Truth be told I am by no means a programmer. That’s right, my design skills, even my web design skills, are 100% artsy-fartsy!
That being said, I’m always looking for painless, inexpensive ways to better my knowledge for the web design side of my business that doesn’t involve going back to school or learning multiple computer languages.
I think I have found a viable solution: Thesis, a WordPress platform by DIYthemes, LLC.
While some hard-core web programmers my balk at my suggestion, I consider WordPress and Thesis fantastic tools for the everyday computer user and business owner. My personal thoughts on Thesis is that it is a superb tool for those who have neither the time nor the money to program their own website, but who still want to keep up their web presence. At $87 for a single, personal website and $164 for unlimited use on personal domains (prices are for Thesis 1.6; may increase once Thesis 2.0 is released), Thesis is a real bargain. Purchase of Thesis also includes access to their members only Answers and Forums for all your help needs.
The Design Blacklist on the Thesis framework
My own site, The Design Blacklist, is run on Thesis, and I have been extremely happy with the results. There are plug-ins and customization options for just about everything. My content goes up in a snap. And, the overall platform is extraordinarily malleable.
Basically, you start with their suggested layout and a white background. After a few quick tweaks on the back end and some uploading of your personal graphics, violà! You now have a custom theme.
Does this mean that Thesis can replace all your web programming needs? As I tell every client: buy what you need!
Thesis is a useful tool, but if you are a huge company that needs a large web presence, or a site with very specific programs and interfaces, then go for the gold. Hire a good graphic designer and web programmer who can build all your custom tools. If you are not a Fortune 500 and you don’t need a million fancy what-nots on your site, consider Thesis (or even one of the thousands of free WordPress themes available). If you are sitting on the fence and are not quite sure if Thesis is right for you, consider the 30-day money back guarantee from DIYthemes. Buy it and give it a try; if you don’t like Thesis, simply return it.
You might be pleasantly surprised by what Thesis has to offer.
