"Theme Devs: Remember when making themes was fun? What happened??"

[9of13]

This is something I decided to write due to what ive seen in recent times. No names are mentioned. There's no need for that. But It is something that needs to be said in my opinion!


I don't know about you, but back in 2007 when I first got a Blackberry and learned how to make themes, it felt like I was a kid in a toy store! It was fun! I was making a theme a day! Then I learned we can sell our work. And it was a wrap from there. Now even though it became an extra way to pay the bills, it was like that for all of us. And we all worked together in a way for all of us to get better, learn new tricks, and inspire each other! One would make a theme, and it was no problem for another to make their own version using the techniques that honestly, is available to all who was willing to learn. And those who knew were willing to teach! There were many Theme Devs who I've met over the 4 years I've been doing this who not only became some of the greats for making the themes they did, but became legendary by showing the rest of us the tricks and skills! And who also encouraged others to step up the game and making something better! We had no problem doing the research to learn something new then passing it along! We had no problem doing requests knowing that the user would be happy with how it came out. And those who requested, had no problem with us taking that theme, making it generic, and posting/ selling them with the knowledge that the one we gave them specifically is and always will be one of a kind! Well, I've noticed in the last 6 moths that the way it use to be, isn't the case anymore! Oh how it isn't the same.
In recent times, I've heard and seen the bickering, fighting, secret keeping, backstabbing and overall experiences that has me hanging my head in shame to be a Theme Developer! I've also noticed that its a specific few, who tend to start, and even willingly create these moments that make me wanna say what the french toast is wrong with all of you!? "Dev A" makes a theme. "Dev B" makes theme using a similar technique, but has a totally different theme concept. Now Dev A is crying thief! Really? If I were Dev A, I would've taken that as a compliment. Now Dev B is considered a thief! Why? Because they had a different vision? Or is it because you feel that they showed you up by doing a better job? Is it hater-aid that fuels the thirst to go online and call that dev a thief? I can understand if they made the EXACT same thing. But they didn't. So what's the problem? I've seen these same people who are quick to call another a thief, post a theme that is the exact same thing as someone else's! I've noticed quite a few of what I would call "cookie-cutter" themes. They may not be exactly the same, but you just called someone a thief when technically, you did the same thing. Kettle calling the pot, hot? I think so.
Situation number two: a dev works hard on a BB6 style theme. Custom fonts, wallpapers, icons, everything custom. Its a BB6 style theme but because of the hard work and time, it becomes a premium theme. What's wrong with that you ask? That's what I want to know! I recently had that happen to me. Got the response "how can this be a premium?". I told them why. I wasn't the only one who did either. (Thank you for the support btw. You know who you are!). They responded "still. It shouldn't be a premium". Let's see them download Theme Studio and see how much work we put into the simplest themes. Its not like we as Theme Devs never say thank you by posting many free themes! And "premium" style themes for free at that. Now that brings me to another problem that I've seen explode into a full blown migraine: requests!

