Where have all the decent skinners and skins gone?

Sunday, July 9, 2006 by Matches_Malone | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk

First I would like to say this. I'm proud to be a paid subscriber to Stardock and virtually all of it's products even bought some as gifts too family members.
While scrolling the windowblinds section I've seen some ridiculous skins even some by those whose been skinning for awhile. Like i.e. 'Happy Fish c'mon. I think wincustomize is losing it's flair when it comes to high-defintion not too mention quality skins. And us loyal customers has to go elsewhere to find some good skins, like Flux by josephs, before that skin was uploaded here it was on of course on other sites first even though he stated that for his art award.
What happened Tiggz, Mike Brandt, and a host of others, the real skinners who dedicate their entire being, and lots of man hours, not to say those who make general skins don't but not like the professionals that puts true dedication to put forth a high-quality skin and not just downloading skinstudio and putting some bars together.
Please weed out those ridiculous skins, put wincustomize back on the map. I think it should be a skin-law the weeds out the good from the bad skins.

Bad-skin: defined as, too many bugs and have to keep uploading the skin
Good-skin: defined as, not as many bugs and upload twice for update
High-quality-skin: defined as, no bugs every part of the skin is skinned w/periodic updates to add more new tweaks if users ask.

-End of report
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PoSmedley
Reply #41 Sunday, July 9, 2006 11:01 PM

Maybe I was wrong for actually singling out a particular skin to make my point.


That's a given.

and not gaining anything from it for free for the love of the art, and I still do it from time to time, and it's more harder for us spfx artists, what we do is make a sculpture, apply latex-rubber to it, turn it inside out so see the detail, make a mold from that, extract it, paint it by hand, air-brush if need be, it could take weeks even years to get that good quality mask, or rubber-body suit or the like, and then we sell it next to nothing.


So are you now saying that what you do is harder than skinning? Is that why you don't make your own skin, because your art tires you out to much for something not as hard?

You know, I don't make WB's, cause I don't know how. For me, it's freaking hard. For the same reason I don't do sculpture and spfx, cause I don't know how. But I would LOVE to know what you've done these spfx thingies for. Movies? TV? Cause I would love to review them here for you. I really would. Cause with all the leaps and bounds made in fx technology and such, you guys have been putting out some real crap lately. I especially hate the regurgitation of effects in sequels, cause these guys can't come up with anything new and they figured the last one worked so well, let's just use it again and again. And don't even get me started on Halloween masks. It's been freaking years, at least a decade since I have seen anything original or new.

Thump.
kat7
Reply #42 Sunday, July 9, 2006 11:12 PM
Hi ramasese,

Looks like you stuck a stick into a hornets nest.
I do have 2 cents and thought I just might add it

I do not know how to make a skin ... I am a newbie and do not know if I will ever know how.
However I definitely know what I like in the way of art and love this site. You have stated you do too ... it appears others might have missed that point.

I think I have looked at most of the skins on this site and have about 25 I love.
Those I have downloaded and installed. I am eternally grateful for ALL OF THE ARTISTS who have shared their talent with the rest of us.

Like someone said ... we all have to start somewhere. I am sure those "great skinners" you are referring to started out as "not the best" in the beginning too. Since I do webdesign I have an idea what goes into one of these skins so I applaud ANYONE willing to put in the time and effort to make my computer a little nicer to look at daily.

So let me end this with a gigantic THANK YOU SKINNERS!
Who knows who will be someone's Michelangelo tomorrow?

Linda


Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Skinhit
Reply #43 Monday, July 10, 2006 12:36 AM
what a waste of time
starkers
Reply #44 Monday, July 10, 2006 12:51 AM
I agree with you wholeheartedly Starkers.


Okay then, if that's the case, apologise to the skinner you singled out. In fact, the whole community because....well I think the comments here demonstrate why.

Also, in the future, try using a bit of tact and diplomacy in courteous and respectful comments, because it's human decency to treat others as you would have them treat you, and not to score brownie points.

Also, Sternengalaxy has been around for a long, long time in the skinning scene, and if you look at his portfolio, you'll see that he has produced quality works to suit all tastes throughout his career. Okay, so 'Happy Fish' may be a departure from his usual style, but who's to say it wasn't for a request...and then, out of the kindness of his heart, he uploaded it here for others who may also like it? Seen in that light, I'd feel like a proper goose...if I happened to be you right now.

