I learned a lot from his blog and one particular series of posts that helped me a lot was called “So you want to create WordPress themes huh?” However, since this series was written more than 2 years ago, Ian Stewart from ThemeShaper.com felt the need to create a new series teaching how to create a WordPress theme. So, if you always wanted to create your own WordPress theme and didn’t know how to, go check this series out!

One last topic that I want to talk about in this post is the redesign of this blog. As you can see, I’ve designed a child theme using the Thematic theme framework created by Ian who I’ve mentioned earlier. I actually wanted to create my own theme again at first, but after I played around with Thematic for a few weeks, I just decided to design a child theme and I’m happy with the result. Hopefully with the redesign, it’ll be a new start and I’ll be updating the blog regularly.

By the way, feedback on the redesign is appreciated. It could be constructive criticism, tips, or whatever you want to talk about it. I think they will all make me a better designer, so they are all welcome.

• Way faster to use because of changes in the way WordPress does style and scripting;
• One click theme install;
• CodePress editor;
• Redesigned widgets interface;
• New Screen Options on every page.

For more information about version 2.8, read Matt’s blog post or take a look on the Codex.

It’s been almost a year that I haven’t had updated the list, but I finally did today! Since it’s been so long, several new blogs have been added, but I’m pretty sure that I didn’t add all of them. So, if you know of any other blogs that can be added, feel free to leave a comment or contact me. Also, feel free to leave suggestions that will help improve the list.

WPTG Rank #1: Upstart Blogger

WPTG Rank #2: planetOzh

WPTG Rank #3: Nathan Rice

Best Google Pagerank: Photo Matt

Best Alexa Rank: WpRecipes

Best Technorati Rank: Daily Blog Tips

New Blogs added to the Top 40:

• Curtis Henson
• WordPress Max
• WereWP
• WPZOOM
• WPCult
• WpRecipes
• WP FUN
• WPengineer
• WP Dude
• WordPress Rocks

A few blogs have been removed because they weren’t “Blogs About WordPress” or because they just listed WordPress themes and/or plugins in their posts or because of inactivity.

Do you know a blog that should be listed in the Top 40? If you do, please send an email to wpthemesgallery [at] gmail [dot] com, so that I can add it to the list.

Do You Digg the Top 40?

I apologize for the lack of updates, downtime, and mess. I’ve made a few changes to the blog:

• The web hosting has been changed to (mt) Media Temple;
• WordPress has been updated to version 2.7;
• And the theme has been changed to Busy Bee by WooThemes.

I also have an announcement. ‘Top Blogs About WordPress’ will be back this month. So, feel free to suggest new blogs to the list. (:

Oh, and the blog is now using IntenseDebate for the comments.

http://wordpress.org/development/2008/11/wordpress-265/

Snapshot

Snapshot is the framework-equivalent of their own showcase and can be used for either a photo showcase, portfolio or design gallery.

Typebased

Typebased was designed by Armono Wibowo and it is a very clean and elegant personal blog design.

The Original Premium News Theme

The Original Premium News Theme is the very first premium theme that was ever released by Adii. This is the theme that started it all about a year ago. Since it was WooThemes’ birthday last week, they decided to release it to the public for free.

Here are Platformate’s features:

• Theme administration panel
• Automatic thumbnail generation
• 5+ theme colors included
• Popular post listing
• Navigation drop-down menu
• Widget-ready sidebar
• Cross-browser compatible

Screenshots:

Demo

Platformate is offered in two different licenses:

• 1-site license for US $50
• developer pack for US $175

Payments are processed by PayPal. We accept PayPal balance, VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. Download instructions for your order will arrive by email immediately after payment.

By the way, purchase packages include a free after-sales support and upgrade.

According to Matt, founding developer of WordPress, the features will be integrated into WordPress core, WordPress.com, and Gravatar as appropriate. I’m definitely excited for this and I’m looking forward to WordPress 2.7.

Matt Thomas, web designer at Automattic, has recently updated the logos and graphics page at WordPress.org. According to his blog, he was tired of seeing fake WordPress logos around the web.

In the page, you’ll find logos, buttons, and desktop wallpapers in various formats and sizes. The official WordPress colors are listed there as well. Show your WordPress pride with them!

Here are Arthemia Premium’s features:

• Theme administration panel
• Automatic thumbnail generation
• Popular post listing
• Banner ads management
• Colorful categories
• Navigation drop-down menu
• Widget-ready sidebar and footer
• Cross-browser compatible

Screenshots:

Demos:

Demo1 and Demo2

Arthemia Premium is available at Colorlabs Project for the following prices:

• 1-site license for US $70
• 5-site license for US $140
• developer pack for US $240

Payments are processed by PayPal. A membership is not required to purchase the theme. We accept PayPal balance, VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. Download instructions for your order will arrive by email immediately after payment.

By the way, purchase packages include a free after-sales support.