| WordPress is a free, well-structured blog publishing | | | | search query and immediately have the result. |
| software. One of its sophisticated features is the | | | | LiveSearch integrates directly with Rolling Archives, a |
| Kubrick template. It is an easy to install and | | | | navigation method which allows you to navigate |
| customizable open source template. Open source is a | | | | through archives and search results without having to |
| programming code that can be read, viewed, modified | | | | reload the page. K2's JavaScript code is less likely to |
| and distributed by anyone who wants to. Open source | | | | break across browsers and hides complicated |
| allows the user to make whatever changes he sees | | | | mechanics behind readable code. LiveSearch and |
| fit and releases the results as long as it is under the | | | | Rolling Archives are highly customizable and can even |
| same terms as he received it. Kubrick comes bundled | | | | be brought to your own template if you want to. All |
| with WordPress as the default style. | | | | these can be done in the Options Page. |
| WordPress Theme Kubrick K2 is an advanced | | | | Sidebar Modules also comes bundled with K2. This |
| template, a WordPress modification. It is developed by | | | | allows you to totally customize your sidebar whatever |
| Michael Heilemann, Chris J. Davis, Zeo, Steve Lam and | | | | way you deem best. Because the code is modular, |
| Ben Sheratt. It is sort of an improved version of | | | | created with standardized units, you can either write |
| Kubrick. WordPress handles logistics such as verifying | | | | your own modules or allow plug-in writers to supply |
| users, receiving and sending data to and from the | | | | their own. You can freely drag and drop modules onto |
| database and provides the user with the backend | | | | and off the sidebar. The Sidebar Modules also support |
| administration interface. K2, on the other hand, is the | | | | WordPress Widgets. K2 also includes an Asides |
| front end of WordPress. Its main job is to display data | | | | feature. If you want to use Matt's Asides, K2 can |
| fetched through WordPress in the exact way at the | | | | implement them for you plus allows you to choose |
| exact time. K2 is what reaches the readers of a blog. | | | | whether you want them inline or on the sidebar. If you |
| K2 is a notch higher than the basic Kubrick because it | | | | want to have comments on a steady blog page or |
| serves not only the readers but the administration of | | | | draw up an archives page, K2's page templates make |
| the blog as well. | | | | these easy. |
| Upon installation of WordPress, the default theme is | | | | K2 also provides you with relevant edit links for posts |
| Kubrick. Say, after you have posted a couple of | | | | and comments, welcomes back previous commenters |
| entries, you soon realized that you need to keep better | | | | and make sure the readers get all the information they |
| track of the comments left by readers. To solve the | | | | need when they need them. K2 can detect |
| problem, you download Brian's Latest Comments | | | | multiple-user blogs and shows author only when |
| plug-in. A plug-in is a programming script that adds | | | | multiple authors are available. K2 allows the comments |
| functionality to your blog. This feature enhances | | | | of the author of an entry to be highlighted. |
| already available feature or add them to your blog. | | | | While K2 has great backend functionality, there are |
| WordPress offers an easy way to allow plug-ins to | | | | downsides or major stumbling points going against |
| your blog. From the Administration Panel, there is a | | | | WordPress Theme Kubrick K2. For one, development |
| Plug-in Page. Just upload the plug-in to WordPress | | | | is still in the alpha stage, thus there are some pretty |
| Plug-in Directory. Simply activate it from the Plug-ins | | | | serious bugs to fix. Refrain from using K2 unless you |
| Management SubPanel and the plug-in is ready. If you | | | | understand what an alpha version is. There are likely to |
| want to change your default style to K2, it takes care | | | | be plenty of bugs and the feature set and design are |
| of everything. It can support a range of widely used | | | | still in complete. In the alpha stage of development, |
| plug-ins. All you have to do is upload and activate the | | | | each minor point release (i.e. 1.0 to 1.1) would mean |
| plug-in, sit back and watch it work. | | | | significant update to the structure of the style. A letter |
| For a unique and beautiful looking blog, K2 has | | | | increment (increase), on the other hand, (i.e. 1.1a to 1.1b) |
| sub-themes called CSS styles. CSS or Cascading | | | | would mean a minor bug has been fixed on the |
| Style Sheets is a programming language that specifies | | | | previous release. A major increment (i.e. Alpha One to |
| how a blog page is presented. It allows web designers | | | | Alpha Two) would mean some major new features |
| to create formatting and layout for a blog | | | | added or big changes to the code. |
| independently of content. CSS files are placed in a | | | | When the style reaches beta stage, there are only |
| "styles" directory. Any CSS file in the directory can be | | | | some minor improvements and bug fixes before the |
| selected from a drop down menu in the K2 "Options | | | | release, candidates should be feature complete and |
| Panel" and can then be used to overwrite the default | | | | few bugs left only. Therefore, expect serious bugs as |
| CSS in K2's styles.css. You can also distribute your | | | | K2 is still in the alpha stage. There are a couple of bug |
| own CSS styles for other K2 users. K2 will | | | | fixes along the way so it is advised for anyone |
| automatically show the information about your style in | | | | planning to upgrade to wait awhile for more bugs to be |
| the footer of the blog using it. | | | | found and fixed before upgrading. |
| In K2's "Options Panel" which is under "Presentation" | | | | If you attempt to install the upgrade, strange errors |
| you can also upload and manage custom headlines | | | | occur when you play around with the Options Page. |
| aside from selecting CSS styles. You can write a blurb | | | | When you click on the sub-tab below the Presentation |
| or a short publicity notice about yourself for the front | | | | tab, a plain text that says "cannot load error occurs. |
| page and turn the AJAX features on and off. AJAX | | | | The Links Option Page does not work too. Links |
| is a programming language that allows your Web | | | | cannot be deleted. Hours of configuring K2 still proved |
| browser to communicate with the server without | | | | futile. There is no blogroll and even the sidebar cannot |
| having to reload the blog page you are currently | | | | be found. It is also such a bother having to move |
| viewing. Through AJAX, it becomes easier and faster | | | | away from the main screen just to select a previous |
| to work with Web applications. | | | | post one is looking for. |
| K2 has several major AJAX-powered features. Live | | | | I guess all these downsides are to be expected as K2 |
| commenting enables readers to leave comments | | | | is still in the development stage. Hopefully, a final |
| without having to reload the page. LiveSearch does | | | | version, more user-friendly, is in the can. |
| not require set up or code editing. You can type your | | | | |