Articles - Page 134

The Top 10 AI Tools for Small Business: From Automation to a Coordinated Team of AI Agents

matt-garrepy

PrestaShop Review

mike-johnston

<a target="_blank" href="https://wordpress.org/news/2015/10/wordpress-4-4-beta-1/">WordPress 4.4 Beta 1</a> has been released for users and developers to tinker with, and it comes with a December 8th release date, too.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/wordpress-logo-stacked-rgb_400x0_1.png" />Version 4.4 will bring about a new default theme, responsive images and a wider variety of embeds. Developers will also get some goodies, including REST API and Term Metadata.A little bit bare, then.<h2>Underwhelm-Press</h2>I'm aware that this is WordPress 4.4 and not WordPress 5, yet I still can't help but want more from this update.For those of you who are familiar with WordPress' default themes, you'll know that this newest one, Twenty Sixteen, is nothing to write home about. Just like almost all other default WordPress themes before it, it's painfully plain.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/00_twentysixteen-886x1024354x0-is.png" />Once again, I'm aware that the default theme should be as minimal and as simplistic as possible, but that doesn't explain away the lazy design. It's simply not attractive in any sense, and that's not really good enough for the most popular CMS in the world.Additional updates include WordPress delivering more appropriate images to users depending on a variety of conditions like screen size, viewport size, and screen resolution. Embeds have also been added to, with it now being easier to embed a wider range of media, including post previews from other WordPress websites.Again, hardly groundbreaking stuff.My criticism would be harsh on any other platform, but I have to demand more from WordPress here. I can't remember the last time I saw a “semi-major” update like this worth getting excited about. And for your average WordPress user, there's nothing WordPress 4.4 does to change that.I'm a WordPress fan (and for good reason), but recent updates, including this one, ooze complacency.To get your hands on WordPress 4.4 Beta for yourself, try the <a target="_blank" href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/wordpress-beta-tester/">WordPress Beta Tester</a> plugin.More details for WordPress 4.4 <a target="_blank" href="https://wordpress.org/news/2015/10/wordpress-4-4-beta-1/">can be found here</a>. Meanwhile, <a href="/products/wordpress">our CMS Directory holds everything you need to know about the award-winning platform</a>.

WordPress 4.4 Beta: Bare Bones?

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ecwid.com/">Ecwid</a>, the eCommerce platform with over 900,000 customers, has teamed up with Square, a Point of Sale (POS) software, to make selling easier for those who wish to do so from physical stores or stalls.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/ecwid.gif" /> The demand for POS systems is increasing throughout the eCommerce community.Many merchants are now aiming to reinvigorate their bricks-and-mortar stores, setting up pop-up shops, attending markets, and so forth. Each of those scenarios requires a POS system in order to run smoothly.<h2>Squaring Up To The Competition</h2>Although native POS systems aren't quite yet standard across the most popular eCommerce platforms, there have already been a few POS system unveilings from around the niche.Ecwid though, can still be classed as one of the first major eCommerce platforms to put their weight behind an integrated POS system.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/sshot-1921x0-is.png" /> This partnership between Ecwid and Square means that merchants can now:Expand beyond their physical locations and grow their business onlineAuto-create an online store with Square payments pre-installedEasily add their store to any site online, including their Facebook pageSynchronize and easily manage their product, inventory, and sales dataEssentially, Ecwid imports all products and catalogs from Square user's accounts, and gives its own users the flexibility to use Square's services if they so wish.Products, inventories and orders are all synchronized, too across the two platforms.Jim O’Hara, Ecwid's president, spoke of his company's excitement:<blockquote>“Ecwid is excited to team up with Square, the leader in POS and payments for small businesses. Together our multi-channel solution is helping small businesses grow more quickly and realize their dreams.Retailers need the flexibility to sell anywhere without the complexity of manually managing multiple sales channels. Now they never have to worry about online or offline commerce – just selling.”</blockquote>To learn more about this partnership, <a target="_blank" href="https://squareup.com/help/us/en/article/5648-ecwid-and-square">check out Ecwid's website</a>.

