I just got an email from a WordPress newsletter I subscribe to and saw that Atomic Blocks plugin is being rebranded to “Genesis Blocks” after they were purchased by StudioPress (makers of the Genesis Framework). You can read the details here: https://studiopress.blog/announcing-genesis-blocks/.
The good news is that the free plugin will still have a free tier. More good news is that they will have a migration tool for us to use. The bummer is that we will need to migrate to the rebranded plugin “Genesis Blocks”. No news on when the migration tool will be out or when Atomic Blocks will be taken down – I’ll keep you posted!
Are you a Developer?
Use my “deprecated software” email template below! (It’s free and I don’t require you to sign up for anything to get it.)
Atomic Blocks User looking for an alternative?
While I still love Atomic Blocks and hope to use Genesis Blocks in the future, I also hedged my bets and got a lifetime deal for Qubely. As of today (26 August 2020) it’s featured on App Sumo. You get a lifetime license to use on up to 10 sites for $49.00.
You can check it out here (lifetime deal) and here (free tier).
Bonus! If you aren’t a member yet, use my code when you sign up for $10 off your first purchase! (affiliate).
Email Template Instructions:
- Anything in a ‘ [ ] ‘ is something for you to change or choose.
- Be sure to change to your specific software (this one is specific to Atomic Blocks)
- List out your options. (I maintain a limited number of my clients’ websites which includes sitework hours. Since this is outside of the scope for my maintenance agreement, I tried to find a no or low cost solution for them.)
- Be sure to tell them what will happen if they do nothing!
- Finally, I personally require a change order when anything changes (it doesn’t always cost them anything, but when it does, this teaches them not to be afraid of it). Feel free to remove or implement my style.
SUBJECT:
A plugin on your site is [reaching end-of-life / rebranding] and will be shut down – your options
BODY:
Hi [NAME],
I got an email [from a WP newsletter] [this morning] telling me about this.
Here is a quick breakdown of the situation:
One of the plugins I use in the [CLIENT SITE] website has been purchased by a new company and will be [deprecated / rebranded].
The plugin is called “Atomic Blocks”. It will now be called “Genesis Blocks”.
It is [used / used heavily] to create your [NAME OF PAGE] page.
It will remain free for the time being. The new company states they do not intend to change the business model of free + paid tiers, but they can always change their mind – or change what options are in the free tier.
Eventually Atomic Blocks will be shut down and we will have to move to Genesis Blocks or find another solution.
You can read more here: https://studiopress.blog/announcing-genesis-blocks/
Once you’ve read the article, please let me know which option you’d like to pursue.
Option 1:
You opt to use sitework hours to migrate over to the new plugin on the free tier. (Likely no additional costs unless it takes more sitework hours than you have available.)
Option 2:
You opt use sitework hours to research and install an alternative plugin. (Likely no additional costs unless it takes more sitework hours than you have available and/or choose to go with a paid option.)
Option 3:
You request I hand code a solution to replace the need for the plugin. (Additional costs will apply.)
Option 4:
What if I do nothing? Per our agreement, I do not maintain deprecated software. Therefore, I will delete the [plugin / theme]. Your site will likely look differently and may act differently. In this specific case, your [name of page] page will no longer [feature it will lose / show your pricing table / maps] .
Once I hear back from you, I will work up a change order for you to sign and I’ll get to work!
Respectfully,
-[YOUR NAME]
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click a link and then make a purchase, I’ll get a commission at no additional cost to you. I try to mark them all with a (^), but sometimes miss them in final publication. Like all products I write about, I absolutely love + use this one in my personal + / or work day-to-day (I write about non-affiliated and FREE products too!).