How do you pick the right theme?

  • Cleo3

    (@cleo3)


    16 years, 4 months ago

    How do you find unbiased and informed comparisons of the themes available here?

    I’ve been using WP off and on for a while now and I haven’t stumbled on a theme I’m really comfortable with and really don’t know how to find the best one to devote the time and energy to really learn to modify.

    The one I’m using on the only site i do with much potential volume (http://www.horsesofthewest.com/horses-for-sale) is nice but it hasn’t been updated to use post thumbnails in 2.9 and I think I desperately need those (assuming they are what I think they are.)

    I know there are people out there who have the information I’m looking for but all I see to find is people selling their own theme. Nothing against that; I do think an actively involved developer who is willing to customize for a fee is a big plus for a theme. But I want to know what the unbiased users think. A little like Amazon reviews . . . .

    Any comments about themes or information about how to research and pick a theme would be greatly appreciated.

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
  • esmi

    (@esmi)

    16 years, 4 months ago

    http://ww.wp.xz.cn/extend/themes/

    Thread Starter Cleo3

    (@cleo3)

    16 years, 4 months ago

    Yes, Esmi, those are the themes I’m asking about. Thanks for your reply.

    I’m wondering where I go to find comprehensive and unbiased information about what it’s like to use the various themes and therefore which might be the best for me to choose.

    esmi

    (@esmi)

    16 years, 4 months ago

    There’s no review site that you can use.

    First of all, you need to decide whether you’ll be running a web site or a blog that invites comments and discussion. Whilst most themes will work as well for a blog as they do on a basic, no discussion, site, you don’t want to find out that your comment display options are limited on your busy blog three months down the line.

    If you’re not going to use Posts or comments, ignore any comment enhancements or featured post extras. They’ll be a bit pointless if you’ll be only be using Pages.

    Next, decide what kind of layout you want. 1 column? 3 columns? A narrow or wide display? Focus your search on these decisions. using the Tags page on the WordPress Theme Directory might help in that respect.

    When you start to view theme, try not to be too swayed by color. It’s usually far harder to change the layout of a theme compared to changing its colors – although themes with lots of graphical elements (patterned backgrounds, rounded boxes etc) also have their own problems.

    If you are comfortable using XHTML, CSS, PHP and WordPress template tags, go for themes that don’t have custom options. They’re often the easiest to hack.

    If you’re non-technical and didn’t understand half of the last paragraph, look for themes that are widget-ready and offer custom header and/or sidebar placement options.

    Make a note of the last time a theme was updated. One that hasn’t been touched for years is far less likely to work effectively with the latest version of WordPress compared to one that has been updated recently. Take time out to read any comments posted against the theme. They might forewarn you potential problems.

    Use the Preview option to view themes in action. OK – so you only get to view a demo front page within a window but that page is carefully constructed to try and give you a good idea of how the theme will look on a working site. Scroll right down. Check the various Headings. Examine the list displays. How readable is the text generally? The closer this preview corresponds to what you want on your site, the smaller the risk that you’ll need to undertake any heavy customisation.

    Thread Starter Cleo3

    (@cleo3)

    16 years, 4 months ago

    Thanks again, Esmi. While I wish a more comprehensive review option existed, I appreciate your comments. You gave me some new thoughts and some much-appreciated validation of the general process I was using.

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

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