Image Optimization in WordPress - 6 Tips to Speed Up Your Site

No matter how optimized your website is, images will always be one of the slowest-loading elements on the page. If you want to speed up WordPress to the max, you need to implement a strategy that targets images specifically – otherwise known as image optimization in WordPress.Todays post shares six quick tips for optimizing image by reducing file size – all in the name of speed. If you want a lightning quick WordPress website, read on!Image optimization in WordPress tip #1: choose the right file typeWhen using Photoshop and other image editing software, you can specify the file type you want to save as. The overwhelming majority of online images fall under two file formats – JPEG and PNG.So which one should you use? Well, that depends. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice largely depends on the scenario.JPEG – JPEG is the best option for photographs and other images displaying a huge variety of colors. They can also be compressed, sacrificing quality for a reduction in file size.PNG – PNGs win for graphics, drawings, text, and some screenshots. They also support transparency, unlike JPEGs. This format uses lossless compression, which results in higher quality but also bigger files.Usually, the file format is determined by the type of image we are working with, as outlined above. However, what is the consequence of choosing the wrong file format, in terms of file size?Well, lets take a look at a few scenarios to test this.This full-size screenshot of my WordPress dashboard was 150kb in PNG format, but 259kb as a JPEG. Remember, screenshots are usually the domain of the PNG – the JPEG is around 75% more bulky.(Editors note. PNGs do a great job for most screenshots, but just not all of them. If you have a screenshot of something that uses more than a handful of colors i.e. when your screenshot contains a photograph somewhere in it youre still better off with JPG.)However, the full-size version o f this photo I took on holiday returns the opposite results. The photo in JPEG format is 1.26mb; the PNG a whopping 7.23mb. That means the PNG is over 550% bigger (yikes!).This demonstrates how important the right file format is to the size of your images. If pressed, stick to the following rule: Photos and stuff with multiple colors, JPEG; everything else, PNG.2. Resize imagesWhen you shrink the dimensions of an image, you reduce its file size. Without exception.To keep your site light and nimble, make sure you reduce the images physical size as much as you can – typically, to the dimensions you want to display your images at. If the maximum width of your website is, say, 1000 pixels, theres no excuse for uploading an image thats wider than 1000 pixels. Larger-than-necessary dimensions guarantee that the image is carrying unnecessary bulk, and thus making it harder for you to properly do image optimization in WordPress.Even though the WordPress thumbnail feature can display images at smaller sizes, that doesnt change the underlying file size of the image in question. Obviously, an exception can be made for photographers and other artists, who may want to display a thumbnail linking to their full-size, high-res work.Again, allow me to demonstrate the sort of savings you can make.The full-size version of my previous photograph has dimensions of 2592 x 1456 pixels and is 1.26mb. However, lets see how much the file size shrinks when resizing the image to several popular widths.An example of image optimization in WordPress:1200 pixels wide: 394kb1000 pixels wide: 298kb800 pixels wide: 219kb600 pixels wide: 154kbAs you can see, the size savings are truly staggering!To resize the images in a time-saving manner, you can install Optimole on your WordPress site and it will do everything on autopilot. Moreover, it comes with image resizing for optimal display, which means that the images are not loaded in full size, but they get adapted to each users viewport. In other words, Optimole loads the perfect image size no matter what device or screen size youre using.3. Crop imagesResizing images is the quick-and-easy way to reduce file size. It creates an exact replica of your image, but one where everything is smaller.Shrinking an image beyond a certain point means some elements are barely visible. This is especially problematic when the focal point of an image is no longer clear.Cropping is the alternative to resizing. Rather than shrinking the entire image, you are essentially trimming around the edges – like using a pair of scissors on a photograph. The part of the image you are trying to show becomes more prominent, and you cut away all the distractions from the background.Heres a demonstration of how cropping an