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Bob Sutherton
20,160 PointsWhen a developer buys a child-theme from StudioPress does that mean he can use that theme with future clients?
Does he have to pay any more royalties to use the theme on projects for clients that are paying him?
7 Answers
Kris Phelps
7,609 PointsHey Brock!
That's completely understandable. The reason it is so complex is because it comes down to interpreting a software license (aka a legal issue) and let's face it, none of us are lawyers, LOL.
The good news is there is nothing to be worried about. StudioPress has an amazing support team. Instead of trusting Zac or myself, give yourself the piece of mind of getting your answer directly from them: http://my.studiopress.com/help/
To address your question about adding value:
When I build a site for a client, I don't just install WordPress and slap on a theme. I guide them. I ask questions and find out what they need their site to do. I help them select the right balance between plugins, functionality and simplicity.
I ask them questions to get them thinking about strategy such as where they want to get traffic from and what they want their customers, or potential customers to do on their site.
I get them to think about usability. What is the focus or purpose for each page on their site? Every page has a purpose. It is either to inform, persuade, connect or get them to take an action such as signing up for an email list or to make a purchase.
A lot of people who want a website don't consider many of these things, so a lot of the value I bring to my clients is as a guide to getting them comfortable with the internet and managing a website. In the grand scheme of things, the service I provide is much more consulting and a little bit of installing a website and adding a theme.
Anyone can install WordPress and a theme. Differentiate yourself, add value, and you'll set yourself apart. Your clients will also be much more loyal to you.
Kris Phelps
7,609 PointsHey Brock,
I use StudioPress and the answer is yes, that is acceptable.
Zac Gordon
Treehouse Guest TeacherAs long as you buy the theme each time you want to use it. You don't have to pay more though if you make more money from reselling the theme as the site you build.
Bob Sutherton
20,160 PointsI am a little confused. I interpreted Kris Phelps as saying that I can use it with any site I build in the future as long as I have bought a copy myself. The link he posted seems to suggest that as well.
But, if I understand you Zac Gordon, you are saying that if I work with a client in the future I will have to buy the theme again to use it with them.
I have already bought Genesis. But what I wanted to do was to buy a child theme and be able to use it on any project I want in the future. You are saying I will have to buy the same theme again for every new project.
So how does it work for dummies?
Zac Gordon
Treehouse Guest TeacherI think you only have to buy a single theme if you use it for a different project or different site. So one license covers one site. Unless they have special licenses where you pay more upfront and can use it unlimited times.
Kris Phelps
7,609 PointsHey Brock,
It comes down to the licensing. I believe Zac has given the safe answer, but I believe it's based on his experience with other companies like ThemeForest who have much stricter licensing. I've read numerous conversations between the founders of StudioPress and others.
They've released their themes under the GPL license, as WordPress requires, being that themes are a derivative work of WordPress. Based on this, once you purchase the StudioPress themes, you are free to do with it as you please.
Of course, you want to keep the spirit of GPL. Clearly, StudioPress intends to be paid which is why I bought their Pro Plus package. I've seen numerous arguments about the licensing because many people want to get it and distribute it without paying for it at all (which really irks the creators- understandably).
If you purchased it, you're fine. Here are some related conversations regarding it:
http://wpblogger.com/brian-gardner-gpl-interview.php (An interview with the creator) http://www.genesisclub.co/58/genesis-licensing-how-does-it-work (More discussion regarding licensing) https://wordpress.org/support/topic/gpl-themes-for-money-do-i-understand-the-gpl-right (A really lengthy convo where a person is stating they'll put StudioPress themes up for free download because they can, to which Brian Gardner (StudioPress creator) eventually replies:
"The bottom line is do whatever you want.
Our business model won't change, and we'll continue to supply quality themes to folks at (very) affordable prices to people who value their business.
Putting all of our themes on your site might get you a few hits of traffic and will continue to confuse users. Neither of which are beneficial the community as a whole, and definitely not the "spirit" of the GPL."
And obviously, my original link, straight from StudioPress themselves. Again, I don't think it's right to steal their stuff simply because the license seems liberal, I think you should purchase any theme from them that you intend to use, but nothing I've seen from StudioPress indicates that you have to purchase their themes repeatedly.
Kris Phelps
7,609 PointsI also want to add that this shouldn't be used as a loophole to simply set up a service to "build you a WordPress Site with premium StudioPress themes for only $40!". If you're going to be using their themes for clients, then you should be providing REAL value to the clients, not just trying to resell StudioPress' work. StudioPress hasn't necessarily said this is a no-no, but to me, as an active member of the WordPress community, it would be pretty lame in my opinion.
Bob Sutherton
20,160 PointsThanks Kris Phelps. Just for the sake of learning, what would you consider as providing REAL value when working with a child theme? I'm sure I would want to charge more than 40$ but I would like to know a little more about what people consider to be value.
I will also add that this is a very confusing topic. I started out with a very simple question that I thought would have a pretty straightforward answer.
I do appreciate all of the context you have given Kris, as well as the links. I'm still not sure I know what the answer is though. I have never even done a single project for money yet.
Zac Gordon seems to be sticking with the story that you have to pay for a new license every time you build a new site. That seems like it would get expensive if you were a Genesis developer but then I guess you would just figure it into the fee you charge the client.