WordPress announced the release of the new version 2.1-Ella. This is a major version release and we encourage everyone to read the information about what has changed in this version, as well as the details upgrade instructions for upgrading to WordPress 2.1.

Also, here is a listing of WP Plugins that are compatible with this newest version – also listed there are plugins that are NOT compatible with WordPress version 2.1 – - make sure you read that information as it applies to plugins you may have installed on your WordPress blog.

We strongly recommend that you follow the threads in the WordPress Support Forums regarding major issues that users are having after upgrading to version 2.1 – - read through these issues before deciding to proceed with the upgrade. Typically, after such a major release – - they will release another version shortly that addresses any major bugs found only after several thousand users have upgraded and reported back with the issues. Please keep that in mind before jumping on the upgrade bandwagon.

As always – - back up your data before you proceed with an upgrade! We cannot stress this strongly enough. Yes, we do keep backups of your account – however, please read our Terms of Service as it pertains to the restoration of your back ups. We will restore the first back up for no charge – - after that, if you continue to experience issues due to failing to back up your own data, there will be a charge for each instance of back up restoration to compensate for time involved and the server resources it utilizes with each occurrance. You are able to create a full back up of your account via your CPanel – login and find the ‘BackUp” icon – - click that and follow the instructions on the creation of a back up file. This way, if the installation goes wrong, you have a full and complete back up that you can restore via your CPanel, as well.

We are very happy, and proud, to annouce that our very own Lisa Sabin-Wilson has been asked to author “WordPress for Dummies” – due to be available in stores in August 2007. The “.. for Dummies” books are a product of Wiley Publishing. Lisa’s experience and knowledge of the WordPress blogging software will make this book a ‘must have’ for anyone with a desire to learn more about working with WordPress. You can read her own announcement on her Design Blog at E.Webscapes. If you’re interested in receiving updates on the progress and release of the book – please visit her Design Blog and subscribe to her RSS Feed

Congratulations, Lisa!!

(update 10/21/08 – sorry for any Twitter followers who got this post in a Twitter broadcast!  This is an old post that we edited today, and it got broadcast to twitter as *new* through the Twitter Tools plugin we are currently using.  No worries on the mail server issues — this is old info!  Sorry!

Over this past weekend, we have upgraded the anti-spam and anti-virus software on all of the mail servers within our network. Our clients should experience greater protection than ever before. As always, should you experience any strange behaviour with your server mail – incoming or outgoing, please visit our Support Center to file a help ticket with our support staff – - our technicians will be happy to assist you.

(update 10/21/08 – sorry for any Twitter followers who got this post in a Twitter broadcast!  This is an old post that we edited today, and it got broadcast to twitter as *new* through the Twitter Tools plugin we are currently using.  No worries on Akismet — there are no current bugs in the system — this is old info!  Sorry to you, and to the Akismet folks!

Over the past 24 hours, WordPress users who utilize the Akismet plugin experienced a mass influx of spam (this blog included). We’ve received just a ton of help tickets in our Support Center about the amount of spam they’ve received.

This was an Akismet issue and they’ve posted about it on their blog, including a statement that the problem has been resolved: Akismet blog: Downtime

Comment/trackback spam is very frustrating – however, when Akismet experiences a ‘burp’ such as this – there’s not much to be done except ride out the storm. And what a storm it was!

Akismet is an excellent service – especially considering that it doesn’t cost a thing. Keep up the great work Akismet folks!

We’re thrilled to annouce the launch of a new design at Blogs About Hosting! Along with the new look – we’ve rolled out our new and improved hosting packages, available immediately. We’ve up’d the ante on all the good stuff – while at the same time, kept the prices the exact same as before.

More stuff. Same cost. Gotta love it!

How much more stuff? WAY MORE bandwidth, disk space, add on domains (ability to run multiple domains on one account), subdomains, MYSQL databases and more!

Why are we doing this? Because we enjoy the heck out of this job – and have a boatload of excellent clients that we want to keep happy. As technology changes – we’ve seen an increase in the need for resources – with the popularity of podcasting, vblogging, etc – the need for resources increases and we want to keep up with the flow. (not too mention the need for extra bandwidth with the 2008 elections just right around the corner – you polibloggers are gonna need it!)

Check out the new packages here. If you’re an existing client – your package will change over the next week . . but your price won’t change! Existing clients can submit any questions by opening a help ticket in our Support Center.

Blogs About Hosting is more than a web host – - we have a focus on bloggers, blog software, tools, resources, etc. Along with your account, our clients receive a free installation of WordPress. We take it a step further and provide support for the use of WordPress in our Support Center for clients who host their blogs with us.

Even better – all of our Blogs About Hosting clients receive a 10% discount on all design fees here at E.Webscapes. It’s a nice way to say “Thanks!” – not too mention, keeping all of your blog needs under one roof makes it nice, tidy and easy for you, so you can keep your focus on changing the world – one blog post at a time.