image can be better than simply resizing it, using a trusty WordPress screenshot.The resized image:The cropped image:Of course, the benefit of cropping is that, just like resizing, it reduces image dimensions, cuts file size , and is therefore a great way of doing image optimization in WordPress.4. Lower image quality (lossy compression)When youve finished cropping and resizing your images, you can enjoy further file size reductions by compressing them. This technique is particularly effective and popular for JPEGs, although PNGs can also be compressed.Now, JPEG supports a type of compression called lossy compression. This means that some of the image data is stripped away to reduce file size.For example, if two adjacent pixels show the tiniest color difference, we can get away with making them the same. The change is barely detectable to the naked eye, but having fewer colors keeps file size low.When saving a JPEG file using an image editing software, youll be asked to select a quality score from 0-100. This is essentially a trade-off between image quality and file size.Higher score: lower compression; higher quality; bigger file size.Lower score: higher compression; lower quality; smaller file size.Ge nerally speaking, small changes in quality score make little difference to the overall quality of your image. In fact, its unlikely that your visitors can tell the difference.To illustrate this, see the two photos below. One has a quality score of 100, one of 80. Which is which?Image optimization in WordPress photograph A:Photograph B:Click here to revealPhotograph B has the quality score of 100.Its hard to tell the difference, right? However, when it comes to file sizes, the difference is night and day: 418kb versus 90kb.You cant keep lowering quality forever, though, as at some point, the drop in quality will show. The image below has a quality score of 20:Sure, it might only be 28kb, but I wouldnt want this on my website, would you?Now, there is no golden rule for the perfect compression level. However, counterintuitively, the more complex the image, the more you can get away with lowering the quality on your way to ultimate image optimization in WordPress.5. Serve images on a CD NEverything online happens in an instant, right? Well no, actually. Geographical distances between a visitors location and your websites server have an impact on site speed – the larger the distance, the longer the wait.To solve this latency problem, consider installing a CDN. CDNs store your website on multiple servers spread across the globe, then connect your visitors to the one geographically closest to them. Latency problems solved, your website is served more quickly.If you want to speed up WordPress, youll be pleased to learn that Optimole plugin ships with its own free CDN – just for images.All you need to do is install and activate Optimole. Voilà   – your images will be displayed in record time.For some more complex and also better CDN solutions please check out our other post.6. Get lazy loadingBy default, the WordPress software treats all images equally. However, this is quite clearly an inefficient use of resources, and especially if you want to do any image optimization in WordPress.After all, an image at the bottom of the page wont be seen until much later than the image at the top of the page – doesnt the first image deserve priority?Prioritizing images is exactly what lazy loading achieves. Images at the top of the page are prioritized, while images below the fold are loaded only when the visitor scrolls down the page. This makes lazy loading the just in time equivalent of web page loading.If you want to use lazy loading to speed up WordPress, Optimole will give you a helping hand again. The cool thing about this plugin is that it offers low-quality image placeholder feature aka the lazy loading of an intermediate low-quality image until the full-size image is displayed entirely.Its completely free, too.Over to youAnd that concludes our rundown of six quick tips that will help you with image optimization in WordPress. As you can see, by combining several of these strategies, you can make big savings to your image s file sizes. Your visitors will love you for this – and your website will load significantly faster!Optimizing your images is actually very simple if youre using a plugin like Optimole, that will do all the work for you automatically (and mostly for free).If you have any image optimization questions, share them in the comments section below!Want to make your website even quicker? Dont forget about our free email course on how to speed up WordPress:Free guide5 Essential Tips to Speed Up Your WordPress SiteReduce your loading time by even 50-80% just by following simple tips.

