New Releases

Market: Andrew Clemente has released his first premium theme for those wishing to use WordPress to run an e-commerce store, and it only costs $40 for a standard license. I predict that this theme is going to be a massive seller. Small Potato has written a very insightful review of this theme, and I plan to discuss it in more detail in my next post.

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The iThemes guys have released two more new premium themes this week:

Business Card is available in seven colour schemes, which are all provided in a multi-site license for only $29.

The Photo Gallery theme is available in white and black, and is priced at $29.95, which includes a multiple-use license.

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Brian Gardner has continued to release additional free phpBB3 templates to match his Revolution themes. Get the complete set from his site.

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Discussions

Themeshaper: The Future of WordPress Themes - continues previous discussions on this issue, with contributions from 11 well-known WordPress bloggers and designers. A long post, but well worth the read.

Hack WordPress: What is the Future of Premium WordPress Themes? - riffs off the Themeshaper discussion, with thoughts on the advancements which premium themes have brought to the community, the issue of lower-value paid themes, and predictions for the coming months.

Ptah Dunbar: WP News Theme Update and Matt Mullenweg’s views on Premium WordPress Themes - Ptah had the privilege of speaking to WordPress creator Matt Mullenweg, and took the opportunity to ask him his opinion on the premium theme industry. Ptah also provides an update on his own forthcoming WP News premium theme.

Adii: WordPress, Open Source & Giving Back - in response to Ptah’s post, Adii gives his perspective about how premium theme designers give back to the WordPress community, and ends by asking premium theme buyers what they think.

Development of Mimbo Pro is Wrapping Up: Darren Hoyt gives an update on his progress on Mimbo Pro. Looks like it should be released any day now.

Other News

I have won the first prize in the Graphic Design Group Project contest organised by Jacob Cass of Just Creative Design. I’m eagerly awaiting the delivery of my new electric guitar and I’m very grateful to Jacob for organising the whole extravaganza.