Dan Griffiths is an obsessive WordPress developer since 2007, known for founding Redux Framework and as a core developer for Easy Digital Downloads. Dan is speaking on Staying Sane: Writing Compatible Code at WordCamp Minneapolis.

What got you into working with WordPress?

Necessity. I’ve been a developer since the late 80’s, but for most of that time I did predominantly Linux work. In 2007, I realized that I couldn’t depend on the government for my income anymore after getting out of the Marines, but I had no education to speak of and few marketable skills. I’d been playing with developing websites since day one of the Internet, but hadn’t considered trying to make a living off of it. WordPress seemed like a good starting point, so I finally took the leap and never looked back.

What do you like best about WordPress?

In a word? Community. Don’t get me wrong, I love WordPress generally… it’s more powerful than even many in the community realize and incredibly flexible, but… what makes WordPress REALLY special is the incredible community behind it.

What WordPress project has been your favorite?

Not an easy question. I tend to choose ‘favorites’ based on their educational value (ie; what I learned from working on them). In that regard, my favorite project has been the work I’ve done on Easy Digital Downloads over the last few years. Beyond being an incredible learning experience and, by far, the single biggest reason I am where I am today, EDD founder Pippin Williamson has become one of my most valued resources and a good friend… despite our occasional differences.

What’s your WordPress design preference?
○ Starter Theme   ○ Free Theme   ○ Premium Theme   ○ Framework   ○ Other

Whatever the client has… I do plugin dev, I don’t touch themes

What would we not guess about you outside of WordCamp?

Lots. But probably the most surprising thing is that I’m a minimalist. The fact that I make a living on the Internet is an irony that isn’t lost on me… outside of my computer and a TV that hasn’t been turned on since it was given to me, I don’t have any modern ‘conveniences’ in my house… no electric lighting, no dishwasher, no microwave… nothing. By choice.

What do you like about WordCamps?

In my case, that’s just rewording the ‘What do you like best about WordPress?’ question. I love WordCamps for the same reason that I love WordPress… the community. Sure, I participate in various talks, volunteer at the Happiness Bar on occasion, etc, but I really come to WordCamps for the people.