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A MASTER SKIN ?

A MASTER SKIN ?

As a long time time fan i am dissapointed

as a long time fan of the great Z71 and all his skins...i am dissapointed with this one...LIGHT MARK...i am a skinner myself and i tend to nitpick my own skins to death. im not claiming to be a great skinner by any means i am however claiming to have an eye for detail and i just wanted to ask or to see if anyone else with the new skin "LIGHT MARK has seen the same things as i have<X3

 

204,203 views 103 replies
Reply #26 Top

Sorry, but I think it's pretty tacky what you've done here. You could have contacted Z privately and if he agreed with you, he could have done some changes and come out with an updated version. Wouldn't you have been upset if someone had done the same thing to you? A PM to Z would have taken you alot less time than the major presentation you put together here.Watch out for that karma, it has a tendency to hit back.

Reply #27 Top

Since when are folks required to contact artists privately with bug reports? I know mine have been pointed out many a time with no one casting aspersions at those OP's.

Receiving public critique comes with the territory.

v...

Not to sound too harsh here but if someone were to make a separate thread about one of your master skins, and title it like this one was ( Master Skin ?) you would have a complete fit! IMO this should have been dealt with between the OP and the author or maybe posted to the comments section of the piece.

For the record, I purchased this and I see no issues at all. I will check it out on XP tomorrow.

Great work Z!

Reply #28 Top

This has a look of some kind of DPI setting you have. Maybe?

May I ask what your system specs are and what equipment you are using? Does any other skin do anything simular to this one?

Personally those images are not copyrighted or for that matter any different from some others I've seen in other master skins. Anyone can change a color and make something look almost alike to another gradient or the such. I see no rip at all in this skin. Only something with a close resemblence of another image. Saying rip is a harsh word...

Back to your problems; I would look into what you have setup and maybe why others have not yet reported such a problem. I really need to know more about your system and maybe we can find a way to correct this.

Reply #29 Top

Not to sound too harsh here but if someone were to make a separate thread about one of your master skins, and title it like this one was ( Master Skin ?) you would have a complete fit! IMO this should have been dealt with between the OP and the author or maybe posted to the comments section of the piece.

The reason they haven't I suppose is i take immence measures in my work and bug testing for thoroughness and completeness.. and god forbid.. using someone elses images.

Reply #30 Top

listen guys...im sorry...i apologize...maybe i should have just kept my mouth shut...everyone here knows im not in the forums all taht much....i should've pm'ed the author....i apoligize directly to Z71 if i made him feel less of anything and or making myself obviously look like an ass....once again i apoligize....:'(

 

 

Reply #31 Top

It's sometimes hard to read the OP's tone from posts, even with the assistance of emoticons. 

I don't read jojo25's post as that much of an attack on Z71, as much as his disappointment that the master skin seemed to him to be lacking in quality and I read more focus on the " i just wanted to ask or to see if anyone else with the new skin "LIGHT MARK has seen the same things as i have"

His initial sense is that there is a problem with the skin, but he leaves that judgement open by adding if anyone else has seen these issues.  Maybe he doesn't HAVE to contact the skinner to find out if these are problems, if he finds out from enough of the people who have used the skin to see if the issue is specific to his computer or not.

If instead of a lot of responses to the fact that he even broached the subject, the responses were "Nope...not me; skins great on my computer" were posted, he would know, it's just him.  I only see one post like that here. 

That's just my opinion.  Now I'll get back to my regularly-scheduled work. O:)

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Reply #32 Top

guys i love the skin and i meant no harm i should have put it in his comments section for the skin....MY BAD !

 

Reply #34 Top

MY BAD !

ur a bad guy  :X X|

Reply #35 Top

It's sometimes hard to read the OP's tone from posts, even with the assistance of emoticons.



I don't read jojo25's post as that much of an attack on Z71, as much as his disappointment that the master skin seemed to him to be lacking in quality and I read more focus on the " i just wanted to ask or to see if anyone else with the new skin "LIGHT MARK has seen the same things as i have"



His initial sense is that there is a problem with the skin, but he leaves that judgement open by adding if anyone else has seen these issues. Maybe he doesn't HAVE to contact the skinner to find out if these are problems, if he finds out from enough of the people who have used the skin to see if the issue is specific to his computer or not.



If instead of a lot of responses to the fact that he even broached the subject, the responses were "Nope...not me; skins great on my computer" were posted, he would know, it's just him. I only see one post like that here.

