[asto]

I use Wordpress with almost no modifications made. I haven't even changed the default header image that comes with Wordpress. The way I saw it when I made the blog, the content's more important than making things look pretty. I'll do up the theme later when I have a decent reader-base.

[acangiano]

This approach is unfortunately mistaken in my experience. Readers are humans, and they will judge books by their covers. The default WordPress theme is the worst you can do to attract new readers/subscribers, all things being equal.

Here is what I wrote about this in my book:

"The default WordPress look is clean and minimalist. Depending on your aesthetic preferences, you may like that look a lot. But it would be a mistake to settle for this default theme, for three reasons:

1. Most new blogs use the default theme. Sticking with it won’t help your blog stand out from the crowd.

2. Visitors value eye candy. Beautiful design will greatly help your blog succeed.

3. The default theme has very limited features and customization options.

Spend some time evaluating other themes, until you find one that fits your style and the type of blog you intend to run. If you’re running a team blog that will be updated on a daily basis, for example, a magazine or even newspaper style theme may be a good idea."

[spooneybarger]

I tend to be an outlier but sites with the default WP don't stick with me mentally unless they have amazing content whereas ones with their own look and feel can get by with good content and I will remember them.