Now ladies and gentlemen, in general, we have no problem taking requests, whether you pay for them or not. Now I don't know about other devs, but requests helped me learn how to theme better. If anything, as a beginner, its great practice! After a while, people started becoming....for lack of better words, a pain in the big ole behind when it comes to their requests. I for one have become one of the ever growing number of devs who no longer take requests. Why? Well folks, those who request please take note at the following part of this editorial, which by the way, is all my opinion. When you put out a general request to any dev who will do it, please be thankful. That doesn't mean you HAVE to pay us. Just being happy for what we put our time and effort into makes us love what we do! Now some of you put a request to a specific developer. To us, that's a huge compliment. It makes us feel that our work is so good you, the user, has asked us specifically to make you something. But please remember, sometimes we have to say no for many or whatever reasons. We may just not have the time. We all have day jobs, school, family,etc. Do NOT take offense. Don't start bad mouthing us on twitter and on the forums because your wish wasn't our command. Especially if we aren't charging. Now for those of us who would charge, remember a few things: it does take time and its not easy. If it was easy, you'd make it yourself right? It may take a while for us too. But the most important thing I advise before you make that request to one of us, don't just give us money first then expect us to do it asap! First, you should a) ask us if we have the time and if there's a charge. Chances are, if its something we really would love doing, its not gonna cost you a cent. Just giving us money first puts us in a position we would like to avoid. Once again, we may not have the time. Also, don't get on us like you are our bosses. The best thing for one to do when asking for a request is be as descriptive as possible. That will help out so much. Another situation I've seen is...well let me just say it like this: if we make a theme at your request, we have the right to make it as generic as possible and post/sell it as long as its not the exact same theme. A good developer will make sure you have the customized one of a kind that the others won't. I say this cause if you flip the shoe on the other foot, how many of you have seen a premium and asked us to customize it for you? Its really the same thing. And when we post a premium theme, it is VERY rude to just come out and ask for free copies. When we want to give out freebies, we will do so. We understand times are tough. It is for us too. And we can't make everyone happy. But that also doesn't mean that you, the user, can try to manipulate developers against each other just so you can get that premium theme that you don't want to pay for! I've seen that happen recently. Overall, please be courteous to Theme Developers. Its kind and honest sense. I'm sure you don't want us to say something like "here's what you do. Download Theme Studio and do it yourself!" That will be VERY rude of us! Now back to my fellow Theme devs...

All of this flaming and bashing to each other NEEDS to stop! We all may have the same ideas at the same time. Taking the argument to twitter and forums publicly makes us look childish!! We are grown. We are adults. It wasn't tolerated when we were younger and in school. Why should it be now? I see and hear about theme devs bickering over themes. Posts and even whole threads deleted by mods because you don't want to act your age. Don't you think that a little competition is good for us? It keeps us wanting to get better. It keeps the users looking for the newest themes by their favorite devs! It keeps our bills paid and everyone's Blackberrys pimped out! Everyone is happy!

Now I write all of this because once again, I am ashamed of what I'm seeing. Its beginning to make veteran developers not want to work anymore because its becoming too much of a hassle. Its not fun anymore. And its also making the new recruits not want to even try for fear of other devs bashing and talking "doo-doo" about them! And I say "doo-doo" because I feel if you all wanna act like children, I'm going to use children's terms! I'm not looking down on anyone or think I'm the shiznit, but someone has to put the word out on how our developing is becoming a joke! Devs, work WITH each other! Inspire each other, teach and learn from each other! There's a new era coming with newer operating systems and devices! Please try to keep premiums $6 dollars and under, times are tough. It will make our customers happy and keep us working. Throw a freebie out there once in a while. Contests for free copies also help in the long run. Customers, chill out please. We are not your servants. I would like to take requests again soon! In conclusion, what I have just wrote has become a borderline rant. And that's not good. Don't make me have to write out a "Theme Developers Etiquette" editorial! Ill do it!

And one final note, enough with the Hello Kitty please!!!! For many reasons! 1) there's too many out there already and the customer who requests one, personally, is just too lazy to search for one! 2) themers who make lots of HK themes either a)are the first ones to cry "copycat who sells others work!" A.k.a hypocrites, b) are only making them cause its the only thing selling cause customers are, once again, too lazy to search. You wanna make money? Put some creative work into it!

Thank You for taking the time to read. Please feel free to post comments and insights. It can be a healthy discussion and debate. We are adults.

9of13
"Resistance is Futile"

[Pootermobile]

Got some very valid points there man. The theme community is what I have always loved about BlackBerry, and what has kept me from going to another platform. Let's work together and keep the community alive yo!

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[thaqueencami]

The Hello Kitty bit was a tad hypocritical. But i feel you.

[9of13]

Hypocritical how? Feedback is great and wanted.

[thaqueencami]

Originally Posted by 9of13

Hypocritical how? Feedback is great and wanted.

