Web Development Business

[rasolis]

Originally Posted by rasolis

Well, I've been reading up on GPL and how some do WP business out there. In case you were wondering, here is what I've decided. My decision is based on what I've read from Matt Mullenweg, Brian Garner, Alex King and Cory Miller. Oh and Rebecca's solid explanation of how she does business.

Because I really enjoy working with WordPress and I am thankful for the opportunities I've had and will have, I will only offer GPL premium themes. I think that will help me keep in the spirit of what WordPress is all about.

As for my Webshoo.com, I've decided to focus on creating a powerful and enhanced hosting service. I will be outsourcing the development and customization. I will most likely create a featured list of designers. I think my focus on hosting technology only, will allow Webshoo.com to provide a better customer experience.

So I am using the affiliate program to sell StudioPress themes on webshoo.com. I think it is the right thing to do, as it will provide more revenue to SP as well as Webshoo.com. I need to contribute to my preferred design company! This way the client will own the theme and will have access to the support, should I'm not available to help. We gotta keep the WP ecosystem going!

Side note: When I first bought the All theme package, I couldn't figure out how SP would continue to generate sales with me. I felt I got a really good deal. Some others, charge a yearly fee. It would seem if 80% of SP customers bought the All theme pkg, SP wouldn't be able to make any future sales with 80% of their customers. Sorry I'm thinking out loud and I know it's none of my business. =)

Last thing, since my featured themes are StudioPress, and Webshoo.com manages all the websites with access, (easier with the upcoming 3.0), I'd love to work more closely with StudioPress designers. Just a thought, we could make things easier and quicker for customizations. For example, a StudioPress universal login (fully disclosed to my clients), this way you could go in any time, should a client request for your premium services. I am open to any ideas or suggestions.

Since I'll be more focused more on the tech side, I really want to provide a professional, reliable and easy process for Webshoo.com clients, when it comes to customization.

Hmm...may be this is a Brian question. =)

Thanks for reading and Aloha!

~ RAS

Thought I'd update my post above. I've done everything above so far but had a tough time only offering GPL. 2 out of 3 are GPL. I'm hoping the 3rd will go GPL. We have a good working relationship and couldn't just back away from selling their themes. This was before I fully understood GPL.

Sigh - wish things were simpler but such is life.

RAS☺