Just my opinion of course but when I go into a store, I generally find some things I like, some things I don't like, some things well made, some not-so-much etc.

I don't expect anything different here. 

My understanding of the Master Skin  status is that the artist/technician has been determined to possess the skills required to consistently make professional quality skins.

I think they are doing that. They generally work on all Windows platforms, and don't have many, if any, technical glitches. those that are identified, are rectified and reissued. Past that, it is simply a matter of personal taste.   

I think the quality is up to the title, but perhaps not to everyone's taste.

Now this should start a lively conversation, or not. 

No doubt you are entitled to your opinion and it maybe shared by some in the community.  I am a non-skinner myself but I do understand the time and effort that is required to produce a skin.  I also understand that each person will look at and judge each skin to thier own likes or desires.

Skinners have come and gone from the community and you will alwasy see that reflected in the style of skins submitted.  The quality of skill and talent that is refected in the submitted skins, in my opinion, is always amazing.  This includes the newest skinners in the community all the way through to the Master Skinners.

Seems to me that the free skins as a group, while being less numerous, have become much better than they were.  Which of course is a compliment to those creating the free skins and certainly nothing to gripe about.  That doesn't make the master skins any less master, but it does close the gap a bit.  I buy my share of master skins and think they're worth it.  If you don't see any you feel like buying, then just slurp up the free ones and call it a day.

Master skins were first introduced as the best of the best. 

Now the skinners themselves, you are all awesome.  Even the new ones.  I have made some simple but unique skins in the past and I can't even imagine what it takes to make WB skin.

Where's the daring, the unique, the unusual?  If I am going to buy a skin, then sell me one!

Well there are really no specific artistic guidelines as to what makes a Master Skin or what doesn't.  A Master Skin for all purposes is a skin from someone who has shown proficiency in skinning, and has been a valuable contributor to the community.  

What makes it "good" in ones eyes could be completely different in anothers.

In June you complained that there were too many master skins and that we were "money grubbers" https://forums.wincustomize.com/384561

Now they're not good enough either?

Gee wiz

"...like the philosopher Jagger once said, 'You can't always get what you want.'"

I knew there was something familiar about this. 

Well, 2of3's point is certainly valid,

is also valid.

You can't have it both ways. The quality of the skins is just fine.

I think, at the core, you're complaining about 'imaginativeness' or innovation, and that's not easily addressed, except by you learning to skin and showing what you've got up your sleeve.

As for me? I like it just fine, and would like to see more folks give it a try.

OK...looks like I need to define a "Master Skin" yet again.

Follow closely...it's quite simple.

A Master skin is a skin made and released by.....

A Master.

EOS [for the uncertain that means...End Of Story].

Easy fixed. If you don't like a master skin don't buy it.

Art is subjective, just because you don't think something is up to your 'standards' does not mean others will have the same opinion.

Hey I was trying to come around to the master skins since that is the way things are here now.  I did rag a lot about them.  Sort of changed my tune once I considered them as art.  I have tried to leave positive comments for the most part since then and leave my rants out of individual skinners projects.  But now that I consider them as art, I am waiting for more.  That perfect one that says buy me.  Art.  I bought one for the color combination I was looking for.  Not the best design, the colors sold me.  One recent windowblinds fit the bill better and replaced the bought one.   The colors went well together and for the most part it was put together well.  ....   not trying to pick on any one particular artist or skin here

Several recent master skins look so much like recolored fair that are included with windowblinds.  Maybe I am lost because many are simple updates, and not really new content.  Am I complaining....   yes.  I finally come around to consider master skins, and well it's hard to consider so many of them.

If I told everyone that it's all peachy, then where's the growth?

Old dogs can learn new tricks. 

Just buy the good ones.... or... don't

PixelPunk, as is told to the skinners, skin for yourself, the same sort of advice can be said to the users, download and use the ones you like. 

omg.., HAHAHA! i cant believe this.., since day one that i came into this site (back at the good old days), I have been watching you guys whining about everything! I dont like the rating system, why didn't my skin got into the library?, damn is hot!, damn is cold!, where is Bichur?, ble ble ble....

LOL 20f3's link had me redescover my little optimus prime comic......i got another good set of evil giggles out of it.

as for pixel punk........ dude, sometimes its hard to match creativity with useability, we are trying our best.

Master skins don't have to be super exciting.  they have to be perfectly or near perfectly executed.  They are that.  And they are so well done because teh skinners have put in the time and effort to know what they are doing time and again.  I have so much respect for even their most "boring" skins.

I do enjoy the skins that push limits of what WB can do.  I'll admit that my favorite skin for showing off WB is Aquarium (with the fish swimming in teh title bar).  Kitty's skins are freakishly cool and I love them.  Pushing limits isn't a Master requirement though.

Like me.

Yes, I am that fucking awesome.

Bask with me in my awesomeness.

ok.. hope u don't have cooties