Add widget areas in Expound theme

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  n17k · Member · Jul 6, 2017 at 4:48 pm

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  I want to use Expound theme for a WordPress self hosted site. I would like to add additional widget areas – either header or footer – in the theme. Nothing I have tried works. Can you please help?
  Thanks.

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  garysixtyeight · Member · Jul 6, 2017 at 4:55 pm

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  Hi there,

  If you need help with Expound on a self-hosted site, please post your question in the subforum for that theme at WordPress.org:

  https://wordpress.org/support/theme/expound

  Please note: Expound hasn’t been updated in over 2 years. It might not be supported anymore.

  The forum you’ve posted this thread in in only provides support for sites hosted here at WordPress.com

  To learn about the differences between the two versions of WordPress (.com vs.org), please see this guide.

  Good luck!

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  n17k · Member · Jul 6, 2017 at 5:40 pm

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  Hello,
  Thanks for the quick response.
  I have customized the theme quite a bit, but now I am worried about the non-updation. It works now, but I do not know about the future.
  WP.com should indicate when the theme was last updated, as is done in WP.org.
  Would you suggest that I change themes?
  Thanks

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  garysixtyeight · Member · Jul 6, 2017 at 5:53 pm

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  If the theme is working for you without any issues on your self-hosted site, there’s no real need to change it at the moment – it hasn’t been updated in 2 years, but it seems to be fine.

  I’d recommend making a backup of the site when you update WordPress though, just in case.

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  n17k · Member · Jul 6, 2017 at 6:01 pm

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  Thanks! I am keeping my fingers crossed.

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  kathrynwp · Staff · Jul 7, 2017 at 3:04 pm

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  If you’re comfortable experimenting with code, here are some resources for adding new widgetized areas to a theme:

  http://codex.wordpress.org/Widgetizing_Themes
  http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-register-new-widget-areas-to-your-wordpress.html

  This should only be done in a child theme, so your changes won’t be overwritten when you update the theme. If you’re new to child themes, you can explore these guides:

  http://codex.wordpress.org/Child_Themes
  https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2016/01/create-customize-wordpress-child-theme/
  http://vimeo.com/39023468

  I also strongly suggest developing on a local server first (such as MAMP or DesktopServer), not your live site.

  As Gary said, these forums are for folks hosted here on WordPress.com, but hopefully these resources get you started.

  Good luck!

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  n17k · Member · Jul 7, 2017 at 5:25 pm

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  Thanks.
  I have been experimenting with a child theme on a local server (WAMP). Will try out your suggested link.
  In case someone else is interested here is the message I received today from the Expound theme developer – “The theme is simple enough that it should not break with future versions of WordPress, but if it does, I’ll make sure to ship an update to fix it. K”
  NMP

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  kathrynwp · Staff · Jul 7, 2017 at 5:35 pm

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  Good to know!