Drawar

There's a bunch of them I could mention here, but I wouldn't want to get on anyone's bad side. ;) They're just bad because they don't show any thought; pointless details and elements. Usually these are done by theme-millers: people who churn out theme after theme with variations only in colour and header.

Most people put a lot of time and effort into their themes. It's not fair to them for someone who has no idea how much work went into it to just waltz in here and declare it shit. If you don't like it, fair enough, don't use it, but someone put time and effort into it.

Just because someone put a lot of time and effort into something doesn't automatically make it good.

I think it's perfectly fair to declare that something is shit. It may not be very nice, but it's fair. Otherwise, no negative critique would ever be fair. Sites like Rotten Tomatoes wouldn't be fair because a movie got a bad review, regardless of how much time, effort, and money that was put into it (think Waterworld).

No, I agree that negative critique is to be expected, but saying "this is the worst Wordpress theme I've ever seen" is taking it a little far.

And this comes from a guy who usually has no qualms being honest to people who deserve it, so you know it's true.

Again, I'm somebody who's more than willing to dish it out if somebody is asking for it (directly or indirectly) but hosing down random people for crap design is a little harsh.

It's not the same as saying what are the worst products Microsoft have made or the worst games ever because all the items there are commercial grade. The developers involved might get a little peeved but they were, after all, paid for their work. WP themes are mostly personal creations with just the satisfaction that somebody got something from your design.

There's no merit in asking a question like this. As Rich says you either use a theme or you find a better one. If somebody asks you directly what you feel about a theme, feel free to let rip, give them all the feedback you can muster but grouping 10 designs and saying they're rubbish does no justice to anyone.

You're right. There's no need to go that far...which is probably why no one has added to this note.

How about a "Worst my.9rules users" note?

And then you see your name on there. (cooper)

How'd you like them apples?

Get 'er kev!

The English are such opinionated arseholes.

No, I agree that negative critique is to be expected, but saying "this is the worst Wordpress theme I've ever seen" is taking it a little far.

There's always someone or something in last place guys. Turning the spotlight on the end of the line rather than the front may not be a cuddles and smiles but it could be interesting to see what people think shit looks like.

Not saying it needs to be done but it would make for an interesting list because no two would be alike.

All of them. Because they're not Textpattern themes. ;-)

Let's stir the pot a bit shall we. (feeling mischevious on a Friday morning)

There's always someone or something in last place guys.

I think you have a point there as well. Very well said.

How often do you see someone getting singled out for being last, though?

Depends on who's doing the pointing.

Most of the time in America you won't see it at all because we're too preoccupied with walking on eggshells to not offend our neighbor.

If someone tosses something I made on a "worst of list" I'm not going to get all pissed off and offended... it's THEIR list and THEIR opinion. Why should I give a rats ass if someone thinks a free theme I designed rides along side rat droppings and rotting meat.

People need to learn to take things with a grain of salt and move on.

Life is too short to get offended by words and opinions.

People who think like that are in a minority. (Particularly on here. Who else remembers Kristin?) Which means, as unfortunate as you may think it, everyone else should to be taken into consideration.

I don't care, make your list. I'll duck out now, I've argued my side.

I never said there SHOULD be a list... I think it serves no purpose.

I do however disagree that there shouldn't be a list based on the grounds that it might offend someone.

You publish something and you license the rest of the world to love it or call it crap.

I guess what I should have asked is what are the elements of a theme which might make it unpleasant to a first time viewer, something you would pass by or be turned off by.

<EM>How about a "Worst my.9rules users" note?

And then you see your name on there. (cooper)

How'd you like them apples?/EM>

A person is not a theme Rich and anyway I'd expect to be on that list so I don't suppose it would bother me all that much.

I thank the nine rules note users for putting me in my place, you all are very good at that.

Well lets start a discussion on that line coop...

What elements in a theme would turn you away from using it?

For me personally, I would have to say extremely bright colors and trendy "3D spikes".

I tend to shoot for muted colors and minimalist designs.

I know this is off topic but:
http://kamigoroshi.net/

This is the best WP theme I have ever seen, and it is not available for download either. Also a member of 9rules, by the way.
nada
p.s. it is not mine

Most themes get lost in the pool of mediocrity. If you're on any top ten list, good for you. At least you're getting noticed. Now just work on your design..