[Resolved] AMP Theme

[PJ]

Hi,

I’ve made the switch from a theme that AMP support built in. IE the theme had a AMP version of the site built in. When using the Official AMP plugin you could set to Reader and it looked like the site.

So far after installing GP I can figure out how to do this without have the very unappealing standard AMP theme. Instead I’ve installed AMP for WP which isn’t something I wanted to use.

I’ve downloaded the AMP for GP but this doesn’t really help.

Any help would be appreciated.

[David]

Hi there,

GP doesn’t have AMP templates, we recommend using the official AMP plugin for this.

The AMP for GP plugin is also required – but all this does is fix the theme elements that require Javascript to make them amp compatible.

[PJ]

Thanks David, sadly this means that the AMP version of my website looks horrible. I guess I’ll stick with the AMP for WP plugin.

[David]

The AMP plugins are the best way to go – they can keep pace with any changes that Google introduces.

[PJ]

Thanks David. I do think the point was actually missed which was most themes have a mobile or AMP version coded so that the theme looks the same whether on Desktop or mobile.

I’ll have to try and figure out a solution that works.

[Frank]

You should try the ‘transitional’ option in the Official AMP plugin.
The reader mode is the most basic, while the transistional option makes your AMP version look almost exactly like the normal version.

[David]

Thanks Frank for your input

PJ – When it comes to adding any feature to the theme or GPP we have to consider several factors for example;

How may users/sites require it ?
very few in the case of AMP as its a niche requirement for Publishers.

What overhead does it add to GP/GPP ?
AMP requires a considerable amount of code and development time. Which is something we don’t want to force upon users who don’t require it, or slow down the development of features that the majority of users can take advantage of.

Does it require a proprietary technology and what is the future of that tech?
Totally proprietary and the future of its unknown. Worse case scenario is that AMP becomes obsolete and the Theme/GPP now contains a large amount of redundant code… not good.

Is it better suited as a plugin?
In our opinion and considering the points above – Yes. Users who need it can add a plugin and remove it without any issues in the future. Also the user gets the benefit of a developer who is 100% focused on supporting that feature.

[PJ]

Thanks David. I’m going try the Transitional route and see if I can get it working the way I want it.

[David]

You’re welcome and thanks again to Frank!

[Author]

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