52 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
52 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Is removing developer name and "Powered by WordPress" allowed?

by Joe Crosbie
9 replies
Hey Everyone!

I am in search of some of your expertise, if we download a free WordPress theme are we allowed to remove the developers name and the "Powered by WordPress" from the footer ?

Thanks in advance,

Joe Crosbie
#allowed #developer #powered by wordpress #removing
  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    A better question is ... is it really fair to remove the developer's link if you've gotten a free theme from him? The powered by Wordpress can go.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7161030].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author OldLodgeSkins
    I'm with Sbucciarel on this one.
    I often use free components (not templates, I make mine, but the idea's the same) that come with a backlink to their author. Even when the author gives an easy way to remove it (like a checkbox in the component's settings...) I don't. I often make it smaller with CSS but that's about it. If I really want it out of the way I make a donation.

    Seb.
    Signature
    Do you use Facebook ? Then you can make money just by inviting people to a Facebook group ! It's called the Instant Income System. How cool is that?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7161043].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Joe Crosbie
    Hey,

    I do agree with what you are saying, I wasn't really planning on removing the developers name since I think credit is due on his behalf. I was just wondering what the law was on this.

    Thanks again
    Signature
    I chose entrepreneurship over further education despite being laughed at by my friends and family..

    I recently hit the "RESTART" button on my life, read my personal blog to find out how I did it :)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7161087].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by Joe Crosbie View Post

      Hey,

      I do agree with what you are saying, I wasn't really planning on removing the developers name since I think credit is due on his behalf. I was just wondering what the law was on this.

      Thanks again
      You can, and probably should, remove the "Powered by Wordpress" link. It's one of the more reliable footprints spammers and hackers use to find WP sites that may be vulnerable.

      As far as the developer link goes, it depends on the license the theme was issued under. As you've figured out, actually removing the link is a personal choice.

      That's assuming the link is the benign credit/backlink signal it appears to be. Some developers will use the template to embed far more malignant code.

      If you get the theme via the wordpress.org site, you should be safe.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7161229].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dsouravs
    Hi,
    I think you have to see the license. If its GPL 3.0 then you can if I am correct.
    If its Creative commons then you have to see whether the coder allows that or not.

    TY
    Signature

    I can convert your Non-Responsive website to Responsive website ... How sweet is that? :)

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7161256].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Generally, you CAN'T remove the developers name. Various terms, like "powered by wordpress" are often not to be removed. Many such products DO allow you to remove such things IF YOU PAY FOR THE PRIVILEGE! BTW they also often link back to a page, and you are often not even to change or remove that link.

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7161510].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author deofel
    It depends on the kind of theme you choose, do check the terms and conditions.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7161538].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author epublishingtips
    Just contact the theme developer and ask them. If you're intent on removing the link perhaps offer to pay for the option (many WP developers even offer this on their website for free themes).
    Signature
    Catherine | Tweet me @ epublishingtips
    Indie Author, Mompreneur, Coffee Addict     ++ http://www.ePublishingTips.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7162003].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author copilu0
    wordpress.org is a free platform...you can remove the link.But:
    If you are using a theme which also has a link to her author website then is a different thing.
    The link can be removed if is a free theme but usually a theme developer will put that link there and hope that you'll not remove it even if usually they now that most of those which are using their theme will remove the link.
    If is a paid theme then make sure the terms of buying the theme allows you to remove the link.
    Signature
    Snow Blower Garage
    Electric Toothbrush Reviews
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7162341].message }}

Trending Topics