Robert and Angie,
I thank you both for the input in what would seem like such a silly, small issue.
The vision I have for my site would be more in *blocks* of information beneath the header and tabs. Offering a variety of services, not necessarily a blog/info format. That is why I was having difficulty when actually previewing the theme...it reverts back to *normal* blogging style.
Thinking perhaps a more magazine style. Ahhh...now to start over in the 84 page theme review!
Better brew more coffee! LOL
Thanks again you two!
It isn't "silly or small" , it's just that the software isn't really user friendly. Be that as it may you can still more than likely do what you want, Try some of the magazine style WordPress themes. The preview I was speaking is after you've installed a theme and instead of activating it, you preview it. Then if you like it, you activate it. Likewise if you don't like it you can delete the Theme and try again with a different theme. Not ideal, but then what is?. Hope this helps and wishing you much success
My favorite new WP theme right now is Twenty Ten, the new default theme that comes with the WP 3.0 (and later) upgrade. It comes very modifiable right out of the box and I'm gradually beginning to see interesting child themes designed to go with it such as Twenty Ten Weaver.
Besides being optimized for many of the new WP 3.0 features, it has 6 widget areas (including the footer) and easy header image upload, among other things. I've not had time to experiment with it a lot yet, but I think the Twenty Ten has a lot of potential for marketing bloggers. If you haven't upgraded to 3.0 I suggest doing so and checking out this theme.
I'll certainly give the Twenty Ten theme a consideration.
Guessing my first issue to overcome is: Do I have to download Wordpress 3.0 to choose the theme? Then move the theme (upload) to my hosting account?
In looking at all of the themes, besides trying to choose on which best fits my business site, each theme gives a short description advising what that theme offers...such as SEO optimized and so on. Of course being SEO optimized is an asset, but is that something to consider when choosing a theme? As in.... if the theme description does not address that, can it be done alone with plug-ins?
With many of the theme descriptions giving long lists of what that theme offers, wouldn't those be the best of choices?
And my questions run on.... lol
Gayle
If you already have a WordPress installation you just need to upgrade to 3.0. Most hosts now have an easy means of installing and upgrading WordPress from their control panels. Otherwise, you can just click the WordPress reminder in the dashboard and it should take you through the upgrade. It's no big deal.
If you have some old fashioned web host that isn't set up for instant WordPress install, you can simply download WP from Wordpress.org and then follow the instructions for setting it up on your host.
To try out new themes and plugins, I have a separate sub-domain setup with wordpress. That way I can try them out without changing my main site. (ex. test.mysite.com)
That's a good thought, Daniel. I've kept one like that for awhile and even write little reminder reviews for myself (and some others) on it. And if you create sites for clients you absolutely want to test themes and plugins elsewhere before using on a client's site.
The key is to just start. Don't spin your wheels trying to make a permanent decision at this point. Pick a theme that is "good enough" and get started. The beauty of wordpress is that it's easy to make a change later.
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