The Gutenberg Editor – My Current Love/Hate Relationship

The Gutenberg Editor.

I didn’t know it was called that, until the most recent installment of Blogging Insights from, Dr. Tanya. Blogging Insights #35, examines the introduction of the new WordPress editing program “The Gutenberg Editor” and how we as bloggers have either gotten used to it or are we at the stage of tearing our hair out each time we fire up a new post.

Dr. Tanya provided us with these three questions to ponder:

What is your experience with the Gutenberg editor?

Do you prefer it over the previous editor?

If you are not satisfied with Gutenberg, what suggestions can you make to WordPress to enhance your blogging experience?

Here’s how I see it from “the old homestead.

What is your experience with the Gutenberg editor?

I suspect many bloggers out there using the WordPress platform, find themselves entangled in a love/hate relationship with the new “Gutenberg Editor.”

When it was first introduced as a “go ahead and give it a try – you’ll love it” trial – I didn’t love it one iota. In fact, I hated it. Couldn’t figure out how to make the damn thing do what I was used to doing the day before.

So, like many WordPressers’ back a year or so ago when it was floated out there, I hurriedly scampered back to my trusted friend the “old or classic editor.” Why? Because it was comfortable and I could use it to the extent I needed to use it.

Since “the new and improved” now seems to be the default composing and editing device on WordPress, “Gutenberg” and I are working through the rough and jagged parts of our ongoing relationship.

And to this point along our journey “Gutenberg” and I seem to be able to coexist on the same post without killing or at least causing serious injury to one another.

Do you prefer it over the previous editor?

Yes and no.

I think the problem here is the age old problem that has plagued mankind since the dawn of history of “no one likes change.”

And I get that.

Technology doesn’t simply march along anymore. It improves and changes at lightspeed. And such, it leaves most of us scratching our heads on what to do next. Sometimes changes are necessary and thus good, while at other times what was thought of as a necessary and good improvement, didn’t turn out so well.

Part of the solution or perhaps lessening of the pain changes can cause, is being able to adapt to these changes as they occur. And believe me, I’m the least tech savvy blogger out there. Learning something new when it would have been just as easy to leave the “old tried and true” alone can be a tough slug at best for many.

I also get that many people have blogs that in terms of their physical and visual layout, that the “Gutenberg Editor” may be causing such a challenge that it is leading them down the road to tossing their laptop out the nearest open or closed window. I get that, but I don’t have an answer for it.

My blog is pretty simple in terms of layout and design. So, I simply plug away; try something and if it doesn’t work, off we head to Plan B. Plan B usually involves getting another coffee and the start of Plan C.

So, at this stage I do like the “Gutenberg Editor” over the “classic editor.” I’m finding new and exciting ways to enhance my posts each day it seems.

But like all new things, it does take time to get a handle on what this particular block does or more often doesn’t do. But, that’s okay because although change can be perceived as bad – change can also be alright.

If you are not satisfied with Gutenberg, what suggestions can you make to WordPress to enhance your blogging experience?

I think I’m reasonably satisfied(at least for the moment), so there’s not much I can add to the mix here.

I don’t know how many times I’ve said this, but a continued big shoutout and thanks to Dr. Tanya(Salted Caramel) for her neverending work on this “Blogging Insights Series” and specifically looking at the WordPress “Gutenberg Editor”.

— get outdoors; find inspiration; discover yourself —