Update (Apr 28, 2009): Thanks to a generous donation, and a reassessment of my contributions to the community – as well as future plans, the donations link has been removed.
Today the site was updated with a new persistent "status bar" like element visible on all pages. The update bar with serve as a means to promote popular projects and give new visitors, readers, followers, or individuals who find the site and content useful an opportunity to send a donation or contribute towards a new release.
Contributions, why now?
The simplest reason explaining why is that I am not completely sold on premium or subscription based themes for 5ThirtyOne (yet). I realized that I spend quite a bit of time corresponding with users looking for code change instructions or questions. Contributing to a theme release helps control the free theme release cycle while giving back a little.
I develop and release public themes on the side outside of work or freelance to help individuals who may not have the budget – or need – to request something really unique or original. If you are looking for something no one else will have, get in touch.
The idea behind contribution based theme releases is that once a milestone is met, the download is available for everyone. Forever. No subscription, no single user or developer licenses, no remorse because of the entrance price… Just the core theme. Contribute together, enjoy a new release together. Simple.
Note: The next public theme ready for release is geared more towards media / video bloggers looking for a lightweight UI to highlight their content.
Nice concept, I like it.
Interesting idea. I like the status bar, unobtrusive but clear. In fact I had to look a sec to notice it
. It reminds me of New York Times’ bar.
Good luck with the concept. Hopefully you’ll set a new standard.
Seems like a doable idea, and your goal is small. Seems like a slightly modified take on the micro-patronage model. Good luck.
I’m in
Interesting idea, hope it works out for you!
Neat! I’m down with this.
You deserve the contributions for your excellent work. What worries me is whether the people who are searching for free themes are the same ones who would donate. But I hope so.
Incidentally, I’ve given you a shout-out here:
http://agitationist.com/1100-free-wordpress-themes
Of course, if you go premium, I’ll have to change that…
It’s a interesting idea, but will it really work? It think it’s really hard to get money via contributions from the Internet. On the other side it is a new and challenging project. I wish you a Happy New Year and best with this project!
Victor @ DesignVertigo.com
I love smart ideas.. And this is a smart idea! Keep up the good work.
Excellent idea. “…Contribute towards a new release”…does this mean that when the price target is met for a particular them is met then a new version of that theme will be released? Or are general donations made and a new theme is released when the price target is met?
Either way…it’s a great idea.
When the target is met, a new theme will be release.