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After the numbers?
Thursday, July 10, 2008 by PuterDudeJim | Discussion: Community
This may be totally unnecessary, but I need to say it. There has been a lot going on in the forums lately about who skinned what, where they got the images, etc.
Something was said about "download whores" that I feel needs my comment. First I would point out that 80% of the last 30 or so DX themes are mine. Some are better than others, some seem mass produced. I am not the best at what I do, that's for sure. But I am trying to get better at it, and trying to do more original work lately. There are several masters out there that have helped me along the way. This is greatly appreciated.
Now, back to my point. I am trying to generate interest in DesktopX. I am not trying to garner downloads, not trying to "earn" karma. I want to inspire more people to try to create DesktopX themes. There seems to be a real lack of interest in DX that I hate to see because it is the main part of OD Ultimate that I love. I would hate to see DX go the route of Object Bar, tab launchpad, and some of the other almost dead apps.
I do not feel that anyone has pointed me out, or bashed me in any way. I just know that it could look like I am after the download numbers, when all I really want is more attention/participation with DesktopX.
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PoSmedley
Reply #2 Thursday, July 10, 2008 5:19 PM
I have help also from numerous sources. Some people who were very patient and very helpful with me.
I am VERY interested in DX. But..I seem to recall a post (I think from Brad) saying DX's future was kind of up in the air. So I have backed off. Though, I do have a couple very promising themes on stanby.
Scripting is my biggest problem. VBS tutorials around the web are not geared towards widgets. The tutorials here are either very basic and cover stuff I know, or lacking in the details. I have had scripts written for me but cannot apply them correctly or for some odd reason, different systems seem to conflict. (Vista and XP written scripts for example I even looked at B&K this past weekend, but the VBS books are a bit out of my price range at the moment.
I have recently gotten into Adobe Air widgets. These things are hot. I hate to say it..and please, this is not meant to offend...but I think even the masters are stumped when it comes to some of the more in demand widgets right now. I mean...why isn't there a Twitter widget in DX? Or something for Finetunes? How many calendars and weather widgets do we really need?
If someone out there 'knows' how to do these scripts, but cannot do the graphics, I would be more than happy to work together on them and share the credit.
My understanding is that DX is all that, with plug-ins and all it can do, but IMHO ...I have yet to see anyone take it and show it's true potential.
I second that. We need to keep DX alive and current.
Reply #2 Thursday, July 10, 2008 5:19 PM
I have not only been helped by masters, but also by journeymen, citizens, apprentices, etc. I did not mean I had ONLY been helped by masters.
I have help also from numerous sources. Some people who were very patient and very helpful with me.
I am VERY interested in DX. But..I seem to recall a post (I think from Brad) saying DX's future was kind of up in the air. So I have backed off. Though, I do have a couple very promising themes on stanby.
Scripting is my biggest problem. VBS tutorials around the web are not geared towards widgets. The tutorials here are either very basic and cover stuff I know, or lacking in the details. I have had scripts written for me but cannot apply them correctly or for some odd reason, different systems seem to conflict. (Vista and XP written scripts for example I even looked at B&K this past weekend, but the VBS books are a bit out of my price range at the moment.
I have recently gotten into Adobe Air widgets. These things are hot. I hate to say it..and please, this is not meant to offend...but I think even the masters are stumped when it comes to some of the more in demand widgets right now. I mean...why isn't there a Twitter widget in DX? Or something for Finetunes? How many calendars and weather widgets do we really need?
If someone out there 'knows' how to do these scripts, but cannot do the graphics, I would be more than happy to work together on them and share the credit.
My understanding is that DX is all that, with plug-ins and all it can do, but IMHO ...I have yet to see anyone take it and show it's true potential.
I would hate to see DX go the route of Object Bar, tab launchpad, and some of the other almost dead apps.
I second that. We need to keep DX alive and current.
vStyler
Reply #3 Thursday, July 10, 2008 5:39 PM
Reply #3 Thursday, July 10, 2008 5:39 PM
Don't think you have a thing to worry about Jim, Keep up the good work 
cplair
Reply #4 Thursday, July 10, 2008 5:42 PM
I'm not a DX designer like you pros, but here's a shot of my first DX Theme that I created from scratch and a screen capture back in January '07.
It's not well built at all, but what it does show is just how simple and fun DX building can be for complete functionality.
I don't know what the fate is for DesktopX, but it's staying on my system!
Reply #4 Thursday, July 10, 2008 5:42 PM
My understanding is that DX is all that, with plug-ins and all it can do, but IMHO ...I have yet to see anyone take it and show it's true potential.
