For designers, by designers

A Manifesto of Utmost Importance.

We quit.

We quit the establishment, the status quo, and the rigorous oppression of those that don’t know jack about design. We’re fed up and we’re not going to take it anymore.

We quit the enforcement of authoritarian pricing models whereby the powers that be force you into unjust pricing schemes, paying you pennies on the dollar for your time and effort. Who says you can’t charge $100… $1,000… if that is what you think your design is worth? You know your design rocks and it is way better than the dribble that passes for a $20 theme with no quality, no style, and no hope of success.

Who says that you must be trapped into exclusive relationships? Why can’t you determine your own fate? Why can’t you choose when and where you sell your work and how you make a living?

That is not the free market at play. That is an oppression of the masses.  And that, my dear, is not acceptable any more.

We know and you know that good web design is about solving real business pains with designs that work well. Good design is not about hipster-wannabe color schemes, Cufón Fonts, and REALLY BIG TEXT that shouts LOOK AT ME!

This is it. It’s time to face up to the monster. It’s time to see the forest for the trees, without taking for granted that each tree is unique and an ecosystem unto itself.

And what the powers don’t realize is that when an ecosystem is threatened, the species within fight back. For designers, by designers.

It’s time to fight for a community that lets you call the shots, that lets you determine what is fair. It’s time to fight for what is right.

A free market does not mean that which you build, that which you create, shall be given away freely. A free market means that the strong will survive, and the weak shall perish. We believe that in a free market, crappy designs will wither on the vine. Good designs and those with positive customer feedback and great support must be rewarded.

It is clear to us as it is clear to you that a new marketplace needs to emerge. A new market for designers, by designers. We believe that when such a market is nourished and fed  -- it can grow and flourish. It is not a question of what should happen, nor is it a question of why. It is now only a question of when.

So this is our call to you. Our wooing song. Our manifesto. Rise up and join us as we construct a new marketplace where the rules are clearly defined.

1. Don’t suck.
2. Be true.
3. Let good design, backed by good support, reign supreme.
4. Don’t just say it. Mean it, breathe it, live it.
5. Always be growing.
6. A marketplace requires both buyers and sellers. Treat them equitably as taking sides leads to an inefficient market. And an inefficient market leads to death.
7. Mistakes will be made, but it is how you deal with screw ups that matter.
8. If you break it, try to fix it.
9. Once you fix it, say you’re sorry.
10. If you can’t fix it, learn from your mistakes.
11. Themes.com defines what we are and what we do, not who we are and what we can be.
12. Never forget:  For designers, by designers.

We want you to be a part of something unique and different. We want designers who give a damn to want to join us and make something of real and lasting value. This is just the start, our warning shot, our shouting from the rooftops if you will. Get your themes together… we’re coming soon.

Founders in Arms, Themes.com