Ecwid Adopts POS System With Square Partnership

CMS Kickoff 2023 Draws Global Attendees, Focuses on the Future of Content and Composable

CMS Kickoff 2023 photo montage with images from the event of people and sessions

The Drupal-focused digital experience company, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.acquia.com">Acquia</a>, has announced the release of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.acquia.com/products-services/acquia-content-hub">Acquia Content Hub</a>.The aim of Acquia Content Hub is to empower authors and websites rapidly create, search, distribute, and share content across a complex network of sites all from one single “hub”.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/acquia-logo-small.gif" />Acquia are attempting to respond to the contemporary content explosion seen across almost every industry. New channels are constantly emerging, and brands are finding it increasing tough to navigate and manage.Acquia claims that Content Hub will also help such organizations manage their content, as well as access, update, and replicate changes across a complex site networks, incompatible CMS platforms, and external channels.<h2>Repositories, Discovery Tools &amp; Automated Updates</h2><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/sshot-11133x0-is.png" />Content Hub gives authors and site owners a higher level of control over their dispersed content, with a comprehensive set of discovery, sharing and distribution tools. These include:<ul><li>A repository that aggregates and normalizes content and data from any external source — such as a news wire — or content management system</li><li>Powerful discovery tools, including content subscriptions and faceted search, to break down silos and enable site builders and editors to find relevant content from other sites, departmental archives or content management systems quickly</li><li>Automated updates from authors to content consumers — both internal and external audiences — in near real time, respecting local changes and workflow rules</li><li>An integration framework to access and publish content within existing workflows</li></ul>Acquia's Co-founder and CTO Dries Buytaert made these comments upon the announcement:<blockquote>“As digital teams race to deliver personalized customer experiences, they must first make sense of the chaos that has resulted from the explosion of content and sites. They need to be able to share, discover and collaborate unimpeded by disconnected legacy systems. Content Hub answers that challenge.”</blockquote>To learn more about Acquia Content hub, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.acquia.com/products-services/acquia-content-hub">check out the official website</a>.Also, make use of our CMS Directory to explore both <a href="/products/acquia">Acquia</a> and <a href="/products/drupal">Drupal</a>.