I would hate to see DX go the route of Object Bar, tab launchpad, and some of the other almost dead apps.
I'm not a DX designer like you pros, but here's a shot of my first DX Theme that I created from scratch and a screen capture back in January '07.
It's not well built at all, but what it does show is just how simple and fun DX building can be for complete functionality.
I don't know what the fate is for DesktopX, but it's staying on my system!
PuterDudeJim
Reply #5 Thursday, July 10, 2008 5:47 PM
I resemble that remark! lol
Reply #5 Thursday, July 10, 2008 5:47 PM
Scripting is my biggest problem.
I resemble that remark! lol
Wizard1956
Reply #6 Thursday, July 10, 2008 5:47 PM
Reply #6 Thursday, July 10, 2008 5:47 PM
Variety is ,as they say,the spice of life.If it wasn't for all the recent submissions the DX theme gallery would go stale in no time.
It would be a shame to have it go the same route as suites. (
WB's may get most of the love here at WC,but DX can be just as good looking and is far more useful,imo.A great DX theme based on a great WB is good for both skinners.If I have one,I have to have it's "mate".
My thanks to those who share their graphics to make this possible.(you know who you are)
To those who haven't tried DXThemes-Come on in,the water's fine.If a nOOb like me can use them,anyone can.
It would be a shame to have it go the same route as suites. (
WB's may get most of the love here at WC,but DX can be just as good looking and is far more useful,imo.A great DX theme based on a great WB is good for both skinners.If I have one,I have to have it's "mate".
My thanks to those who share their graphics to make this possible.(you know who you are)
To those who haven't tried DXThemes-Come on in,the water's fine.If a nOOb like me can use them,anyone can.
PuterDudeJim
Reply #7 Thursday, July 10, 2008 5:48 PM
I believe we need a full set of widgets to match each windowblind.
Reply #7 Thursday, July 10, 2008 5:48 PM
How many calendars and weather widgets do we really need?
I believe we need a full set of widgets to match each windowblind.
vStyler
Reply #8 Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:00 PM
then u only have 4500 or so more to do Jim
Reply #8 Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:00 PM
I believe we need a full set of widgets to match each windowblind.
then u only have 4500 or so more to do Jim
Wizard1956
Reply #9 Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:07 PM
Don't forget the meters and clocks.What am I saying!! I may have to test them all.
Reply #9 Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:07 PM
then u only have 4500 or so more to do Jim
Don't forget the meters and clocks.What am I saying!! I may have to test them all.
NightTrainthedark
Reply #10 Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:20 PM
Reply #10 Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:20 PM
I'll give this another try. Something that could be a big boost for DX.
If you can find a way to make the normal start button activate the start panel and a desktop x object at the same time you could imbed DX controls into the start panel. From there you could have buttons that activate parts of the desktop X theme like clock, weather, etc. Can it be done?
If you can find a way to make the normal start button activate the start panel and a desktop x object at the same time you could imbed DX controls into the start panel. From there you could have buttons that activate parts of the desktop X theme like clock, weather, etc. Can it be done?
PuterDudeJim
Reply #11 Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:26 PM
Whoa! Man! That sounds good, but I am in no way the right man for that job. That sounds like a RomanDa thing to me. I think that would require a lot of scripting, and some knowledge of making windowblinds. I am not good at either, but I will be thinking about it!
Reply #11 Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:26 PM
If you can find a way to make the normal start button activate the start panel and a desktop x object at the same time you could imbed DX controls into the start panel. From there you could have buttons that activate parts of the desktop X theme like clock, weather, etc. Can it be done?
Whoa! Man! That sounds good, but I am in no way the right man for that job. That sounds like a RomanDa thing to me. I think that would require a lot of scripting, and some knowledge of making windowblinds. I am not good at either, but I will be thinking about it!
HAPTORK
Reply #12 Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:47 PM
Reply #12 Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:47 PM
You are doing a great job Puterdudejim. Variations in your styles is what I like most. I dont like to see alot of skins with same interface and different images but its a matter of interest. You have come with very original styles and images. Keep making some more exciting interfaces with interesting images. You are gonna be a desktop master just like Gef.
HAPTORK
Reply #13 Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:51 PM
Everything is possible with Dx and this doesnt sounds alot complex thing to do.
Reply #13 Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:51 PM
If you can find a way to make the normal start button activate the start panel and a desktop x object at the same time you could imbed DX controls into the start panel. From there you could have buttons that activate parts of the desktop X theme like clock, weather, etc. Can it be done?
Everything is possible with Dx and this doesnt sounds alot complex thing to do.
