cont

Slides and slideshows
Can control speed and translations
hover mouse over and it will pause the slideshow

Here's theme resource:http://cyberchimps.com/ifeaturepro

Plugin Directory
can filter and see what's active or inactive
Caution: want to make sure it is compatible with the theme you're using

What to look for in plugin
compatible with version of wordpress
if only downloaded in the hundreds probably not worth the risk (10,000 - 15,000)
Can google top downloads for Wordpress
Featured posts and newletter are two they like

Widget
Drag and drop makes it easy
Can decide area you want them to go to
Can do manage other information with it (how many posts, width of thumbnail, featured or category)

Wysija (newletter) plugin recommended http://www.wysija.com/
Can pull in work you've already done instead of having to recreate
will do pages as well as posts
drag and drop
editing function pretty good
packaging archived sites and sending them out as a newsletter
have ability to subscribe (name and email)

Effective way to connect with others without bombarding with information (via email)
Trends in the industry
Training opportunities
Usergroups (lists) so that people subscribe to certain newletters

Contact Forms

Other functions

Still time consuming (more people the work can be spread out)