Before you enable the social layer

As tempting as it may seem, going into your WordPress site and activating BuddyPress (BP) and WP Symposium (WPS) simultaneously is the last thing you want to do. It would be the equivalent of wearing a helmet, while you're driving a car around the block. Twice the same functionality does not translate into a better experience. Since the former is the more established plugin, the activities in this chapter, will focus on BuddyPress. Before you get started, however, there are a few things you'll want to consider, outlined as follows.

Take a measured approach to your feature rollout

There is a great amount of noise you have to consider before rolling out a site that features status updates, private messaging, or group discussions. Text messages, tweets, Facebook updates, incoming e-mails, and other disruptive stimuli are already vying for your visitors' attention. Thus limiting the window of opportunity for them to engage with each other. Even with the amount...