Also, ramesese, I too prefer dark skins, and 'Happy Fish' is not normally my cup of tea, but I still downloaded because it's nice, bright and cheerful, and certainly a better, more complimentary skin for my Aquarium Desktop than the dark ones I have in my collection. You see, it's all a matter of mood - what goes with this or that at the time - and what may not please you at one point may very well be perfect for another, as I have often discovered when compiling a new desktop and my usual preference doesn't quite fit in.

It's called having an open mind and being flexible. Try it sometime, you might find that you enjoy the greater possibilities, variety and differences to be experienced by traversing an alternative route once in a while.
Skinhit
Reply #45 Monday, July 10, 2006 1:13 AM
amen starkers
Matches_Malone
Reply #46 Monday, July 10, 2006 2:58 AM
Starkers, you must did'nt read my last post... I apologized to the skinner and his skin, you are so bent with emotion, you just stated is what I've been saying this whole session you just summed it up in a couple well put paragraphs. I stated for the last time, I downloaded his skin and put onto my children's computers not once but 3x for each 3 computers my kids have, and my Mom's because they liked the skin. I just don't prefer it...bright flashy colors. And if you don't realize you just stated the same thing I said. TRY READING YOUR OWN WORDS. And you did just that tact, and diplomacy, you said what I said but in a nicer thesaurus word term, but if someone were to look closer to what you just said YOU JUST CONFIRMED IT.
Matches_Malone
Reply #47 Monday, July 10, 2006 3:23 AM
Hi kat7,

Looks like I did stuck a stick in a hornets nest. Very well put statement. My main point somehow has gotten lost in the struggle and tug-of-war. I'm merely making a wake-up call so wincustomize will be the best darn skin-site on the planet! Because, believe it or not there are a bunch of egotistical skinners out here who start there own site and put down others. I've seen it.

For example, I went to go visit with a buddy of mine around the corner on the same floor where my office is located mind you he owns a travel business. Anyways, I seen a few guys gathered around a terminal, me personally don't like to get into any conversations that are not of my concern, they were tinker-tonkering with a program which looked a lot like skinstudio it may or may not have been. I overhear them say "We're going to be the next wincustomize". They were constructing in conjuction with some other skinners overseas what they deemed is going to be the next best thing. I'm thinking too myself no freakin way. Mind you, this is in Ohio c'mon.

Like someone mentioned earlier, 'you don't like things here start your own domain' I don't have to do that because to me there will be no another wincustomize they're the best often imitated never duplicated which is my company's mission statement.

I'm saying to the skinners here let's get on the ball and stop and put an end to these wannabe sites, and the other sites should partner with wincustomize because did'nt they start everything. And if they do parter it would always lead back home WINCUSTOMIZE!
Now everyone can quote me on that. But just don't send all the skinners out to get me because I'm their friend.

Fuzzy Logic
Reply #48 Monday, July 10, 2006 3:38 AM

ramesese: I think you should keep quiet, it's your only option to get out of this hole you are in.

There are two positives from this: The first is how well the community comes together with a single voice, shows how many good people we have here. The second is that everyone agrees what a good skin Happy Fish is.

btw starkers, 'he' is a she...   

Matches_Malone
Reply #49 Monday, July 10, 2006 3:46 AM
Here is an example of the work I do, and remember you saw it here first! My female version of Batman Begins this is '. Batgirl Begins -Note: this is no human figure wearing this.

Matches_Malone
Reply #50 Monday, July 10, 2006 3:54 AM
Fuzzy logic: My bad, I thought Starkers was a he, my apologies, secondly Happy Fish is a good theme. I'm in agreement. Thanks Fuzzy.
Fuzzy Logic
Reply #51 Monday, July 10, 2006 3:57 AM
The comment was aimed at starkers not you   
Matches_Malone
Reply #52 Monday, July 10, 2006 4:02 AM
I stand corrected. My mistake.
sydneysiders
Reply #53 Monday, July 10, 2006 4:29 AM
Please weed out those ridiculous skins


It comes down to ‘different horses for different courses’, ramesese…

This site has a little something for all interests and all age groups and a lot for the most prolific age groups/interests. (the youngest submitter I’ve come across was 12 & the oldest 76!)

