Major new features in this release include a sexy new default theme called Twenty Ten.
Theme developers have new APIs that allow them to easily implement custom backgrounds, headers, shortlinks, menus (no more file editing), post types, and taxonomies. (Twenty Ten theme shows all of that off.) Developers and network admins will appreciate the long-awaited merge of MU and WordPress, creating the new multi-site functionality which makes it possible to run one blog or ten million from the same installation.
As a user, you will love the new lighter interface, the contextual help on every screen, the 1,217 bug fixes and feature enhancements, bulk updates so you can upgrade 15 plugins at once with a single click, and blah blah blah just watch the video. (In HD, if you can, so you can catch the Easter eggs.)
We receive loads of feedback from you all on how to improve IntenseDebate, and the majority of what we develop is based on your requests. I read and respond to all of your emails, and one piece of feedback I receive daily is that we all love trackbacks, but sometimes they can really get in the way of a solid debate when they’re mixed in with your comments.
With that in mind, we’ve added a new layout option to separate trackbacks from the comments section. This new stylish option places your trackbacks above the comment section instead of having them mixed in.
Last month Beau spoke at WordCamp NYC and he had the opportunity to demo IntenseDebate. Since we thought internet access might be a problem, Beau pre-recorded a screencast (using iShowU for Mac) running through all the features, then just talked over the top. The first video (below) is the pre-recorded screencast, and the second video provides audio and some shots of Beau speaking. Play them both at the same time and it’s like you’re actually there!
Exciting news: Beau and I are heading to Jakarta next month on behalf of Automattic (our parent company) and IntenseDebate to speak at WordCamp Indonesia! IntenseDebate is a proud sponsor of this WordCamp. If you’re in the region, book your tickets around January 30, 2010 and come and chat about WordPress with a bunch of like-minded folks! Grab a WCID badge for your blog and help spread the word (there’s a badge for you even if you’re not attending).
Hopefully we can get IntenseDebate translated to Indonesian in time. If anyone wants to help, please email me at labs@intensedebate.com.
In case you’re not familiar with it:
WordCamp is a conference that focuses on everything WordPress. WordCamps are informal, community-organized events that are put together by WordPress users like you. Everyone from casual users to core developers participate, share ideas, and get to know each other. WordCamps are open to WordPress.com and WordPress.org users alike.
We’re excited to welcome Scott Beale and the Laughing Squid blog to IntenseDebate. Scott installed our WordPress plugin over the weekend, and we’re excited to have him and his readers join our community.
In case you’re not familiar:
Laughing Squid is a resource for art, culture & technology and independent web hosting company. It is run by primary tentacle Scott Beale, who is also the publisher & editor of the blog and is joined by the occasional guest blogger.
Swing by and check out the latest and greatest over at Laughing Squid!
IntenseDebate - Official Blog 