As many readers of this blog know, I'm starting a side project -- Artisan Themes -- where, among other things, I will be selling a 'premium' theme. As others also know, there's a bit of controversy surrounding premium themes and their place in the WordPress community.

You can follow the discussion in many places, there's the WP-Hacker's mailing list or the discussion on Ian's blog that I linked to last month for starters.

All that I've read about the topic amounts to what designers and developers of WordPress think about it. However, what I would like to know is what the WordPress end-user (or blogger) thinks about paid versus free WordPress themes.

To that end I have decided to host a very informal survey on the matter. I have three questions after the jump (the Keep Reading link) that deal with said subject.

Now the main problem with these type of things is that it leaves the blog author open to public shame and ridicule if no one comments on the survey because he/she looks like a gigantic fail! So if no one answers I will be forced to comment on my own blog with made up names and answers. No one wants to see that, so please, let me know your thoughts!

Instructions: This survey is for end-users of WordPress, those who would be looking for a WordPress theme as a starting point or as the full design for their blog, as opposed to designing or developing their own theme from scratch.

Answer each question to the best of your ability and if you only have one or two reasons for a certain question don't feel like you have to make up an answer just to get three points. However, if you have four or more reasons try to trim them down to your top three. Thanks!

Question 1

What three things do you like about free WordPress themesthe most?

Question 2

What three things do you like about free WordPress themesthe least?

Question 3

What are the top three things you would look for if you were buying a WordPress theme?