Okay, since the past three posts or so, some readers have notified me that they have been unable to post comments. Whenever they tried, they get redirected to a weird URL which returns a 404. I spent a few nights trying to figure out what the hell went wrong, but at one point I just gave up and decided to create a new blog, and import the old posts there.

Unfortunately, there were some setbacks. I’ve been blogging on Wordpress 2.0, and never bothered to upgrade. So what happened was, after creating the new blog using Wordpress 2.5 [thank god BlogAsian had installed the latest Fantastico], I tried to import the database from the old blog. However, things didn’t go as easily as I had thought.

My installation of Wordpress 2.0 exported an *.sql database file. Apparently, Wordpress 2.5 doesn’t recognize it, and wants an *.xml file. I asked Ross for an opinion, and he suggested that I import the database manually via phpmyAdmin. So I did, and it returned another error!

Exasperated, I turned to my old buddy Edrei [and my unofficial Wordpress mentor] and he pointed me to a very helpful website that made a certain plugin. Wordpress to Wordpress Import finally allowed my 2.0 installation to churn out an XML file that I could use for my new 2.5 blog.

After spending about an hour importing posts, installing themes, plugins and adjusting some settings - I can finally resume my normal blogging routine, only this time, on Wordpress 2.5.

“So, what do you think of the 2.5 GUI?”

Quite frankly, I feel a bit jarred. I like how previous versions’ GUI was fluid instead of being of fixed width in the 2.5 layout. I mean, I’m using a widescreen monitor - that’s a lot of wasted digital real estate, dude.

Here’s how it looked like before 2.5

Here’s how 2.5 looks like. Seriously, what the hell is that massive whitespace for?

Also, I find it a bit annoying to have to scroll down just to change categories, tags and what not. What’s wrong with having a comprehensive sidebar? A lot of the stuff down there are checkboxes that used to be on the sidebar. Why move it down? I fail to see the point behind this interface design.

I mean, I like the new functionalities in 2.5, but really, stick to the old GUI layout please. Other than that, I’m cool with it lah.

Meh. At least it works, now. And I’m too damn lazy to install a 2.1 or something. Maybe some other time, but not tonight. However, if you find out a new version of WP re-uses the old layout, please let me know!

UPDATE:
I installed two plugins and now I have the classic look back! :D Thanks for the heads up, Ross!

Here’s how 2.5 looks like with that classic 2.3 look!