Should I build my own WordPress Theme?

That’s the question I had in my mind since the beginning of the eBestAgent blog.  I was searching for the right theme for my blog for quite long time maybe too long, lol.  I thought that maybe it’s better to develope my own WordPress theme instead of searching.  After countless hours of searching and testing, I’ve found what I was looking for… it’s Mandigo theme..

But as I blog along, I feel the need for my own theme.  Theme that suit my blog subject well, simpler and lighter.  Mandigo theme takes little longer to load than other themes.   I want to add API blocks, better & more informative footer,  lighter widget columns and more.

It seems like the more I blog, the more I want to improve my blog.  How strange.  When I first started blogging little more than 2 months ago, I committed about an hour/day for my blog.  I didn’t know how long I could sustain that.  But now I’m spending little more than 16 hours/week on my blog.  It’s fun no doubt.  I’ve found my another hobby.  Maybe I’m addicted to blogging.

To satisfy my addiction, I strongly suggested myself that it’s time to have my own theme. It will be fun.  I get to learn more about XHTML, CSS, and PHP.  If it’s good enough, I’ll let other download and freely use it.

I know that it requires quite long hours to develop a new theme from scratch. But I’ll try and I’ll never give up until I develop at least a basic one.  I’ll get on it as soon as I publish this post.  If you can give some pointers, feel free to drop a line.  I’ll post updates on this WordPress theme development.

How to fix WordPress “your host may have disabled the mail() function…” error

This is the error:

The e-mail could not be sent.
Possible reason: your host may have disabled the mail() function…

When you trying to access your blog or your administration dashboard, you get nothing but white screen and above message. You probably contacted your hosting company but most of the time they can’t figure out what is wrong with your WordPress blog.

It’s not that hard to fix, if you diagnose it properly. Let me assure you that you don’t have to reinstall your WordPress blog.

There are 3 possible conflicts that could have caused this error.

1. Trackback or comment conflict.
2. User password conflict.
3. e-mail php/SMTP conflict.

Let’s fix this mysterious error.

• Trackback or comment conflict:

You probably received a trackback comment and it jammed your database. If your blog crashed after you moderate a trackback comment or a spam comment, your error will fit into this conflict category. To fix this problem you need to login to your phpMyAdmin in your MySQL database. Here’s the step by step instruction: How to delete comments using phpMyAdmin.

How to prevent trackback comment conflict?

If you have installed a plugin called “Comment Relish” by Justin Shattuck, it could be one of the source of this problem. Deactivate the comment relish plugin until author address this problem. (/wp-content/plugins/comment-relish.php) Don’t forget to install Akismet Plugin to catch all spam comments. Akismet Plugin is included in the latest WordPress, all you have to do is activate it.

• User Password Conflict:

Your password or “wp_users” may be corrupted. To fix this problem you need to login to your phpMyAdmin in your MySQL database. Here’s the step by step instruction: How to change password using phpMyAdmin.

How to prevent user password conflict?

Create an extra admin user for yourself, just in case the first one goes bad. Alway back-up your WordPress core files. You can use WordPress database backup plugin.

• e-mail php/SMTP Conflict:

If your hosting server that has the php mail function disabled, you might end up with this error also. Go to WordPress plugin directory and find a suitable SMTP mail plugin. It’s very rare conflict. It’s commonly associated with bloggers who host WordPress on their own server at home.

If you tried all 3 and still get error, please post your problem on WordPress Forum. You’ll get plenty of help from contributors.

How to change password using phpMyAdmin.

If you can’t access your WordPress administration panel or having password problem, try change your password using phpMyAdmin.

1. Login to your web hosting administration control panel.

2. Click on MySQL administration.

3. Click on phpMyAdmin

4. Click on the wp_user on your database

5. Click on the Pen icon or edit button. User ID #1 is admin, login name. You’ll see the long string of letters and numbers under Password Column. That’s your password in encripted form.

6. First, delete the password (long string of letter and numbers). Second, type in your “new password”. Third, change the Function to “MD5″

7. Click on “GO” button and couble check your password if it’s correctly encrypted on the wp_users.

8. That’s it. Test your new password.

How to delete comments using phpMyAdmin.

1. Login to your web hosting administration control panel.

2. Click on MySQL administration.

3. Click on phpMyAdmin.

4. Click on the wp_comments on your database

5. Delete the comment. Or you can Edit the comment from phpMyAdmin.

NOTICE: Administration panel design may look different from your hosting company web site. But all the core options are same.

WARNING: phpMyAdmin is a very powerful tool. Be careful what you delete because you can’t retrieve it. You may refer it to your web hosting manual or technical service for advice.

WordPress Plugin Review

Next of Kin by Tzafrir Rehan

The WordPress plugin you don’t want to install. That’s right. I downloaded, installed and uninstalled it. I thought about it but maybe I’ll install it again later.

Some people call this plugin creepy but I think it’s interesting plugin that based on reality. If you read his FAQ, you’ll understand.

He is not joking about his plugin, he’s dead serious. Take my word for it.