Why aren't more people customizing?
refer a friend.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007 by vStyler | Discussion: Community
I'll keep it short and "suite" 
.. I'm curious what people think the reasons are that more people don't customize their PC's. The first time (years and years ago) I applied a skin.. I was hooked, So outof the 6 billion or so on earth, why aren't more people getting hooked on customizing and in turn , becoming skinners. Im not sure whether the community worldwide is growing or shrinking but IMO it has HUGE potential for personal enjoyment as well as profitability.
Let me know why you think more people arent "doin it' and finally If nothing else.. I would like everyone, seriously, to make an effort to really show at least one person what it's really all about and how satisfying and fullfilling a hobby it can be.
If everyone here can get one person interested, word of mouth will do the rest. It can only benefit everyone.
A win..win for all. 
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WebGizmos
Reply #22 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 5:13 PM
Reply #22 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 5:13 PM
Personally I think some people lack the confidence in themselves to try and skin anything, or they're just afraid to try. Then some people might think they need a ton of money in order to produce the graphics or just lack the knowledge to create the graphics.
When I started doing stuff for ObjectDock I had never skinned anything...had no knowledge of graphics or the top shelf tools to do it. But when I decided to at least try...I found it was easier than I had imagined...the rest is history.
And then there's the terminology...for a lot of people the terminology is easily understood...but that in itself can be intimidating. And then when you go asking questions of what this or that means...in a lot of cases you get answers from people who forgot that at one time they had no idea what these things meant and answer you in a way that just turns you off to trying anything.
It boils down to a lot of different reasons why people just don't try skinning. A lack of straight forward tutorials is another reason.
When I started doing stuff for ObjectDock I had never skinned anything...had no knowledge of graphics or the top shelf tools to do it. But when I decided to at least try...I found it was easier than I had imagined...the rest is history.
And then there's the terminology...for a lot of people the terminology is easily understood...but that in itself can be intimidating. And then when you go asking questions of what this or that means...in a lot of cases you get answers from people who forgot that at one time they had no idea what these things meant and answer you in a way that just turns you off to trying anything.
It boils down to a lot of different reasons why people just don't try skinning. A lack of straight forward tutorials is another reason.
SirSmiley
Reply #23 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 5:43 PM
Reply #23 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 5:43 PM
Why don't more people customize their car?
It's kind of the same thing and Brad had a good article about skinning a few months ago that explain it very accurately IMHO.
Basically most people are happy with the way things are. To most of us in the community we can't fathom this, don't forgot that both Apple and Microsoft but, a great deal of money and time into researching this to arrive at the most acceptable solution.
For some reason I'm thinking of the scene in "Fight Club" where the boss asks if he can get the icon in "Corn Flower Blue" which is really a good metaphor to the extent of most people's customizing desires.
It's kind of the same thing and Brad had a good article about skinning a few months ago that explain it very accurately IMHO.
Basically most people are happy with the way things are. To most of us in the community we can't fathom this, don't forgot that both Apple and Microsoft but, a great deal of money and time into researching this to arrive at the most acceptable solution.
For some reason I'm thinking of the scene in "Fight Club" where the boss asks if he can get the icon in "Corn Flower Blue" which is really a good metaphor to the extent of most people's customizing desires.
Bebi Bulma
Reply #24 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 5:46 PM
Reply #24 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 5:46 PM
Hey...I customize my car...and my room and my computer and everything else I own. 
pjdark
Reply #25 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 6:02 PM
Reply #25 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 6:02 PM
some people do not customize because of contentment. not me!!! customize away!!!! 
vStyler
Reply #26 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 7:43 PM
How about, and this may be a shot in the dark but.. most people just dont know they can ?
Just about everyone I have ever met that I have sent a link over a messenger or that i have showed in person just did not know about it. It's not like XP advertised it..nor will Vista for that matter..I doubt that anyone of you can show me a non-customization site anywhere that has an article or advertisement about it.
Maybe it's time to get the word out.?
Reply #26 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 7:43 PM
Basically most people are happy with the way things are.
How about, and this may be a shot in the dark but.. most people just dont know they can ?
Just about everyone I have ever met that I have sent a link over a messenger or that i have showed in person just did not know about it. It's not like XP advertised it..nor will Vista for that matter..I doubt that anyone of you can show me a non-customization site anywhere that has an article or advertisement about it.
Maybe it's time to get the word out.?
Jafo
Reply #27 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 8:50 PM
Reply #27 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 8:50 PM
Not everyone is the same. Decoration and individuality/expression/artistic flare/creativity is not inherent to everyone, certainly not in equal amounts.
Some are certainly more creative/expressive individually than others.
For over 30 years now I have been 'creative' on a personalized sense for people wanting a house design that suits them directly, and not the lowest common denominator [Joe Average]. Most people, however seem to be happy with stock design xyz [as long as it has a door hung reverse so they feel 'special'].
