Web Site Template Rage/Trends
Having been building and selling web site templates now for over five years, I am always watching what the latest trends are. I have been noticing for quite awhile that template exclusivity is declining rapidly.
More and more designers are selling templates over and over again to numerous customers for $10, $15 or worse ... 100 templates for $10.00 on CD. I'm still exclusive as quality to me is more important than quantity. Some of what I see called templates is truly a ripoff to consumer, which really gives serious and professional designers a bad rep.
However, I wonder though if these sites are really making any kind of money by over-selling templates to multiple customers. I try to put myself in a customer's shoes. Sure everyone wants low cost and that would always be a factor especially for those companies who change their site often, but do I really want to see the same template I am using (let's say I paid $15.00 for it) splashed across the web and mass produced on CDs? How professional would that make my company look?
Perhaps I'm zoning and not up on the trends as I might think. Comments? (Now ... be nice ... I'm not blasting anyone here. I'm simple thinking (typing) out loud.)
Busy posted this at 21:45 — 18th September 2001.
He has: 6,151 posts
Joined: May 2001
I dont think the words "exculsive" and "internet" can safely be used in the same sentence.
I think when newbies enter into web design they see the templates for sale (and\or business) and think wow, but as they learn more they learn to make their own.
Stealing graphics, layouts, codes is a no-no but it happens, i have even seen people steal and use layouts, including same graphics belonging to the big companys. A lot of people think the web is free pickings for anything.
Even if you mass sold your templates, the sites wont be the same, well will be to a degree but thats about it as the title (usually in banner or logo), content, link names etc will all be different - unless its a mirrored site (which has been done as well, people copy complete sites as say its theirs).
I think a company would sit down and chat about their needs for a template rather than buying one off the shelf as it were, personal homepages general use anything that look good lol
I always make my own graphics, and make sets, layouts for others free, if i havent got the time to do it I'll send them to one of the thousands of free template sites out there, why pay when you can get it free?
looking back over this it doesnt really answer your questions, oh well its my .02 cents worth.
dan208 posted this at 17:42 — 8th October 2001.
They have: 3 posts
Joined: Oct 2001
Hi,
I sell the 100+ templates for $20 and my business is doing pretty good. I actually use the templates myself because it works for making quick templates and getting a website fast because I am more into making websites and selling, then actual hardcore webdesign(nothing wrong with that, though). Go to my site to see.
Get over 100+ professional templates for only $20 at http://www.2bucktemplate.com
sticky posted this at 13:09 — 23rd October 2001.
They have: 30 posts
Joined: Jul 2001
Every one have a look at this dan208 guys site every template is stolen from my site take a look for your self http://www.stickysauce.com/freetemplates/index.htm
I cant believe this I am so mad....
Sticky
rinnando posted this at 20:41 — 28th October 2001.
They have: 6 posts
Joined: Oct 2001
hi sticky, I have read about your templates being stolen on other forums as well.And to see the one that stole them put them here is really daring.
But looks like he has closed his site.
But still I would advice to wtermark your templates because there are more out there like him.
Your site is really picking up, I saw it when you first launched it. congratulation.
And like they say we live and learn by our mistakes.
rinnando
Get seen on the web
the13thMajestic posted this at 03:02 — 3rd November 2001.
They have: 22 posts
Joined: Nov 2001
I have been a repeat visitor to Stickysauce so I wanted to say hello to you Sticky and I know Rinnando as a mutual partner over at newezone.com, so hello to you also Rinnando...how are you doing?
Man, Sticky, that guy sure dumped that site in a big hurry...are you going to pursue him through the Webmaster Forums Admin? If I were you, I would because he'll just throw up another site, just as he admitted he does in his post and if you have had trouble with this theft before, then perhaps it's time to make an example of someone.
I really like your site and I love the name Stickysauce
I have even cosidered adapting my site at http://www.awequest.net to one of your templates, but now that I have your personal attention, do you have any advice or suggestions for me. My site is quite a challenge and I am trying to figure out how to manage it better through the use of templates and SSI (which I know nothing about either, so if anyone can help...).
the13thMajestic
ElegantCoffees.com
rinnando posted this at 08:32 — 3rd November 2001.
They have: 6 posts
Joined: Oct 2001
I would suggest that you post on as many forums as possible about your templates, mayby this way he mayby not stopped all together, but at least slow him down.
here is where you can find lots of web master forums.http://www.messageking.com/
hi there Ron, we seem to run in to the same people all over the net don't we?
Again get the word out about this person. I wonder if he took them down himself or was deleted as member, it was free web space.
I know how I would feel if I saw my hard work which I offer for free taken and sold by another.
rinnando
Get seen on the web
mairving posted this at 12:38 — 3rd November 2001.
They have: 2,256 posts
Joined: Feb 2001
Sticky, I think that you live and learn. You should have these templates that you created covered by some kind of a license. This guy obviously stole your templates and he is trying hard to irritate you also.
Definitely talk to a lawyer or someone else who knows the law in this case. Now you could hire an expensive lawyer and go after this guy for selling $20 templates but it's not worth the price. But if these were covered by a license and he violated the license, then it would be pretty easy to contact Ebay or whoever sells them and stop it without a lawyer.
Mark Irving
I have a mind like a steel trap; it is rusty and illegal in 47 states
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