Much like before, only different

Some regular readers of this blog may have noticed some recent small changes to the layout of the site, while others may have sensed that something had changed without necessarily being able to point it out. Then again, some readers may have not noticed a thing – which is understandable and fine, I mean it, perfectly fine.

Here’s the haps: This blog’s layout had been provided by way of the Neoclassical Theme for WordPress created by Chris Pearson. This was a free theme which I decribed a few days ago as “all but abandoned.” The author has moved his considerable talents and energies to his first premium WP effort, the extremely popular Thesis Theme, sold through Pearson’s DIY Themes marketplace. The revision/upgrade path for Neoclassical – a theme created in late 2007 – was rendered all but nonexistent when Thesis came along. It would make sense to shell out the fairly reasonable $87 for an individual Thesis license and so take advantage of future upgrades to that theme; on the other hand, I had a stubborn fondness for Neoclassical and had made up my mind to (one) tailor it to my liking for now and (two) pretty much drive it until the wheels fell off.

Fortunately, a better option came along courtesy of DIYninjas, best described as genial Thesis fanatics; their mission is to provide customization of and tutorials on Pearson’s theme. As an opening act, they have released – for free, as in beer – a port of Neoclassical to the Thesis framework. Status of my bacon: saved!

I’ve spent the past few days adapting a test installation to the Neo+Thesis theme and applying my current favored color scheme (dark as your heart, baby). When I judged the look good enough for the live blog, I brought the new theme and its stylings to this digital location. There are still some adjustments to be made, but it’s not like we’re driving cross-country. No need to do it all in one sitting or against the clock.

So thank you to Chris Pearson and DIY Themes for providing Thesis, and much gratitude to Mitch Cooper and the DIYninjas crew for reviving Neoclassical. And to my readers, er, carry on.