For the past few weeks I have been thinking about the future for Arras Theme, my first WordPress premium theme. As I might not be able to provide any support for the theme towards the end of July, I have been thinking of solutions on how to keep the theme available and updated.
Let’s just be honest, the theme does not make as much revenue compared to other premium theme forerunners such as WooThemes and StudioPress. So hiring someone to do the job for support, in my opinion, might not be feasible (when I mean hiring someone he/she must know what he is doing).
Another thing is that I have joined the WPSynergy (formerly WPGorilla) team, where we aim to create great free premium themes for everyone to use. The GPL, and the idea of free software really influenced me a lot into making a decision for this theme.
Hence, I have decided to end commercial support for this theme. If you have purchased any theme packages offered either here or the official website, commerical support will end at June 31, 2009. That leaves you about a month and a half to spam all your support requests to me.
Wait! Does that Mean it’s the End?
Nope, this does not mean that it is the end of the theme. I will still provide updates and support whenever I can via forums, email or IM (you can try spamming me every night like most customers do, it might work 
).
When I am writing this post, the major update 1.3.0 is completed and ready for release. I will try to upload the theme to the WordPress themes directory, which means getting updates will be way easier now.
What it also means, is that Arras Theme is going to be a free-mium WordPress theme. IMO, this works better. More bugs will be found, more ideas can be thrown around, it would greatly benefit the theme.
What’s Going to Happen in the Next Few Days?
Just to summarize what I have been crapping about:
- Commerical Support will end at June 31, 2009
- Support Forums will be revamped and opened up to everyone (into Community Forums)
- Arras Theme 1.3.0 will be available via WordPress themes directory (needs approval)
- I get no income via Arras Theme (that means if you like it, start donating!)
I hope I did not drop a bombshell here…
always nice to know i just spent money on something that will be free in a month. sweet. gee thanks. the sad part is that i am not even using the theme as intended, it’s not for a gaming site and i am tweaking the hell out of it.
Personally, I am excited, being a poor college student and all I can’t afford premium themes.
Man, I’m psyched to hear that this is going free! I don’t have a job right now so I couldn’t afford the theme. I’ll definitely donate when I download the theme, and get some spare cash.