[theme-reviewers] Abandoned/Changed Theme Name, Requesting Transfer

[Otto]

On Fri, Apr 18, 2014 at 3:45 PM, Chip Bennett <chip at chipbennett.net> wrote:

> I think the question of *prudent* Theme name choices is a valid
> discussion, but a completely separate one. We've gone down that road
> before, and personally, I don't want to get into the highly subjective (and
> controversial) issue of trying to be gatekeepers for Theme Names, aside
> from the basics we've got established currently.
>
> The more important (and interesting) underlying question here is: what to
> do with abandoned (or changed) Theme names? Do we want to have some way to
> release abandoned Theme names (that is: names for Themes that are in SVN,
> but never got approved to be listed in the directory)? Or do we want to
> say: once claimed, it's gone; just pick a different name?
>


The process is the exact same as transferring themes from one owner to
another: namely, it's a huge pain in the ass involving me doing it by hand.

At some point, this might be made easier. That point could be soonish.
Dunno yet, plans aren't final. Working on it.

Still, the easiest solution is to use a different name. And for this case,
I would highly recommend that, given that many other themes exist with the
same name in many other places. Choosing a name somebody else already used
elsewhere makes things more difficult for you in the long run.

Like when Polly asked me about the name "Intrepid", (see
http://wptavern.com/introducing-ex-astris-a-free-wordpress-child-theme-for-stargazer),
I did the same thing and found these:
http://freelancewp.com/wordpress-theme/intrepid/
https://www.sz-solutions.com/blog/2010/02/21/wordpress-business-theme-intrepid/

Why would you choose a name that others have already used for similar code
and risk confusion in search results? With a name that's unique, people
will be more likely to find it.

-Otto
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