Another regional site duplicating theme used on established site

[Ianedres]

Not much that can be done- but I'm trying to take the high-road and maintain my cool. I operated forums over 20 years ago, with a break between the modem-days and broadband...  and dealt with a similar situation before.

Basically, another site (in the same town) has switched to SMF now. That is cool with me.

But, we're both providing content related to motocross, so this is where I'm at a loss of what to say.

Today, once I see their swap to SMF, I finalized my install of the Alienation theme, with some modded buttons and changing some board graphics accordingly. I had started this about two weeks ago, but this prompted me to light a fire under it. So about 2 hours later, my site is revamped into the Alienation theme, announcements made, etc.

After I have had this done for about 6 hours, I take a look at their site to gauge the progress, and find that they have installed Alienation also.

And now I'm being told this was not intentional (though their web admin signed up on my site tonight) and I'm being asked to help with some SMF details...   

I requested the other site to select another theme, as not to appear the same. If we were not providing the same type of content, then this would not be an issue.

Any suggestions?

[G6Cad]

Not many as the Alienation is one of the more popular theme to use, and it's free to so anyone can use it as they like to.
You said you have changes some graphics and buttons, if they make similar changes to theirs, then i would be worried to and start to ask them why they copycat my site.

To be more of your own in a theme, you can eather buy a theme from the themeshop, use the PSD that comes with it and change it to what ever you likem or you can make or request your own theme that no one else have at all.

[Ianedres]

I think that is what has me all worked up. I've taken Alienation and made a few code adjustments to fit my site; not a major overhaul, but work that I had to do to make the theme fit what was already established on my site.

Now this other site comes along, installs Alienation, and runs with it. Instant copy, if you will.

So, I either have to lump it or change themes *again*. It just apalls me that this guy would ask for help after he knowingly duplicated our sites. Again, we're providing the same content to the same audience...   :buck2:

But, thanks for the suggestion- that is a viable option that I had once explored, but feel that I could probably expend some *more* time and effort to produce my own theme.

[Lesmond]

Don't know if its a viable option, but what about merger, I mean if you are both in the same town and the same subject! Just my 2c worth

[Ianedres]

Don't know if its a viable option, but what about merger, I mean if you are both in the same town and the same subject! Just my 2c worth

That will never happen- and that's not arrogance on my part, as I've expended many hours (upwards of 60 now- completely free of charge) toward improving the actual facility that site represents, only to have this and other things happen without concern to how it affects my site.

Not to move too far off-topic, but I handpainted a 7' x 7' sign with their exact logo that now welcomes people to their track. When I asked about placing a banner for my site out on the track, I was told that I could do it for $300. 

Anyway, moving along. I'll investigate designing my own theme... that way, I'll have an original design that can't be easily duplicated.

[Dazed]

Just keep your content up to the minute and keep your site a friendly place. I think that no matter how your site gets copied you will still have your loyal users and people will begin to see what is happening.

Not to move too far off-topic, but I handpainted a 7' x 7' sign with their exact logo that now welcomes people to their track. When I asked about placing a banner for my site out on the track, I was told that I could do it for $300.  Shocked

Well, go get your sign back... Actually, I do things like that with no expectations of anything in return. I can tell you I have had many occasion, not with signs, but other things. One would think that one hand would "wash" the other but it's often not the case. Your site looks good regardless so keep on tweaking and add a few personal touches. You could make it ugly and spread the word but keep it professional and you will stay at the top...

[Ianedres]

You could make it ugly and spread the word but keep it professional and you will stay at the top...

I have kept this matter quiet...  it'll resolve itself, even if it means more work for me.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Dazed]

I would like to talk more with you about your site as I have some questions. I will swing in and post over there... :up: