It may be all too easy to just say folks do move on or that life has been taking up all their time but I do think that is part of the answer. 

There also could be some feelings in all skinners/users that needed changes or updates were just never developed for the software.  No doubt that some of this is caused when new versions of OS are released and changes are made that make life difficult for Stardock and other developers of desktop customizing software.

The one thing that also cannot be ignored is that with new computing devices being released much more often, then when most of us folks here became aware of computing, that new users just don't see the need to customize.

Just some points to ponder. 

Has desktop customizing become a hobby or activity that is or has reached it's end of popularity? 

I think there will always be folks that will want to change what the delivered OS gives you as a graphical user interface, we will always want to personalize it.  Well that's my opinion. 

Tom, adni18 just released a free skin. Agartha. And updated Bauhaus, a master.

But yes, where have all the Masters gone?

Working on it

Yep, I know Jim. I was referring to new Master Skins. 

Good to hear Andrew!

Andy gives um too many good free skins!!!

AS for my filler work for masters,oh well.Is what it is.

Gonna stop now,.

i never though being a skinner would be an easy task,well its not, but its really difficult to design you should spend more hours and weeks to do it until you make a perfect skin.second problem is the early new OS released by microsoft.

Yeah it seems the Master skins died out some time ago. Seems your the only one left Tom.

The major hit were those Mycolors Collegiate/Car/Sports themes's sale isn't mirth. Considering you have spent times working on them and the end result is naught. Sadly,this is included master skins by other skinners. 

Customized interface is some kind of predilection that only small of group really enjoy.   

I disagree...seems to me you're one Master Giz.

Time for a Masterpiece of your own...

Besides...we have other Masters you folks have forgotten: Master WOM, Master Jafo, Master I.D., Master frogboy... Master Quentin... Master HG_E... Master ERK... Master Hankers...

Just because they have additional ranks now, doesn't mean they've "lost the touch".

Maybe they can be appreciated and encouraged...

They are much appreciated, but they are no longer skinning, which is the point.

OK I am going to add my 2 cents worth and I am pretty sure it will piss some people off. With regards to master Windowblinds skins I have purchased some in the past and I even have a few of yours Tom. I know that there is a lot of time put into these skins but to be honest (and this is just my opinion) most are very similar at least in design. Yes colors may change with slight variances with start button graphics and so on but for the most part you have a square start menu and rectangle taskbar. When I look back at some of the old Windowblinds skins it seems as if there was a lot more creativity or at least imagination put into them. I am talking about blinds such as one called Iron Horse  https://www.wincustomize.com/explore/windowblinds/6410/ or ttp://www.wincustomize.com/explore/windowblinds/5717 or even https://www.wincustomize.com/explore/windowblinds/6356/. There have been more modern blinds that have been created also that have had some great design elements. Most of these skins are not master skins. I understand that I am only one person with only one voice and I certainly do not speak for everyone but give me more master skins that do not look like a shape drawn in geometry class and I will gladly purchase a lot more. There is a time for box shaped blinds and perhaps they are considered more usable but I for one like to have some fun with themes and those type of skins just do not cut it.

Yes this swayed from the original topic somewhat but perhaps if some of the creative blind skinners here were actually masters my wallet would be a lot lighter.  

Now I know for a fact you've heard of casting bread upon the waters, Jim...

I looked it up and still don't get your meaning, Doc. 

Casting bread upon the waters means simply that by (in this case) letting those people who rarely (if ever) see appreciation of their art and them as artists, they might be encouraged to return to those efforts to some degree...that's in the Christian sense. Jews have a different custom done at New Years called Tashlich...and it has to do with forgiveness.

It is also a saying. It means that if you give, you will receive, and in that sense it usually refers to charity. It's not too different from other religions' notions of karma, or the Wiccan concept that what you do, good or evil, will come back to you three times over.

Ties into the Golden Rule, as you can see.

Ultimately, we're all a lot more alike than we are different, after all  

Still here. Just busy "not skinning so much".

I don't do pay skins anymore, but I'm am working (slowly) on a couple of free ones!

Understood JC... I have tried adding more "glitz" so to speak to some skins, even in some of my past free skins, but I also stress functionality now in my skins. I also hate the overuse of transparency in skins as seeing what is under the window you are currently using distracts from what you are actually trying to see. Maybe it's because of my having vision problems at times, not sure. I also get people telling me I should not charge for my skins, but as I am on a fixed income I cannot afford to do that all the time.

But anyway I understand what you're saying and hopefully this skin will meet more with people's approval, and I'll try adding a little more "glitz" in

future skins too...

https://forums.wincustomize.com/450293/page/1/#3419956  

... and don't worry about being off topic, I don't mind at all.

A suggestion. Why not a contest of Masters past and present. I don't know what kind of prize could be offered but the idea sounds good. Or...a collaboration among them. You can call it "A Master Suite" 

How about getting suggestions from members for a nice blind or suite, the member who's idea is chosen gets some sort of prize and the master who's skin which is chosen gets a prize also. Just an idea off the top of my head but maybe there is a better idea.