Pragmatics Application

Pragmatics Application Introduction Over the years that man has been in existence, he has found a unique way to pass message to the other members of his community. He has achieved this through the process of talking. This is very essential as he has been able to communicate what he feels, what he thinks and what he wants. This has made the manner in which he performs his activities to be effective and efficient as compared to other creatures.Advertising We will write a custom coursework sample on Pragmatics Application specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is due to the high level of understanding that exists between the individual who is sending the information and the one who is receiving it (Stalnaker, 1970). This mutual understanding is what has assisted us to achieve all the developments and advancements that are currently present in the world. However, the process of communication has changed with time. This can be mainly attributed to the level of so cial interactions among individuals. As a result of the relationship that individuals have with one another, they have changed the literal meaning of words to mean something that is totally different. This is advantageous to the individuals who understand this sort of communication. However, misunderstandings may arise especially on those individuals who do not understand the contextual meaning of these words. This form of alteration is known as pragmatics. Pragmatics is the altering of words to give a different meaning as compared to its semantic meaning (DAndrade, 2002). For an individual to understand the meaning of a pragmatic phrase, one has to interpret it in accordance to the context in which the phrase was communicated. In most instances, high levels of confusion always arise. As a result, many individuals are against pragmatics. This is due to the high level of misinterpretation that may arise once the literal meaning of the phrase is used. This paper will therefore focus o n pragmatics and the problems that may arise due to the plain interaction of words, sentences or phrases. To achieve this, the essay will focus on the application of pragmatics on everyday conversation, the effects it has on language and the possible problems that may arise. Finally, possible solutions to the problem shall be discussed.Advertising Looking for coursework on linguistics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Pragmatics in Everyday Language Pragmatics is the process though which language is explained with the use of its context (Masuda, 2008). The meaning of such words cannot make sense if the plain interpretation of the words is applied with the use of semantics. Due to the different interpretation of words, a lot of confusion normally occurs in the everyday use of words, phrases and sentences. For example, the phrase, you have the green light, is frequently used in language. Several interpretations can be a rrived at with the use of semantics. For instance, the phrase can mean that one has a green light on his body. The phrase can also be used to say that the traffic light has changed from ambient to green so one can start to drive. However, one has to consider the context in which the conversation is made to understand the meaning of these words. In most cases, the phrase, you have the green light is used to mean that an individual has been given the authority to go on or continue to do something. He/she should therefore start or continue doing something. In games such as hockey, basketball and soccer, a player may shout man on to his teammate. If the context of this phrase is not considered, the literal meaning of the words can be interpreted to mean something that is totally different to what the player intended to communicate with his teammate. With the use of semantics, the word man can be used to refer to a male individual, the race of humankind or an individual (either male or f emale). On the other hand, the word on can be used to mean a number of things. This can be on top of someone, above someone, on duty and so on. Putting these words together will therefore lead to a totally different interpretation of the phrase. However, in sports, the phrase is used to alert the danger of the presence of an opponent to a teammate. Therefore, when an individual shouts man on to his teammate, he expects his teammate to respond appropriately by either protecting the ball or playing in a safe position. As it was mentioned earlier, understanding the contextual subtleties of a spoken phrase often proves indispensible when it comes to defining such phrase’s actual semiotics. For example, there are two equally legitimate meanings to the statement: â€Å"She requires a rod† – that the woman needs the actual rod or that this woman may be in need for sex.Advertising We will write a custom coursework sample on Pragmatics Application specifically fo r you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More And, it is specifically the context in which this phrase has been uttered, which provides others with the insight on what person that came up with this statement had in mind. Nevertheless, in order for just about anyone to be able to able to grasp the contextual implications of an utterance, he or she would have to be endowed with the ability to operate with rather abstract categories, as it is namely such individual’s ability that allows him or her to choose in favor of whether literal, metaphoric or situational understanding of a spoken phrase. In its