Since you asked....of course, you know I've been here almost daily.  I'm a little hesitant to even post this, because I know I already have enough people here in the community who sigh and roll their eyes anytime they see one of my posts, but I think since you've noticed the change and started the thread, I'll put in my 2 cents. 

This is just my opinion, and this is just MY feelings on the matter -- I've been thinking about having the Valentine's day project be my last upload here.  I'm pretty comfortable with my skills now and the people who are my true friends here have given me their e-mail addresses and instant messenger contact info, so if I need to ask a skinning question, I can ask them directly.  My reasons for this, is that there have been some things coming from the top of Stardock that I find very disturbing.  In particular, this statement: "My mantra for skinning has basically been: Make it useful, target power users.  I’m not interested in making software for grandma or pointless cosmetics" (The Challenges of WindowBlind skinning by Frogboy), was a rude wakeup call for me.  Although I don't have any grandchildren, I AM old enough to be a grandma, and the thing I love most about Windowblinds is the cosmetic result it provides.

I believe, there are a lot of people like me, sitting back, waiting to see what direction WC is going to be going in.  It's obvious the glory days are over.  Hints have been made about merging forums, and when questions were raised, they went unanswered.  There are a LOT of questions going unanswered and the silence is deafening.  I think there are a lot of people holding their breath to see whether their cyber "home" will become a victim of eminent domain, for Stardock's greater glory.

This is just my opinion and the impression that I've been coming away with.

*sigh. 

You knew someone was going to do that....right?

Sorry, but I don't do that when I see your posts, Karen. I think that folks are fatigued from the holidays, miss other members who aren't around, and yes...I am concerned about the future of WC...merging Forums, the new site, the unsuccessful subscription drive and rumored saggy software sales...whiney posts about software problems which could be phrased in non antagonistic language...

There are a wide range of members with longer or shorter memories (by virtue of joining later, or by virtue[?] of aging) who remember different times and become nostalgic.

I asked what "Community Integration" meant...I'd still like to know. I don't enjoy "A cat being thrown in amongst the pigeons" as one person I'm {rather} fond of put it {and who's among the missing}, nor my question being ignored.

I'm not in a jocular frame of mind because of illness in the family, distance from my children and the prospect of becoming a grandfather in name only because of that distance. I mention those things because I'm certain many people here are facing equal or more ominous circumstances in their own lives. My heart and thoughts are with them, and I hope they know that.

I always felt that WC was a place to come to where my interest in skinning and digital art were supported and where I could (with whatever I could contribute) support others. Like any place or mutually shared interest, or relationship it'll have more and less active periods...like the waxing and waning of the moon, or the ebb and flow of the tides.

We'll weather the bad and celebrate the good as a Community, as we should: If we decide to remain a Community.

The location of our Community isn't on a conventional map. We should learn to think in a less territorial and more Communal manner..."the where" isn't a physical concern as much as "the we"....at least to me [insert ironic grin here].

I would prefer it to be here...but heck, I'm old and lazy. I'll enjoy listening to younger, more energetic minds and their thoughts.

I still come to the forums on a daily basis, I just dont always take the time to comment on things....I've been rather busy making a kick a** skin lately.

I agree with you, vStyler, in the five years I have been a regular here the forums have changed a lot, not that I have posted as much as would have liked, (due to my health) there are still some very helpful people who help posters with their problems with software etc. but the emphasis has definately swung away from skinning. Everything evolves, & I think Frogboy has a point when he said in one of his posts that XP needed skinning but Vista/ Windows 7 Aero is more pleasing on the eye, I like the frames, start menu etc. but all the white drives me up the wall, but I feel that there is still a place for skinning. It is good to see you are still around, vStyler, your posts & helpful skinning advice have certainly been missed in the forums recently.

The site is quiet because people aren't spending so much time indoors. Everyone is out trying to be more useful members of society, and by contributing to to society, they are exploring their own growth through personal development.

Or it could be the holiday season...

Why didn't he explain it?  People asked him what he meant by "power user", and he gave no answer.  I'm not the only one who gets bothered by the lack of follow up to the questions.

I know you have the history and authority to claim that nothing has changed.  I trust you...and I did say at the end of my post that it was simply my opinion and the impression that I was getting.

Thanks Jafo.

Since my wife passed away I haven't commented like I use to or made anything but l would like you all to know I enjoy following things that go on and I'm hear every night. I would miss most of you if this wasn't active. I say most because I can't understand when someone has a question and it's pretty obvious that no one is able to answer the question so they ask them to email Stardock support. This doesn't ever appear to be an answer for these people and the post gets out of control. I have never been on any forum that have so many people willing to give their time and knowledge to help people so when there is no answer from all the fine people just email support. Forgot to mention you may not get a reply in 5 minutes so be a bit patient and wait a day or two.

As far as skinning I can actually make graphics and over the past 4 months or so have been thinking about making a skin. I haven't started yet and may never start. I know skinning is something you should do for yourself and if others like it fine. With the talent that is available now and you ladies and gentleman know who you are I think it better I just pass on a blind. I know nothing about Skinstudio, changing margins, and all that stuff except for reading the great answers so many of you have given to help people. So I think I will have to pass on it, besides time is a problem as I'm away from home for almost 12 hours each day working and the weekends I have plenty of things that have to be done at home.

