Using Thesis headline filter to streamline your blog

Thesis (a WordPress theme) recently introduced a headline filter in version 1.7, which removes (not display:none, but from the document altogether) title, by-line, and date on posts you select.

This is really handy for building a blog with a style closer to Twitter or Tumblr, or a mix of styles.

 

Two concerns, though:

• If we post something on the web without a date we’re doing it wrong. Thesis’ headline filter removes title, but also date, from posts. Bummer.
• Title’s important for syndication. Even if the title’s not shown, you have to title the content for readers coming from Facebook, Google Reader, etc. Blank title, body-like titles, or title-like bodies, are sloppy. This is a problem bigger than Thesis and worth thinking about if you go with this approach.

Though I’ve seen repeated mention of this headline filter feature in Thesis 1.7, I  had a heck of a time finding it.

The secret: filters are only available to developers. Ew.

Fortunately what I think is a common scenario, hiding the headline of posts in a certain category, can be done with a cookie cutter. Here’s an example:

1. Create a new post category or use an existing one (I’m using category “bits”)
2. Edit the file /wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/custom_functions.php. Insert (carefully):
   
function shown_headlines()
{
    return (!in_category('bits'));
}
add_filter('thesis_show_headline_area', 'shown_headlines');

   and replace ‘bits’ with your category.

For more complicated criteria, you might look through the “is_” functions in WordPress Function Reference and consult your local WordPress or PHP fiend.

Tagged as: thesis, tumbleblog, WordPress