so maybe it already exists?

nOOO it doesnt

This is especially useful for when you have a portfolio site and you would like to divide the thumbnails of your work into 2 or more columns. For an example of a portfolio site with a gallery of thumbnails click here.

What you should have done already::

1. You should have installed Thematic on your Wordpress

2.You should remove the index loop on your Thematic child function. If you haven’t done so here is the code.

/* Get rid of the original loop first (otherwise we'll have two of them): */
function remove_index_loop() {
  remove_action('thematic_indexloop', 'thematic_index_loop');
}
add_action('init', 'remove_index_loop');

3. Recommended: Install Blueprint in Thematic.

4. You should have published however many posts you are planning to put on your page.

Let’s start by looking at sample code on how to divide posts into 2 divs.

Code for dividing loop into 2 columns:

Step by step explanation of the code:

A bit overwhelming? Don’t worry don’t be scared by the long code you only need to focus on the bottom part anyways. Let’s take a closer look at that.

The query posts have been divided into seperate divs for the posts. The code counts how many posts there are in the loop (4 in this case). It needs to echo the

in order to close it.

/* In the case you're rendering the very last post, do nothing: */
 if ($count == 4){

and after the 2nd post it will close the first div and start a new div. Although you are establishing the div here and it may look like html, you are actually echo-ing the div in php


IMPORTANT: The $count variable isn’t specified, so it’s treated like zero. So after very first loop round statement $count%2=0 matches, and <div> gets closed leaving single post in first column, so you musn’t forget to add:

$count = 1;

before

 while ($portfolio_query->have_posts()) : $portfolio_query->the_post();

or it will only place 1 post in the first div and you will be very frustrated.

Okay so now if you want to divide your loop into 3 columns, the exact same theory applies.

Code for dividing loop into 3 columns:

Step by step explanation of the code:

In this example I have 9 posts and I want to 3 columns to have 3 posts each.

Again the code counts how many posts you have on the page.

/* In the case you're rendering the very last post, do nothing: */
 if ($count == 9){

If you already have 6 posts, close the div and open the 3rd column:

And if you already have 3 posts, close the first div and open the 2nd column:

1. Change my loops into queries

2. Take the blog description off the pages

2. Create a loop on the portfolio page (page templates were not working)

3. Successfully divide this loop into 3 columns (with help of wpquestions.com)

Here is my site so far.

Here is the code.

Here is the gist

Define init:
Lets first define what ‘init’ does. ‘init’ is short for “to initialize” and runs after WordPress has finished loading but before any headers are sent.  It serves to specify that your own  functions are used instead of the default functions. An example of  ‘init’ is when removing the index loop.

Code using init:

function remove_index_loop() {
	remove_action('thematic_indexloop', 'thematic_index_loop');
}
add_action('init', 'remove_index_loop');

Problem:
What I wanted to do is to remove my blog description (made it in the dashboard) on my pages but keep it on my homepage. I started off just copying the remove index loop code, inserting a conditional statement but I found that it didn’t work because the code wasn’t reading my conditional statement. Finally, I removed ‘init’ and replaced it with a theme hook instead and it worked fine.

Code where init wouldn’t work:

function remove_thematic_blogdescription() {
 if (!is_home()) {
 remove_action('thematic_header','thematic_blogdescription',5);
 }
}

add_action('thematic_before','remove_thematic_blogdescription');

Why ‘init’ doesn’t work with conditional tags:
‘init’ loads before the page starts loading so the page doesn’t know what it is (main page? front page? category page? which category?). Tying it to an action hook makes sure it is called in the right moment when the page already knows that data.

I am currently thinking of writing a tutorial about creating template files within the Thematic Childtheme. I’m having a LOT of trouble doing that right now and after looking at last semester’s tutorial on this same subject, I think if I figure it out I could make the tutorial even better and clearer.