Some [of us] can be somewhat extreme....getting into all sorts of 'customizing'. Eg. ...my actual skin is 'modded' [tattoos]-though my wife's is more-so...I designed [and built] my own bicycle [individualism]...my house [reno] is my own design [naturally] ... I built my own computer... and modded its case [a little].....and its GUI is skinned [obviously]. Artwork on my walls is either mine or my sister's... The list goes on....
Corky_O
Reply #28 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 8:59 PM
Reply #28 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 8:59 PM
It took me a week just to customize my cell phone and another week to customize my MP3 player, now you want me to try customizing my computer? 
vStyler
Reply #29 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 9:05 PM
Yes plz
Reply #29 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 9:05 PM
now you want me to try customizing my computer?
Yes plz
RPGFX
Reply #30 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 9:07 PM
very nice. go sox!
Reply #30 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 9:07 PM
I'll throw a theory out there from left field (girlie, like Johnny Damon).
very nice. go sox!
SirSmiley
Reply #31 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 9:58 PM
Reply #31 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 9:58 PM
Last year Entrepreneur magazine (or StartUps) listed "pimping" computers as one of the hottest home based businesses to get into. That article peaked my interest because of my modding interests. I'm sure the magazine is kicking around somewhere as I'm a terminal pack rat.
I really would like to know if anyone is making a go of this within their own/local communities?
I really would like to know if anyone is making a go of this within their own/local communities?
ZubaZ
Reply #32 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 10:08 PM
Reply #32 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 10:08 PM
I really would like to know if anyone is making a go of this within their own/local communities?
This *IS* my community. What the hell are you talking about?
SirSmiley
Reply #33 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 10:14 PM
you've been on the payroll for less than a week and already the god complex!
PS. You know very well what I meant!
Reply #33 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 10:14 PM
This *IS* my community. What the hell are you talking about?
you've been on the payroll for less than a week and already the god complex!
PS. You know very well what I meant!
vStyler
Reply #34 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 10:14 PM
How would you suggest folks people give it a "go" I'm interested in your ideas.
Reply #34 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 10:14 PM
I really would like to know if anyone is making a go of this within their own/local communities?
How would you suggest folks people give it a "go" I'm interested in your ideas.
sViz
Reply #35 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 10:22 PM
HEY! I still use Luna XP!
Since I seem to be the only one here who does I guess I should speak up. Customizing is a hobby, and like all hobbies some people really love it and some people don't care much for it. Like all hobbies it is largely unecessary except for the enjoyment of the hobbyist. It's as simple as that. I suppose Mozart or Shakespeare wouldn't have much use for skinning/customizing/DXing either but I wouldn't call them unimaginative. People have different ways of expressing their imagination and creativity. It's the same with DesktopX. Lots of people see it as unecessary but I really enjoy it.
Skinning is all about getting your kicks. I don't get that big a kick out of changing the look of my UI every so often. That's why I prefer DX to WB. Function over fashion. Changing the look of my UI is purely for aesthetic reasons as it does not really make my GUI/OS any more productive. I know Luna is old and tired but I'm not the flavor-of-the-week type. I'd like to find a really nice skin that is not distrcating, flashy, obtrusive, loud etc. It lasts longer which allows for usability, reliability, and familiarity which ultimately makes my cpu feel like MY cpu; a place where all MY stuff is, MY work is done, and MY creativity turns to productivity. It allows me to focus on my work (or my prefered hobbies). Until I do find a UI that fits that bill I'll stick with Luna, because like I said I don't like changing the look every other day.
Right now, Windows Vista is looking pretty good. I haven't upgraded yet but it packages the sleek new look with great features that should make it more functional and productive. You know, that's also why I prefer DX themes to WBs. It packages both design and function, too.
Well, there's 2 cents from this unimaginative Luna-tic.
Reply #35 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 10:22 PM
Put bluntly, I don't understand how anyone can tolerate/be satisfied with any OSes default look, they're all unimaginative and boring
HEY! I still use Luna XP!
Since I seem to be the only one here who does I guess I should speak up. Customizing is a hobby, and like all hobbies some people really love it and some people don't care much for it. Like all hobbies it is largely unecessary except for the enjoyment of the hobbyist. It's as simple as that. I suppose Mozart or Shakespeare wouldn't have much use for skinning/customizing/DXing either but I wouldn't call them unimaginative. People have different ways of expressing their imagination and creativity. It's the same with DesktopX. Lots of people see it as unecessary but I really enjoy it. Skinning is all about getting your kicks. I don't get that big a kick out of changing the look of my UI every so often. That's why I prefer DX to WB. Function over fashion. Changing the look of my UI is purely for aesthetic reasons as it does not really make my GUI/OS any more productive. I know Luna is old and tired but I'm not the flavor-of-the-week type. I'd like to find a really nice skin that is not distrcating, flashy, obtrusive, loud etc. It lasts longer which allows for usability, reliability, and familiarity which ultimately makes my cpu feel like MY cpu; a place where all MY stuff is, MY work is done, and MY creativity turns to productivity. It allows me to focus on my work (or my prefered hobbies). Until I do find a UI that fits that bill I'll stick with Luna, because like I said I don't like changing the look every other day.
