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Do you make donations to theme designers?

by chriswhiteley
11 replies
I am WordPress developer, and I am continually planning to create WordPress themes as a source of side income. I am torn between creating free themes and use the donation based model, or use send my themes to Themeforest to be sold. There are some pros and cons to each, but I am leaning towards the free model as I would not have to deal with all the "red tape" in getting a theme accepted at Theme Forest.

So, my question is whether or not people donate to theme authors when they use their theme?
#designers #donations #make #theme
  • Profile picture of the author turnkeybiz
    I have donated to designers and even free software that was worth it. Also by having your link in your theme as the creator you can look at it as a way to backlink to your website where you might get a paid customer.

    Also maybe provide a freebie theme and some sort of upgrade that can be paid for. But a quick answer I have donated many times before.

    Good Luck
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  • Profile picture of the author CR7
    In fact I never give any donations
    but if i need good quality theme I will buy it. legal. and not use nulled


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    • Profile picture of the author Greg Ray
      Chris - yes, if I'm using a theme commercially. I will try various free themes without donating, but if I determine that a particular theme adds value to my business, it's only appropriate to acknowledge the designers contribution.
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  • Profile picture of the author johnben1444
    There is no harm in trying both, testing and experimenting is necessary in today's business world.

    I have donated to themes that i believe are worth it.

    What you have to know is, you need to use both methods and also be creative while consistently developing new themes if you want to keep the fire burning.

    Don't forget to update you themes too.
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeTucker
    I don't use Wordpress, but I own several forums.

    I give a healthy donation for the themes that I keep,
    including the ones that are just "optional" for the members.
    But, I do not donate for the ones that I only try
    and do not keep.
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    • Profile picture of the author chriswhiteley
      Thanks for all the feedback!

      I think what might be a good option for me to pursue is to create a free basic theme with just a blog and page, use the donation model. Then if a theme generates enough interest I would develop it into a full blown CMS WordPress theme with options, multiple template, colour variations etc and offer it as an upgrade.
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      • Profile picture of the author MikeTucker
        Originally Posted by chriswhiteley View Post

        Thanks for all the feedback!

        I think what might be a good option for me to pursue is to create a free basic theme with just a blog and page, use the donation model. Then if a theme generates enough interest I would develop it into a full blown CMS WordPress theme with options, multiple template, colour variations etc and offer it as an upgrade.
        That's a good idea-- Value your time.
        Test the market for what you want to create,
        and if its good, then invest more time and effort into it.

        Good luck!!
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    I buy my themes, so never ran across a donation model for themes. I have donated to WP plugin developers for their plugins though.
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  • Profile picture of the author RachelLily
    I can give if the themes are deserving. but if your themes are really good and worth buying, then people will really pay for it. you need not ask for donations
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  • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
    If you want, you can charge a minimal fee for your themes and you can scale it up later or add premium themes for a relatively higher price. Hope this helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author XanBarksdale
    Honestly, I don't even look at themes that are free. I tried that when I was new to WordPress and was let down with almost every free theme I tried...I'll gladly pay $50 for a high quality theme.
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