On clarifying the difference between theme frameworks and parent themes:

Advanced parent themes are not frameworks

(…)
One thing we should definitely not confuse are the terms “framework” and “parent theme.” These two are not interchangeable. That’s where a lot of the confusion stems from.

and on Parent vs. Child Themes:

When a theme developer creates a child theme, things become problematic because that child theme might eventually need an update. If you’re a theme developer and are building a child theme with a 20kb functions file and five or six custom templates, I can assure you that you’re doing it wrong. I’ve even had to tell myself this.

What you should really be creating is a parent theme. Child themes from theme developers should be nothing more than a stylesheet and a few functions. This idea of releasing advanced child themes just creates the same problem child themes were meant to solve: upgradability.

Really well written post. I’ve seen the parent/child theme upgrade dilemma play out before. I will surely look at future theme customizations differently. Justin presents some good rules of thumb for deciding to build a parent theme or go the child theme route.

font-family: "cooper-black-std-1","cooper-black-std-2";

right into a stylesheet.

Sorry, I really think that the phrase “Premium theme” devalues every other theme.

Agreed.

To follow this tutorial, you’ll need to be comfortable with editing WordPress template files and CSS files.

Step One: Modify the theme template.
In this example, I’m using the excellent AgentPress WordPress theme from StudioPress. The template file I’m editing here is property_listing.php.

Add these lines where you want the button to display:

<?php if(get_post_meta($post->ID, "virtual_tour", $single = true) != ""){ ?>
<div class="more-btn"><a href="<?php echo get_post_meta($post->ID, "virtual_tour", $single = true); ?>">Check Out the Virtual Tour!</a></div>
<?php } ?>

So if a “virtual_tour” custom field is added, its value (the link) will be wrapped inside the “more-btn” div anchor.

Step Two: Make the Button
Now we need to make this look like a button. Here’s an easy way to get your button started.
You can customize the button until you’re content. Then copy the code.
I didn’t use the ButtonMaker for this example. Here’s the CSS I came up with:

/* virtual tour button */
div.more-btn a, div.more-btn a:visited{
color: #fff;
background-color: #072c53;
padding: 5px 14px;
margin-bottom: 5px;
text-decoration: none;
border: 1px solid #2f4e6e;
border-radius: 14px;
-webkit-border-radius: 14px;
-moz-border-radius: 14px;
}
div.more-btn a:hover{
color: #fff;
background-color: #2f4e63;
padding: 5px 14px;
margin-bottom: 5px;
text-decoration: none;
border: 1px solid #2f4e6e;
border-radius: 14px;
-webkit-border-radius: 14px;
-moz-border-radius: 14px;
}
div.more-btn{
margin-bottom: 10px;
margin-left: 186px;
}

This code goes into the style.css of the theme you’re working with. Here I’m using some of the newish CSS3 properties for a progressively enhanced button. The last few lines center the button on the page.

Step Three: Add the Custom Field
When you’re adding a listing via the WordPress admin, scroll down to the Custom Fields box. Add your new custom field, and the virtual tour link for the value:

Of course you could use this technique to link to MLS listings, a listing on Zillow, etc. Here’s the finished button:

30 Powerful WordPress Plugins For Blog Administrators | Graphic and Web Design Blog -Resources And Tutorials.

The slippery snake oily slope starts here?

via-Adactio

The original discussion.

I think there’s truth to what both are saying.

The sad thing is, I’ve seen sites built by self-proclaimed SEO experts:

• built entirely with tables
• with random keywords stuffed all over the place, even in the footer
• with titles left blank
• without H2 tags around the main headings

I could go on, but I think my point is there’s a big difference between those who can build great sites that perform well and those who don’t.  But it’s not easy for the average client to figure this out.

Something brought up in the bigger discussion is  the need for consumer education.  This responsibility falls on the more reputable designers developers, and optimizers out there.