Things I’d like to cover:

1. Formatting the loops on the page templates are a little different than the index page

2. I’m also planning to divide my loops into three columns on the portfolio template page so that might be interesting

WP Progress this week:

1. Blueprinted what I could

2. Added the thumbnail feature

3. Created a template for my portfolio page but having trouble php-ing inside it

GRRr for GITHUB. Spent the whole of Friday trying to figure it out but I get responses such as “that folder already exists” or “disconnected from server because blablabla”. So here is my code on github

Portfolio Page

Index Page

1. Closing queries so that they don’t mess up your multiple loops

2. Creating page templates and putting your loops there so that don’t mess up the other loops on your homepage

3. Since I have a mini blog that doesn’t do anything much, I can just download a widget for it instead of making it a loop

I’m looking forward to see Alan’s code on the blog

So for this week I have to restyle everything on blueprint. Hoping it won’t take a while. If I get that going, I’ll try to change and make my blog a widget and see if I can start making a page template for my other pages.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

So I’ve made the blog widget. It’s called the Query Posts Widget. It’s for people who don’t want to deal with php and creating multiple loops and very easy to modify.

If you want a link to the tutorial page. here it is. Recommended by Alan Cole who got it from JustinTadlock.

A couple of problems still

1. gist : figuring out how to delete the blank folder I put up and placing the real wordpress files instead

2. Adding the thumbnail feature. I looked at Joan’s post and at last semester’s code and somehow it doesn’t detect the thumbnail feature and errors it out.

3. Removing the loop from my pages. I’ve tried googling this and looking it up in wordpress but I can’t seem to find a solution. I know it’s and if statement. Does anyone know of any references I could use?

Here is my gist

Here is a link to my site

I haven’t gotten github up because I made a blunder. I accidently uploaded a different imaginary folder onto github and I’m not sure how to fix it? http://github.com/jillianfu/My-wordpress-site. Aaaarrrgh.

For the meantime I’m going to post my problematic code onto gist and maybe Mushon you could see why it’s messing up my whole site? gist code

My goals for next week are as follow:

1. Get github up

2. Figuring out how to split the loop into 2 columns. It’s stumping me right now coz everytime I paste the code Mushon had in and change it to fit my page, it messes up the whole thing.

That’s basically it. If i can get the loops split, then I might look into taking it off other pages other than the index page.

I feel that my structure is a mess right now. I’m not sure how to put the divs in the right places in php. aboveheader or belowcontainer doesn’t seem to working well. It shifts everything and that greybox div you put in last time Mushon didn’t really help.

I looked at Mushon’s post he wrote about loops from last semester.

Anyways, I have done my best with php. I have two loops now. Like Angel mentioned, I had to delete the first loop. I’m still not sure how to make my portfolio category have two columns. My site needs a lot of tweaking.

Here is the php I’ve gone with so far.

So during class, Mei and I discovered that my html is in the wrong div. I want to put it in Main but I can’t seem to find the right tag for that. Although Mushon tried putting it in one big greybox div, it’s not really helping. For now I’ll leave it though and try to get my gallery up using multiple loops. I know that Angel and Mariam have something similar so hopefully us three can plow through it together soon!

I am a little bit lost with the loops and have no idea where to start but I’ll see how it goes this weekend. Check out what I have so far.

• Change the Twitter Logo
• Add a timestamp to twitter
• Add my username to the twitter widget
• Make type bigger
• Take out the hour in the blog
• Increase leading in text
• Change the pink on the black to make more readable
• Add a footer

So I’ve made those changes and here it is with and without the grid.

And I’ve changed the css in my wordpress. Here is a link to my updated site.

Btw I’m having a hard time having the menu stay in place if I change browser size. I tried making it position:absolute but it doesn’t seem to help.

Also, the link to my wordpress site is here. The wordpress is finally alive and kicking!

For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, it is an all-encompassing tutorial site that teaches you how to do everything from building cameras, make bracelets, designing baby clothes and anything else you can think of. One of the best features about this site is its variety of tutorials and its navigation at the top. The tutorials themselves aren’t as well-designed as they could be. To view full-sized pictures of the tutorials you have to sign up to be a member.

Unlike wikihow or other how-to sites, the hierarchy within the tutorial isn’t as clear. There are no steps 1, 2, 3 labeled and it depends on the author whether they want to add videos or pictures. Each step is on a different page that makes it a bit cumbersome. Basically, the tutorials themselves are made by users so they aren’t standardized and seem almost homemade.But, the nice thing is you can download the pdf of the tutorial once you are a member so you don’t have to keep returning to the website.

Ball Bearing RollerCoaster

The better tutorials are labeled with “PRO” on it. They are better organized and the pictures are more professional. Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe

The nice thing about the tutorials are the way the social networking icons have been laid out on the side. You can easily twitter or facebook any of these tutorials. Also, it’s nice how related tutorials are featured and there are contents users can join as well. There is definitely room for improvements in terms of the tutorial layout but other than that, its overall an entertaining site that touches on a broad variety of subjects.

