Filling whitespace and earning money.

It just works. When you or I visit thesaurus.com, chances are we simply want to type in a word and browse for synonyms. Therefore, there is a single element in full focus on the page: the search box. Yet, the surrounding white space is brilliantly sold as a full page advertisement, on the home page, which together equate to some very valuable real estate on today’s high traffic websites. Best of all, it barely impacts the usability of the application.

Update: It looks like they are A/B testing various home page designs, therefore you may or may not see this version when you visit the website.

Visit thesaurus.com »

I think it is fair to say the relationship between WordPress, Boston, and Microsoft NERD was formed exactly one year ago, when a handful of enthusiasts and I met at a dive bar in the outskirts of Boston. We pledged to build a great WordPress community in Boston… and to find a new venue. We are so fortunate to have such generous and continued support from Microsoft.

With nearly 300 members to date, the Boston WordPress Meetup group has executed 8 official meetups, hosting presentations by our talented members and providing an invaluable networking opportunity. The overwhelming participation from the group has enabled everyone to share their knowledge and love for WordPress.

Thank you all for a great year of WordPress in 2009 as we look forward to a brand new year.