Youre basically supporting theme builders to still feel free to create what they want while bashing the ones that make hello kitty themes....which are predominately females...by saying they arent creative. That could be a bit sexist. I don't know any themer that has posted a theme in mobi just because he would buy it. We create for the masses, which also includes creating themes for the girls who may like HK. So its not just those people that are creating HK themes that want profit its anyone who slaps a price tag on one. It took time and effort as well as creativity.

Point is, dont try to boost the morale while bashing a select few.

[roxxi23]

Hello, my name is Xan...and I am an HK Hypocrite. LOL I'm definitely guilty of that and I don't care to hide it either, and I'll be the first to admit it. I can't stand the kat and everyone knows it, yet most of the themes I've made and sold are kat themes. It IS what sells, but it does take the fun out of it when you start to just make what sells even, if you don't like it. Point taken, and definitely appreciated. It'll be nice to get back to making things that are fun again.

[9of13]

Originally Posted by thaqueencami

Youre basically supporting theme builders to still feel free to create what they want while bashing the ones that make hello kitty themes....which are predominately females...by saying they arent creative. That could be a bit sexist. I don't know any themer that has posted a theme in mobi just because he would buy it. We create for the masses, which also includes creating themes for the girls who may like HK. So its not just those people that are creating HK themes that want profit its anyone who slaps a price tag on one. It took time and effort as well as creativity.

Point is, dont try to boost the morale while bashing a select few.

I didn't mean to be sexist. I wasn't tryin to be. It had nothing to do with that. My point was that with so many out there, why flood it with more? Wouldn't that get people to be a little more creative? Open and expand their horizons? I could do star trek themes till my face turns klingon, and there's money with star trek themes, but I'd rather do a little this, a little that, try something new, etc. And I'm sure there's plenty of girly concepts that aren't hk honestly.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[alakija]

Good write up...

[thaqueencami]

Originally Posted by 9of13

My point was that with so many out there, why flood it with more?

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

This could go with A LOT of styles not just HK. But just because its "star trek" doesnt mean the whole concept has been done yet. You can take HK and put your twist on it. The issue isnt creativity with HK its just being creative in general which a lot of people seem to lack. But hey its coo, theres other things out there for those people...they just need to find them. Lol

FYI totally joking about the sexist comment.

[9of13]

Originally Posted by thaqueencami

This could go with A LOT of styles not just HK. But just because its "star trek" doesnt mean the whole concept has been done yet. You can take HK and put your twist on it. The issue isnt creativity with HK its just being creative in general which a lot of people seem to lack. But hey its coo, theres other things out there for those people...they just need to find them. Lol

FYI totally joking about the sexist comment.

Its cool. but the overall point of the post is whats going on between Devs. It was never like this before and i wouldnt have ever thought it would happen like this. My GF has IMO the greatest tag line for her site! "Its Every Broad for Herself!" As much as i like it, its actually a sign of the times. What was once a collective of minds all working together has become a cut-throat, royal rumble where devs fight over wallies and docks, send "spies" to find out other devs secrets and even bad mouth publicly to the point of having "followers" who act like minion sheep. Metaphorically speaking, of course. I know some will agree and some will take offence. Im cool with that. What i wrote is what i ment. It needs to stop.

[9of13]

Originally Posted by roxxi23

Hello, my name is Xan...and I am an HK Hypocrite. LOL I'm definitely guilty of that and I don't care to hide it either, and I'll be the first to admit it. I can't stand the kat and everyone knows it, yet most of the themes I've made and sold are kat themes. It IS what sells, but it does take the fun out of it when you start to just make what sells even, if you don't like it. Point taken, and definitely appreciated. It'll be nice to get back to making things that are fun again.

See? We miss it being fun! We want to be able to create themes without worrying how others are gonna talk about it! We make a great team because we share concepts, ideas and how to's without the worry of hearing "you cant do that cause i did that". 4 years ago, that team was everyone! not just a selected groups of few who keep their secrets locked up to thepoint you'd need "Ocean's Fourteen" to break in and find them out.

