Ever since the premium theme market started up people have been predicting their demise. There was no reason why the great themes couldn’t be effectively duplicated as free options and inevitably as more themes came to market from more providers the quality started to decline. So Brian Gardner and Jason Schuller have decided now is the time to go to the next level.

I think this is a great move for WordPress.

On one episode of WordPress Weekly there was a long discussions about exactly what a premium theme was. While I believed enhanced service and support was essential others were of the opinion that requiring payment was enough.

This new venture should push things to a new level and move closer to my vision of what a premium theme should be so I wish them both the best of luck, and I’ll watch their progress with interest.

On a related note, iThemes launched a comprehensive online guide to buying a premium theme this week. If you’re thinking of buying a theme it is well worth a read.