The first iteration of this article, The 4 “Gets” in WordPress Community Organizing, was written in 2019. In this update, I apply these ideas to all parts of the WordPress open source project. People all over the world contribute to WordPress, in many, many ways. WordPress contributor handbooks have lots…… Continue reading The other side of the coin: what people get out of contributing to WordPress
Some reflections on Dotorg dilution, and how to combat it
When I started working in WordPress, about 10 years ago, Jen Mylo warned me about about something pretty early. At some point, you start seeing all the things that aren’t working, and you will want to fix them all, all at once. Don’t let yourself get distracted. You’re here to work on certain things, and…… Continue reading Some reflections on Dotorg dilution, and how to combat it
My rubric when asking for additional user permissions
A WordPress contributor told me recently that he was feeling anxious about asking for a new level of user permissions for problem-solving reasons, and in the process of advising him, I realized I have a fairly reliable rubric for making those requests. Maybe it’s even useful outside of WordPress? Here it is, regardless! Hey (person),…… Continue reading My rubric when asking for additional user permissions
Doing business in WordPress: missed opportunities
If you’re new to WordPress-based business, welcome! There’s never been a better time to help people achieve their goals with WordPress. The ecosystem is vast, and we’re a welcoming community. Don’t we look welcoming? Here I am at WordCamp US 2016, with fellow WordPress enthusiasts Cory Miller (left) and Bob Dunn (right). I’m can’t quite…… Continue reading Doing business in WordPress: missed opportunities
What happens when you won’t admit (or don’t realize) you’re a leader
Hello, my name is Andrea, and I’m a recovering leader-in-denial. I’ve spent much of my life stepping (usually reluctantly) into leadership roles, while also eagerly looking for someone else who could lead better than me — so I could stop being in charge! And that rarely happened, much to my surprise and chagrin, but only…… Continue reading What happens when you won’t admit (or don’t realize) you’re a leader
Caramel curry popcorn
I love popcorn. I especially love home-popped popcorn, and I extra-especially love this funny concoction I’ve made up: caramel curry popcorn. Here’s how I make it. Take 2-3 tablespoons of butter and put it in a microwaveable dish. I usually use a mug. Add one tablespoon of your favorite curry powder to the mug with…… Continue reading Caramel curry popcorn
Leadership Lessons from Lincoln
I’m reading the book Leadership in Turbulent Times, by Doris Kearns Goodwin, and really enjoying it. Here are some of my notes on the chapter about lessons that can be taken from the leadership of Abraham Lincoln, specifically around his work on the Emancipation Proclamation. Anticipate contending viewpoints. Lincoln has my full respect for creating…… Continue reading Leadership Lessons from Lincoln
Tasting Charles Frey Alsace Riesling Granite 2018
I bought this wine through WTSO.com, which I’ve been using off and on to pick up “nicer” wines, cheap. I love Alsatian Riesling, and got this at a very decent price of about $15. I opened it as part of an online wine tasting I did with some coworkers last Friday, and I’ve been sipping…… Continue reading Tasting Charles Frey Alsace Riesling Granite 2018
Dinner wins: Mexican Pizza
Last night’s dinner was Mexican pizza, which is definitely neither Mexican nor pizza, but was very delicious and actually reheated quite well for lunch today! Spread one burrito-size flour tortilla with refried beans (as much as 2 cups) and sprinkle with a little shredded cheese (maybe a cup). Lay the loaded tortilla in a warmed…… Continue reading Dinner wins: Mexican Pizza
Three white wines from Firstleaf
Like many people, I’m starting to buy more wine online, which is a new one for me. (There are LOTS of new things happening lately, aren’t there? I’m not a fan.) In yet another unusual pattern, I clicked on an Instagram ad for Firstleaf wines, checked out the pricing and the wines, and made an…… Continue reading Three white wines from Firstleaf
CMX Global online conference
It was a pleasure to present my conflict de-escalation workshop at today’s CMX Global online conference. If you signed up for the conference but missed my session, I think all sessions will be available to anyone who registered. If you didn’t register but are interested in the topic, I have published the script, bibliography and…… Continue reading CMX Global online conference
Musings from speculative fiction: Queen of the Tearling
As a lifelong fan of speculative fiction (science fiction and fantasy), I read the genre for both leisure and intellectual stimulus. When a book or series captures my attention, it’s usually because at least a few of the following things are true: the plot is well-constructed, the characters are interesting/engaging, the writing is competent, and…… Continue reading Musings from speculative fiction: Queen of the Tearling