turn, one’s ability to operate with abstract categories can be well conceptualized within the framework of what happened to be the rate of individual’s Intellectual Quotidian (IQ). Problem of Pragmatics From the examples that have been raised above, it is evident that the main problem that arises from pragmatics is the issue of interpretation of the mess age that is being passed on from the sender of the message to the recipient. The main aim of communication is that there should be an understanding between the individual who is passing the information and the person who is receiving it. Understanding is an integral part of communication. The initiator of a conversation expects the recipient to respond in a specific manner. This can either be in the form of an action, gesture or speech. From the few examples that have been used in this paper, it is evident that several interpretations can arise from just a simple word or phrase. At the same time, it is difficult for any individual to understand the contextual meaning of words or phrases used by an individual. Apparently, in order to be able to recognize the significance of just about any contextually formulated statement, the individual must be capable of recognizing what accounts for the difference between qualitatively defined emanations of surrounding environment. In other words, he or she would have to be aware of rationale behind categorizing such emanations.Advertising Looking for coursework on linguistics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This, however, often proves very challenging for the people with low IQ, because the primitive workings of their psyche create objective preconditions for them to indulge in exclusively literal thinking, which also explains such people’s tendency to perceive world through the lenses of utilitarianism and their lessened ability to recognize contextual implications of verbal expressions. Despite the problems that arise as a result of using pragmatics, it is essential to accept it as part of the English language. Pragmatics plays an important role in communication. To ensure that proper interpretation of such phrases is achieved, some theories have been developed. Theories of Pragmatics In practice, a lot of criticism has been raised against pragmatics. People have said that the concept does not have a specific focus, its ideologies are vague and that it is redundant (Adams, 2010). These people feel that semantics has covered effectively all the aspects that pragmatics is trying to cover. However, there are those individuals who feel that pragmatics is part and parcel of the English language. They argue that pragmatics is vital in linguistics since it has brought about a new dimension in social language interactions. It has managed to capture aspects of language that semantics has failed to capture. As a result, pragmatics has become a useful tool in teaching, especially in literature. Several theories have therefore been advanced to solve the differences that have risen between pragmatics and semantics. The first theory that has been advanced is the theory of Speech Acts (Barba, 2007). J.L. Austin, a great philosopher suggested that there is a great similarity between the utterance and the actions of an individual. Due to this relationship, it is thus easier for an individual to interpret what another person is trying to communicate to his with the help of his/her actions while he/she is speaking. According to the theory, these utterances have three aspec ts; locutionary, illocutionary and perlocutionary acts (Bruhl, 1928). Locutionary acts entail the words that an individual utters in the process of a conversation and the content of these words. Illocutionary acts on the other hand are the physical actions of an individual while he/she is talking. This may include gesture, facial expressions, changes in posture and so on. An individual can, for example, bite his finger while talking. The act of biting his finger in itself plays a critical aspect in determining the context and meaning if what he may be saying. Finally, perlocutionary acts are the effects of the utterance to the listener. An individual may respond in accordance to the instructions of the words that were uttered. In some other instances, an individual may respond contrary to directions that were uttered by the speaker. Whichever the case, there was an understanding between the speaker and the listener. The various avenues of communication as a result of the speech act theory were responsible for the passing of information and understanding between the two parties. This therefore removes the ambiguity that exists between pragmatics and semantics. With the use of the words uttered by an individual and the corresponding actions, an individual is capable of understanding the message that the other party was passing. In the process, he/she responds appropriately. Thus, the process of communication has effectively taken place. Apparently, people’s lessened ability to recognize the contextual meaning of verbally expressed idioms, is nothing but the mental byproduct of their evolutionary underdevelopment, as those who have not evolved to the point of being able to draw a clear line between themselves and the surrounding environment: â€Å"Identity appears in (primitive people’s) collective representations†¦ as a moving assemblage or totality of mystic actions and reactions, within which individual does not subjectualize but objectuali ze itself† (p. 120). Therefore, it does not seem