Acquia Unveils Content Hub

Selecting a Joomla template is always a worthwhile job, especially when there are so many free and premium templates available for download. Due to the abundance of ready-made designs, sometimes it’s difficult to decide which option will meet your requirements perfectly – a free or a premium theme.
To help you understand the difference and pick the best solution for your next online project, we have decided to write this post where premium and free Joomla themes will be compared.
We will define the key benefits and drawbacks of each solution and provide several cool examples of free &amp; premium Joomla themes.
<h2>Premium Joomla Templates</h2>
There is an ongoing debate as to which type of template one should choose for one’s future website. While some prefer free Joomla templates because of their zero cost, many others are ready to pay for premium designs that offer a wider selection of features and tasty bonuses.
We will talk about free Joomla themes a little bit later in this post. First, let’s highlight the key pros and cons of premium designs.
<h3>Pros of Premium Joomla Templates</h3>
<h4>Advanced features</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/wegy.jpg" />
Compared to freemium solutions, premium Joomla themes come loaded with advanced functionality that makes it easier to manage the chosen theme on your own without investing too much time and effort.
The competition is very tough in today’s market, so, in order to be in demand among web users, developers try hard to load their templates with advanced functionality that will make them stand out from competing themes.
Here, to attract your attention and create a desire to test how the following theme works, <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/responsive-joomla-templates/" target="_blank">TemplateMonster</a> released <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/joomla-templates/53576.html" target="_blank">Wegy</a>, a revolutionary Joomla template that features every element you might need in order to build a business, education, electronics, software, science, industrial or a personal web site. We enumerated such a comprehensive list of industries that vary from one another for a reason.
This multipurpose Joomla template comes with an easy-to-use admin panel, advanced theme options and multiple Joomla Modules that make it easier to manage the theme in so many ways.
<a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/joomla-templates/53576.html"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/demo/53576.html"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Updates</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/katana.jpg" />
Joomla is a constantly updating technology, so the theme and plugins incorporated into your website should meet the latest web standards. When you decide to build your website with a premium theme, make sure that your theme provider will send you updates when they are available. It’s the responsibility of developers to deliver updated and compatible versions of their products to you on time.
Buying <a href="http://yootheme.com/demo/joomla/katana" target="_blank">Katana</a> for your web project, you will be able to select among three membership plans. Depending on your needs and purposes, you can opt for a Basic, Standard or Developer license, all of which provide technical support and regular updates as well as monthly theme releases.
<a href="http://yootheme.com/themes/buy-now"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://yootheme.com/demo/joomla/katana"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Support</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/pintex.jpg" />
Together with releasing updates, developers of premium Joomla templates provide free support to make it easier for a client to install and manage the product he or she acquired.
If you consider buying a premium Joomla template from TemplateMonster like <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/joomla-templates/53199.html" target="_blank">Pintex</a>, for instance, you may feel confident that together with its advanced functionality and 9 functional pages (a feature that is new to premium themes from this provider) you will get free 24/7 support provided by a team of skilled professionals.
Designed to be fully responsive and cross browser compatible, the template provides a wide selection of features to make it functional from the inside and visually pleasing.
<a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/joomla-templates/53199.html"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/demo/53199.html"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Save your time</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/iridescent.jpg" />
By purchasing a template, you don’t need to spend time creating a design that will make your business stand out; nor would you have to sweat over coding. A team of designers and programmers will get the job done for you.
By downloading a website template you get a ready-made solution for building or updating your online resource. Just install, customize, add your content, and apply any other adjustment you might need to create a unique website that is yours.
Featuring a tile-based layout that is so trendy today, <a href="http://www.rockettheme.com/joomla/templates/iridescent" target="_blank">Iridescent</a> looks balanced and appealing. Its full-width header slider, Mega Menu and images with hover effect will add a truly elegant and stylish look to your site. Valid code and advanced functionality will make it much easier to create a desired design.
<a href="http://www.rockettheme.com/joomla/templates/iridescent"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://demo.rockettheme.com/joomla-templates/iridescent/"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Responsive design</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/globy.jpg" />
Considering the most recent Google mobile-friendly update, there is a growing trend to make your website adaptive to any screen size and resolution. In order to relieve you from the necessity of creating a separate mobile version of your website or struggle with programming a responsive framework for your website on your own, responsive Joomla themes are released. Many of them are available for public download.
<a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/joomla-templates/53528.html" target="_blank">Globy</a> is a 100% responsive premium Joomla template that will help your website run smoothly on any device. It features a one-page design with Parallax scrolling and lazy loading effects, which will not only add more interactivity to your site, but also enhance page loading.
<a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/joomla-templates/53528.html"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/demo/53528.html"> Live demo </a>
<h3>Cons of Premium Joomla Templates</h3>
With so many advantages it seems premium Joomla themes should have no drawbacks. However, that is not exactly accurate. Read further to see the key cons of premium Joomla templates.
<h4>Cost</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/spaghetti.jpg" />
While premium Joomla templates boast rich functionality, not every startup or beginning web developer can afford them. High price is one of the key reasons why web users have to shift to freebies.
<a href="http://www.themexpert.com/joomla-templates/spaghetti" target="_blank">Spaghetti</a>, for instance, is a premium-quality theme that runs on the latest Joomla version and has a fully responsive, dynamic and flexible layout. However, its cost is the factor that stops users from downloading the theme to their toolbox.
