Free WordPress Theme: Thunderbolt
We are pleased to announce the first WordPress theme from Hell Yeah Dude. Let’s take a minute here and go through a couple of things about the theme process, theory, the way it looks, and the way it works. After going through the Hell Yeah Dude redesign, I wanted to put together something really clean, something very simple and solid (thus the use of Helvetica or Arial). So I figured putting together a public theme would be the best choice. The theory was to put something together that would be specific for people who wanted to become a publication, instead of a blogger. Showcasing your writing and the discussion more than decorations and images.
The Inspiration
I wanted to put together a simple theme that is easily expandable, typographically driven, magazine styled, and information architecturally developed.
Things I wanted to accomplish:
- Custom Archives page
- Front page “Covers”
- Unusual magazine styling
- Easily customizable sections
- Force page views
- Promote RSS subscriptions
- Force SEO (using plugin)
- Correct grid design for the public
- Information based on information architecture rules
- Whole bunch of other things, I can’t remember
This theme is suggested for moderate to advanced WordPress users, the readme should provide all of the necessary information for customizing and using the theme. The image that you see of Obama (no, not a political choice, I just liked the illustration) is actually a “Thumbnail” for that first post. You will be customizing the image for each post, making it a “cover image” for that “issue.” In this sense, it makes every single post just like a magazine. If you don’t have an image (for example: archived posts — it will display a default image, in the Archives page and on the front page. You can see examples of that in the screen images below.
Who is this theme for
Users to who want to showcase their writing, rather than their advertisements. Typography and minimalist enthusiasts. Information Architecture enthusiasts who don’t understand how to design by the grid, or information architecturally.
Screen Images
Showing the grid alignment
License - Don’t worry, the theme is still free!
For only $10 you can purchase a license of this theme. What do you get with the license?
- A theme without any promotional tags
- Specific support (for any issues you might have)
- Bug fixes and cross browser updates
- A beautiful theme that people will assume was built custom for you
You can purchase the license right here! Or just support my development by donating right here!
* You will receive a confirmation e-mail with-in 72 hours of purchase (that includes the un-tagged theme, support e-mail, and any other information you may need)
Known Issues
I developed this theme, and understand that there are issues in IE 5 & 6, if you are buying a license, you will receive the cross-browser updates soon. Tested in: IE 7 & 8 beta 1 — Firefox 2.0.11 — Safari 2.0 — if you have other browser issues, I am sorry but I can not be of further assistance without you purchasing the support. I will do my best to accommodate any small issues (like simple CSS fixes, extra closing div’s, spelling errors, things of that nature). You can leave a comment here with the issue and I will try and contact you for the help, please be respectful and understanding when leaving a bug acknowledgment.
Download and Demo
You can see a fairly full working demo here.
You can download version 1.0 here.
By downloading this free theme you agree to the free license agreement. Removing the theme promotional tags will violate that license agreement.
Please go through the readme for all installation and customization instructions!!
Fatal call to undefined function
If you are getting an error that says “fatal error: call to undefinied the_excerpt_reloaded” — it means that you HAVE NOT activated the_excerpt_reloaded plugin that was included in the zip file. Also note, you do NOT have to pay $10 for the theme, it is free! The $10 is if you would like technical support, theme updates, and removed theme tags. Thank you!
Apr 17th 2008
Looking good. I especially like the archive idea. Haven’t see an archive like that, but really like the idea of the archive thumbnails.
Apr 17th 2008
Well, they are the same that represents the post (as seen on the front page) when you make a post with the “Thumbnail” (which really isn’t a thumbnail) it automatically displays it into the archives page - single post - and front page
Thanks for the support Johno!
Apr 17th 2008
You’re welcome. I’m even considering buying it for a side-blog (to iLT).
Apr 17th 2008
Haha, yeah, well the $10 is only for the license, if you don’t mind keeping the theme tags, then your able to use the theme however you wish. Basically the $10 is for direct support, theme and css fix updates, and no theme tags.
Thanks again Johno for all the support. This will be one of the many themes I will be trying to release in the near future.
Apr 17th 2008
OK, I’ll stop spamming your comments now. Suffice to say, I’ve just bought the domain and your theme, and will upload tomorrow. I’ve had this idea for a simple type-site (related to iLT), and this is just the theme for it. Site should be live within the week. I’ll send you the uri once it’s live.
Apr 17th 2008
Haha, it is no problem, I love the discussion johno! Great, I am sure the files are being sent over to your e-mail as we speak! I look forward to the Web site, and adding you to the customer list! I would love to see the Web site once it is finished! Much love for the support!
Apr 18th 2008
Nice job here Patrick. The archives are quite nice. Refreshing to see something new as I’ve often thought weblog archives are where good content goes to die. This is nice though, snazzy for sure.
You obviously put some thought and effort into this baby. Well done for what it’s worth.
Apr 18th 2008
@Amos: Thank you so much! It is very much appreciated. I put a lot of effort into it to make it as unique as possible, yet as simple as possible. I was very distraught when I witnessed some wordpress themes using the authors feedburner rss url’s and placing their google analytics codes in the footer elements. I did my best to give users something unique, and free. Much appreciated, hope to see you keep coming back!
May 23rd 2008
Hey, I just wanted to let you know I’ve listed Thunderbolt on http://www.bestwpthemes.com, meaning it’s rated as among the best of the best Wordpress themes on the planet. Keep up the great work!
May 31st 2008
Has anyone else had this problem: Fatal error: Call to undefined function the_excerpt_reloaded() in ….home.php on like 29.
May 31st 2008
Oh, and nice clean interface pal. Keep up the good work. I’m going to spring for the 10-ski soon!
Jun 13th 2008
hi, I am getting a fatal error message on my Macbook with Thunderbolt:
Fatal error: Call to undefined function the_excerpt_reloaded() in /home/lbhatcom/public_html/wp-content/themes/thunderbolt/home.php on line 29
I tried deactivating all plugins but I get the message still. Would love to use this theme. How do i correct this error message?
Jun 17th 2008
Thanks for sharing this theme!
Jul 7th 2008
But I dont like the commenting section. too typical.
Jul 9th 2008
Hey, I am looking forward to getting this theme and trying it out! Nice work.
Aug 26th 2008
I’m getting this error as well.
Fatal error: Call to undefined function: the_excerpt_reloaded() in /homepages/32/d155284460/htdocs/blog/wp-content/themes/thunderbolt/home.php on line 29
I’d be more than happy to pay the $10 license fee, but I’m a little iffy on it now considering it won’t even work with the free version.
I’m using WP 2.6 on a 1and1.com server. My WP installation is pretty much working fine through and through and works well with all other themes.
Aug 26th 2008
Well, it’s rather stupid for those of us to be experiencing those errors: just follow the directions in activating the plugins that are included.
Aug 26th 2008
@Anony: first - please use a real e-mail address for your comments, I can’t help you if I don’t know how to contact you. All you have to do to get rid of that error is activate the_excerpt_reloaded plugin. It is included in the zip file when you download the theme. Just active it in the plugins section in the WordPress Administrative Panel.
Aug 28th 2008
Hey - am testing your theme, how do you get that photo on the front page? My site shows just text???