The 'loading' graphic is horrible ...some cartoony character
I like my avatar (sniff, sniff) maybe the startdock logo would be more appropriate, thanks.
Dunno what the crash was about...though Skype got upset 'not responding'. I'll need to reboot now...because killing/reloading Exploder means you lose 'stuff'...ie. the systray's somewhat emptier than usual.
Absolutely no idea. It wouldn't be proper to upload a blind that made my system crash.
As for the 4 squares and corners of the start menu itself, perhaps a rounded effect might be easier on the eye?
It started off as a rounded concept but eventually cheap won out. The corners are still huge to accommodate the brads.

I think the frames need rethinking...if you wish to have consistency with the start menu...using that same type of drop shadow 3-D effect, which is attractive, and again, rounded corners..
Good comment, thanks
I'm also curious to know whether you draw the skin in it's entirety in your graphics proggy before assembling it
Not in how you're showing it (story board fashion). I'll have other elements open when working on something but don't make a mock up as I go along. I'll give it shot, thanks.