<a href="http://www.themexpert.com/joomla-templates/spaghetti"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://demo.themexpert.com/#spaghetti"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Unnecessary features</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/jm_fitness.jpg" />
It depends on every user and their end purpose why they decide to download this or that theme. As a rule, premium-quality designs look awesome and come loaded with a vast array of features. However, you may not need them all. You might be using one set or several sub-sets of the total number of features. All the rest will be left untouched.
<a href="https://www.joomla-monster.com/all-templates/i/13-health/128-jm-fitness" target="_blank">JM Fitness</a> is a fully-featured, multipurpose solution for creating a sport, healthy lifestyle or food related website. It is powered by a fully responsive framework and includes a number of modules and extensions to make your website look truly awesome. Slider &amp; galleries, CSS3 animation system, various font type options, collapsible module positions, commercial components, and plenty of other features are included in the package.
<a href="https://www.joomla-monster.com/all-templates/i/13-health/128-jm-fitness"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://demo.joomla-monster.com/238-jm-fitness"> Live demo </a>
<h2>Free Joomla Templates</h2>
Here comes the part where we’ll talk about the key pros &amp; cons of free Joomla themes. Once again, it’s up to you to decide which option to choose. We will highlight only the main points that make free Joomla themes worthy of your attention, or vice versa.
<h3>Pros of Free Joomla Templates</h3>
<h4>Cost</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/yougrids.jpg" />
The feature that we mentioned as a drawback of premium designs is actually a benefit of freebies. Free themes won’t cost you a penny. Just download and use.
<a href="http://www.youjoomla.com/joomla-templates/yougrids-free-joomla-template-yjsg-powered.html" target="_blank">YouGrids</a> is one of many Joomla themes that are available for free download. It is the first Joomla theme ever based on YjSimpleGrid Joomla! Template framework. Compatible with 1.5, 1.6, 1.7 and 2.5 versions of this platform, the template comes loaded with a full set of YJSG features, awesome styles and layout options.
<a href="http://www.youjoomla.com/joomla-templates/yougrids-free-joomla-template-yjsg-powered.html"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://joomlatemplates.youjoomla.info/yougrids/"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Settings and configurations</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/td_optes.jpg" />
Different theme providers release freemium Joomla themes that vary in the amount of settings and configurations. It’s possible to find a design that you can download at no cost and get functionality similar to the one of premium themes. As the proverb says, “all good things come to those who wait”, so keep searching and you will find a freebie that meets your needs.
<a href="http://www.joomlatd.com/joomla-templates/free-templates/view_document/59-td-optes-free.html" target="_blank">TD Optes</a> is one of those free Joomla templates that boasts a vast array of options and modules that should make it easier to build a competitive web resource at no cost.
<a href="http://www.joomlatd.com/joomla-templates/free-templates/view_document/59-td-optes-free.html"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://demo3.joomlatd.com/?template=td_optes"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Stylish appearance</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/ulmus.jpg" />
Though most free templates have a rather common design, some of them have quite an outstanding appearance, for instance <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/interior-furniture-free-joomla-template.html" target="_blank">Ulmus</a>.
This is a free Joomla theme for an interior and furniture website that was designed with the latest web design trends in mind. For instance, it features a full-width layout with a grid-based structure, ghost elements, parallax scrolling and lazy load effects, large and vivid social sharing options, etc. It is built in a clean and minimalist style, which makes it easier to navigate through its pages.
<a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/interior-furniture-free-joomla-template.html"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/demo/52986.html"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Access to forums</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/recycle.jpg" />
It’s more the exception than the rule, but some template developers provide access to community forums to help you with the setup and modification of the chosen theme.
This is the case with <a href="https://www.joomlashack.com/free-joomla-templates/recycle-free-ecological" target="_blank">Recycle</a>, a free Joomla theme that comes with access to a Community Forum where every client can find answers to questions about installation and customization of Joomla themes.
<a href="https://www.joomlashack.com/free-joomla-templates/recycle-free-ecological"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://recycle.joomlatemplate.joomlashack.com/"> Live demo </a>
<h3>Cons of Free Joomla Templates</h3>
<h4>No support</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/vina_fashion_ii.jpg" />
Unlike premium templates, freemium templates don’t come with any warranty or support. All you get is a pack with detailed documentation on installation and modification of your Joomla theme.
So, when downloading <a href="http://vinagecko.com/joomla-templates/item/111-vina-fashion-ii" target="_blank">Vina Fashion II</a> don’t expect it to come with top-notch personalized support.
<a href="http://vinagecko.com/joomla-templates/item/111-vina-fashion-ii"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://templates.vinagecko.com/?template=vina_fashion"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Common design</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/sj_joomla3.jpg" />
Most free themes have a rather common design. So, if you are looking for a solution that will help you create a unique website or a blog, then a free theme isn’t what you need if you wish to leave your competitors behind.
<a href="http://www.smartaddons.com/blog/item/345-sj-joomla3-free-template-for-joomla-3x" target="_blank">SJ Joomla3</a> is one of those common free Joomla designs that we often come across on the web. However, if your goal is building an online resource with the main emphasis on content rather than web design elements, then this could be the right option for you.
<a href="http://www.smartaddons.com/blog/item/345-sj-joomla3-free-template-for-joomla-3x"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://demo.smartaddons.com/templates/joomla3/sj-joomla3/"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Limited functionality</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/td_combeta.jpg" />
Lastly, there are a few theme providers who release freebies with extended functionality. If you want more features, you will need to pay extra cash in order to add more functional elements to your work.
<a href="http://www.joomlatd.com/joomla-templates/free-templates/view_document/16-td-combeta.html" target="_blank">Td Combeta</a> features a Flash header, Google fonts, Dropdown menu, manageable layouts, and basically that’s all.
<a href="http://www.joomlatd.com/joomla-templates/free-templates/view_document/16-td-combeta.html"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://joomla5.joomlatd.com/?mod_change_template_99=td_combeta&amp;&amp;template=td_combeta"> Live demo </a>
Which option will you choose for your website or a blog? Do freebies attract you more than premium templates? Feel free to let us know your opinion by leaving a comment below this post.