[BBThemes]

9of13 i totally agree with you

also im sure its not just me that finds it ironic that one fo the people posting on this thread agreeing with you (about not bickering on twitter etc.) was slating my theme on twitter, ah the irony.

the above is the reason i very rarely comment on any theme related posts.

[iPinkk]

I usually DO NOT get involved with discussion like this, BUT, I can agree with you only on some aspects because i don't make my own themes. So the issues you pointed to there with sharing ideas etc. i wouldn't know about.

I have at least 45 themes. 11 of them were free with options to donate, which i did donate for every one of them. I've won 2 themes, and the rest were purchased. I have no prob spending money on a theme I feel will satisfy my needs and make my bb look good. I also realized how much time you themers must put into making these themes. I would never attempt it to be honest. It is alot of work, and there are quite a few themes i have that have alot of special functions, shortcut keys, color options etc. I would imagine those are difficult to incorporate into the theme to have it function properly on the OS its created for. So i for one, completely understand the time and work put into the themes and the price asked/charged to earn back that hard work that was put into it.

What i can also say that I've noticed, there are a few themes i've purchased, people are always looking for a "freebie code" OR after they purchase and pay for the theme, (knowing what functions it already has) will then post in the thread saying, "well can you add $ for sms" or "can you add this...." blah blah blah. I'm like, hold on, you've read about the theme and know what it includes or doesnt include, so why buy it and then complain you want this or that in it!! That alone drives me insane, and i dont even make themes!!! LOL I understand if there is a glitch within the theme that was found and needs to be corrected and an update to be released. As far as other options to be added on just because someone 'complains' about it, would be the themers choice if they want to oblidge and give an update for that.


So, long and short, I understand what you guys, all themers, must go through trying to make "everyone happy"

Just my .02

[wu-wei]

Perhaps I'm a bit different, but I still operate in the "old way". I post answers to questions within my own threads, and within threads of other theme devs. I point out how to correct errors in themes so the devs can make them better. I have "eleventy brazillion" variations of my theme in my thread (hat tip to rrrebo for quantifying that for me ). That multitude of variations is a direct result of my willingness to take requests and build a new version.

I don't answer all requests but, when I don't, I say why (usually has to do with Theme Studio limitations, sometimes it's just more work than I have time to do).

I do all of this with no expectation of being compensated. While I was working on one variation for a user, that user actually requested that I provide PayPal information so I could be paid. I figured, "ok, that's very nice of you" and provided a link. I also dropped the link into the original thread, but again I had no expectation of being paid. To date I have received $63.50 in gross receipts from those kind donations. My thread has over 33,000 views and 392 replies (many of those are my own posts announcing new versions or answering questions). The original post has been thanked 127 times and there are numerous additional thanks throughout on different version announcements.

I make simple themes. That does not mean they're easy to make - but that they are designed, quite carefully, for a specific purpose.

I recently noticed a theme very similar to mine in the 9700 screenshot thread. Curious, I tracked down the theme dev's thread to see what changes he had made. I was quite honored to see my name mentioned in the description, giving attribution for the inspiration for this new derivative of my work.

I did not yell, or curse, or slander that theme dev. Instead, I thanked him for mentioning me and gave him a few tips on how to correct issues I had learned how to fix.

I conduct myself this way because I enjoy the crackberry community, and I want to see it grow.

I've been making themes for years, and quite frankly, I was never inclined to charge for any of my themes because I knew that anyone with the motivation could get the tools and do the same thing for themselves.

I've rambled on enough here, but I want to thank 9of13 for starting this discussion and providing me an opportunity to voice my views on the issues raised.

[Pootermobile]

Originally Posted by BBThemes

9of13 i totally agree with you

also im sure its not just me that finds it ironic that one fo the people posting on this thread agreeing with you (about not bickering on twitter etc.) was slating my theme on twitter, ah the irony.

the above is the reason i very rarely comment on any theme related posts.

That's probably me you're talking about lol oops but hey man you do have to admit that when you first made the theme it was pretty much just an icon change. But I totally respect the fact that you made the new icons from scratch.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com