This is pretty big news in theme land. CobaltApps has had a popular following for their options-centric Catalyst theme for some time. But they also have a Genesis-based theme that does everything visually that Catalyst does, plus, well, it’s got everything in StudioPress’ Genesis theme. The Dynamik theme has gained so much popularity, and they’ve focused so much time on it, they’ve decided to sunset Catalyst and focus solely on Genesis based products.
In addition to their visual Dynamik website builder (as they’ve branded it), they’ve got a Genesis Extender plugin. The Extender plugin, from what I can tell, is a visual feature kit for Genesis, plus the ability to add custom content sections, widget areas, etc.
This is certainly good news for StudioPress. Thousands of Catalyst customers are being directed toward a Genesis based product. StudioPress is giving CobaltApps customers a 50% off coupon to help them stomach having to purchase a product that is required to use another product they already purchased from CobaltApps.
This also strikes me from the nested community aspect of CobaltApps and StudioPress. What we have with this move is a successful theme company completely putting its chips in another theme company’s basket. In the video by Eric Hamm, he explains why they are doing this, and it makes sense. In summary, he explains that he wants to focus on the visual components of CobaltApps’ product, and he doesn’t think his customers particularly care what the underlying framework is. In fact, it could easily be part of a sales pitch, considering how much the Genesis community is thriving.
I think Chris Lema also has an interesting perspective on this announcement, considering he’s done a bunch of research and was using the CobaltApps Genesis product already.
If I had to guess, I’d say we’ll see more “nesting” in the future, where WordPress companies release products that rely completely on other WordPress companies’ products. And I know those exist now, but this is the biggest example I’ve seen to date. In the future, I expect to see it for many major theme and plugin communities. What do you think?
The law of “duality” strikes again. (From the book, “The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing”.)
I guess I understand this as a concept, but I have to say… “Law” is a strong word here. In every example the author gives in that link, there are loads of “others” not mentioned – some of which are billion dollar businesses.
Anyway, it could be something for later thoughts, but I just don’t dig that “Law” too much. A concept for considering, sure. Law? Not really. Not to mention I think there is at least some evidence that even large industries can flip flop who is #1 and who is #2. Anyway, not really the point of this post to debate a marketing concept, but still thanks for bringing it to my attention!
When I first read the book years ago, I thought it was crazy. Law is probably a strong word for it, but there are so many examples (in terms of market share) that it’s hard not to take notice. Search engines. Beer companies. Computer operating systems. The list goes on.
Anyway, great post. But when I read it that book was the first thing I thought of.
I really loved Catalyst, being a non developer. But as a “customer”, what really bothers me is that I need to pay more money for something I truly believed I had already paid for.
Yes, we were given a 50% coupon to get the Genesis framework, but it’s only good for a few days. And to be frank, I think it should have been a free move. After all, now Genesis is getting all of Catalyst’s customers that will end up buying skins and such. Making money off of us from the start I personally think is bad business and not something I would have decided to do if it were my company.
But I guess I have no choice but to go with it – another thing I really don’t like. I guess I’ll see what happens, but honestly, not happy at the moment with what is happening.
I am/was a catalyst customer but will not be making the move. the dev seems flakey to me shifting form one project to another at a whim. Also, what happens if there’s a big change in the Genesis system? Maybe they’ll want to do something like Dynamik? This is why I try to stay away from little companies. I should have followed my instincts earlier.
Interesting what you say and I agree with you 99%.
I also was in the same position but after some thought I thought it was better not to be left on the sideline and against my pride I bought myself in.
On the positive side it could be a magic place to be part of over the next months and hopefully years and for the sake of $30 (which has put a hole in my pocket and pride) I decided to bail out of the sinking ship of which I only bought my ticket for 3 and half months ago.
Life goes on and we have to adapt.
One day I will be master of the ship, lol!
Am I the only one that watched the video for the Dynamik web builder child theme for Genesis that is replacing Catalyst and it made my head spin? I think it gave me a headache just watching it.
I agree with several of the comments here. I purchased my Catalyst and implemented it probably a year ago and I forget how much time I put into getting it the way I like. Not only did I forget how much time I invested but I also forget how I actually made it work! So for me, revisiting and re-implementing is not only an expense to purchase Genesis, but an expense on my own time to have to migrate my site again within 1 year. I know a tool to migrate was mentioned but it is weeks away, probably outside of the time period for the 50% discount.
I agree with what you have said. Even if they give out free Genesis to Catalyst users, they can never compensate our time wasted, we still need to waste time to relearn, transfer, re-implement… They are thinking about making more money only.
Their move really makes me I am just a number to them. Regardless of what that Eric guy says in the video, it’s clear to see that the true motive behind their shocking move is to get more money. Not that I blame them for that. Everyone could use extra cash, that’s for sure. What really annoys me is their total disrespect to their customers. The guy steers his company like a reckless irresponsible cowboy 🙁