Right now, Windows Vista is looking pretty good. I haven't upgraded yet but it packages the sleek new look with great features that should make it more functional and productive. You know, that's also why I prefer DX themes to WBs. It packages both design and function, too.
Well, there's 2 cents from this unimaginative Luna-tic.
Corky_O
Reply #36 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 10:54 PM
Reply #36 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 10:54 PM
HEY! I still use Luna XP!
You are not alone, so do I!
In fact, I also like the default Vista theme. As soon as the graphics drivers get up to speed, it should be a treat. At least XP (whether Luna or skinned) is quite stable with the current drivers from either nVidia or AMD/ATI.
SirSmiley
Reply #37 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 11:39 PM
Ideas I have lot's of but, maybe that's for another thread?
A few (non-financial) ideas off of the top of my head:
1. Work with local computer stores. There's a chain here called MDG that could add some value to their computer.
2. Offer some local course on customizing your computer.
3. If you're media-genic than maybe try to write an article for the local paper about how to upgrade your computer without upgrading the OS.
4. Hitch your tail to the Vista wagon. Many people aren't/won't be buying this in the immediate future but, if they know you're the "goto guy" for accomplishing some nice changes with the current OS.
Reply #37 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 11:39 PM
How would you suggest folks people give it a "go" I'm interested in your ideas.
Ideas I have lot's of but, maybe that's for another thread?
A few (non-financial) ideas off of the top of my head:
1. Work with local computer stores. There's a chain here called MDG that could add some value to their computer.
2. Offer some local course on customizing your computer.
3. If you're media-genic than maybe try to write an article for the local paper about how to upgrade your computer without upgrading the OS.
4. Hitch your tail to the Vista wagon. Many people aren't/won't be buying this in the immediate future but, if they know you're the "goto guy" for accomplishing some nice changes with the current OS.
vStyler
Reply #38 Thursday, March 29, 2007 12:29 AM
Not neccesarily non financial..but good ideas, I actually cut a deal to make a PC chain official skin for a company here in Florida called PC Depot, Unfortunately they wents t*ts up about a month later so that fell through. It is however an idea who's time may have still to come.
These are all good suggestions to get the word out though.
@ cplair, you certainly have the most encouraging attitude for customizing I have seen on WC , good for you !
Reply #38 Thursday, March 29, 2007 12:29 AM
A few (non-financial) ideas off of the top of my head:
Not neccesarily non financial..but good ideas, I actually cut a deal to make a PC chain official skin for a company here in Florida called PC Depot, Unfortunately they wents t*ts up about a month later so that fell through. It is however an idea who's time may have still to come.
These are all good suggestions to get the word out though.
@ cplair, you certainly have the most encouraging attitude for customizing I have seen on WC , good for you !
DaRkFuSsIoOn
Reply #39 Thursday, March 29, 2007 2:33 AM
Reply #39 Thursday, March 29, 2007 2:33 AM
Please don't take this like an offense, but my english sucks...please translate
Si las personas no customizan sus equipos, es por que no saben que esto se puede hacer....y en lo personal pienso que si Stardock utilizara herramientas de publicidad mas fuertes, sin duda creceria el porcentaje de personas que utilicen la customizacion, crecerian los skinners, y definitivamente stardock multiplicaria sus ventas a los cielos.
Si las personas no customizan sus equipos, es por que no saben que esto se puede hacer....y en lo personal pienso que si Stardock utilizara herramientas de publicidad mas fuertes, sin duda creceria el porcentaje de personas que utilicen la customizacion, crecerian los skinners, y definitivamente stardock multiplicaria sus ventas a los cielos.
vStyler
Reply #40 Thursday, March 29, 2007 5:57 AM
ok... If the people do not customizan their equipment, she is so that they do not know that this can be done....y in the personnel I think that if Stardock used strong tools of publicity but, without a doubt creceria the percentage of people that use customizacion, they crecerian skinners, and stardock definitively multiplicaria its sales to skies.
Reply #40 Thursday, March 29, 2007 5:57 AM
Si las personas no customizan sus equipos, es por que no saben que esto se puede hacer....y en lo personal pienso que si Stardock utilizara herramientas de publicidad mas fuertes, sin duda creceria el porcentaje de personas que utilicen la customizacion, crecerian los skinners, y definitivamente stardock multiplicaria sus ventas a los cielos.
ok... If the people do not customizan their equipment, she is so that they do not know that this can be done....y in the personnel I think that if Stardock used strong tools of publicity but, without a doubt creceria the percentage of people that use customizacion, they crecerian skinners, and stardock definitively multiplicaria its sales to skies.
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Reply #21 Wednesday, March 28, 2007 5:07 PM