\n

Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.<\/h3>\n

My last camp was WC Europe this summer. Meeting people from all over the world with the same passion was really enlightening.<\/p>\n

Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.<\/h3>\n

I’m really proud to have developed https:\/\/garfieldconservatory.org\/<\/a>. This is a major institution in Chicago and really worth a visit. Making their donation and event process 10x easier than it was? Bonus.<\/p>\n

What is your favorite part of WordCamps?<\/h3>\n

Networking and meeting interesting people.<\/p>\n

What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?<\/h3>\n

Commit to it. Keep learning. Be helpful. Step away from the screen on a regular basis.<\/p>\n

Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.<\/h3>\n

I love working with my hands on stuff that requires no electricity or technology like knitting and gardening.<\/p>\n

Name someone in the WordPress community that inspires you.<\/h3>\n

I hate this question, there are so many!<\/p>\n

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?<\/h3>\n

Staying in business and supporting myself for over 8 years. Along the way I’ve helped clients build some pretty amazing things that have helped their businesses.<\/p>\n

How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?<\/h3>\n

Getting business directly from a WC should never be the goal. But has getting and giving help been a benefit? Absolutely.<\/p>\n

Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you ___________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp.”<\/h3>\n

really want to understand how to deal with categories and taxonomies<\/p>\n

What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?<\/h3>\n

Really think about how you want to organize and present your content so people can find it.<\/p>\n

What is your favorite WordPress related resource?<\/h3>\n

Again, too many! But I always seem to find myself back at the Codex and sites by Chris Coyier.<\/p>\n

Where can we find you online?<\/h3>\n