Explaining the New Theme
You may notice that I’ve uploaded a new theme—rather subversively. The reason behind this is, well, it’s not really a new theme. Well, it is a theme and it has some interesting features, such as
- a truly minimalist theme, like it or not
- theme options for six different layouts, which are fun
- a thorough set of theme files (like attachment.php, for example)
The Minimalist Sandbox began as something I could toy with when I had five minutes. It was the equivilant of a cinematographer holding up his hands to frame a possible shot.
Please note that the Minimalist Sandbox has been replaced by the far, far better Sandbox theme (also note the lack of “Minimalist” in the title). It’s a great step forward and you can read more about it here.
Some readers may remember my occasional threats to release this theme. Well, I have. And for good reason, really. First of all, after the announcement of a new theme competition (link) I realized I wouldn’t be releasing any themes until after that finished.
I am aware that this isn’t a real theme—it’s just a sandbox I’m sharing with the WordPress community. I thought, “Hey, maybe there’re some real minimalists out there,” or maybe just someone wanting a starting place for their own theme. Well, here it is. Both of you. Otherwise . . .
Try and figure out why I made this one Widgets-friendly.
adam wrote:
so weird.
i was kicking around the selectably fluid layouts idea for an entry for the competition.
Posted 04 Jul 2006 at 2:24 pm ¶
Scott wrote:
There are a number of themes that have options to move the sidebars around. But before your shelve your idea, have a look at this theme: it isn’t really useful.
But it is fun to play with.
I think it could be made useful. For example, what if you wanted single posts to be single columned (not simply without a sidebar) and then your archives to have three. What if search results were displayed in four cool, even columns?
The ability to select various layouts to correlate with various functions might be really useful and interesting.
The idea is still out there for the taking. This is just my drop in the bucket.
Posted 04 Jul 2006 at 2:29 pm ¶
Al wrote:
Scott, is there a way to center the whole lay out, although this may go against your idea of minimalism? Oh yes, to me this one looks like a follow up to bare city. I am curious how to get those tags in the sidebar, I only have some expericience tagging with the K2.
Posted 21 Jul 2006 at 12:58 am ¶
Scott wrote:
Al, your accusation that I stole blog.txt from Barecity infuriates me so much that I have absolutely no reason to help you with your question.
And I can’t understand why you’d accuse me of stealing and then ask me to explain how to make your blog look exactly like mine.
Idiot.
Posted 21 Jul 2006 at 1:07 am ¶
Al wrote:
All right, let’s say Baracity did inspire you? You seem to be pissed me, but you’d rather count to three before calling me an idiot. Not that good for your reputation. Good luck.
Posted 21 Jul 2006 at 8:51 am ¶
Scott wrote:
Yes, Al, I am quite angry with your wild accusations and your demanding behavoir. I work quite hard on these themes and I haven’t stolen anything. Period.
Oh, now I’m the one guilty of tossing around aspertions. Seriously, evey stroke on the keyboard is a proclamation of your ignorance.
Posted 21 Jul 2006 at 11:04 am ¶
Brett wrote:
Scott,
This is just what I was looking for. Thanks, and I’m looking forward to any improvements you make. (I must admit, I’ve tweaked it just a bit.)
Keep up the good work.
Posted 27 Jul 2006 at 11:44 pm ¶
Cliff wrote:
I find myself returning to your site and trying one theme and then another. Sandlot was today’s test.
Theoretically, I very much applaud your minimalist aims. Let me offer, as a non-graphic artist who has worked over the years with a number of that persuasion (and talent).
As I am sometimes, as here, a copy-heavy writer, I’d love to ditch all the bars and boxes which carve up many a (and indeed my present) theme. However, when I apply your “Sandlot”, say, all the words on a field of undivided white come crashing in on me, forming a blur.
Could you perhaps try a 3 column (text shouldn’t be too wide for readability-sake) theme with thin, oh so very thin, dividing lines? Think of it as a compromise, not a selling-out moment
Posted 12 Aug 2006 at 2:51 pm ¶
Scott wrote:
The Sandbox is not meant to be used as-is, unless you a hardcore minimalist. You may be surprised how many there are out there, though.
The Sandbox gives you a nice framework and some sample layouts to begin with. From there, though, it’s up to you.
Posted 12 Aug 2006 at 3:07 pm ¶
lisi wrote:
Sandbox is fantastic. From what I can see, you could set a specific style on specific days or months using the body classes, great for special occasions. Then you can also have multiple different types of post, not just one asides category. You’ve also got the ability style pages differently. I think adding an ordered post count (starting at 1) could allow you to display any number of posts in full and the rest as titles only.
This theme is a great development for Wordpress.
Posted 07 May 2007 at 4:42 am ¶