This document discusses StartBox, a WordPress theme framework. It introduces the creator, Brian Richards, and outlines some benefits of using StartBox such as consistency, extensibility, and flexibility. It recommends using built-in WordPress functions and provides tips for CSS structure. Finally, it previews a demonstration of creating a new look based on MailChimp.com using StartBox in just one hour.

2. First, if you EVER need any help...
(248) 234-4577
(Brad William’s Personal Number)
(just kidding)
WPSTARTBOX.COM

3. Who am I?
Troublemaker
Brian Richards (@rzen)
Designer and Developer
User of WordPress since 2007
Creator of the StartBox Theme Framework (@wpstartbox)
WPSTARTBOX.COM

4. A bit about StartBox...
A theme framework by a designer, for designers
Provides TONS of Hooks and Filters, a custom
Options API, and is well documented for developers
What does StartBox look like?
WPSTARTBOX.COM

5. Benefits of Using a Framework
Consistency
Predictability
Familiarity
Extensibility
and yes, even flexibility
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6. WARNING! PHP CONTENT AHEAD!
You can use whatever theme you want, but I
STRONGLY recommend they make use of three built-in
WP functions:
body_class()
post_class()
comment_class()
WPSTARTBOX.COM

7. Benefits of StartBox
Created by a designer, for designers
Additional (über-useful) body classes
Clean intelligent markup (there only when you need it)
Predictably named elements
Convenient starter style.css stylesheet
WPSTARTBOX.COM

8. CSS Structure Tips
Group similar rules together
Create clear divisions between sections
Create a table of contents
Always organize your declarations in the same order
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9. What I’m going to show you:
Some basic StartBox awesomesauce
A look at the vanilla StartBox Child
A look at the custom classes it adds
A look at the layout selector
How I created a fresh look (based on MailChimp.com)
using only 30 CSS declarations, in one hour
WPSTARTBOX.COM

10. Demo Time
WPSTARTBOX.COM