I Hate to Complain, But...

I have to.

Published on June 14, 2019 By joeyinpa92 In WindowBlinds

I Love Wincustomize. Over the Years, I've gone through phases, mostly guided by my health issues, but I have almost always tried to stay "up to date" when possible.

However, Now, I'm Disabled, a bit older than I was when I first joined this Community of People and Artists. I'm stuck on a pathetic SS Disability that believe me, you'd be sickened if I said it publicly.

What has me a bit irritated, is this; Out of the last 21 New WindowBlind Themes, Only TWO are NOT "Master" Skins. Despite My Financial disaster, I still have purchased the few that I could, as I am sure can be surely found out. I also understand the time and effort that goes into making these Themes/Skins.
But, between paying for the Objectdock Subscription, and the Wincustomize Subscription, I Mean, SERIOUSLY????

With ALL Due Respect, I Do Hope I Can Hear Some Feedback that is NOT Chastising..,.

-Joey Lee*

Comments (Page 2)

joeyinpa92

on Aug 31, 2019

I used to LOVE this website. NOW, I Can't afford it. This has gotten WAY out of hand.

Sorry to those that put their time and talent in, but this is just too much for someone like myself.

-Joey*
P.S. to those that do post Free WB Skins, Thank You*!!!!

LightStar

on Aug 31, 2019

Joey, I know you are disabled, but I also am a 100% Disabled Veteran. I probably make more than you do though, which is why I give a lot of what I make away to help others. But I can only help a few and still survive myself, so I have to set a limit. I truly wish I could help you though.

Chasbo

on Sep 01, 2019

joeyinpa92

reply 16

I used to LOVE this website. NOW, I Can't afford it. This has gotten WAY out of hand.

Sorry to those that put their time and talent in, but this is just too much for someone like myself.

-Joey*
P.S. to those that do post Free WB Skins, Thank You*!!!!

On one hand I see your point. On the other I understand why Master Skinner's charge for the skins they make. It's a lot of time and skill put into just one skin!

I've slowed down on buying Master Skins. Finances are such that this is this case.

I wish you the best Joey. I hope things improve for you. I know what you are going through. Walk a mile in my shoes. I won't bore you with my story. We all have a story. I hope your story has a happy ending.

someone31988

on Sep 24, 2019

DaveBax

reply 3

Quoting don5318,

reply 1

The sad thing is, there's not enough people interested in skinning; so that there would be more choices between free, and paid, in my opinion, for what it's worth.

joey: Read that quote as it's 100% correct.

I'm a Master and upload free skins because I can. I'm not rich by any means but would rather see many people download then just the few that can afford it. Saying that I haven't uploaded for a few months. WHY? Even for a good free skin there just isn't many downloads anymore. However aside from the download count, there are so very few comments. Between the amount of people that download and the amount that say thank you it makes skinners lose interest.

I will upload soon as that is what I have done for many years. I'm on here several times a day looking and checking things so I haven't left. You have been hare awhile. Bet you use to enjoy seeing who got promoted to what. To be honest not many people now do enough to deserve being promoted in my opinion. Saying that there is one that has a low ranking that make nice WB skins. That person can't even get promoted. I see no reason for this not happening and nothing says there has to be a full list. If only one person deserves to be promoted the it should be posted and done. Because of the lack of talented people forget the yearly promotion thing. Promote whenever a person deserves it.

Just my 2 cents worth.

I don't know who to blame for it, but I feel like as newer releases of Windows come along, WindowBlinds becomes less and less capable of skinning everything. For example, WindowBlinds can't skin the default Start Menu. Yes, I can install Start10 to go back to the Windows 7 style Start Menu and have that be skinned, but I've actually grown to like the Windows 10 version and would rather not give up that functionality. On top of that, functionality-wise, I feel like StartIsBack is the better product anyway. Another example is the ribbon in Explorer. Many of the skins I've tried applying seem to either not do it well or result in part of it being transparent with the text on it unreadable. Similar to Start10, I can use OldNewExplorer to revert it to a Windows 7 layout and have everything skin beautifully, but again, I feel like I'm giving up modern functionality that I actually like. As much as I miss installing custom skins regularly, factors such as these have made it more trouble than it's worth.

In addition to that, you also have to remember that most people do their computing on phones and tablets further shrinking the pool of people that would be interested in this stuff.

EDIT: I mentioned using OldNewExplorer, but I JUST now happened to come across a screenshot of the WindowBlinds settings page and noticed the option to disable the Explorer ribbon in there, so I'll have to tinker with that when I have time. This makes it easier, but still, I'd rather not give up modern functionality.

bgartlover

on Oct 10, 2019

I am very grateful for everyone's contribution and I hope skinning will continue to be an option on future Windows versions, even if not automatically applied. It is one precious escape and I like originality. My skill level at skinning (indeed all graphic arts) is advancing at a glacial pace, but it is advancing. (i.e. trying to gain dexterity with DAZ 3D and Renderosity for another project is among many aspirations...)

I'd like to add my appreciation for all the recently donated skins, and have bought a few master skins in the past.

(One does need internet acce$$ to get them, after all...) The elusive discretionary income...

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