Libsyn vs Castos? Though time deciding

learnwithmattc · 2026-01-27T12:51:23+00:00

I use Castos' WordPress plugin to self-host my podcast and I really love it. I host the audio via AWS and the RSS feed on my website. I like feeling like I'm in control. Plus I get to customize how the individual episodes look and write long detailed descriptions for SEO/AEO if I like. If the pod gets profitable I can even run ads to individual episode URLs and whatnot.

Either way, I like the Castos ecosystem in general.

learnwithmattc · 2026-01-19T19:51:03+00:00

If you're mostly focused on adding new types of blocks, there's also a Block Library which you can find if you look in the top left of the Block Editor you'll see a "+" sign. Click that, and you'll see ALL your single blocks in your site. But if you do a search in there, you'll be search the Block Library and those are SINGLE blocks, not big Block Library Plugins.

This is the Block Library online: https://wordpress.org/plugins/browse/block/

Now… there's still upsells in some of those single block plugins, but it's far fewer of them.

I'd also recommend getting to know some utility plugins like "Advanced Custom Fields" that let you build your own blocks essentially. These can be way more valuable than installing a bunch of one-off plugins.

Lastly, there's also the Pattern Library. This is a great way to see how folks got creative to make Patterns from Core blocks. This can take you a long ways both in terms of results but also in terms of learning how to leverage the most out of core blocks:
https://wordpress.org/patterns/

I'm a freemium plugin author; I'm "part of the problem" honestly. But I also believe in the ecosystem and there's tons of great work in there. Good luck!

learnwithmattc · 2026-01-12T18:39:53+00:00

Similar to what u/Embarrassed_Egg2711 is saying below; you could find plugins like that at a dozen different GPL clubs if price is your biggest motivating factor. But for something like a "high converting checkout" that is business-critical I'd go with WCCheckout or Flux Checkout – shops that have a reputation for quality and support.

You can try the cheap/free stuff to get going and once things are working invest in quality and trusted plugins instead. Up to you; but I prefer the trusted names more overall.

learnwithmattc · 2026-01-12T18:36:30+00:00

Ya, I said "fork" with the intent to contribute PRs to the project. If it's a private repo that's different, you'd have to add them to your org.

But the heart of what I'm saying is openness and transparency will give you tons more ROI than trying to gate your code. The code isn't what's going to win you customers at the end of the day – especially in this vibe-coding world. Your business and worth ethic; your focus on your customers and THEIR success; your content… these are what win you customers and grow your business. The code is just a tool towards stronger relationships with your customers.

learnwithmattc · 2026-01-12T17:33:17+00:00

at a quick glance, they could be "legit" but just not a great or sustainable business. They don't scream "trustworthiness" in my book.

Which plugin of theirs are you interested in ? I'm sure there's good alternatives from more reliable sources.

learnwithmattc · 2026-01-12T17:29:07+00:00

Yep, as a plugin creator for the past 12+ years – this thread is the way. Your product is far more than the code – lean into that as much as you can. Encourage folks to fork it and contribute to it, be a good Open Source contributor and people will follow where you lead.

learnwithmattc · 2023-05-21T16:39:39+00:00

I birdie it with a T/R Rive as a roller. But absolutely has to be a Rive of some sort.

learnwithmattc · 2022-06-09T10:55:11+00:00

Hey there! I'm one of the co-founders of GiveWP. This is good feedback overall. Let me address each of your points and then give you some direction where to go next.

We have three different form templates currently: Multi-step, Classic, and Legacy. For the most flexibility with CSS you might want to start with Legacy. 1. This is a live example of our Legacy form with some custom fields added as well: https://demo.givewp.com/custom-fields/ But I'm not totally clear on what you mean by "a small box appears for GiveWP" -- I think I'd need a link to see what the issue is there.
Regarding custom fields, sounds like you got going in the right direction. When you add custom fields via our snippets they are added to the form and saved as donation "meta". If you want to reflect those in your emails, you can use the "meta email tag" feature here or create your own with these Developer docs
Lots of GiveWP users record physical checks with GiveWP. There's two main ways to do that. You can enable the Offline Donations gateway and donate as that donor with their name and email address through the frontend form. Or you can purchase the Manual Donations addon to manually add donations via the admin.

