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I think tumblr’s themes commissions’ prices aren’t realists.

Now, let me say, I understand — some theme makers here are merely teenagers with an interest in code, simply here to fiddle a little with code and wonder at it. If they can grab a $3 commission on paypal out of it, that’s a plus.

They don’t value themselves enough as creators to ask for higher prices, and they’re right to do so.

However, other people, a smaller part of theme-makers in the community, write good, healthy code. They either pursue their passion in college, where they study web design or web development, or they train and study by themselves as a hobby. Some, like myself, already have a degree and work as web developers. (disclaimer: I don’t have commissions open and probably never will, so that’s not a #I’mComplainingAboutMySadLife rant post)

These people are forced to propose themes that are either free or insanely cheap to have a chance in the market — because having pricing plans that are about 250% more expensive than average, even if your products are of quality, break deals instantly with most (if not the entirety) of your potential customers.

It’s true tumblr themes do not require server configuration, complicated algorithms, database architecture and management. You won’t need to install a backoffice for your clients. You won’t need to create plugins, to manipulate audio/video elements or even secure forms. Jeez, you won’t even deal with half the shits developers are going through daily. You’re limited in the languages you use, and even in the design possibilities some default assets force on you (tumblr controls, I’m looking at you)

But get this: today, a junior professional freelance front-end developer landing a hand on an agency’s project (in France) would charge AT THE VERY LEAST 500€ (US $535) for a day of seven to nine hours work. What would they do? Well, pretty much what theme-makers do: adapt to the API and architecture already in place, set up the HTML mark-up, give SEO and UX advice if they have any competence on these issues, style the elements. They wouldn’t worry about taking care of the website design because that’s not their jobs.

You know what makes tumblr themes different? The audience.

We don’t make expensive things because we’re aware most people on this website don’t make money. I personally think back about when I first joined tumblr: I was fourteen, my only source of revenue were the 20 bucks my mom would throw my way if I begged hard and long enough, and I wouldn’t have even imagined asking her for her credit card to buy a $15 theme that I would probably use one year top before getting sick of it. So a theme that would cost $100? Hm, nope.

What makes me feel odd is that good theme-makers tend not to realize this. They don’t know they’re worth more, because all they see around are others cuties putting their works at the groundbreaking price of $15 top. And god forbid someone asks $30 for a theme! They’re only in it for the money! Delete ur account!8181!!!

That’s not actually a problem. That’s the reality of what it is: if all theme makers suddenly dropped the mic and started asking more than $50 for their themes, they wouldn’t have clients, and therefore wouldn’t have anymore income. By doing the customers a favor and keeping their prices unrealistically low, they’re also doing themselves a favor.

But at the end of the day, is it a disservice? By lowering their prices, are theme-makers also lowering their worth and expected product quality?