 

Amen... :|

 

...at last! finaly some could see the real point of the thread v_v

Reply #36 Top

All I can say is, I hope this thread gets deleted. None of this is good for the community or even sknning in general.  :annoyed:

Reply #37 Top

 

As anyone can see for themselves as to opening what has been said to be the images for the wbs in question there is no way anything alike at all as seen here ....

 

I see no problems of any sort with this skin or that of a resemblance to Aero Midnight at all. as seen here also

 

 

 

 

 

Reply #38 Top

WOW.

First, let me say, I wish you would have contacted me, with these issues, so I could have explained or corrected the issues.

Instead, these issues go untreated and may or may not be affecting other people. Also, I'm being blamed repeatedly of stealing someone else's work. Which is totally unfounded. Never have! Never will!

But this is 2009. It's easier to drag someone's name through the mud, instead of contacting the author.

I test all my skins on (4) different machines. (2) with XP and (2) with Vista, for no less than (1) month, to make sure the skin looks right and is working properly. Out of all my skins, I've had a really good track record of having very few, if not, no mistakes. I take 100% pride in my work. Also, all images in the Light Mark forler are all 100% my own work.

Now, I'll explain each of these issues starting at the top-left and work my way around.

 

Logo showing under menubar text: Out of all the years I've used Vista and looked at other people machines, I have never seen those extra icons, to the left. There is only a question mark, on my machine, and with all that extra space, I was trying to go with something unique. Since now, I see, that there are elements there (on some peoples machines), I'll rethink about putting anything there in the future.

 

None of the Vista part colors are skinned: This is a new one on me and would like to see some screenshots of what you mean.

All of the Vista and XP colors, have been changed to match the skin.

 

Title Bar Button Glow: Again, I've tested this skin on (4) different machine and haven't seen this issue. Have you tried refreshing the skin or rebooted, to see if it will fix it? Does it happen on all windows or just that one? Does it happen on XP, Vista or both?

 

Vista Backgrounds not being removed: There are no Gradients or background images used in the Light Mark folder. I'm guessing you were using the Aero Midnight skin before switching to my skin. (Since those are the ones showing up). If so, it's probably still using elements from the previous skin. To fix this, open the WB Config window, click Settings, Advanced User Settings, and uncheck the box that reads "I want skins to be able to apply textures to the back of explorer windows". Then click apply. The shell style images will now show up (in XP only). This one, is not my doing but WB itself.

 

Progress Chunks and Progress Bars: Again, these are elements that may have been used from the previous skin, when switching from one skin to another. I only skinned (1) horizontal and (1) Vertical progress bar, so it may have taken the elements, from the previous skin, to fill the void, even though I use (1) progress bar for all (4) chunks. Nothing was taken from anyone's skin. This is something I will make a note of for future skins.

 

The Try Again Button (on the left): This is something I've never come across. I may or may not have left out a certain button, that this window uses. Not sure. I have seen, from time to time, when a button is not used, when I know for a fact I've skinned it. This may be one of those times.

See, simple explinations

If anyone ever has any problems or issues, concerning one of my skins, please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to resolve any issues. Making them public, doesn't solve the problem, it only delays the simple answers or fixes.

I'll be waiting to hear from you.

P.S. I'm taking this rather well, aren't I?

 

Also, I should point out, that if there are this many issue, why has no one, except this person, said anything. The MODS would have picked  most of these issues up when testing.

 

 

Reply #39 Top

For the record, I purchased this and I see no issues at all.

 

Open any dialog that supports task dialog buttons in Vista , like 'connect to a network'.... both upper and lower buttons are skinned in that dialog Phoon? If so.. please post a screeny.. I'd like to see that. It's a common bug in Vista skins and has nothing to do with 'dpi' settings.. SGT. In fact none of what is shown would or could be a result of dpi settings. If you think so.. please explain why. In addition, do you have some specific expertise in diagnosing image comparison.. if so.. again.. please explain.. specifically. Regardless, I personally have taken that privately to the mods and it shall be settled as they see fit.

Looks like the single close button screeny is the result of an incorrect frame count setting and the logo under the command bar text is just bad design..not taking into account once a window is resized the logo will cover up the command bar function buttons.

The shell style images are not showing obviously because the author did not delete the explorer backgrounds after adding an XP substyle. This is also a common error when working from Vista > XP.