Content – My portfolio pieces, extra hobbies and interesting tidbits about myself that I can sell to prospective clients. Check out http://www.robbiemanson.com/. He simply has his latest works and contact information and some highlighted projects he talks about on the side. As a primary version of my site, I’d like to keep the content as simple as his.

Structure Design – I’d like my work to be laid out in thumbnails so users can get a general feel of my portfolio. I would also like the portfolio images to be in a sliding viewer so users can see several different photos for one piece. Also, I don’t want a full on blog, but I’d like to have postings about my work or just things I found cool featured on part of my site. I actually do like the RSS Feed on our class blog and wouldn’t mind having something like that as well. Check out http://www.piraja.no/. His gallery is straightforward and not too overwhelming. Also, his landing page is clear and introduces us to his thoughts.

Presentation Reference – Mostly large type for my name and simple almost Swiss typography throughout the website. Nothing too over-the-top. http://www.bigspaceship.com/ uses giant type to set out its name and posting titles apart from the rest of the content. Also, it only uses three colors, red, white and gray throughout its entire site. On the work detail pages, I like how they have the client and date of the work set in huge text next to the photos.

I’ve made some final changes to my tutorial. I tried to make a more obvious navigation and I added a logo. Let me know what you think!

Jillian’s Tutorial

I’ll paste a little tidbit (because sometimes I need incentive to listen to ppl’s advice) and if you’re interested you can go to the link. Expert Advice for Students and Young Designers

7. What job search advice do you have for recent graduates?

Soh Tanaka

First and foremost, get your portfolio up, and make sure it represents your best work. If you lack work samples, start creating projects for yourself (websites for your hobbies, your family or for friends). As a new grad, you need to prove that you are serious and willing; the best way to get that message across is through a robust portfolio.

Secondly, hit the job boards, and send your resumes and cover letters to companies you would like to work for. Doing research and tailoring each cover letter and resume to the company is important. Stick to the job requirements, and follow directions carefully. These employers receive many applications daily, and nothing is worse than seeing a bland and generic introduction to who you are and what you offer. Stand out from the rest.

Thirdly, keep your networks open, and make yourself known! Networking is key.

a.parsons.edu/~fuj659

I can span things left and right, but how do you move objects up and down te browser?

Here is a screenshot of my wireframe. The link is a.parsons.edu/~fuj659

www.freebeer.org

My slideshow is available on slideshare here

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Screenshot of Jillian's site

At first when I saw Joan’s tutorial, I thought how cute are the illustrations and its so nicely compact. I was somewhat confused by the pictures, but after studying it a bit longer and reading the title, it helped me understand the process a bit better. The first three pictograms depict the problem people might have with silver. It’s not part of the process so it might be helpful to have a title saying “When you need to polish your sterling silver.”

Overall, the tutorial was easy and hassle-free. I looked up the same tutorial on the web and I found them all to be pretty similar. I don’t think it’s necessary to have a youtube video about this process because it’s so straightforward. The illustrations were great but maybe some little captions under each picture might help.

There are different amounts of ingredients you need for the process depending on what object you are trying to polish. One thing I learned with this task is that you can’t assume the reader will know anything. You have to tell them exactly what to do. I had to look up how much water I needed and how much baking soda was required. I didn’t really have any actual challenges with this tutorial because it was so easy and straightforward.

Because I was polishing a necklace, you can’t really see the results. It looked pretty much the same when I put it in the water as when I took it out. I think it might benefit more to polish something super dirty or an object that is quite large so you can see the results.

Here are the sketches for the design of my site. I thought I’d make a page from wikihow.

Here is a link that tells you about your personal webspace: http://www.newschool.edu/at/help/faq/accounts/accounts.html#webspace

Apparently if you go into your my.newschool.edu account, you can find information about your webspace under the “student” tab. It has instructions on how to set up your personal webspace. The only problem is that it tells you to log into webspace.newschool.edu but the website doesn’t work. Did anyone figure out another way to set up your newschool personal webspace?

With my tutorial, you’ll be learning step by step how to make this pie with the help of nifty photographs. It takes no more than 20 minutes to assemble and all the ingredients are organic. So enjoy!

banana cream pie