Outline:

Create a stunning WordPress site that you could charge $2,200 for.

Grading:
- So much depends on the TIME you put in.
- Roughly... 20 hours should give you an "A"

Rough marking scheme

D - or below... not working on .info, didn't follow instructions, weak Google Doc - left to last minute...
 

C- good simple site, simple template, missed a few things, working on .info

B- strong effort, nice theme, lots of thought, good plugins - strong understanding of how WP works

A- excellent, beyond requirements

90+ - see how to earn that



Important Update:

- Worry MOSTLY about the structure and learning WordPress...
    just get enough CONTENT to make it look good.... but this assignment is NOT about content.



Type of CMS Site:

1. Up to you,
   
2. it could be a portfolio site (one for you if you wish)
3. for a company
4. for a charity
5. for a special interest

DUE:
See plan of attack

Late:
10% if late, this is last assignment of the semester, don't be late.


Worth
See plan of attack

MAX. Mark on this assignment is 91% UNLESS you embark on this Journey

High marks  reserved for "exceeding" the course requirements.
(should be reserved)

If you choose to emabark on one of these things...
it will set your resume apart from the "stack" of resumes any employer will be looking at.
- this is FAR more significant than ANY grade Mr. M. can give you..
   or any COURSE Mr. M. can teach you

Warning:
This "journey" is a LOT of work...
   say 60 hours before the summer time...

Remember, our courses boil down to maybe 20-30 hours of actual lab time


So... here is how you can get MORE than 91% on this assignment

Mr. M. is happy to ADD to this list if you have suggestions

This "journey" or skill building could take months... so all Mr. M. asks, is you
show PROOF, that you have embarded on such things.

LIST OF Exceeding requirements  (choose ONE)

Harder Core  -  Programming

1. Get involved with beta-testing for author of any theme or plugin
   or
2. Integrate some Open Source into a plugin/template and discuss with author
   or
3. Build on an existing theme/template - even in a small (but useful and creative way)
   
   
4. Embark on selling a theme with plugins
   

Example:
- Many themes DO NOT update the (c) year... this would be a GOOD suggestion, and code it..
   to send to author - and then work further with author

- Last year... Mr. M. and grad... worked on Thursday evenings...
   $40 template last year, had NOTHING in footer at all about (c)


Design/Graphics/Programming

1. Consider a really good template/plugin  that has less than stunning graphics
   email author with your work that dresses this up
   
2. Do a SAMPLE variation of theme/plugin -
   Example might be:  do a slideshow with all CC licesned images, or YOUR images
   and get the autor interested in showing that off as a demo of their plugin/theme
4. Embark on selling a theme with plugins
   

Documentation/Programming

1. Find a theme or plugin, that has POOR documentation
2. Write a sample of ONE part of documentation - if author likes it
3. Do a translation of Documentation...  if you can? maybe there is a BAD English version out there
   which needs fixing... lots of GREAT German programmers - have you noticed

Create a REAL WordPress site/ Programming

1. Embark on creating a real-world site for a client
2. Evidence must be provided that this stands a GOOD chance of being on the Net BEFORE April 2011

---

Google Doc Required

Google Doc Name:
MM 325 2011 - $2,200 CMS Website - Joe Student
in shared folder - with mrmccormack@gmail.com of course.

Presentation:

Create a 20 second REEL of your stunning site, post it on YouTube

NOTE:
Keep your sound UNDER -6 dB...
Review your WHAT I LEARNED documents for more info, from Previous year with Mr. M.
search for
How to get fired...




TIP:
Consider showing your WordPress on a computer... websites don't look all that good just as a recording..

Requirements:

1. This document (or a separate non-shared) document must contain information on Policy and Proceedure (domain info, hosting information other vital information for  your site)
   
2. WordPress Must have a 404 error page, you customized, with at least one image you placed on it (screen shot in your Google Doc please)
   
3. Contact Form
   
4. Gallery /slideshow
   
5. must be on your .info  (or a .com if you have checked with Mr M
   
6. Two other plugins/widgets - but these may be an integral part of your theme... since themes do SO much now.
   

There will be a base list of requirements that ALL must do..
but Mr. M. will give you some flexibility on this assignment. - just ask...

What will distinguish my skills from all the people I'm competing for a job ?

- See Mr. M. notes re: Everything is a REMIX theme
- Mr. M. to add things here...
- it is IMPORTANT to distinguish your skills from others
DRAFT


-

Required "Progress Check" - Enter Nov 21, 2011

This is to CHECK your progress... you should have many of these things started.

1. The theme I have selected  is:
   
   and I do/do not have it working on my MAMP/XAMPP at home
   Add screenshot and URL to theme
   
   Any notes about Theme (remember, a theme can take you 5 - 50 hours to master)
   If you only want a 60 or so... use the theme we have been practising with, as Mr. M. can spend time on a base theme
   
   
2. The slideshow I choose is: URL
   
   Screenshot
   
   
3. The Plugins/Widgets I will use are:  (URL and Screenshots)
   
   
4. The CONTACT form I will use is: __________  (URL and Screenshot)
   
   
5. The customization I plan for my WordPress is:
   -
   -
   _
   
6. I have the following plans to earn more than 91%
   -
   -
7. 
   
   
   
   

Required: Understanding how Domain Names work

Copy this into your Assignment Document, and complete over the next week


Steps

1. Create your OWN godaddy account
2. Add the username and password (hint) to this document
   
3. See Mr. M. so he can transfer to your Godaddy account from College Godaddy account
4. Nov 21 - Once you have control of account, set up a domain name "forward" to your posterous account
   
5. Nov 23 -When that works (can take 24  hours to PROPOGATE) - change it to "Forward With Masking" - and write down what that means
   
6. Nov 25 - now, by changing the "A" record in Godaddy... (see Posterous instructions) -
   Then, wait 24  hours... and write down how this differs from forwarding
7. Nov 29 - Mr. M. to give you your OWN hosting, change the "A" record from Posterous to your college hosting space
   
8. Nov 29 - It is more common to just change TWO domain name servers  (DNS) - rather than an "A" record... write down the instructions for this - base it on what HOSTGATER.com instructions say

Marking Matrix

TBA