Brand new Theme Directory - Now in public beta

[Ben]

Bloggeries is in the process of building a brand new Theme Directory to replace the read-only WordPress themes forum. The new system has the following features:

• A custom-built system, tailor-made for sharing themes.
• No extra login ID required - just use your forum username.
• The newest submissions will be displayed on the front page of the theme directory.
• Themes are divided into categories. We can easily add new categories as needed.
• Themes for systems other than WordPress will now be supported.
• Searchable name and description fields.
• Every theme will have a 100x100 thumbnail.
• A download and demo link can be included. Just include the URL and the system will automatically turn it into a clickable link for you.
• Specify the number of columns and sidebars in your theme.
• Search for themes using multiple parameters, e.g. category, platform, number of columns and so on.

We have worked hard to provide a simple but powerful solution that will be beneficial to all.

Edited, July 28th: We have just put the new Theme Directory in public beta. Please try adding your themes to it and let us know if you have any bugs or other feedback. If you're not a theme author, why not help us by spreading the word so we get more people adding to the directory?

[Michigal]

Just out of curiosity, are you going to be checking for obfuscated code in the themes? By obfuscated code, I mean the type that is hidden to normal users, but produces links to spammy and other undesirable sites.

[Nathan]

Originally Posted by Michigal

Just out of curiosity, are you going to be checking for obfuscated code in the themes? By obfuscated code, I mean the type that is hidden to normal users, but produces links to spammy and other undesirable sites.

Only high quality themes will be accepted into the directory. The administrators and moderators will be keeping a close eye on the directory just as we watch the forums themselves.

Spam will not be tolerated.

However, some themes include links to the theme designer as part of the license allowing you to use the theme. This isn't spam, but rather a reasonable requirement which reflects the time and effort that the theme designer put into the theme.

It is up to you to check your themes for such link and see where they lead. If one leads to an obviously spam or porn site, report the theme and we'll take the appropriate action. But ordinarily these links are not a problem.

[Michigal]

I think you misunderstood me, Nathan. Certainly links to the designer's sites are appropriate. However, you might want to read up about obfuscated spam links in footers. It's hidden and not obvious, even by checking, so the average user wouldn't have a clue it's there.

Read these:

WordPress › Support New Premium Anime Theme (2.7.1) Tested
Obfuscated code - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Decoding the obfuscated base64 php at it.megocollector.com

[Bloggeries]

If we find out any themes have such devious extras we'll swiftly remove them.

[QuirkyJessi]

Woohoo. Glad to see it released!

[Crazyhorse]

Great Idea! Theme Directory is so good. All bloggers will have opportunities to get known! Long live Bloggeries.com!