A rather useful (fee-based) WordPress framework is offered by the StudioPress, folks. It’s called Genesis, which also includes a bare-bones “Child” theme. Although this site does not use it, I have implemented it on other sites. Their themes are also quite nice, but whatever we chose, they all need the addition of several plug-ins and a whole lot of CSS tweaking.
There are always little customizations needed, no matter how suitable a Theme appears initially. The client always seems to want something that is either not built-in, or something taken out. Using a framework such as Genesis does not make tweaking any easier! Multiple processes and PHP codes are hidden in the Genesis folders (which one should never edit) so it takes a bit of PHP knowledge to modify or “hook” HTML, PHP and shortcodes to any of the existing Genesis hooks.
After much searching, and trying to do it the “hard way”, I realized StudioPress has a plugin for this. First step is to install it, but then what? Here’s where some PHP knowledge is required. I managed to make some modifications using the “Hooks” plugin, for instance controlling whether the date shows above every post or not.
Say ‘hello’ to web-based research, research and more research! I’m still trying to figure out if the learning curve required for modifying StudioPress templates is worth the trouble. Could it be easier to start simple, with the default 2010 WordPress theme?
Time to hit the support files for further info on “Hooks”. Right now it’s all gobbledygook to me!
Tango