Professional WordPress Themes Are Never Free

Updated: February 4, 2008

It seems not all buyers are too happy with the development of this wordpress theme package.

And I have Brian Gardner to prove for it. When I first installed WordPress, the Kubrick theme didn’t cut it for me so I ended up using the Simpla WordPress theme first. Then after that, I noticed it wasn’t enough. Hence, I landed up with the Dropshadow WordPress theme when I first stumbled onto Brian Gardner.

However, even with Dropshadow I still wasn’t satisfied. Then I found something which reminded me of Khoi Vinh’s Subtraction. Brian Gardner created a WordPress theme called Whitespace. This theme reminded me of Subtraction due to its base colors of black and white, not so much the layout. Being a fan of Subtraction, I knew Whitespace was the one I was looking for. But right now, I’m thinking otherwise since my commenters have pointed out its critical weaknesses.

Recalling the great WordPress themes I’ve used by Brian, I thought it’ll be good to use another by him. And I recalled him releasing a new WordPress theme series dubbed; Revolution. These WordPress themes were professionally done and target different uses from general to e-zines. When I first caught wind of this, I remembered it was open to download like Whitespace. But when I last visited him few days ago, he’s now selling the series as professional WordPress themes. Each of the Revolution theme is priced at USD79.95 (RM262).

I’ve to admit initially I was disappointed by this. However, from one designer to another I accepted the fact professional work is never free – even WordPress themes. You may appeal to this statement by saying it’s how hard you look as there are plenty around. But my defense is most WordPress theme creators design around existing WordPress themes and not the content it was made to present.

So, this got me thinking. There is a rich repetitive untapped market for WordPress themes. A designed professional WordPress theme doesn’t have to really cost RM500 to RM1500. It could only cost from RM250-RM300. But let me finish. These WordPress themes are positioned between the free downloads and custom designed. And the segment who purchases these may know how to install WordPress on their own. In other words, if you have a tight budget, need to get your blog up quick and know how to install WordPress then here’s the perfect option.

You win by getting a professional WordPress theme at an affordable rate and I win on volume.

p.s: Notice I said the purchasers would endure more value if they knew how to install WordPress themselves.

Don’t you think this WordPress themes market is rich?

Updated: February 4, 2008

Based on feedback, buyers are saying there’s no documentation support, theme options page (to select/edit themes) and at the moment, inadequate technical support after purchasing one of the themes.