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Island Dog
Island Dog
Join Date 06/2003
+1047 sdemployee

2008 GUI Championships Weekly Roundup

GUIC roundup for November 11th

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November 14, 2008 4:02:10 PM from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

The end of the week is finally upon us, so I thought I would start doing a weekly roundup of the skins entered in the 2008 GUI Championships.  Entries are coming in daily, and I have to say many are nothing less than stunning.

To see more of these skins and to download them, visit www.guichamps.com.  Be sure to tell your friends about it as well.


Icon pack: Simple


Dream: Planktonic


WindowBlinds: Fluoxytine


Icon Pack: Colorful paint


WindowBlinds: iSpire


WindowBlinds: X-Rumax
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Island Dog
muckyman
Join Date 12/2003
+25
Reply #1 November 14, 2008 4:33:32 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

i`m even going to download the windowblinds trial tomorrow and try some of these skins,not had it since i went vista

(naughty i know) but i liked aero

and most of the stuff looks mighty fine.

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Island Dog
muckyman
Join Date 12/2003
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Reply #2 November 14, 2008 4:35:13 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

i`m even going to download the windowblinds trial tomorrow

sorry install it i mean...i downloaded it yesterday and forgot about it

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Island Dog
wb_eats_poo
Join Date 01/2004
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Reply #3 November 15, 2008 4:29:25 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
I looked at the stuff, and it's not much. Maybe the prize money should be jacked right up to attract a higher calibre of artist.
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Island Dog
muckyman
Join Date 12/2003
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Reply #4 November 15, 2008 4:42:47 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

I looked at the stuff, and it's not much

 

ouch..

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Island Dog
casualtraveller
Join Date 02/2007
+13
Reply #5 November 15, 2008 4:51:43 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
I looked at the stuff, and it's not much. Maybe the prize money should be jacked right up to attract a higher calibre of artist.
Mabye you should get off your arse and contribute one yourself
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Island Dog
Island Dog
Join Date 06/2003
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Reply #6 November 15, 2008 9:13:59 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
I looked at the stuff, and it's not much. Maybe the prize money should be jacked right up to attract a higher calibre of artist.


I'd certainly like to see what you consider "higher caliber".  
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Island Dog
vStyler
Join Date 11/2004
+919
Reply #7 November 15, 2008 9:28:15 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
I think perhaps folks may start seeing more 'heavy hitters' submitting as the deadlines close in, I'm sure quite a few people are playing a little game of wait and see... Myself? well, I'm just not finished.
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Island Dog
angus1949
Join Date 12/2007
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Reply #8 November 15, 2008 9:34:00 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
I looked at the stuff, and it's not much. Maybe the prize money should be jacked right up to attract a higher caliber of artist.
What a totally calloused thing to say. You don't seem to contribute or even maintain a personal site. So I find your opinion of little consequence.   Much thanks to all of the artist who are making the effort to make this contest possible. Great job to all.  
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Island Dog
wb_eats_poo
Join Date 01/2004
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Reply #9 November 16, 2008 4:23:51 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
Callous or not, the stuff isn't that good. Since I first started using Stardock products, not much has changed in the windows skinning arena, let alone visual niceness and UI development. Linux and open source is where it's at for beautiful interfaces, where users are truly able to CUSTOMIZE what they are using. I only use windows by default for work, and therefore need something much better than the standard interface to please my senses. I've used Windowblinds and visual styles for many years and nothing has changed much, still the same old same old. Casual traveller believes I should get off my ass and contribute something myself. I think this my be the attitude that has caused this influx of average at best styles. If every idiot thinks they can do it then the good stuff gets lost in the flotsam. Vstyler, maybe someone should set the bar high to begin with? To discourage the weaker entries.
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Island Dog
casualtraveller
Join Date 02/2007
+13
Reply #10 November 16, 2008 5:04:31 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
You are a bit of a twerp tbh - my attitude and im sure others have the same - is helping more and more new people learn to make windowblinds. Mabye they are not so strong at first but we are learning fast - im sure the first ones by the masters werent that good either. You are so typical of someone who wants it all for free but is only prepared to go so far as to moan on a forum about it - if nobody is uploading what you want to see heres an idea go and learn photoshop and skinstudio and make the blind that you want to see? As Vstyler said im sure there are many really good skins to come in at the late stage so why not be patient and see what happens as the competition unfolds Entries such as the iconpackager simple and pleasant are two of the best ive seen - if they arent good enough for you then you are at the wrong site
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Island Dog
vStyler
Join Date 11/2004
+919
Reply #11 November 16, 2008 10:03:10 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

Vstyler, maybe someone should set the bar high to begin with? To discourage the weaker entries.

