Affiliate links in default theme installation
I had a guy email me about all the affiliate links in the default theme and how “turned off” he was by them. Here’s the deal. I needed content for the default installation, and since many of you use the theme for affiliate marketing, why not put some actually affiliate-type content into the default installation so you have something to work with?
You can easily edit the top feature links in the feature.php file, and the footer links in the footer.php file or just activate widgets and replace all the content. I guess I didn’t see the harm in including my own affiliate links with a free theme. If someone clicks and I make a little coin, who does that hurt? So for those of you who are “offended” by my inclusion of my own affiliate links in the sample blog content, I hope my appology is accepted. Geesh.
Oh yeah, what about the cost of the theme license at $39 per site or $99 for unlimited sites? Too much? Personally I think it’s pretty cheap compared to commercial themes that are available. Again, this theme isn’t intended to be a big money-maker for me, it’s just fun to see how people trick it out and use it. But people are always asking me how much it would cost to remove the footer link, so I just put together the license price so people would know. If it’s too much, let me know and if I get enough input I’ll revise it.
Here’s a clarification on the footer link. It’s ONLY the one clear at the bottom of the theme. The actual link varies but it’s always either to one of my other sites or to JustGive.org which is a really cool way to feel better as a human being. All the other links and graphics in the theme are just filler content, so feel free to remove them.
Don’t apologize to those people, you’ve given them something for free and all they can do is whine?
Thank you for creating this free theme… its amazing!
I hope lots of people click, and you make lots of money.
-Jon
I’m with Jon. Flex developer let me say it for you…”You’re complaining of a few affiliate links in the default setup? Get over it you little weenies. Anyone can easily remove the links.
And for all the installations where the installer doesn’t immediately customize the Flex 2 theme, then maybe, just maybe, the author of this theme might make a few affiliate sales. Most free WP themes don’t hold a candle to Flexibility 2″
well call me a weenie then, because all that clutter annoyed the hell out of me. If you wanted to make some money back for providing an excellent theme, fine just say so up front. Then I and others can decide whether it’s worth it or not. But to clutter up my blog with your affiliate links, which I have to wade through and hack out, is not cool.
Ken
http://www.kenstech.com
Either way, you’re going to have clutter in the theme. Whether it consists of Lorum ipsum filler text or affiliate links, there needs to be some content to give people a starting point to customizing their own blog.
As far as ‘hacking out’ the links, it consists of turning off the top feature and footer widget display options. I’ll have to figure out a way to make it even easier, maybe even just ONE step! If I didn’t include what’s there, 99% of people wouldn’t have a clue how to style the HTML to look like it does.
If you didn’t notice Ken, you can buy a shiny link-free version of the theme for only $39. Maybe I’ll take your suggestion and shut off the free downloads and charge for the theme upfront like many people have told me I should do. Thanks for the input.
I want to actually thank you for adding all the clutter! After I installed the theme and viewed it for the first time, all I could say is WOW!
Then I said… Why didn’t I think of that? You just showed me some great new ways to promote products on some of my blogs in a non intrusive way.
Again, thank you for adding the clutter to the theme!
Re’s
Rob Whisonant
PS Job well done on the new version of the theme.
Exactly the point my friend.
Great theme,however i think it could have be more lovely if you completely remove the comment box from the pages as they are not likely needed there.
You can turn the comments on/off for each individual page. It was a feature requested by several users so I added it.
Thank you for the wonderful theme, you made my life much easier