Customers who desire to switch out from pipdig themes may find themselves stuck and unable to afford a redesign. I have compiled a list of free and affordable resources so you can find an alternative. Please note: I have no affiliation with anyone on this list. I just want to help people find a solution fast.
What’s going on with pipdig?
I won’t go into detail because other news and blogging outlets have already covered this extensively but in short: pipdig inserted code into their plugins and themes that utilized malicious software to create a backdoor that allowed them to delete database and reset administrator passwords to customer sites. It also allowed them to ability to set up a DDoS attack to one of their competitors.
Managed to demonstrate Pipdig's "kill switch" on a test install of WordPress with pipdig Power Pack (p3) v4.7.2. It worked, which confirms they have the power to remotely delete your entire blog & every post you've ever written simply by typing your blog URL into a text file.
— Michael Waterfall (@mwaterfall) March 31, 2019
Wordfence, a WordPress security company, released the following statement after doing extensive research on the issue:
Wordfence recommends removing all Pipdig content from your sites, both WordPress and Blogger. Pipdig has demonstrated a willingness to abuse users’ resources to execute unethical, and potentially illegal, activity. Furthermore their repeated denial of solid evidence, and subsequent attempts to conceal it, leave us unable to trust them in the future.
You can read more about it in detail here:
- Pipdig Update: Dishonest Denials, Erased Evidence, and Ongoing Offenses
- Analyzing the Pipdig WordPress Plugin “DDoS” code and their explanation for why it exists.
- The pipdig situation explained and your tech questions answered…
- Jargon-free Explanation: The Pipdig Scandal: What it Means for Bloggers and What You Should do Next
Customers currently feel stuck desiring a switch out and/or wanting refunds
My heart goes out to the customers who find themselves stuck with themes and not being able to afford a redesign:
Anyone else feeling hella stressed about this Pipdig stuff? I LOVE the theme and layout of my blog, I love how easy it is to customise and use and I don't have the money to fork out for another theme but I also don't like any free WordPress ones 🙁 but I'm also super worried
— Alice Tulip – Bristol UK (@AliceTulipUK) March 30, 2019
Could anyone help me out with somewhere to find free/v cheap wordpress themes? Both my blogs have Pipdig themes and I can't afford to buy new ones right now😭
— stephlouise (@stephlouiseblog) April 6, 2019
I can’t really afford anything at the moment which is really crappy so as much as I hate to say it as low as possible until I can get some cash behind me. I can’t trust staying with Pipdig. It’s the first chance I’ve actually had the time to sit down and take it all in.
— 𝐊𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐚 𝐉𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐞 (@kaylajxyne) April 4, 2019
Some customers are struggling with refund issues:
Anyone trying to get a refund from Pipdig, this is the reply I got #pipdig pic.twitter.com/sGaysyyVkW
— Sophiaaaxo ❣️ (@sophiatranterxo) April 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/apsychologygirl/status/1114927782037999616
So because nobody was getting a refund, I went to PayPal and explained the situation. They were super helpful but when I was going through my transactions to Pipdig so PayPal could open disputes, I noticed nothing added up pic.twitter.com/zXZ9FyYcpi
— Melanie Daffin (@melaniewithanie) April 6, 2019
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK???? This pipdig shit man, it’s so fucked up, I’ve had an email today to say my service has been suspended & indeed my website has been closed down & I no longer have access to it. Be careful out there people. What can I do @kualo? pic.twitter.com/tYe2MDYcUQ
— Pixie Tenenbaum (@PixieTenenbaum) April 6, 2019
Free and commercial alternatives to pipdig themes
Here are some alternatives to free and commercial WordPress themes similar to pipdig. I tried to find solutions that were affordable for most people.
Free WordPress Themes
- Fashion Lifestyle
- Lifestyle Fashion
- Fashion Icon
- Blossom Fashion
- Neville
- GreatMag
- Newsanchor
- Colormag
- JustWrite
- TrendMag
- Maggie Lite
- Pencil
Commercial WordPress Themes
These come with the option for a freelancer to setup at an additional fee:
- $59 – Newspaper
- $59 – Soledad
- $59 – SimpleMag
- $49 – Rosemary
- $59 – The Voux
- $69 – Velure
- $69 – Monte
The last two themes: Velure & Monte are from WPZoom who are giving discounts to those who want to switch from pipdig:
Hey Rachel, check out our blog themes at @wpzoom:https://t.co/ULhS2dPsow
We have a few good ones for fashion bloggers as well:https://t.co/qtt94g8Akwhttps://t.co/CU0PwFdzbi
Happy to give discounts to people who want to switch from Pipdig (just @ me).
— Pavel Ciorici (@ciorici) April 8, 2019
Low Cost Redesign Services
Medium Cost Redesign Services
Hosting Providers
I do not have experience with kualo hosting but they are offering all pipdig customers two years free hosting with migration:
In case you missed it, @kualo are offering ALL #Pipdig customers 2 years free hosting and free migration, regardless of whether you hosted with them or just had a theme. Amazing customer service, so above and beyond 👏🏼👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/Bf9ThS3kjP
— Beth Sandland (@bethanysandland) April 6, 2019
Other Alternatives
Mark Jaquith created a plugin called “P3 Neutraliser”:
I understand that bloggers using Pipdig themes for WordPress might want to switch away, but don’t have the time, money, or skills to do so right away.
So here’s “P3 Neutraliser” — a plugin that will prevent the P3 plugin from updating or “phoning home”.https://t.co/Ths6zo4RkE
— Mark Jaquith (@markjaquith) April 4, 2019
You can also check out this Twitter thread by @HeyRachieface
If you’ve seen the whole #Pipdig drama and want to change themes (I’d recommend it) and don’t know where to look, then here’s some other options I’ve found which in my opinion look just as good or better (thread)
— Rachel ✨ (@HeyRachieface) April 2, 2019