I think theres some good entries already actually, It's a long contest, many people like to wait till nearer the deadline to submit, bit of a chess game I suppose... some, I'm sure are frantically working on their entries.

I'd suggest a little patience, some of the old school skinners haved moved on to biggger and better things and we should embrace those up and comers that are taking their time..and its a LOT of time.. to learn how to skin and in time can hopefully learn ..to be great.

I'm pretty sure the average person really has no clue how much time, work, sacrifice goes into making really good skins, so lets be thankful that the new skinners have at least picked up the ball, lets just be patient, give them time to run with it.

As far as Linux goes, it may offer some neat little tricks and wrinkles coded into the OS but the skins.. themselves aren't any better than what is available on WC. You have to remember, WB is restricted in large part by the OS.

Lastly, please lets not stiffle people's competitive spirit, just taking part to some folks, is as good as winning.

I hope to have my entry finished by the end of next week.

Good luck to everyone and please know that your work is appreciated.

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Island Dog
sydneysiders
Join Date 04/2004
+1042
Reply #12 November 16, 2008 10:15:57 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

nicely put v......

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Island Dog
Deea19
Join Date 09/2008
+53
Reply #13 November 16, 2008 10:55:47 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
I do think some of the entries are really good. Some are just what I wanted, but some did let me down. I think I know how much time it takes making a skin. By now I just made changes into some skins and it did take me some time. I haven't try to make a new one, and probably I will never try because I don't have the time, or patience and to be honest I don't even think I have the talent to do so. But just because I'm not skinning it doesn't mean I shouldn't express my own opinion on this site. If alfiejs doesn't like those skins, that's his opinion and I think it's very immature telling somebody that he is not in the right place, and that he should be quiet just because he's not skinning. We are a community and everybody has the right to tell what they think! Anyway the only good think I've read on this post was the fact that vstyler will finish his entry by the end of next week. That will be a great gift for my birthday Looking forward for the new entries. Good luck everybody!
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Island Dog
casualtraveller
Join Date 02/2007
+13
Reply #14 November 16, 2008 11:56:28 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
Theres this really ugly girl at my work - it is my opinion that she is ugly and im entitled to it - but i dont go and tell her that to her face - its called manners.
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Island Dog
teddybearcholla
Join Date 12/2002
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Reply #15 November 16, 2008 12:01:27 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

nicely put v......
I second that!!!    

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Island Dog
teddybearcholla
Join Date 12/2002
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Reply #16 November 16, 2008 12:02:40 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

its called manners.
  and it is what so many people seem to lack nowadays....very sad

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Island Dog
Deea19
Join Date 09/2008
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Reply #17 November 16, 2008 1:02:41 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
Yeah but I bet you tell her about her work, if you don't like it )
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Island Dog
k10w3
Join Date 11/2007
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Reply #18 November 16, 2008 1:31:41 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

Quoting alfiejs,
reply 9
Callous or not, the stuff isn't that good. Since I first started using Stardock products, not much has changed in the windows skinning arena, let alone visual niceness and UI development.


I think you're going to have to post a screenshot of what you consider "that good." I'm not going to discount you're opinion of "what is that good" because opinions are subjective and therefore not really a quantifying unit of measurement that carries a lot of weight, but I am truly curious to see an illustration of what it is you're using for a benchmark of "good".

 

I've used Windowblinds and visual styles for many years and nothing has changed much, still the same old same old.

This statement leads me to believe that you don't skin.  I've only been using Windowblinds for about a year or so, and I've seen LOTS of changes...totally revolutionary changes, but that's because I've taken them apart, I've tried to put my ideas into action, and I know what to look at when it comes to "changes" because of the attempts I've made to create!  In the year, alone, that I've been using Windlowblinds I've seen major changes take place; things like animated start menus, transparency of the task bar, and just lately, skinners have been implementing a sleeker, more refined trend in blinds.

