Under New Management: Solostream Sold
I am going to miss Michael Pollock. I felt like I knew him personally. Like we used to hang out. Actually, we did - just online… he as developer and me as one of his many happy customers.
Don’t worry, he’s not dead. In fact he’s probably doing better than ever. He recently sold his ultra cool, boutique WordPress blog theme brand called Solostream to the Jigsaw group headed up by Mike Durkin (I can’t help but wonder if the name Jigsaw has anything to do with the movie Saw…)
The press release talks about new products, enhanced customer service and enhanced innovations.
It looks like Mike Durkin and his growing team are doing what I’ve been recommending people do with Solostream’s great blog themes - use them for business, not just miscellaneous ramblings like I do. (Maybe that IS a business?) Also, it looks like Michael Pollock is sticking around for a while to ensure things go smoothly: GOOD MOVE.
Solostream VYBE Premium WordPress Blog Theme Gallery - Look Familiar?
Anyway, this is a big deal and I am inspired to write about for two reasons:
1. It’s the first time that I am aware of that a premium blog theme brand for WordPress has been bought by someone. This is significant because it symbolizes the WordPress community and the growing legitimacy of blogs as powerful content management tools that anyone, including business, can use to easily and professionally share information.
2. It should serve as a reminder to all of us that there continues to be wonderful, exciting success stories about a guy working alone in his basement, living on Micky D’s (who is in much better shape now I understand), that taught himself to write code, with no one but parakeets to keep him company while he executes his vision, builds up a brand out of nowhere and then sells it. Michael Pollock did exactly that and my hat is off to him.
I like Solostream’s themes and I’ve looked at probably a hundred competitors. Somehow Michael always managed to keep the right balance between functionality and funkyness.
People always compliment me on my blog as if I had something to do with the way it looks and feels. That is very important to hear because what they’re really talking about is usability and usability is key.
Anyway, although it does produce very little revenue, my blog is not a business, it’s primarily an outlet for me. But it still matters how it looks and feels. I like stuff that looks and feels good. More importantly, when I need support, I want to be able to get it from my providers.
So far I haven’t had to see how the support mechanism works with the “new” Solostream, but if Michael’s fingerprints and DNA are left anywhere on the process side of the business, I’m guessing he will have purposely left them in the customer service and support departments.
Because without the kind of help and support that he provided to me, the brand will surely struggle in the face of extreme WP competition. The best thing the new Solostream can do is figure out how to keep making Michael’s secret sauce with sexy, but functional new blog designs while ensuring cost effective, easy to consume pre AND post sales support.
If they can do that, I’m in for the long haul… Blog themes for business!
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About the Author: I value good design, growth, effectiveness, simplicity, profitability, lots of sleep, tons of laughter and above all, freedom. If it makes money - it's a business. If it doesn't make money - it's a hobby. Period.
Mike Durkin | Oct 22, 2008 | Reply
Brooks,
Everything you say about Michael is absolutely true. He has done a terrific job launching Solostream into the WordPress community and we have every intent of remaining committed to his vision.
The WordPress platform is a wonderful tool and we want to do everything we can to make it simpler and more effective to use for Solostream customers.
Under Michael’s direction we are intending to launch a series of new designs that he will be creating. They will be built to the same standards you have come to expect from Solostream.
Alistair Barnett is focused on finding new and innovative ways to better deliver customer service. FYI - we recently found a new supporter in Australia who helps us answer technical questions on the message boards.
Finally, I can promise you that we will always be ready to listen to our customers. We know that you and the people like you are the keys to our success. To that end, any suggestions for a banner ad design? We game to put some new ones out.
Mike
Mike Durkins last blog post..Introducing the Solostream Forum
Brooks Van Norman | Oct 22, 2008 | Reply
Mike - I am flattered that you took the time to write me a reply.
I’m happy to help you guys make your brand better - don’t be afraid to ask if you need some feedback - Michael leaned on me from time to time.
His code was always clean and little tweaks that I wanted to do were always explained by Michael, promptly.
I haven’t yet fully used the message board, but I did create a profile today under my own name and poked around.
Banner design? Hmmm…I’m creatively challenged, but the old pink ones are lookin’ a bit dated in my humble opinion….my only suggestion there is to keep them clean looking, not cluttered.
I think that Performancing Ads has some nice creative.
I’d also like to learn more about what you’re doing to improve your affiliate program.
Thanks again. I’m here to help you any way I can.