With regards to the Vista part colors, this pertains to the text colors that are customized to match the vista skin's graphical elements.

Perhaps instead of doubting the OP and making out like they are making it up, are intentioned badly or some other strange phenomenon we could perhaps.. maybe..  believe them?? :surprised:

 

In summation, all these issues appear to be valid.. why anyone wouldn't think they are is beyond me.. the OP stated he was a fan of Z71 and was as a fellow skinner was disappointed in this particular effort.

For everyone to chastize him for stating his concerns and more specifically to riducule his spelling says more about this community than any one person stating their concerns could ever do.

Edit: Z...after reading your previous post( while i posted)... read mine.. we can go through these one by one if you doubt either the OP.. or myself.

Reply #40 Top

this shit makes me :puke:  

Reply #41 Top

ye su are taking it well Z...liek i said im a fan...100%...just was befuddled by a few things in THIS particular skin

 

Reply #42 Top

Quoting vStyler, reply 14

Open any dialog that supports task dialog buttons in Vista , like 'connect to a network'.... both upper and lower buttons are skinned in that dialog Phoon? If so.. please post a screeny.. I'd like to see that. It's a common bug in Vista skins and has nothing to do with 'dpi' settings.. SGT. In fact none of what is shown would or could be a result of dpi settings. If you think so.. please explain why. In addition, do you have some specific expertise in diagnosing image comparison.. if so.. again.. please explain.. specifically. Regardless, I personally have taken that provately to the mods and it shall be settled as they see fit.

Looks like the single close button screeny is the result of an incorrect frame count setting and the logo under the command bar text is just bad design..not taking into account once a window is resized the logo will cover up the command bar function buttons.

The shell style images are not showing obviously because the author did not delete the explorer backgrounds after adding an XP substyle. This is also a common error when working from Vista > XP.

With regards to the Vista part colors, this pertains to the text colors that are customized to match the vista skin's graphical elements.


I know you probably don't have any extra time with all your skinning, John, but seriously...you need to write a book, so those of us noobs trying to skin (poorly...very poorly, BTW), have half a clue as to the wacky results we end up with, and don't have to come post "help" threads here all the time. 

Your critique is extremely educational, and for whatever the mods decide to do about this thread, I hope they keep it up simply for the valuable information you've posted here!

You REALLY know your stuff, but I'm sure you already knew that.

Reply #43 Top

I know you probably don't have any extra time with all your skinning, John, but seriously...you need to write a book, so those of us noobs trying to skin (poorly...very poorly, BTW), have half a clue as to the wacky results we end up with, and don't have to come post "help" threads here all the time.

Thanks karen.. and your right.. I have little time between taxiing the wife, raising three sons and trying to make sense of what (around here) makes little sense somedays. Fortunately.. as far as I know as long as people keep coming back and posting help topics.. I'll be here to answer them. One day.. when I'm old.. and fat.. and weary..(next week) X-( , I'll write a book.

Reply #44 Top

One day.. when I'm old.. and fat.. and weary..(next week) , I'll write a book.

I'll be looking forward to that book then V......... :beer:

Reply #46 Top

I'll be waiting to hear from you.

 

All of the Vista and XP colors, have been changed to match the skin.

No, they haven't ... there are several dozen vista text colors that should be changed to match Control Panel, task dialogs, favs list in explorer, misc dialogs.

 

Title Bar Button Glow: Again, I've tested this skin on (4) different machine and haven't seen this issue. Have you tried refreshing the skin or rebooted, to see if it will fix it? Does it happen on all windows or just that one? Does it happen on XP, Vista or both?

Your code is missing framecount =# nothing to do with refreshing the skin or rebooting (will only appear in single close button scenarios eg: Display properties window)

 

There are no Gradients or background images used in the Light Mark folder. I'm guessing you were using the Aero Midnight skin before switching to my skin.

No background images eh? You forgot delete them when you made the Xp substyle which is why pinstripes are still showing in XP and not your shell images.

 

 

Progress Chunks and Progress Bars: Again, these are elements that may have been used from the previous skin, when switching from one skin to another. I only skinned (1) horizontal and (1) Vertical progress bar, so it may have taken the elements, from the previous skin, to fill the void, even though I use (1) progress bar for all (4) chunks. Nothing was taken from anyone's skin. This is something I will make a note of for future skins.

