=== Static Random Posts Widget ===
Contributors: ronalfy
Donate link: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9187843
Tags: ajax, widget, random, widgets
Requires at least: 2.8.5
Tested up to: 2.9.2
Stable tag: trunk

Allows the display of random posts, but allows the admin to determine how often the random posts are refreshed.

== Description ==

Allows the display of random posts, but allows the admin to determine how often the random posts are refreshed.

= Features =
<h4>Dedicated Admin Panel for...</h4>
<ul>
<li>Setting the refresh rate (minutes).</li>
<li>Setting which categories to exclude.</li>
</ul>

<h4>Individual Widget Options</h4>
<ul>
<li>Can assign a title for each widget.</li>
<li>Can assign a post limit for each widget.</li>
</ul>

<h4>Admin Refresh Options on a Post</h4>
If you are logged is as admin and are viewing a post, you will see a "Refresh" button beneath where the random posts are displayed.  You can click this "Refresh" button and automatically refresh your random posts.

If you use WP Super Cache, clicking "Refresh" also clears the cache so your users can see the new random posts immediately.  

The "Refresh" feature is useful for those who have long refresh times, but want to tweak the output a bit.  


== Changelog ==
= 1.0 = 
* Released 25 October 2009 by Ronalfy
* First release.  Yay!

== Screenshots ==

1. Static Random Posts Widget under Appearance->Settings
2. The Widget Options
3. Global Widget Options under Settings->Static Random Posts
4. Random Posts on Your Blog
5. Admin's Refresh Button

== Installation ==

1. Just unzip and upload the "static-random-posts" folder to your plugins directory
2. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress.
3. Customize the global options (refresh rate, and categories) in the Settings panel.
4. Go to Appearance->Widgets and drag the "Static Random Posts" widget into your widget enabled panels.
5. Customize the widget title, and add a limit for how many posts to display.
6. Repeat steps 4-5 for each additional widget added.

You can also watch an <a href='http://www.ronalfy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/static-random-posts.mov'>installation video</a> of the Static Random Posts widget.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Why would someone want "static" random posts? =

In my opinion, it's a usability enhancement to a website.  I've found myself browsing sites that have random posts listed.  Sometimes I want to view more than one of those posts in the sidebar, but when I click on one, the whole thing refreshes.

Having the random posts remain static for a period of time gives the user the opportunity to browse all of the random posts present.

Furthermore, having the random posts static for a time may aid in SEO.

= What's the "Refresh" feature for? = 

Say, for example, you have the refresh rate set for sixty minutes.  You look at the current random posts, but aren't impressed with what's showing.  You can click "Refresh" until a suitable line-up of posts are displayed.

= Can I provide a translation? =

Sure.  Please <a href="http://www.ronalfy.com/contact">contact me</a> to submit your translation.  If you need assistance on how to work with <strong>po</strong> files, please read my article on <a href="http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2007/08/27/localizing-a-wordpress-plugin-using-poedit/">localizing a WordPress plugin</a>. 

= Is support free? =

If you're having issues, please use my <a href="http://www.ronalfy.com/contact">contact form</a>.  

If you have special needs, I will let you know if hourly support is necessary.