After installing WordPress 2.8.1, configuring it and deleting the default “Welcome to WordPress Message!” what’s the next order of the day? Choosing a template (or a theme, to use WordPress Jargon). While there are lots of good designs out there, the graphics are just first impressions for me, and it does not count. It’s the little things that count. Here’s what I will look for when choosing a theme.

  1. Headers. Did you define the headers? Are there adequate padding between the header and the next block of text. This is important when writing long articles.
  2. Ordered and Unordered List. Again, are there enough spacing between each of the items?
  3. Tables. Kudos for themes which have defined CSS and layout for table elements.
  4. Form Styling. I have came across themes with great visual design, but when it comes to HTML form, all the controls (checkboxes, radio buttons) are squeezed tightly together.
  5. Default Paragraph Style. No matter how pretty your visual design is, a blog is designed to be read.

So there, after browsing through the themes gallery (made easier with 2.8.1), I have decided on this.