So with that don't all you fine people leave me here with nothing to learn, laugh at, and just plain enjoy myself. Remember Stardock isn't the only company that has a program from time to time that doesn't work exactly like we wished it would and maybe we don't always get the answers we asked. However what other company higher ups will get on the forum or even reply back using email and try to help If you read most of their replies they are looking for answers so they can fix the situation. I like to use the word situations because they usually get fixed. Problems often never get fixed and most of this stuff is just a situation with a program that needs an answer and than it can be resolved.

Trying desperatly to figure out SkinStudio. Everytime I even begin to get a grip, they update it. Yes, I am that slow.

 

 

im always around if you want my help on msn po...

i dont want karen to quit skinning either.........

I blame skinhit!!

There's a lot of truth in Jafo's response #16

and in RnD's  #19 

Well put, starkers. I'm sure there are plenty of folks who welcome the social interaction, the opportunity to learn stuff about skinning and computers and get to know the people who are trying to help... sure, being able to do it is important and no one puts any brakes on skinners discussing settings or techniques...quite the opposite.

I wouldn't have known anything about image processing without the fun we had in the "Pick your face" thread, nor had fun loitering in Ed's, munkeh's and yes, vStyler's game (word association) too...and Fuzzy's beginning to explain how to use psp...and his HDR's which are beginning to move me through PSP X2.

All these things and the interaction build a sense of Community. It really doesn't hurt to have some fun along the way. As for images being appropriate or not, I leave that to common sense and when that's absent, Moderation.

When I joined here 5 years ago, I was pretty much homebound. I had had a difficult spinal fusion and at the time was not certain I would ever be able to return to work. I had a lot of time on my hands. This community was a great place for me and kept me busy, active, and challenged. I learned so much just the first few months here. I was able to devote a lot of time to the site.

Since then , I have seen a lot of folks leave WC. Some have moved over to other sites, some have just left skinning in general. I interacted with a few of these people. One bought me my first sub to ODN. Some were and still are heavily committed to skinning and or graphics. SOme of them were huge contributors to skinning, to the site, and to the community in general. Not many made it known why they left and I haven't asked, respecting their right to privacy. I miss them all here. I often wonder if anyone from WC admin has reached out to any of them and if not, why.

The past couple years, I feel things have changed. (Sorry, Jafo) The talk of 'cliks' and people working against each other is very disturbing. Either it was not as prevalant before or wasn't brought up before, but I don't recall this kind of dissention when I first joined. I honestly believe that the creation of 'Master' status had some influence with this. I don't blame the Masters or the creation of that level,. I think it was an unforseen and unfortunate side effect.

Masters and other folks who were once extremely helpful are now very busy. Life. New opportunities. Maybe some folks just get burned out or distracted. I don't know. I don't see a lot of the names I used to offering help or guidance. Some of the changes taking place (Windows 7, DesktopX moving to new scripting, etc) happen quickly and often without much in the way of updated tutorials or resources. This leaves some folks behind. It also ties up some of the more experienced folks with catching up and adapting.

I thought that part of being a Master had to do with Masters offering tutorials , not just private one on one help. I think there were a lot of good intentions with the Master-level, but some of them have fallen to the wayside or are just overlooked in general. I appreciate the offers for help from a lot of people with skinning, but the lack of tutorials available for 'anyone' gives the perception that it's all a big secret that no one wants to share. It seems to me that making tuorials, full tutorials- available would benefit WC and Stardock.

I Have a rough idea or opinion of where WC is heading. I'm not sure I like it, but only time can tell. My impression is that everything is being streamlined, right down to the community. I peeped at the new site and it seems that community is no longer a priority. Revenue is. I understand the economy is bad. In my own work, we are being forced to do more with less. We also struggle there as well to maintain a level of comrodary that is threatened by these new demands. I don't see the co-workers I like to hang with as much and it seems less and less every passing week. We are all to busy and struggling to keep up with all the changes and all that is expected.

I see the same here. I think even some Masters see these changes as kind of a threat, for lack of a better word, and wonder where it will leave them in the end. It's becoming very competitive in what I am not sure is a good way.

There are a few skinning sites left out there. Some so overblown, the sense of community that I belive made WC what it was/is is impossible. Some are so small, people tend to just bypass them. Some give the appearance of being 'exclusive' or 'elite' and will attract those into that and only welcome/admit those they deem worthy. WC was unique. Is unique. Everyone is welcomed by a large amount of the community. People have debated, argued, insulted, and been banned. They have also reconciled, forgiven, made-up, and laughed about it. They have worn their hearts on their sleeves and have reached out in great times of need for help and to give help. People have fought for their lives openly in the forums. They have gotten compassion, inspiration, and love. They have also given it. We have seen children born and family members pass. What I see coming is  cold and threatens to diminish the feeling of family here. I hope I am wrong.

If I seem pessimistic, I apologize. Not my intention to. I love this site. I hate the thought of it becoming less of a community and more of a corporate billboard. In the end, though, the folks that feel the way I do about WC are the only ones who can save it and keep it that way. You can change the appearance and structure of every aspect of the site, but if I have learned anything in my life, it's that there is almost always a work around. You just have to be committed to keeping the spirit alive.