Curiously, every second year or so Wincustomize.com goes through this rebirth/regeneration/revision.

It's certainly nothing novel....or rather....after a while even new shoes are comfy like the old ones....

I like the look and feel of the new site; however I must say that I also think the old site is a bit easier to navigate.

Forums really aren't being address specifically in the WC2010 update.  That is an ongoing project Bara is taking care of.

When the current WC was launched the biggest complaint was the navigation.  I do find it surprising that some don't like the new system.  How would you improve it?

The focus on users and the skins will still there.  

There is always so much resistance to change when it happens all around us every day, hmmmm.

I think doc said it best.

I do plan on checking it out in earnest once I am able to log in. maybe the sterile newbie look changes once it recognizes me??? will there be any customizing allowed???

I guess that means that all changes are good, hmmmm. (general comment, not reflecting topic material)

I too, am having the same problem gmc2 cant log in , was gonna check the new site out a bit more! But it doesnt accept my username or password!

I don't think people understand just how primitive the old site is.  On the old site, the actual layout contains database calls and such. It makes it much harder to maintain and updates.

Moreover, the old site is just a mess organizationally.  

Well, there are some areas where skins are mentioned instead of displayed, as depicted below.

Personally, the fact that WC always seemed to display some sort of preview or thumbnail of a skin rather than simply list the name of the skin was the biggest draw that got me hooked. I personally can't stand how many other skinning sites tend to list the skins. I want to see them. And to me, adding a click in-between just makes it more difficult.

Also, I like having the personal navigation bar that contains usability options for me personally. On the old WC, I feel like when I come to the site, that it's mine. On the new WC, I feel like somewhat of a visitor; and I think that the lack of any type of navigation bar is partly the reason.

I know that the "My Skins" section will be put in later, but the screenshot below might partially explain why I feel like the current site is mine:

In my living room, I have my sofa; my place on my sofa; my tv; pictures of my family, etc. In my living room, I feel comfortable. I'll relax, grab a Coke, kick back, relax and stay a while. When in someone else's living room, I am not as comfortable--I won't be as ready to "take my shoes off," so to speak.

I'm not trying to complain; I sincerely hope that the new site will be "a little more about me." Cuz if it is, then I'll frequent it as much or more than I do the current site. I love WC--it's my online home, and I'm comfortable here.

I know that sometimes we have to break out of our comfort zone; but I still want the new WC to feel like home.

You mean like this?

Yes. I saw that.

I was referring to the same section on the right side. The view you show doesn't display DL counts, either.

Also, the "Top Skins" section on the right is the only section on the right that lists the skins rather than show a thumbnail.

And now that I've gone and dug in a little more...

(all of the following are under the "Home" section)

It would be useful if the "Most Popular Skins" section were able to be filtered by type of skin, like WindowBlinds, ObjectDock, etc.

It would also be useful if the "Highest Rated Skins" would display the rating and could be filtered by type of skin.

I wouldn't go as far as to say it's primitive...maybe underneath code wise...but not on the surface. The current site appearance wise I think is perfect. Like I said, everything is right there at your fingertips...I wish every site was like that. The one thing I would have added was a more visible link to the software.

Not really sure what you mean by a mess. If it's regarding the code I'd have to take you at your word on that since I can't see under the hood. But appearance wise I think the site is perfect. I really hate to say it since I'm sure someone likes it and put a lot of work into it...but the new site made me cringe. It was like someone stole my home of 6 years and replaced it with a generic one.

But again....the bottom line is it's your site Brad...I was just along for the ride.

Nice plug! 

Currently all of that functionality is available just not on the home page/drop down menu...  if you go to an actual gallery (IE Windowblinds ect) or a skin it will filter all side content to be only from that gallery.  The stuff in the other areas is more general overview stuff, if you had to apply filters to those lists then that would require as many clicks as just clicking the gallery you want information on in the first place. 

You will only see the "Return to List" button if you navigated to the skin from a list of skins (IE from browsing a bunch of skins or search results ect).  Basically you should have those buttons assuming you didn't directly link to the skin you are looking at or jump to it from a side box. 

Also of note all the login issues people have been having should (hopefully) be resolved.  Let me know if this is not the case.