Question for the regulars, re: Free themes in this section

Okay... Doesn't look like folks consider this a problem. Cool.


Paul

You know I always did (consider it a problem) - mainly because of the encrypted code in their footer and/or functions file.

Istvan, That won't change no matter which section they're in.

I wouldn't use any of them, no matter how nice, if they have that code. That's like putting a Post-It note on your back that says "Hack me."


Paul

I've been traveling and haven't seen this yet.

It isn't excessive yet, but it doesn't seem entirely like they should be in here. Too me it seems like they should be in a section similar to the Articles section.

Paul,

Could I ask what type of issues are coming up regarding these giveaways?


Joe mobley

Well, honestly, most of the threads here are either posted to increase their post count or to ask something about some product or service, which they can easily find on google.

This section and the main one also has become a default support forum for each and everything out there.

I see giving away a free theme that requires a link in the footer is the same as a "Free" WSO. They are giving away something only in return for something of significant value. The difference is that in the usual free WSO scheme the freeloader can immediately unsubscribe. While the notquitesofree theme forces you to return value forever to the author or violate copyright law and risk consequences.

Personally, I think there's two different cases.

One is if someone says, "I need a solution for X". If I have something I've made that's free I'd like to be able to offer it to people if, and only if, I know it's specifically going to help them with what they've expressly stated they're looking for.

I know that's a bit hard to make a rule around, but the thing with designers and coders is there is a lot of material that honestly does get created and shared just to help and contribute. Especially given the fact WordPress is GPL there is a big "pitch in" mentality, and it would be a shame for self promotion to squash that part of things.

But the second case is starting a fresh thread to promote your own stuff which, even if its free, is not cool in my view. It's not really so different to putting opt in freebies in the War Room and smells a bit spammy.

So I think if you are genuinely helping someone out that's cool, but if you want to do any kind of promo it should definitely be in the promo sections. One, because it keeps the design section nice and focused, and two, because it's not fair for us theme folks to get a free ride in here while folks with other giveaways do the right thing posting elsewhere.

I'm still listening, folks.

Any of you theme developers want to jump in? Warning: If I hear nothing but crickets from you, I'll assume you're not intending to participate and are just using this section as free advertising. That will make the decision easy.


Paul

This one is an example of a thread that really should be in the Classifieds, WSO or at least War Room sections in my view:

http://www.warriorforum.com/website-...mes-micfo.html

I've got some awesome free WP stuff of my own, but I wouldn't think posting it in here in an advertisement type of format is okay. Especially if almost half my posts were promoting my freebies.

But something like this, while not a theme offer, is an example of the kind of free help from professionals that is just awesome:

http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...-question.html

I know that's not an offer of a free theme, but I'm just trying to show an example of how there are legitimately helpful people around here who are willing to give out quality work when someone puts up their hand for assistance.