I think you need to explain the sort of changes you're expecting in order for your posts to carry weight rather than sounding like judgmental jerk who doesn't have the courage to take his ideas and create a skin himself. (Not that I think you ARE a judgmental jerk, but your posts come off that way.)  I don't know...Maybe WinCustomize should have a requirement that before someone can post, they actually have an uploaded skin to attract a higher quality of poster. 

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Island Dog
ImStein
Join Date 01/2003
+93
Reply #19 November 16, 2008 1:48:42 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

If every idiot thinks they can do it then the good stuff gets lost in the flotsam. Vstyler, maybe someone should set the bar high to begin with? To discourage the weaker entries.

 

This really sticks in my craw. Why do you want to discourge "weaker" entries? And why, just because you may no like some skins, are these people "idiots" who upload "flotsom"?

 

To be able to put together even a "weak" skin takes a whole lot of time, effort, and swear words. I have attempted to work on a WB, but I know my skills aren't there yet. I am a perfectionist, and I want to make the highest caliber skin I can. I should just make one, have it tested, and take the advise I can get to improve. And that is why many enter the contest, to get some great advice from some of the best skinners around. Do not critique what you may not understand.

 

And please refrain from calling those who u/l "weaker" skins Idiots. They aren't, we aren't, and it is uncalled for.

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Island Dog
Philly0381
Join Date 11/2004
+844
Reply #20 November 16, 2008 2:07:39 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

There are and will alwsys people that want it 'thier way". 

Everyone has a better idea on how things should be done.  I don't have a real problem with this.  All these folks need to do is step up, put a contest together, get the sponsors lined up, set the rules for submission and monitor the whole thing.

I'm sure I've forgotten something important, but the point is you can have it your way.  Just takes alittle effort on your part and getting off the sideline into the middle of the action.

I helped with a commuinty skinning contest with several other community members, even sponsored some prizes.  The point being I got off the sidelines.  It was fun even though it wasn't put together and run as some others would have done.

The reason to have contests is to help develpe the talent and skills of future Master Skinners, oh and yeah, have a good time. 

Now these are just my opinions and worth at least as much as everyone else's.  

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Island Dog
muckyman
Join Date 12/2003
+25
Reply #21 November 16, 2008 3:21:17 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

i suppose stardock can only work with what microsoft gives them to work with,skinners can only work with what stardock gives them to work with and customers can only work with what skinners give them to work with.

it get`s to a stage where it`s been done before and nothings new (which i believe alfiejs) is saying,although he picked the wrong place to say it.

myself,i have tried to make dreams each different from the last.some good,some bad, and some great (my opinion).

but now i have reached the end,i have no new ideas.

the GUIC motivated me to make a few more and thats the point,it encourages new ppl to try with new ideas and learn things.

and i mean no insult to anybody..

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Island Dog
vStyler
Join Date 11/2004
+919
Reply #22 November 16, 2008 4:23:44 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

i have no new ideas.

I bet you do..

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Island Dog
wb_eats_poo
Join Date 01/2004
0
Reply #23 November 18, 2008 6:44:18 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
Ok, firstly, put your hand up if you're American. Yes, I thought so. A large number of people here. I think you take it for granted that people are allowed and entitled to free speech. I've got an opinion let me share that opinion with you. There are oppressed people everywhere who aren't able to have opinions. Secondly. Windowblinds is commercial software, yes? If I pay for it, should I not be entitled to expect some quality from the program? And through extension of that idea, should I not be able to expect some quality from the skins? Is this dreamscapes another commercial program? If so, I have used compiz in linux and can have a screensaver, movie, anything fluid as the desktop background. All spinning all dancing. And incidentally, the only cost to you is the download charges you incur from your ISP. In developed countries that may be very little indeed. Oh yeah, and this free software is also capable of running on lower spec hardware, the type that is common in developing and third world countries, where people have lower access to information due to lower socio-economic circumstances. Why does my opinion have to validated with a screenshot? Requirements to meet before being able to post? No freedom of speech there. Skins in linux not much better? The skins in linux set the benchmark in terms of innovation and development. The features in compiz, emerald, metacity are constantly being copied over into windows software that people then need to pay for.
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Island Dog
casualtraveller
Join Date 02/2007
+13
Reply #24 November 18, 2008 7:06:40 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

too long didnt read...

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Island Dog
NightTrainthedark
Join Date 07/2003
+255
Reply #25 November 18, 2008 7:07:08 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

Free speech ends when you start hurting other's feelings.

 

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