Footer link removal in free directory templates - a small rant :)

Seem to be finding a lot of directories using my free templates from www.phpld.us and removing the sponsor links. I chance upon sites doing this each week so I have no idea how many people are actually doing it and I guess it's a big problem for everyone that releases free themes. Stupid thing is that many of these people submit their sites to my directories expecting me to list them after they've ripped me off. Got one such submission today from directory.chinaeguide.com who's blatently removed the footer links to http://www.domaining.in and http://www.alivedirectory.com on the soil green template (http://soil-green.domaining.in) yet expects me to list his site..

Anyway, for anyone that's tempted to remove or nofollow footer links on free templates - please don't bother, it's really not worth risking your repuatation over and you're only hurting the people that spend their time and/or money creating and providing you with these free templates (so if you rip them off then they are less likely to release any new ones in the future). If you do want to remove the links either pay to do so or get a custom design.

 

Why not submit them to the QBC directory? Forget who's doing that, I think it's Anon.

One script, phpLynx, is working with template designers to embed the links within the script. It's unfortunate, but, I think that is the best solution long-term.

 

That's definitely bad. I don't know why people do it.

 

Thats bad.

You could also think about making the templates paid, then you don't have to worry about them removing the links.

 

I would suggest a nice little revenue stream for you...

Simply get a lawyer to write to all those people using your template with the footer links removed, and tell them that unless they hand over $50 within 30 days you'll sue them for breach of copyright!

 

Not sure, if this wrks, but just an idea for people releaseing templates,

i know i will definately do this when i release templates, as this is not a open-source area,

put a readme file Clearly specifying that removing links in footer violates the free use of this template!

or .... perhaps.... if you need to remove links please drop $XX to my paypal account!

I think i will read up o creative commens if they have something to cover some stuff like this! .... anyone who's read up creative commens?

M.

 

That sucks!

At one point I was considering spending money to be a sponsor but I have to think twice now as it could be throwing money away if so many remove those links.

 

Thats disappoints the paying directory sponsorers.

Not a good idea, QBC candidate.

 

yup i designed that template and I DO NOT SELL Copyrights removals on any of my free templates.


The idea you suggest i have been doing it with my recent templates and i state it clearly on my site both blog and the templates area so the TOS is clear. People who want to do it ... do it regardless...


so there is nothing you can do to stop him but i surely think that Ask should take a look here

 

How about giving directory owners the option to remove footer links by paying for the theme, there's alot of nice directory templates I'd use but don't want to keep the footer links. Many of you guys put notes in the html that say not to remove the footer links, instead they should say does not remove the footer links unless you've paid for a branding free template by contacting xx person or whatever. I've stripped links before, I admit but now that I've been around a while and know the deal I'd rather just hire a designer than risk getting flamed for ripping links off a theme.

 

I am releasing a few free themes soon, is there a way i can track where these themes are being used ??

 

now i am pissed ...

http://www.freeseodirectory.org/
http://www.biz-dir.org/


two of his other directories using my template and removed the sponsor links ....

!!! and the designer credit from one of those ....

 

That is very frustrating as I was also thinking about sponsoring a template in the near future. I like the idea of submitting to and/or creating a new category for template scammers on QBC.

 

I realize you are angry but keep your head on straight and remove the free links you gave him.

 

She/he is a member of DP http://forums.digitalpoint.com/member.php?u=80863

 

Both directories have credit link now. First one in footer and other one under sponsors on right.

 

I won't knowingly support those that do remove sponsors attribution and I would hope that others would consider doing the same by not accepting submissions or buying listings from them. Support those that support you.

 

not sure how to do this but i think a solution could come from introducing code in one template (like submit.tpl) that is unique and somehow can be searched. as i say im not sure, but could a commented line <!-- whatever unique --> be indexed by search engines and that way tracked?

 

hmmm, will talk to the coder about this..

Releasing one this weekend and would love to track the installs
Thanks for the suggestion

 

yep, and i believe that is counted too....
theres a reason why an invisible tracker from statcounter.com, gets it to be a PR9,.... till last year it was PR10! so my best belief is the url in comments also do give some weightage!

not sure though!

M.