Comments on: Ethical Theme Sponsorship Links

By: GLen

GLen — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 14:41:59 +0000

Hey Diva
You are totally right Diva, and when your right your right

By: WordPress Diva

WordPress Diva — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 17:11:15 +0000

@Glen: If you’re concerned about people using the same theme you are, may I offer a suggestion? Pay for a custom theme.

Instead of removing designer credits, which is nothing but rude and ungrateful (they are giving away their hard work for free, the least they deserve is a credit link), learn that the theme is freely available; chances are, if you’re using it, 1,000 other people are using the same theme, too. Deal with it.

By: Glen

Glen — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 10:42:30 +0000

When I used my first free theme I sent out an email blast to every one in my contact list the problem was I left the theme name and author in the bottom,

In a matter of 2days two people on the list liked the theme so much that they used it.

After that I use other peoples themes and I always customize it. Unfortunatley I have to leave out the theme name because so many others our watching.

I currently use the Kurbick theme and just customized the header and background. I realize now that themes are cool but good content is key.

thegnrgroup.com/blog

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 21:22:38 +0000

I agree. I use free themes and I am grateful for them. I don’t mind having a sponsor link at all. Thanks to all of you wordpress theme creators!!!

By: Cynthia Clinton

Cynthia Clinton — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 19:51:24 +0000

Forgot to add… I understand the sponsorship thing, but I’m not wild about it. I thought the discussion was about giving credit and links to the CREATOR of the theme, not some junk advertising. My comments above still stand, but I’ll add this:

I’m all for linking to theme creator and they can advertise whatever they want on their site, but I think that’s where it should stop.

Anyway, the answer is that the terms are the terms and if you don’t agree, you need to pass on the theme.

By: Cynthia Clinton

Cynthia Clinton — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 19:44:07 +0000

I think it’s totally reasonable for the links of the theme creator to be embedded in the bottom of the theme. When you use a theme created by someone else, you’re borrowing someone else’s knowledge, talent, and skills – you’re also choosing to use someone else’s theme because you can’t or won’t make one yourself. Why shouldn’t the theme creator be credited? Unless you’re selling themes, it doesn’t take anything away from you. If you are selling themes, why use a theme designed by someone else? And also… if you are selling or making your own themes and NOT using someone else’s but you’re just complaining about embedded credit and links, what makes it your business? Why are you so concerned?

It makes good sense to me. If I can’t afford to purchase a theme I’m using, I’m more than happy to display the credit and the links. Someone else’s hard work went into it… all I did was install it.

Now, if I were forced to display search engine ads or something for the benefit of someone else, I’d have a problem with that, but instead of crying about it, I’d just use a different theme or make my own.

What ever happened to giving credit where credit is due?

By: Michael Krotchie

Michael Krotchie — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 20:38:12 +0000

I have absolutely NO problem with a sponsored theme; if I choose to select this theme knowing full well the terms of the agreement then I really have no right to take it off.

Geoff if you would have asked the people if they wanted to wear ads on their clothes for a month afterwards, it’s obvious no one would have asked for help. But thats what it comes down to: choice.

If you can’t respect the request of the theme designer than guess what, don’t use the theme!

By: hso

hso — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 02:39:07 +0000

Not sure how it will all play out, but I am glad to see that you are able to understand both sides of the problem and provide objective views on this issue.

By: Falconer Designs » Blog Archive » Guidelines for Sponsored themes.

Falconer Designs » Blog Archive » Guidelines for Sponsored themes. — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 18:58:00 +0000

[...] Not all theme designers who provide a sponsor link in their themes are bad people, merely people who’d like to eat and possibly care for their family. Though there are a few people out there who seek to abuse the situation, they are the exception, not the rule. [...]