 

Well all that aside, the progress chunks and more specifically the progress flash animation image are exactly the same dimensions and other than color... basically the same design as Aero Midnight. I know this as I spent hours and hours refining the size and gradient of the Aero Midnight ones when making the skin for SD. Its not my skin anymore and it matters not in the grand scheme of things.. just seems far too coincidental for me all things considered. Btw the red, yellow and blue blocks werent skinned at all.

 

 

 

See, simple explinations

 

The MODS would have picked most of these issues up when testing.

 

Guess not.. most of the mods aren't fellow skinners and can't be expected to catch every shortcut.

 

Lastly if anyone thinks I'm wrong in pointing this stuff out...1. I wouldnt have even gotten involved had 1. Fuzzy Logic hadn't attacked another member. 2. I hadn't felt compelled to once seeing the images in question. 3. Z71 hadn't kept it going publicly.

I have little interest in policing skins in general.

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Reply #47 Top

Quoting Lantec, reply 10

Since when are folks required to contact artists privately with bug reports? I know mine have been pointed out many a time with no one casting aspersions at those OP's.

Receiving public critique comes with the territory.
True statement...however, this is the first time I can remember a thread started to point out specific bugs/critique a Master skin. It would be more appropriate to do this in the skin comments section as they are normally done.

The thread has potential for turning nasty because of it's visibility whereas both you and Ross are used to getting (and dealing with) critical comments in the skin comment section.
Quoting Island, reply 14
Can we end the hostile attitude here? 

I don't know how many times I have to repeat this in the last week.

Issues with moderation, whether it's rips, allegations, etc., it needs to go to PM, that's what the system was created for.

If you have a bug issue with the skin, it's best to post in the comments area of the skin, as not everyone reads the forums and will see it, especially with a vague title.



 
Quoting Zubaz, reply 16
Polite discussion, opinion, and feedback are always allowed and often welcome.  Same for differing opinions.

None of us make up the rules for what can and should be posted beyond what is stated in the TOS.  Everyone should be cool.

I hope that Ross sells many more of these so that if there is a problem with the skin, it can be vetted by others and corrected or that if it is something specific to jojo's PC confic *IT* can be identified to be fixed.

As good an artist as Ross is, I'll bet he'd like to know about any possible issues so he can correct them.
Quoting Jafo, reply 18
In exactly 4 words....

What Island Dog said.

Seems to me that if the site mods and SD employees present are urging us all to take this to a more private level, then anyone with any scruples, decency or sense would listen to them.

I don't understand why anyone still wants to badger this topic in public. Skin problems? Fine. There is a "Comments" section on the skin page. Specific "in your face" critique on an open forum in front of God and everybody? :typo:

Grow up. Get a life. Grown men and women who have nothing better to do than rip someone apart publicly have major issues. Call it what you want. Call it "teaching" or "making the community better". You're crapping on us all.

Reply #48 Top

I don't understand why anyone still wants to badger this topic in public.

 

 

The critique was taken as requested to the skin page earlier.I also reported my complaint privately.. as requested.

The Author chose to respond publicly.. here.

 

I'll be waiting to hear from you.

P.S. I'm taking this rather well, aren't I?

 

So be it.

 

 

Reply #49 Top

Quoting Mirsguy, reply 22

I don't understand why anyone still wants to badger this topic in public. Skin problems? Fine. There is a "Comments" section on the skin page. Specific "in your face" critique on an open forum in front of God and everybody?

Grow up. Get a life. Grown men and women who have nothing better to do than rip someone apart publicly have major issues. Call it what you want. Call it "teaching" or "making the community better". You're crapping on us all.


My favorite quote, as posted on my WinCustomize page, is "perception is everything."  I don't perceive this thread as a badgering, "in your face" critique at all.  I perceive it as a chance for everyone to learn (including the mods) about the details in a skin, the problems that can arise when creating a skin, and I choose to look past the ego thing that happens when masters joust.

This is not crapping on us all...this is a lesson for us all.  This is information that we all needed. 

It's only a "bad" thing if one chooses to see it that way.

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Reply #50 Top

I'd like to say something...

It's a relief to see a flame thread that isn't revolving around me or my company.

Okay carry on.

 

Seriously though, forums are the perfect place for this kind of thread. But what people need to keep in mind is that just because it's not working on the poster's PC doesn't mean it will be like that on everyone else's PC. Same thing happens with Hyperdesk.

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