Learning From Other WordPress Theme Designers
Arguably, one of the most important aspects of ’successful’ blogging, is building relationships with other bloggers - or, to use a buzz word, networking.
In this way, a successful online presence is gained in much the same way as ‘real world’ business. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know, and if you want to make it, you better stay on the right side of people.
Hand-bags, and ten paces…
Today, a little dust has arose between two respected WordPress theme designers, Small Potato and Adii. I don’t want to get into all the details, but, basically SP give his — to put it mildly — honest opinion of Nate Whitehill’s business, Unique Blog Designs.
I’m not going to say anything against what SP stated. It’s his blog, and there’s no back doors with him, and I’ve seen him speak very ‘openly’ about a number of sites. However, Adii was quite disappointed. The reason? Well, he does some work for UBD, and so, when you don’t like UBD, you’re indirectly attacking his work too.
Learning from them
As I begin to release WordPress themes, there will no doubt be those who don’t appreciate my designs. In fact, there may be those who think they are terrible, but it’s just opinion at the end of the day; nothing more or less.
Sadly, for now at least, it seems like the friendship between SP and Adii has turned sour. I’m not in support of everything SP said, but it may have been wiser for Adii to just take it on the chin, and I hope it’ll not annoy Nate too much. However, this little episode has prepared me for any criticisms I may receive for my work.
Have you ever been on the receiving end of heavy criticism? How did you respond, and how would you have taken this if you were Adii?
This is actually a very sad twist in quite a nice relationship… If I could turn back time, I just that SP would’ve spoken to me directly instead of blasting my work where everyone else could see…
The problem is not criticism, as feedback on one’s work can only improve future designs. I have a problem with the way that SP handled it…
That said, you have a pretty slick design here Armen and I wish you all the best of luck on your journey into WP themes… It’s a tough road, but as I’ve found out - a fun one as you progress through the ranks.
Adii - I totally understand your point of view, and it would be difficult to feel anything but disappointment on your side, especially when your used his services and lined his pockets to do so.
I’ve raised SP’s bluntness with him before, but it’s just part of his personality (at least online).
I wouldn’t let all this bother you though Adii. A lot of people obviously appreciate what you do, and happy customers are what matter at the end of the day.
Thanks for the encouragement - I’m learning all the time.
It’s a shame that, if true, the friendship between Adii and SP has turned sour.
I read both posts on their blogs, and whilst I may have gone about things in a different manner, I know that both guys are wiser as a result of their thoughts.
With every negative is a positive. Adii, SP, you both have great talents with WP, and I can only aspire to know as much as you both.
Armen, you’re pretty good too for that matter!
@ Armen - yeah I’ve moved on. I was really boiling when I first read the post and Nate had to calm me down (otherwise I might’ve done something silly and impulsive). I don’t mind SP (or any other blogger) being honest and blunt, but there are limits to that - especially when something we might say might influence another person’s livelihood (in this sense, SP’s comments might have a positive or negative influence on my earnings from UBD).
@ David - I’m sure the bridge between myself and SP has not been burnt to the ground and I’m open to reconciliation. But he would have to do some serious apologizing* first!
I’m not trying to be holier-than-thou, but I didn’t do anything wrong (except reacting emotionally)… And thanks for the comments about my work… I might have the coding, but you could some serious design skills which I’m VERY jealous about! 
David - Yeah, I think a number of us may have learned from this little episode, which, in some ways, might be a positive turn out of any publicity it receives.
Adii - I’m glad Nate had the sense to keep a cool head. That’s a credit to him for sure.
If anything you’ll maybe gain a boost in traffic as a result of all this, and maybe that’s why you’ve timed your contest launch just now too. I hope that goes well for you. There will always be people who appreciate your style of design, don’t worry about that.
Thanks Adii!
Adii - I’m disappointed to see you recycle the same points over and over gain, points that I’ve already addressed via conversation with you on my own blog. You’re simply repeating yourself, but on Armen’s blog now.
As a friend, I’ve already said I’m sorry for causing you the stress and frustration you’re going through. However, don’t expect me to apologize for anything else because I have nothing to apologize for, especially not for the way you’ve chosen to handle friendship and bad reviews based on honest opinions.
That’s all I really have to say because I don’t want this to drag on, on Armen’s blog. If you choose to do so then go ahead without further comments from me.
If you want me to comment on anything else and if it’s necessary, I will do it on my own blog.
Armen - Online or offline, I’m a blunt person. If we ever meet in person, it won’t take you long to realize that. I do understand that not everyone will appreciate that type of honesty and I’m okay with that, but I’m not going to apologize like Adii expects me to do.
David - Thanks. If only I could design logos like you, I would have a logo for Wpdesigner.
SP - Just to clarify, I didn’t/don’t desire for you both to get more upset at each other here.
I know you’re always pretty honest in your reviews. I remember the first one I ever read was about Techcrunch, and you were even quite sore on them.
Having said that, you should maybe just consider apologizing. I know it may be difficult if you feel you didn’t actually do anything wrong, but, it might be worth it. However, It’s nothing to do with me, and I won’t think any less of you no matter what you do.