Free & Premium Joomla Templates: A Comparison

Agile CRM Review

<a href="http://www.wix.com/" target="_blank">Wix</a> has partnered up with Macklemore &amp; Ryan Lewis to launch <a href="http://www.wix.com/music/home" target="_blank">WixMusic 2.0</a>, along with a YouTube campaign called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9HYfVuXDE4" target="_blank">#OpeningAct</a>.
WixMusic is a commission-free vertical solution that empowers artists to independently introduce, share, sell and distribute their content directly from their Wix website.
<img style="max-width:241px" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/wix-musa-1.png" />
Wix was crowned the winner of the <a href="/the-winner-of-the-2014-peoples-choice-cms-award-for-best-website-builder/" target="_blank">People's Choice CMS Award for Best Website Builder 2014</a>, and is one of the most popular website builders on the market.
Recently, CMS Critic toured the Wix offices and got to see the <a href="/new-wix-editor-brings-simplified-code-free-web-design-to-the-masses/" target="_blank">brand new Wix Editor first hand</a>.
Here's a video overview of WixMusic.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OHpnPZehEaY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h2>A One-Stop-Shop Solution</h2>
WixMusic 2.0 is a comprehensive product suite, not just a rehashed version of Wix. Here's what it serves up:
<ul>
<li>Commission-free sales of high-quality FLAC and MP3 320kbs digital music files directly from a Wix Website.</li>
<li>Distribution to over 120 of the biggest streaming services and online stores including iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play, Deezer, Rdio and more.</li>
<li>Tour and show promotion and ticketing through seamless website integrations with BandsInTown or Songkick.</li>
<li>Fan management and communications through Wix ShoutOut for integrated email and social marketing, while maintaining full control over contacts and interactions.</li>
<li>Commission-free merchandise sales through Wix’s eCommerce solution.</li>
<li>Electronic press kit builder to create password-protected and customizable EPKs.</li>
<li>Analytics for sales, shares, downloads, and streams via the artist's Wix website and all relevant distribution platforms.</li>
<li>Tailored website templates specifically built for artists.</li>
</ul>
I did say it was comprehensive.
Avishai Avrahami, Wix.com’s Co-founder and CEO, sees this vertical solution as one which puts artists in the driving seat like no other platform on the market.
<blockquote>“Wix Music was designed to put the artists in control of their brand, their art, and their business. It is the perfect example of our commitment to providing our users with all of the tools they need to make their dreams a reality online.
Wix Music gives musicians an all-in-one technology solution for all aspects of their business from building a stunning website and engaging their fans to selling their music, all while keeping 100% of the profits from their art.”</blockquote>
Although the obvious target market here is musicians, I think it's important to point out that WixMusic could also appeal to a far wider audience.
Podcasters, poets, comedians, public speakers and all other audio-centric professionals could all benefit.
This isn't the first vertical solution from Wix, either. The platform has previously rolled out <a href="/wix-announces-freemium-booking-engine-wixhotels/" target="_blank">WixHotels</a>, a verticalized solution for (yes, you guessed it) the Hotel industry.
To learn more about WixMusic, <a href="http://www.wix.com/music/home" target="_blank">check out the official website</a>.
And as usual, be sure to swing by <a href="/products/wix/" target="_blank">Wix on our CMS Directory</a> to explore more of their award-winning platform.

WixMusic 2.0 Goes Live

Power your CMS on AWS

Manage your websites & apps in the most trusted cloud.

