The Essentials

Name: Lauralyn Ninow

Age: thirty-something

Profession/Employer: undecided. Currently I freelance.

Place of Residence: St. Louis Park, Minnesota

WebGUI Related Questions

In what way(s) do you contribute to WebGUI or the WebGUI Community?

I hang out on IRC, and file rfe's and bug reports. I support about 15 webgui sites that I've installed for clients, and encourage them to use webgui to its fullest potential.

When did you first hear of WebGUI?

I first heard of WebGUI about 6 years ago, but it wasn't till about four years ago I had the opportunity to actually implement and use it for a live site. I've been hooked since.

How and when did you get involved in WebGUI?

I got involved when I first installed my first site. I didn't have any books, and never used a CMS before. I started on the forum asking questions and found everyone very helpful and responsive. I then tried out IRC and I try to help when I can.

Are you paid to work on WebGUI?

Yes, when I am awarded a freelance job using WebGUI (those are the only ones I accept.)

How much time do you spend on WebGUI?

80% of my work hours? rest is email/phone calls

What do you think is still missing from WebGUI or the WebGUI Community?

I think it's just minor details. The collaboration System is VERY cool, but I think people find it confusing because they can't just make a “link list” or a “photo gallery” or a “job posting” with one click. So having those setup as prototypes for the user would probably help a lot, even if they are a CS in the background.

What keeps you motivated to keep working on WebGUI?

It's the best CMS out there (I've looked around and still do), it would be a waste of my time to be using anything else.

What's WebGUI's killer feature and why?

That it has everything already in it, and if it doesn't have what you are looking for, it was probably already thought of by someone and is in the works. This goes along with the fact that you don't have to spend precious time searching through 50 photo galleries to find the one you want. CMSes that use third party plugins are scary, because they can often break the base code, are not secure, and not well supported by the contributor. WebGUI is supported, thoroughly tested and backed by Plainblack.

And I love it's upgrade and install processes. Very easy!

What's WebGUI's greatest weakness and why?

It would be nice if it could be hosted at $5/month hosting companies, but I understand why it is not. It makes it difficult to convince clients to spend more money on server requirements when there are cheaper hosters out there that run CMSs seemingly well with the "all" the features they believe they need at the present time.

What makes you work on WebGUI over the competition?

Because the code is consistent and modular. And if I need to so something custom, I can, because the API is well written and documented. I like using webgui too – it's a very easy and flexible user interface.

What's your most brilliant WebGUI hack?

I wrote an auth mod that logged in a person on webgui and a separate microsoft server running asp. I have other brilliant ideas in the works.

Have you attended the WebGUI User's Conference?

Yes! It was great fun and educational. I came out with a lot of new knowledge and was even more excited to try the new things I learned!

Where do you keep your Gooey doll?

On my monitor, or it's in Anna's doll crib.

Personal Questions

How would you describe yourself?

I'm very private person (not so much after this gets posted). I spend way too much time on the computer. I love to organize but not clean.

Are you married, dating, or otherwise involved?

Married to Douglas for 11+ years.

Do you have any kids?

YES! Anna Louise (2.5 years old) and Rudi Harlan (2 months)

Do you have any pets?

Nope.

If someone visits your area, what's something they must see or do?

I have no idea.

What do you hate?

In-efficient processes, people not following through on what they promise, Liver and squid.

What do you love?

My God, family and country.

What's the last book you read?

Kevin Lemans' Have a New Kid by Friday: How to Change Your Child's Attitude, Behavior & Character in 5 Days

What's the last CD/MP3 you bought (or downloaded)?

“I think I love you” by David Cassidy.

What's the last movie you watched?

Veggie tales: “The Wonderful Wizard of Ha's”

You're stuck on a train/plane for 6 hours and bored out of your mind, what do you do to amuse yourself?

Poke my husband and if he isn't around, and I have my laptop, I organize files on my laptop. and if I don't have my laptop, I sleep.

Any last words?

Spread the word about WebGUI!