To me, what makes a good site great is diversity.

If your idea of different concepts being ‘weeded out’ was adopted across the board by this site and they just allowed “high-definition” ….all of my meagre little logon offerings (which are not, in any way, shape or form, the norm for this site) would have been rejected….and, although I like a sprinkling of the dark themes as well, generally, the site would not be for me.

I think you’ve maybe missed the point of the site….people seem to be here to learn, improve, admire & enjoy others work (or not)....& have some fun, whether you’re creating a simple wallpaper or a complex skin. Sounds like you need to not take life so seriously….enjoy your dark skins….let others enjoy their Happy Fish…..and chill…..I see where you are coming from with your further explanations and hear your apologies, but your first post was a clumsy effort at getting your point across……..obviously, looking above,…..thems was lynchin’ words….

Obviously, what you want from the site and what I want from the site is somewhat different, (as I’m sure there are different expectations from different members)…..but I think both can be accommodated happily and harmoniously here, but it requires a little tolerance……room for all.

Anyway….with all the ‘thumps’ you’ve been getting….hirodoid is really good for bruises…..’nuff said from me…
Matches_Malone
Reply #54 Monday, July 10, 2006 4:45 AM
That was very well put syndeysiders. And nevertheless the truth. I think some of those thumps are healing 'cept for the one on my forehead, I guess I'll try that hirodoid and it should be gone by morning. I looked out my window I did'nt see anybody so I think I'm pretty much in good shape.
Skinhit
Reply #55 Monday, July 10, 2006 5:04 AM
well see
NightTrainthedark
Reply #56 Monday, July 10, 2006 6:07 AM

Bout post # 50 (batgirl begins)

Why a belly button? 

When they added nipples to Batmans' suits I always saw it as a lame designer without imagination. I am thinking the same thing about the belly button on the Batgirl suit.

Bichur
Reply #57 Monday, July 10, 2006 8:59 PM
Why a belly button?


It doesn't make sense.  Unless maybe her suit consists of hip huggers and a tube top.
Matches_Malone
Reply #58 Monday, July 10, 2006 9:51 PM
The will be no belly button on the costume, I added that part to it so when I goto attach her chest-piece I will know where to angle it at. The V-shaped area surrounding the belly-button will be where the bottom of the chest-piece will be attached to. The statue you see was a mold made of an actual women's waist and bottom area.
Matches_Malone
Reply #59 Monday, July 10, 2006 9:55 PM
The chest-piece is now done. Once my photographer takes the pics I will post it, so that you can see what I'm talking about. I'm just no good at taking pics, it never seems to come out right.
starkers
Reply #60 Tuesday, July 11, 2006 3:13 AM
btw starkers, 'he' is a she...


Oooops, there I go again....cross dressing people without their knowledge or consent. Please accept my apologies, ramesese, I did'nt mean to re-assign your gender, have you in boxers, a beard and mans business suit.

you are so bent with emotion,


No, not really, though I can become quite passionate about things at times. However, my comments were not to criticise or attack you, but rather to suggest choosing your words more wisely when expressing thoughts and opinions....to save yourself negative feedback, the misunderstanding of others. Tact and diplomacy, well it's not always what you say but how you say it, and to be honest, your comments could have been more sensitively worded.

As for my 'open mind being flexible' comment, trying to embrace alternatives to usual preferences, well I was so set in my ways at one time in my life that I denied myself a wealth of enjoyable experiences...I'd only wear certain types of clothes, listen only to certain types of music, eat only certain foods, etc, etc. Fortunately, I was introduced to and influenced by the preferences of others I became close to, and now I'm thankful for the wider spectrum of things I can embrace/enjoy as a result. So, I was not trying to say what you should or should not like, but that variety is the spice of life and your horizons are broadened by it.

Oh, and BTW, I think your Batgirl suit it very good indeed. It'll be interesting to see the completed product....and I don't have a problem with the belly button, either. In the real world, skin tight clothing would show an indentation of where it is, so why not!

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