Who Runs Return True?

Return True is owned & ran by me, Paul Robinson. I started this website when I decided that I wanted to help other people understand web development using the knowledge I have amounted from the last 8-9 years full-time coding, and 2-3 year before that part-time coding.

When Did You Start Web Development?

I started learning code (basic HTML) a little over 11-12 year ago. I first learnt HTML back when websites didn’t use CSS, frames were big & tables were used for layout. I was taught a little by my Dad & the rest I learnt through reading HTML pages he had cobbled together for his first website.

I then kinda left it for a little while, still learning in the background, but I had more important things. GCSEs & coursework were more important at the time. After leaving school though I got back into web development & decided I would learn my first server-side scripting language, which believe it or not was ASP. Though I did decide rather quickly that I hated it, it was just a well really as we started using a new hosting service that used all Linux servers.

It was then I moved on to PHP. I started my PHP life helping my dad add some server-side functionality into his site, and throwing together bits of code on a localhost. I even started mock ups of a website I never ever finished called UMDB (later changed to MEO), it did and still does work, I still keep the files even now. It’s probably a good job I didn’t finish it though as the MPAA or RIAA (BPI is the UK version) would probably be all over it these days…

I started using WordPress around version 2.3 for Celeb O Rama (after moving it from Blogger). I quickly liked it and kinda got excited when I learned you could extend it yourself using PHP (plugins). I then decided to throw myself into that, it even introduced me to the world of Javascript frameworks. I’m very thankful as JS frameworks make Javascript bareable for me, Javascript really is the bane of my existance. Then Return True appeared on Blogger for a little while, back then it was called SkratchPad & it kinda got left to rot as I’d gotten that used to the open endedness of WordPress I couldn’t get used to all the restrictions placed by Blogger. Eventually I moved hosting service to DreamHost, meaning I could get two domains for a nice cheap price (my old host charged £15.00 each), and that was the start of Return True.

Are You Famous?

Errrm. No, I don’t think so. I am the author of 2 WordPress plugins, The Attached Image & Twitter Stream. I wouldn’t say that makes me famous though. Feel free to spread the word about my plugins, the more people using them the better I can make them.

What Happened Here Anyway? Everything’s All Sparkly & New!

Well that would be the new theme & design. I’ve gone for a amazing theme that I love, I’ve customized the code a little to improve usability for me personally & there is also the awesome new logo & design (Return True never actually had a logo until now) both designed by Lisa Marie Robinson… Yes it isn’t a coincidence, Lisa Marie is my sister.

What’s The Future Hold?

More tutorials? Tips & tricks? I guess you already knew that though. What’s the future hold for the site? Well I don’t know. I can tell you that there are plans for some merchandise using the new logo, maybe T-Shirts & hats etc. Also if I can raise enough money from the iMac fund (this is obviously long term plans) there are plans to get an iMac & start development of apps for the iPod/iPhone & even the iPad.