Via ProBlogger.net, I learned about a new theme site with an interesting twist. The site pits themes against each other in a popularity contest. The visitors at ThemeWars vote for their favorite. It gives designers and buyers an idea of what people like.

I think the site still needs some turtle wax though. Using IE 7 (why use IE?), I found problems with two of the five themes currently on the site. One theme gave java errors, another disappears after it loads. It’s framed so it’s hard to tell what the problem is.

So far all the themes listed cost $69 (or more if you want the .psds), which in knocks most folks out of the running in terms of considering the theme for use. The site is relatively new so it is one designer putting his themes against each other. I’m sure that will change though as the site grows.

Because the site is geared towards premium themes, I don’t think it will go very far unless they can somewhat regularly showcase cutting edge designs. I could be completely wrong, but I don’t think that the majority of people who would buy themes are the same group of people who care to spend time voting on them.

Still, it’s an interesting concept. What can be done with their idea to make something that has a better chance at earning the love of the masses? That’s when question ThemeWars/UnqueBlogDesign was trying to answer changes to become “How do you moneytize a site based on the American Idol model that uses free blog themes?”

Free themes will draw the visitors/voters. I’m sure you could find some design-for-hire places willing to advertise. In addition to that, there is are plenty of blog related items that aren’t themes. Hosting, support/consulting services, custom coding, premium plug-ins, etc. There’s always good old fashioned contextual ads if you think have to go that route.

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