Is Word Press killing of jobs? That’s what a new connection of mine on Twitter suggested to me just last week:
The minute I read Monica’s Tweet, the wheels in my head started spinning. One of them was wondering if it was true, and the second was what can (or should) be done about it. Before we go there, I learned that Monica’s opinion is an informed one, she started writing about WordPress in 2009, about the same time I started working with it (we share that too, she’s done WordPress web development too).
Is it True the WordPress is Killing Jobs?
This would be hard to prove, because during the rise of WordPress there was a corresponding fall in the economy that appears to be unrelated. WordPress does make web development and website maintenance easier and more available to more people to both develop and maintain with less technical skills however. Almost anyone can setup and maintain a WordPress based website. One thing is certain it’s still progress and it must be creating opportunities elsewhere. WordPress actually got me excited about web development after a very long hiatus.
What should we do about it?
It’s never fun to end up on the disrupted end of disruptive technology but the fact remains that innovation and value are important qualities in any business. If people are losing jobs from the rise of Word Press, they probably have some marketable skills that can be re-purposed. Web development takes a mix of creativity, technical and business skills, and there is always room for people with these skills. The challenge might have more to do with the discomfort of the disruption and the change that might be involved.
Do you think WordPress is really putting web firms out of business?
Thanks for featuring me in your post, Joe! It’s unfortunate WordPress took off just before a recession. WordPress (like Joomla! and Drupal, which are also free) means institutions no longer need HTML web managers to upload and maintain web content. Writers and editors can upload and change content themselves without that middle layer.
You also can get a prepackaged theme for WordPress, Drupal, Joomla!, etc. (see http://www.studiopress.com/themes) for less than $100 that is better than what many HTML web designers could produce for several thousand or more. Even if you hire a web designer to design your website starting with a prepackaged theme, it will take that person a fraction of the time (and therefore earning the person a fraction of the money).
I couldn’t agree more the answer for HTML web designers and managers is to repurpose their technical and business skills in another area. Creative people are always needed!
@cyberlandgal I tried to respond, but his comment form is buggy 😉 Short answer? Not at all – and thanks for the @studiopress mention!
@CyberlandGal Hi Monica, thanks for dropping by and sharing your insights. This post has a lot to do with your observation.
I do have one alternative suggestion with regards to Studiopress in particular. Writing custom themes and modifying others for the Genesis platform is actually a great opportunity for developers. Reason being most people want a unique site. That’s actually what we do most of the time. I love the Genesis framework because it can evolve and the sites that we built for it will benefit from the growth/improvement of the framework.
I think we all have to re-purpose now and then, change or die (or become irrelevant), something to that effect 🙂
Thanks again for dropping in. Sorry to r_diamond for the issues leaving a comment hopefully livefyre can help out with that?
@hackmanj you essentially said exactly what livefyre wouldn’t let me post – if anything, #WordPress & #genesiswp have *created* jobs. 😉
@hackmanj you essentially said exactly what livefyre wouldn’t let me post – if anything, #WordPress & #genesiswp have *created* jobs. 😉
@hackmanj@CyberlandGalr_diamondlivefyre Just reached out to Rebecca, we’ll make sure she’s well taken care of!
@hackmanj@CyberlandGalr_diamondlivefyre Just reached out to Rebecca, we’ll make sure she’s well taken care of!
@JMattHicks@CyberlandGalr_diamondlivefyre thanks! You guys are always amazing whenever there is a problem. I appreciate the help.
test, will delete. thanks!
@r_diamond You’re welcome, Rebecca. I love @studiopress & Genesis 🙂
@hackmanjr_diamondlivefyre Yes, I am a big fan of StudioPress and Genesis, and I think writing custom themes and modifying themes is a great opportunity for web developers. Also, the WordPress + Genesis combo means many more small businesses can afford to have a website, creating more opportunities than ever before.
@CyberlandGalr_diamond I’ve noticed other website template programs popping up too that make it easy for people to build websites. It’s great that there are so many options, in rare cases I even recommend things other than WordPress.
I know a guy who used to be an .asp programmer and became an extraordinary WordPress developer, he has done some amazing work for me he might find this interesting. Howdy daveyank .
@hackmanjr_diamonddaveyank Yes, I’ve heard great things about Headway (see http://headwaythemes.com/) and its drag and drop WordPress themes, but I personally have never tried it. It’s on my “to do” list.
I’ve perceived further website pattern series burst up as well that compose it simple used for people to put up websites. It’s immense that there are a various selections; in unusual cases I still suggest stuff other than WordPress.,Thanks to your informative article.
You’re welcome, thanks for reading and commenting.
You make enclose single substitute implication through consider to Studiopress in picky. Inscription routine matter and amend others on behalf of the Genesis platform is truly a huge chance for developers. Grounds being mainly public yearn for a distinctive site.Thank you for sharing.
WordPress is well loved by many blog owners… But I don’t think it can kill off other jobs. Thanks for this informative post.