Yes, I know … you’re getting a message in the admin area of WordPress saying ” WordPress 2.8 is available! Please update now.”
But please don’t!
I’m sure I write a similar blog post with each new release of WordPress so for you pros, you can ignore this post but this is a reminder to some and new information to others.
Basically, I’m assuming that most people are not using the standard Classic or Default WordPress themes and so, they have a customized theme created by a developer. Before you upgrade, you must check with the theme developer first, to find out whether it is compatible with the newer version of WordPress. If it isn’t and you proceed to upgrade your blog, you’ll break it which, I know will cause you unnecessary hours and days of stress.
By the way, it’s for this reason that I only purchase WordPress themes that come with support. I don’t want to be in or, put my clients in a situation where they have a theme that is never upgraded – this is all too often the case with free themes. It just causes too many issues longer term.
The other thing to note is that just because the theme is compatible with WordPress 2.8 does not mean that all of your plugins are compatible and you may find that elements of your blog that worked initially no longer work. Again, I know it’s an arduous process, but you also need to find out whether the plugins you’re using are compatible with the WordPress version you’re about to upgrade to.
This is another reason I tend to leave upgrading my blog for at least a few weeks.
WordPress 2.8 probably still has some bug issues and so right now, my advice to you is …
“if your blog aint broke, don’t fix it!”
Ciao for now,
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About Trish Jones
I updated to 2.8 without even researching about the compatibility of themes — rookie mistake. But everything is fine; I’ve had no problems. I’m glad I know now, that way I won’t be in such a hurry to update it next time.
Trish. Very good advice. I learned this one early on when I upgraded from 2.6 to 2.7 and then 2.71…I’m still on 2.71. What are your suggestions regarding security though? I’m assuming that new releases of WP include security releases correct? How can one implement those security fixes without upgrading? is it possible.
I don’t want to sacrifice security for functionality, quite a few of my plug-ins are only compatible up to 2.71. I would really appreciate any input you may have. Thanks.
That’s good to hear Ronie.
WordPress 2.8 won’t break every theme, but it’s always best to check with the theme developer first. Pleased yours worked out fine though.
Post here what theme you’re using by the way Ronie, if you don’t mind. It might help someone else.
Thanks,
Trish
I was using the ‘Superbold Revisited 1.0′ theme when I was upgrading to 2.8. Now, I’m using ‘Elegant Grunge 1.0.3′.