A little note on creating XP skins

from WinCustomize Forums
Please PLEASE test every major screen. I've seen many skins work and look great but commonly forgotten tasks do not. One example is the Search. In 98 it's simple, it's handled like every other box. But for XP it's a whole new thing. I've seen a GREAT dark skin which I began to use but after requiring a search, I couldn't see anything inside the search box. There were other issues too. I don't remember which but the search stood out big time.

So if you make a skin, please test it first.

Thanks.
1,981 views 15 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
mcboon...generally people DO test them first...but it's possible you haven't installed included fonts which 'could' be the cause of the visibility problem....wouldn't be the first time...
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Also, sometimes the problem is that different versions of Windows have system commands in different places, and there can be other issues that only show up on certain flavors of Windows. The author does not always have all versions to check it on.
Galactic Civilizations III
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
McBoon, just be greatful that skinners are kind enough to share their work for free.
Skinning isn't a service.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
there doin it for who the hell knows............ may be show off or maybe dont got a life.... but witch ever one it is i like there service. lol
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
jack tom...it's the 'we don't got a life' option...

'witch' is that thing on a broom...the word is 'which'.... Spell checker
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Jack Tom, I'm one of 'they guys', and if you go back and read (Or maybe actually read it in the first place), you'll see I made no mention of us skinners being paid for our work.
The most annoying thing about skinning, is that because people create skins and share them for free, there's now a large group of users who have come to expect, and in some cases, demand that Skin X is made this way, or that Skin Y should be in this colour.
I no longer actively distribute my skins. I have a lot of unreleased work, that won't ever be uploaded, simply because crap that like that.
People seem to forget, that for the main part, skinners don't actually for 'them'.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top


I agree with the not demanding stuff that is free any way. I do home theatre and car audio systems and everyone wants you time for free.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
WTF?
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
mcboon..... when you find a problem with a skin, inform the author. Speaking for myself, there's no way I could test for everything. I probably don't use my computer the same as you, and you may find something I would never be aware of. I make my skins for me, and choose to upload some of them. But if someone finds something that needs fixing, I'll fix it if possible. All that is required is that I be informed in a respectful manner. I'm sure most skinners feel the same.



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Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
hmmm.. "Tunnel Thinking" methinks



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Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Most of the skinners create skins that they are inspired to create. They actually create the skin for themselves. But, since there is a great place like Wincustomize, the skinners are allowed to share their work with everyone. If you find a problem with a skin, please feel free to comment on the problem. This is why there is a comment section on every skin. Most skinners will do updates on skins if there is a problem with it. They may even send you a special update to address your problem. Just give the feedback in the comments section, and try to be nice about it. Remember, the artists in general aren't getting paid. 'nuff said.
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
When, I personally create a skin, I use it from the first day. And I know most skinners do the same. One doesn't just make a skin out of the far reaches of their minds, and then submit it. They use it. So, it is tested completely along the way. It is just sometimes things are missed. That is when we need your help, if you want it to be good for you. We try.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
hmmm.. "Tunnel Thinking" methinks


That can lead one to having a serious case of Ring Around the Collar wearing Stickups as Ear bobs ...
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