Comments on: GPL Premium WordPress themes reselling

By: Michael

Michael — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 15:52:06 +0000

I agree with Michael. Premium theme companies are making a killing selling themes from a free open souce platform like wordpress. If they feel guilty and use GPL that is great but you can’t have it both ways. Most of theme say “we’re GPL” then discourage anybody from actually using the GPL license.

Makes no sense.

By: Michael

Michael — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:07:37 +0000

Themes released under the GPL should be done so with full understanding what that means. Although it may -seem- unsavory (to some) that others take themes released as GPL then redistribute them for free or for pay, that’s what the GPL allows and therefore it is a moot point whether you think it is unethical or not.

The GPL is what it is.

If a theme developer doesn’t like the end result of what the GPL has wrought, then don’t release themes under the GPL. I just don’t understand why this is such a volatile topic of discussion everywhere I turn. It’s really very simple.

The real discussion should be why the GPL is what it is. But don’t lay blame at people for doing what it is provided by GPL.

By: Toby

Toby — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:54:26 +0000

I think you misunderstand the GPL. You say it is not in the spirit of the GPL. It is not a grey area it is expressly stated that you may redistribute with or without a fee.

All the premium theme selling sites that support the GPL have done so after careful consideration.

Like any business ethics fall by the wayside. You say they offer no value and this is probably true of the site that is already out, but there is plenty of ways theme resellers could add actual value in addition to the lower cost.

http://wordpress.org/extend/themes/commercial/ for a list of themers who support 100% GPL