#ffffff

<a href="https://ghost.org/" target="_blank">Ghost</a> isn't exactly brand new anymore, but it's definitely still an exciting project.
The free and cloud-hosted blogging platform is attracting bloggers from far and wide with its snazzy interface and welcoming attitude. The platform was even crowned as the <a href="/2014-most-promising-cms/" target="_blank">2014 Critics' Choice Award Winner for Most Promising CMS</a>.
However, as feature-rich as Ghost is, there's always been something quite fundamental missing from its otherwise awesome content editor. A spull chack. I mean spell check.
<h2>General Tweaks &amp; Built-in Spell Check</h2>
Ghost have introduced mobile image uploads, more responsive scrolling and a fix to stop the cursor getting lost when navigating with keyboard arrows.
Oh, and Ghost's built-in spell check function now finally works.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/editor-upgrade.png" />
This update seems subtle, but Ghost insist that it took a massive under-the-hood overhaul to achieve. In the end though, the general Ghost use-base won't notice much of a difference.
Ghost's founder John O'Nolan summed it up by  saying, “[It's] basically the same editor that you’re used to writing with, it just sucks a lot less.”
Find out more about <a href="http://blog.ghost.org/ghost-spellcheck/" target="_blank">Ghost's slyly improved eidtor</a>.
<h2>Lifting The Lid on Two Years of Spending</h2>
April 29th 2013 was when Ghost went live on Kickstarter, eventually raking in $300,000 worth of funding.
In line with Ghost's extremely open and friendly attitude towards all that use and consider it, the team behind the platform have decided to expose their entire two year's worth of spending — in detail.
You can see <a href="http://blog.ghost.org/year-2/" target="_blank">where all the pennies went right here</a>.
Otherwise, be sure to explore more of <a href="/products/ghost/" target="_blank">Ghost via our CMS Directory</a>.

Ghost Upgrades Content Editor & Reveals Spending Details

<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/softwareexp2549x0-is.jpg" />
Another week, another episode of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdYIRZAO8llwAipfWWujTHsqH-2x3Qwwu" target="_blank">Software Explorer</a>. Today, I'm checking out <a href="https://elementor.com/" target="_blank">Elementor</a> – a free and open source WordPress plugin that brings drag-and-drop page building to WordPress any website.
I'm not the biggest fan of their drag-and-drop interface, and I think the lack of inline editing is a real shame – but despite that, I think Elementor is excellent for a free plugin.
But don't just take my word for it, see Elementor in action for yourself:
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zSCXCwJZOjA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Get started for free with <a href="https://elementor.com/" target="_blank">Elementor</a>.

Software Explorer Ep 3: Elementor

In an industry filled with platforms constantly trying to re-invent the wheel, I'm a big fan of website builders that do things differently.
<a href="https://picnic.sh/" target="_blank">Picnic</a> is one such platform, which I happened to stumble upon. It boasts an abnormally plain approach to website building, and that made me want to explore it further.
<a href="https://picnic.sh/" target="_blank"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/sshot-10.png" /></a>
Launched in April 2015, Picnic is designed to make one page website building quick and easy. Well, easy for those who don't mind getting down and dirty with some HTML, anyway.
You simply choose a domain name, enter your code or text, and then enter you payment details.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/picnic478x0-is.jpg" />
Websites can be edited whenever, and moved away to a different web host at no additional cost. Plus, Picnic also has <a href="https://picnic.sh/api" target="_blank">an API</a>.
“Templates” are served up too, although they are nothing to write home about. There are templates for redirects, images, videos and so forth. Nothing fancy, which is a bit of a shame.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/picnic2712x0-is.jpg" />
The price though, is impressive.
It takes just $17.99 to purchase a domain, set up your website, and have it hosted for a whole year. That's a pretty sweet deal, especially since Picnic has the site live and ready to visit in around five minutes.
<h2>But Who Would Use Picnic?</h2>
The average website builder tries its best to remove the user from coding as much as possible, whereas Picnic drops the user right into it.
So, I'm not about to start recommending Picnic to novices looking for a simple yet sleek startup site. Nor can I see much benefit for small-to-medium sized businesses. Many other website builders on the market (most of which offer far more functionality) already have those two areas of the market well and truly covered, anyway.
I think the web development community would be the most interested party by far. Those looking to code simple resume websites, landing pages for startup projects and so forth, could easily benefit.
For me, Picnic is for people who like website builders, but miss coding.
The only thing missing seems to be a premium-looking template or two. Then again, perhaps the lack of those shiny looking pre-made themes is precisely what sets Picnic apart from the crowd.
But in any case, Picnic is young, in beta, and has some potential. I'll be keeping tabs.
<a href="https://picnic.sh/" target="_blank">Find out more about Picnic</a>.
What are your thoughts on Picnic? Let us know in the comments below.

