Can you Help a Maven with a Makeover?
By Roberta Rosenberg on Dec 27, 2009 in Just Thinking
It’s time Copywriting Maven followed her own advice and made a little makeover magic for herself!
Do you know the proverb about the cobbler’s children? That’s how I am with my own sites and stuff.
I was reading the comments in a blog devoted to minimalist WordPress themes. One comment stood out. It was something like, “I need to change my theme. The old one is making me sick to my stomach just looking at it.”
Well, I don’t have the same stomach distress, but I do think – with a new decade and all – it’s time I gave Maven a thorough design makeover. As much as I enjoy killing time looking at new themes – and I do – I’m thinking I’d ask for some expert advice from folks in the know.
That’s why I’m asking for your help in locating some excellent, Maven-worthy themes that will play nice with WP 2.9. I tend to gravitate toward the minimalist. I’m of the “less is more” design school. I think it wears better over time. (But I’m open.) I’m looking for a theme that:
- Doesn’t require a huge amount of customization (more to break each time WP upgrades its code)
- Most customization can be done by moi, but I don’t mind a little professional assistance
- Can easily accommodate some monetization (I have a kid getting ready for college this fall)
- Makes content look good.
- Doesn’t use teeny tiny and/or grayed out fonts
- Makes images look good, but doesn’t overwhelm the words
- Can accommodate a custom banner, but still looks good without it
- Can be free or premium. (If you’re recommending Thesis, and I’m sure many of you will, I’d like to see the Thesis theme in action.)
- If the theme uses a lot of plugins, identify them for me
Prizes to be awarded for the 2 best recommendations submitted by 1/15/2010.
Add your recommendation with link/s to demos and theme examples in the comments below by January 15. Once I weed through the possibilities, I’ll award one, fresh new copy each of Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps and Google Blogger for Dummies to say thanks.
Thanks in advance! I’m hoping to have the new design tweaked and installed by the end of January. I’m thinking around my birthday might be nice. 
TC/The Copywriter Underground | Dec 28, 2009 | Reply
Boy, I don’t know if “minimalist” and “monetization” are terms often seen together.
I think you’ve got a lot of stuff to cram into a minimalist style theme.
Just to throw a wrench in the works, I’m suggesting you go another route.
Wy not consider a magazine theme, which allows you to feature your older content better?
Plus, plenty of options for ads, monetization, etc.
As always, yours in confusion,
The Copywriter Underground
Roberta Rosenberg | Dec 28, 2009 | Reply
Ah, but I’m thinking of really cleaning house, keeping what works, removing what doesn’t, etc. Maybe a minimalist magazine style?
(And tho you wouldn’t know it from here, I do like a super-stripped everything. I think a watch with hands is too cluttered.
Susan Gunelius | Dec 29, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for offering two of my books in your contest, Roberta! I definitely prefer minimalist design. I’m really looking forward to seeing what premium theme designers come up with in terms of new designs, features and functionality now that the new Wordpress 2.9 has been released!
Roberta Rosenberg | Dec 29, 2009 | Reply
My pleasure, Susan! Considering your experience – do you agree with Tom. Should I be thinking about a magazine, minimalist, format?
The Copywriter Underground | Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
I believe a theme that showcases the foundation content is a good idea nowadays – especially since blogs are likely the landing pages for our online persona. How about something like:
http://wp-launch.solostreamsites.com/
Roberta Rosenberg | Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
Wow, this is an excellent choice, Tom. Thank you! I was looking at the Headway theme, as well. Curious about the drag and drop approach.
Monica (CyberlandGal) | Feb 3, 2010 | Reply
I see I’ve missed your prize deadline. In case you haven’t made your final decision, I highly recommend the themes from StudioPress at http://www.studiopress.com. I used the Streamline theme for my website, http://www.eVenturesinCyberland.com. StudioPress’s themes are very professionally designed and very easy to customize to change the look and feel to suit your needs. Most importantly, StudioPress has a Support Forum offering unlimited free advice on theme customization (for paying customers).