For those of you who’ve been using WordPress for a while, you’re probably tired (admittedly like me) about the whole conversation regarding the GPL license and how it applies (or doesn’t apply) to premium commercially supported theme developers.
I guess today can be considered “National Declaration of what Matt, WordPress et all thinks about it Day”. You can read all about the legality of the GPL license and how WordPress themes are affected.
For those lazy folk, here’s the meat:
PHP in WordPress themes must be GPL, artwork and CSS may be but are not required.
There you have it.
It seems that even before the posting of the response that Matt was given from the Software Freedom Law Center, other developers such as iThemes and WooThemes had already decided it was wise to move their licenses over to the GPL.
And as Matt puts it, WordPress has chosen to celebrate those who are developing GPL themes with a brand new Commercially Supported WordPress Theme page. Which, of course is a follow through to a promise that Matt made nearly a year ago.
This also clearly illustrates Matt’s view that people can (and will be endorsed if they do it with the GPL License) make money using WordPress.
Finally we get legal answer for this “long” issue. We will always remember that you’re the first one who release your commercial themes with GPL license.
Yes, it was long overdue, and one that really needed to happen especially with WP adding that page to their directory.
Well said Brian. Thanks for bringing WordPress and commercial theme developers together for us all.
I don’t know that I can take responsibility for that, but it’s great to see everyone playing nicely.
Thanks for the link, BG … great to see our opinions validated, although we’re all 100% GPL anyway.
You bet man, glad we’re sharing the Kool-Aid!
Great news!
Although you never told me there was anything in the Kool-Aid. How do I get a pair of those white sneakers and black slacks?
Have a great day!
Steve
This is good news. How’s the haiku coming?.
Question: Are the images and CSS in Studio Press themes open source?
Always have been.
Brian, you were right on the money from the beginning by following your current business plan. My feelings are this: any one that is serious about using WordPress as a platform will see the sense in using supported themes. Using “free” themes means you are using something with no accountability and no guarantee of updating and support.
Without demeaning any of the supported theme developers; I have looked at all of their work and your work is far superior. Your themes “cross the line” between amateur and professional design work. Your themes seem to “jump out” when you view them. Now before you get a “big” head, I do have one observation: I think that you are a little too much into the “black theme thing.” It would be a wonderful plus if you would allow each theme choices of color that could be selected from inside the Dashboard options. Example: I love the Lifestyles Theme but would love to have a couple of color choices like a appropriate blue color. Please think this one over before dismissing it. I think that it is the only thing holding your themes back from being perfect.
I would say in closing that we all here agreed that what you have done in a couple of years experience has been nothing short of a miracle. This is your calling!
Thanks for your great efforts!
Jocelyn
Thanks Brian for bite-sized explanation. Very helpful. Have a great 4th Holiday.
-Scott
I wonder how they’re going to fit the haiku into GPL
My dilemma is that does that legal answer give me the right to rip the PHP of any not-GPL WP theme and use it in a GPL license.
Not sure this is the best place for this question, but how do i change the favicon in your Shades of Blue theme? Thanks!
Hello Brian, the site jackiesgiftbaskets.com that you designed is in violation of U.S Patent and Trademark rules. The URL and business name for jackiesgiftbaskets is confusingly similar to ours. We have been in business since 2001 and already notified the owner of jackiesgiftbaskets. This lady did not conduct proper research before starting her business. Our lawyers will be in touch with her and possibly you.
Our Trademark Serial Number 77258535
I recommend that you shut down her website and advise her to transfer or cancel the domain name.
If you need to reach me, my office # is 201-743-5136 cell # 516-410-9468
Linley
Definitely one of the better posts I’ve read in a while. Thanks!