Picnic: Abnormally Simple One Page Websites

After many months of hard work from the <a href="http://www.impresspages.org/" target="_blank">ImpressPages</a> team, version 4.0 of the platform has been released.
ImpressPages is an open-source “drag-and-drop” and “in-line” editing based content management system which powers over 47,000 websites across the world.
Regarding the release of version 4.0, the ImpressPages team had this to say:
<blockquote>It’s been one hell of a party these past three months. But we are finally ready to say finito, ImpressPages 4.0 is ready! This release was an important checkpoint for us and we made it. Now we want YOU to rob us a bit of our excitement and happiness. As of today, you can download the new version, start exploring and build beautiful stable websites on it.</blockquote>
So, let's take a quick look at what's new with ImpressPages.
<h2>Simpler Coding &amp; A Sleeker Interface</h2>
ImpressPages 4.0 was designed to empower people to create beautiful websites and quality content with minimal hassle. One of the ways ImpressPages now does this is via easy coding processes.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/untitled_1_03_4700x0.png" alt="ImpressPages 4.0 Coding" />
With the new  <a href="http://www.impresspages.org/docs/model"> MVC engine </a>  and handy pre-built features (like multi-linguality, translations, grid etc.) developers can create powerful systems in no time, add their own themes and plugins. ImpressPages 4.0 is fully customizable to your and your clients’ needs.
Another core update to ImpressPages comes in the form of a new, beautiful interface which has usability in mind.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/ip_interface_3700x0.png" alt="ImpressPages 4.0 Interface" />
Features like inline editing and drag-and-drop have been improved. For example, it takes only one drag-and-drop action to create a new field, which itself only requires one click to edit.
Publishers and website owners can add any content they wish, including text, pictures, videos to polls and menus which now take far less time and effort.
Further updates features brought about by ImpressPages 4.0 incude key-value storage, multi-language support, and much more.
To find out more about ImpressPages 4.0, migration instructions, check out their <a href="http://www.impresspages.org/impresspages-4-0-released" target="_blank">official blog announcement</a>. Alternatively, you can <a href="http://www.impresspages.org/download" target="_blank">download ImpressPages 4.0 right now</a>.
Also, be sure to also explore more of ImpressPages via our CMS Directory.

ImpressPages 4.0 Released

<a href="https://www.shopify.com/" target="_blank">Shopify</a> merchants in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago can now offer their local customers same-day delivery, thanks to Uber.
<img style="max-width:256px" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/2010_6_23_shopify-green_256x256-1.jpg" /> 
The eCommerce and transportation giants have teamed up, with Uber (or UberRUSH) reinventing itself as a courier service to carry out its end of the deal.
Shopify has been extremely busy as of late. They have slowly but surely rolled out social media selling across <a href="/buyable-pins-shopify-teams-up-with-pinterest/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, <a href="/shopify-rolls-out-shop-section-on-facebook-pages/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="/shopify-brings-ecommerce-to-twitter/" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and have also made <a href="/shopify-shipping-launched-us-shipping-now-faster-cheaper/" target="_blank">shipping cheaper for North American merchants</a>.
<h2>UberRUSH: Same-day, Hand-delivered</h2>
Here's how it all works.
When a customer requests same-day delivery, Shopify merchants in the three cities listed above can simply pack the order before scheduling an UberRUSH pickup from the order’s fulfillment screen. An UberRUSH courier will then arrive “within minutes” to pick the order up, and hand-deliver it anywhere in the city.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/uberrush_tracking_page-5_1673x0-is.png" /> 
Just like with a normal Uber car, both the vendor and the customer can track the location of the item in real-time as it makes its Uber-powered journey.
For now, only selected Shopify merchants based in the three chosen cities will have the chance to set up UberRUSH, which is supposed to take no more than a minute.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/uberrush_homecard_v03.png" /> 
Suffice it to say, this is pretty awesome. Uber has its critics, sure, but Shopify has taken this opportunity to change the face of local delivery forever. Potentially, anyway.
However, there's no word yet on how much UberRUSH will cost. It will be interesting to see how pricing is set out, and whether many customers will feel that the added cost is worth the immediate dispatch.
To learn more about Shopify's union with UberRUSH, <a href="https://www.shopify.com/blog/57839493-shopify-and-uber-reinvent-local-shipping?utm_source=shopify-blog&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=shopify-daily-blog&amp;mc_cid=de69813548&amp;mc_eid=92b452624a" target="_blank">check out their official announcement</a>.
Plus, you can explore more of <a href="/products/shopify/" target="_blank">Shopify via our CMS Directory</a>.

Shopify & Uber Team Up For Same-Day Deliveries

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