Wizard1956
Reply #14 Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:58 PM
Reply #14 Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:58 PM
Question: A WB can have roll up and other buttons.I've seen a few that even launched WMP or took you to a website i.e.Zippo,Alienware. Can these be assigned to launching DX config. or load a desktop that matches the WB? Just curious.
HG_Eliminator
Reply #15 Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:09 PM
Reply #15 Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:09 PM
It saddens me that members are now having to second guess how people perceive them and their intentions of why they skin. IMO it is a failure within the community when members feel the need post, hoping people see they are having fun skinning and not just going after download counts.
A Community member is a member no mater why they skin. Some people skin for fun.. some for glory... as long as they are not harming the community, and following the rules, they should not fear reprisal.
For the record, I skin because i love skinning, I moderate because I love the community and want to give something back. But if I was ever good enough to make a living skinning, I would darn well go for it. Darn skippy, getting paid for doing something I love?? heck yea...... If some dont like it? to bad so sad.
Jim don't sweat it, You are fine, Keep up the good work. Your contributions to the site and skinning as a community are always welcome to me. Your determination and Effort to keep the DX library flowing is most admirable.
A Community member is a member no mater why they skin. Some people skin for fun.. some for glory... as long as they are not harming the community, and following the rules, they should not fear reprisal.
For the record, I skin because i love skinning, I moderate because I love the community and want to give something back. But if I was ever good enough to make a living skinning, I would darn well go for it. Darn skippy, getting paid for doing something I love?? heck yea...... If some dont like it? to bad so sad.
Jim don't sweat it, You are fine, Keep up the good work. Your contributions to the site and skinning as a community are always welcome to me. Your determination and Effort to keep the DX library flowing is most admirable.
WebGizmos
Reply #16 Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:34 PM
Reply #16 Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:34 PM
WebGizmos thinks to self...Man...I can't believe Jims a whore! 
Of all people....I thought he was saving himself for that special someone. 
Oh....wait a minute....are they talking about download counts? Man...I can't believe Jims a download whore! Of all people....I thought he was saving himself for that special DX theme! 
Oh well....I better go check my downloads! I don't want that Messiah dude catchin up to me...that guy's a dock whore! Man...what a monkey he is! Boy....am I glad no one can hear my thoughts.
Of all people....I thought he was saving himself for that special someone. 
Oh....wait a minute....are they talking about download counts? Man...I can't believe Jims a download whore! Of all people....I thought he was saving himself for that special DX theme! 
Oh well....I better go check my downloads! I don't want that Messiah dude catchin up to me...that guy's a dock whore! Man...what a monkey he is! Boy....am I glad no one can hear my thoughts.
cplair
Reply #17 Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:40 PM
Absolutely!
Reply #17 Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:40 PM
Your determination and Effort to keep the DX library flowing is most admirable.
Absolutely!
WebGizmos
Reply #18 Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:54 PM
Reply #18 Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:54 PM
Hey Jim! Since this is my "first" post here....just let me say your doing a great job with your themes. And as long as your having fun doing what you do...don't worry about this download whore thing. I doubt anyone is thinking that about you. I never even check my downloads!
Phoon
Reply #19 Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:59 PM
Jim,
In my opinion a "Download whore" or "Popularity Whore" as it is sometimes referred to is not someone that submits a bunch of themes back to back. ( Hell if that were the case then Night Train would have to change his nick to Xaviara )
It is someone that constantly feels the need to use the word Vista (or whatever the latest craze is) into the name of their work. This is horribly common in the wallpaper section followed up closely in the WB Section (more so at DA). Stuff that has absolutely no bearing at all with Vista, or up and coming Windows 7.
So there ya have it! Consider yourself as pure as the driven snow.
(Night Train on the other hand.. well, I think Po' has pictures somewhere in the archives..)
Reply #19 Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:59 PM
Something was said about "download whores"
Jim,
In my opinion a "Download whore" or "Popularity Whore" as it is sometimes referred to is not someone that submits a bunch of themes back to back. ( Hell if that were the case then Night Train would have to change his nick to Xaviara
)It is someone that constantly feels the need to use the word Vista (or whatever the latest craze is) into the name of their work. This is horribly common in the wallpaper section followed up closely in the WB Section (more so at DA). Stuff that has absolutely no bearing at all with Vista, or up and coming Windows 7.
So there ya have it! Consider yourself as pure as the driven snow.
(Night Train on the other hand.. well, I think Po' has pictures somewhere in the archives..)
vStyler
Reply #20 Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:06 PM
Ur Karma is 7... whore !
Reply #20 Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:06 PM
or up and coming Windows 7.
Ur Karma is 7... whore !
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Reply #1 Thursday, July 10, 2008 4:54 PM