I am a bit of a WordPress theme addict. Even when my blog uses a theme for a length of time, I am probably trying on others behind the scenes. Many of my Blogger friends are switching to WordPress, or thinking about it. The switch leaves them shopping around for a new theme. Most are not accustomed to paying for hosting and paid premium themes often leave them with sticker shock. These noobie WordPress users start seeing some rather attractive free themes around, and wonder why all their friends aren’t using them already.
The problem with many top quality “free” WordPress themes, comes in the fine print. These themes are often funded by the designer selling their own links in the footer. I am not talking about the common links most designers leave to their own business. These are sold by the designer to third parties. Unless you feel comfortable with 
the possibility of your sweet little mommy blog, having links to casinos, international dating sites, and mesothelioma lawyers sitting at the bottom of the page, proceed with caution. BTW there will also be notation that comes with the theme stating you are not allowed to remove these links.
There are some great themes out there that do not contain these PR draining, and sometimes questionable links. If you are concerned about increasing your PR, I do suggest you take a look at the footer code of free themes, prior to using them. On several occasions, I have discovered “invisible” links. The designer added these links in the same color as the background color. This takes out the issue of your readers seeing links that you would not approve of, but they are still there. Sneaky, very sneaky.
If you are looking for a theme to start off with while finding your perfect match, there are many wonderful options: Thematic, Arras Theme, TypographyWP 1.1 and Atahualpa are all good choices. All can be installed directly through your WordPress dashboard, and are relatively easy to customize, as well.
having invisible links in the footer also will get your site banne from google- it is a big no-no for them.
it is a shady practice, but I see it all the time on the design boards and it makes me sick- the designers are taking advantage of the users.
Some may say- well it is a free theme and they have to make money- not the case, a designer should make a free theme for 2 reasons- one- to practice skills and get thier designs out there for the world to see and potentially get hired- and two- for a simple link to their portfolio on the theme, — you don’t make free themes to make money.
I use Thesis. Definitely not free – it’s pricey. But the support is pretty good, especially for someone like me who couldn’t code herself out of a box if her life depended on it.
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I think you should always find something unique and then tweak it more to be even better!
trisha
momdot
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That’s interesting. I had no idea free themes had links like that in them. I’ve only ever used premium pay themes.
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This is the reason why I LOVE Atahualpa (the theme I use); it was free, completely customizable, and no annoying links!
Good article.
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You’ve got a really great blog here!
Happy FF! I’m your newest follower!
Have a great weekend!
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