Ask YC: Community Sponsored Programming

Derek Punsalan has introduced a very interesting method of releasing his next theme/s. http://5thirtyone.com/archives/1607 Contributions in exchange for theme releases. Given the recent decision by Automattic to exclude premium themes from the directory, this is a pretty interesting way for theme developers to still get recognition and a nice return from the community for their hard work. In this particular instance, personally I think $2000 is a pretty high price to ask unless (a) he plans on releasing a whole slew of themes or (b) he's developed a theme that just completely takes WordPress and turns it on its head in a stunning spectacle of presentation, functionality and utility. But that's my own opinion on the matter. I think community supported programming is a rather unique, and interesting idea and wanted to get your opinions on the idea. Go.