[theme-reviewers] set_post_thumbnail_size

[Justin Tadlock]

I've been seeing a trend lately where theme authors are getting conflicting
advice from reviewers on the use of `set_post_thumbnail_size()`.  Some
reviewers are saying not to use it.  Other reviewers are saying not to
input any parameters.  I wanted to address this and make sure we're all on
the same page here.

First, let's look at the function itself: `set_post_thumbnail_size()`.
 This function was created so that theme authors could have an easy method
for creating post thumbnails that fit in with the design of their theme.
 You can read Mark Jaquith's original tutorial on this here:
http://markjaquith.wordpress.com/2009/12/23/new-in-wordpress-2-9-post-thumbnail-images/

In order to have a thumbnail that fits in with the design of your theme,
you actually have to set those width and height parameters.  Otherwise,
it's pretty useless.

This function was created so that theme authors could get around the
limitations of user settings (large, medium, and thumbnail sizes), which
the theme has no control over.  In fact, when a custom thumbnail size is
set using this function, it creates a new image size called
`post-thumbnail`.  This is kind of important because it's also the default
image size used when calling functions like `the_post_thumbnail()`.

This is really no different than using the `add_image_size()` function and
naming the size `post-thumbnail`.  WP core developers just took it one step
farther and gave us an even easier-to-use function for setting up theme
thumbnail sizes.  Very nice of them to do that.

`set_post_thumbnail_size()` exists for theme authors.  There's no reason we
shouldn't be using it or telling theme authors that they shouldn't. I'll be
more than happy to answer any other questions about the function or in this
general area.
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