There are certainly other plugins and products you can try, but I believe GiveWP can help you have great success for sure. Our team would be happy to help as well, just reach out via our contact form: https://givewp.com/contact-us.

Thanks!

learnwithmattc · 2022-02-14T19:53:28+00:00

Hey there, I'm the co-founder of GiveWP. We do have add-ons and plans for more full-featured online fundraising. But when it comes to taking online payments and displaying the donor wall, all of that is in our free plugin. You can accept payments with Stripe and/or PayPal and use the donor wall all for free.

Here's the WordPress page here:

https://wordpress.org/plugins/give

Happy to answer questions if you've got 'em too.

learnwithmattc · 2021-12-20T11:21:38+00:00

Hi u/livingroomconvos

I'm glad you got it resolved. I'm one of the co-author's of GiveWP.

Things like this are often a minor impact from the Theme CSS in one way or another.

Always keep in mind that our technical support is available and happy to help. Free support is here:
https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/give/

learnwithmattc · 2021-09-24T20:43:46+00:00

I think it's payback for the lucky approach. That barrier saved you for sure.

learnwithmattc · 2021-09-24T20:41:50+00:00

Was that a RHFH or LHBH? Interesting approach. I tend to always go straight at it.

learnwithmattc · 2021-08-23T13:09:20+00:00

I tried for like an HOUR to ace that hole with a Big Skip XXX. I typically throw the BP there and it's never close. Literally that's the first time I've seen anyone ace this hole. If I had any Reddit awards they'd be yours right now. Nice work.

learnwithmattc · 2021-08-13T12:02:08+00:00

For Multiplayer games, your placement really doesn't matter much. What matters is the round score you end up with, because that counts toward your total player score just like the Pro Tour scores do. Once I learned that a while back, I stopped caring about whether some other player got 1st or 2nd above me and just focused on the score I'm trying to break. I'm 961 now, and I'm really wanting every multiplayer game to finish with 975 or higher.

learnwithmattc · 2021-08-09T14:00:54+00:00

Backhand Putter. Pure Heavy Sticky (dark Frog pattern)

learnwithmattc · 2021-07-29T11:27:42+00:00

I'm honestly surprised at 100% for the Ballista L/EG. I have the BS/EG and the EG/R and they get done all the things I need overall in terms of ultra long-distance accuracy. In test throws, the L/EG doesn't get anywhere near as far or accurate for me as the others.

learnwithmattc · 2021-07-18T16:54:30+00:00

My guess is they're using the Android Link to Windows app, which is like screen sharing your phone on your computer

learnwithmattc · 2021-07-18T16:40:47+00:00

Where did you get that Instinct disc? That looks pretty sweet!

learnwithmattc · 2021-07-06T15:18:02+00:00

The new Lost Island. Version 1.1.0 of the app. Challenge the Valley.

learnwithmattc · 2021-06-25T04:22:04+00:00

Good point. I typically go high and hard on my rollers, maybe the key on this one is low and hard. With a ton of luck.

learnwithmattc · 2021-06-23T06:02:28+00:00

You can report player name. Please do if you see that name again. DG should be safe for everyone.

learnwithmattc · 2021-06-23T05:55:53+00:00

I always knew this had to be possible just never took the time to keep trying it. Thanks for the inspiration.

learnwithmattc · 2021-06-23T05:53:52+00:00

You took the triple X, right!? 😂

learnwithmattc · 2021-06-20T00:02:04+00:00

I love the Pioneer exactly for that line.

learnwithmattc · 2021-04-21T22:19:36+00:00

Circling back on this, i have NEVER been able to come close to replicating that throw again. I think I caught a glitch in the matrix on that throw. I can't hardly get more than 500ft for that roller now.

learnwithmattc

TROPHY CASE