utterly odd that it is namely intellectually underdeveloped individuals’ lessened capacity to understand how the associated context affects the semantic significance of linguistic idioms (which comes as the result of pre-logical workings of their psyche) that often prevents them from succeeding in academia. In its turn, such lessened capacity on their part, appears to be rather genetically predetermined. As it was pointed out by Lynn and Vanhanen (2002): â€Å"IQs appear to be determined by the racial and ethnic make-up of the populations†¦ The IQs of 96 are typical of Europeans. The countries with lower proportions of Europeans and greater proportions of Native Americans, Blacks, and Mestizos have lower IQs† (p. 263). Apparently, the practice of discussing pragmatics-related concepts outside of what happened to the qualitative essence of how people with diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds indulge in cognitive process cannot be referred to as academically appropriate, in full sense of this word. After all, as many recent socio-linguistic studies indicate, it is not one’s affiliation with a particular culture/language that forms person’s existential attitudes, which in turn affect the extent of his or her linguistic proficiency, but neurological particulars of how one’s mind assesses universe and its place in it. As it was pointed out in Bunge’s (1975) article: â€Å"Language is the set of speech processes, which are in turn physiological (in particular neurophysiological) processes† (p. 109). What it means is that it is specifically the particulars of individual brain’s ‘wiring’ which define his or her varying ability to provide a proper contextual sounding to verbally expressed sentences and to also recognize the proper contextual sounding in words and phrases that are being verbally expressed by others. Conclusion This paper has pre sented a great argument with regards to pragmatics and its application in linguistics. With the application of the speech of acts theory, the differences that exist between pragmatics and semantics can easily be solved. In addition, line of argumentation, which has been deployed throughout this paper’s analytical part, supports the validity of an initial thesis that there can only be rules to pragmatics for as long as improving the linguistic proficiency of similarly ‘brain-wired’ people is being concerned. Given the fact that, as time goes on, socially appropriate verbal expressions that convey situative-contextual messages never cease being adjusted to be correlative with currently predominant socio-cultural discourses, there can be little rationale in theorizing upon what constitutes the expressional adequacy of linguistic idioms under specific circumstances, as these circumstances themselves are the subject of a constant change. It is important to understand that the very fact that, as of today, Western societies’ demographic fabric undergoes a rapid transformation creates objective preconditions for the very concept of linguistic pragmatics to grow increasingly less euro-centric, which in turn implies that it is only the matter of time, before its methodological framework will become outdated. Therefore, it will only be logical to conclude that the key to maintaining the academic validity of pragmatics, as subdivision of linguistics, is not in defining how context affects semiotics of verbal expressions, but in exposing the mechanism of how the context itself creates an entirely new semantic meaning to what is being said or written. References Adams, W. (2010). Natures participatory psyche: A study of consciousness in the shared Earth community. The Humanistic Psychologist, 38 (1), 15-39. Barba, J. (2007). Formal semantics in the age of pragmatics. Linguistics and Philosophy, 30 (6): 637-668. Bruhl, L. (1928). The soul of the pr imitive. London: George Allen Unwin Ltd. Bunge, M. (1984). Philosophical Problems in Linguistics. Erkenntnis, 21 (2) (Jul., 1984), 107-173. DAndrade, R. (2002). Cultural Darwinism and language. American  Anthropologist, New Series, 104 (1), 223-232. Lynn, R. Vanhanen, T. (2002). IQ and the wealth of nations. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Publishing Group. Masuda, T. (2008). Culture and aesthetic preference: Comparing the attention to context of East Asians and Americans. Personality and Social  Psychology Bulletin, 34(9): 1260-1275. Stalnaker, R. (1970). Pragmatics. Synthese, 22 (1/2): 272-289.

Summries Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Summries - Essay Example The significance of modern training can also be witnessed in the 1970’s Rhodesian war (Grossman 178). It is also stated that the new loss of associates and adored leaders in war can cause violence on the battlefield. The chapter explains that 2% of males will execute without remorse or regret if forced or given a valid reason (Grossman 180). Also, Marshall’s World War II figure of a 15-20% firing rate complement’s the 2% figure. Dyer’s World War II figure of 1% of U.S Army Air Corps fighters being responsible for 40% of deaths is seen to be general in keeping with the 2% figure. The DSM-III-R also states that the incidence of anti-social personality disorder among American male is almost 3%. Despite not being usually used in armies, armies have succeeded in using psychopaths in war. It is stated that both genetics and environmental processes contribute to aggression. Finally, Carl Jung claims that archetypes can motivate people by channeling their libidina l energy (Grossman