We have been talking behind the scenes about adding something to our list of what we consider news worthy. Something I really haven't seen done yet makes a lot of sense. We are thinking about adding skin suites as news to the site.
So what is holding us back? Well, what is a skin suite? Is it any two or more matching skins? Is it any window skin (VS or WB) with a media player skin? Does it need an IM skin too? Does it need a background or more than one background? Should it really have 5 or more skins together or any kind? You get the picture.
That is why I'm starting this thread. I want to hear from you guys what you want in a skin suite. I'm even open to the idea of two different kinds of skin suites. Something like "small and large" or "minimal and complete" skin suites with obvious connotations.
The thought is that this would encourage skinning, the skinning of multiple apps, and the creation of more complete skin suites for users. It also would highlight the work of individuals and groups, such as vision league. Giving them some time in the spotlight can only support them and show a little gratitude.
Incidentally, I think VL has the right ideas on skin suites. Just about anyone could use their stuff and be pretty much set. Have a look at some of their work.
( News Admin )
10:29 am, Saturday, October 07, 2006 (6 years ago)
good question cut...i'd say three or more matching skins, with all author permission granted, could be a grouped into a suite...it'd make it much easier for beginning users to quickly skin their setups, and it'd probably increase downloads of some of the best work here on custo...
for me a basic suite should consist of the following; - visual style - icons - winamp - wallpaper - litestep - rainmeter/rainlendar (not really necessary tho)
optional; - samurize - reshacked dll's - bblean - miranda
Sorry bout that Boo (I tend to stay in that box alot on Tek w/ that evil nasty bunny) hehe
Okay first before I toss my two cents in I'm hoping I understand all that up there, If your asking whether it's a good idea and what apps define a skin suite then...
1. Yesss great idea cuz it is news when a skin suite gets put together as lot of ppl enjoy a uniform desktop (course it helps if the initial design is done up by someone who has a degree in skinning such as Treetog)
2. You would want to start w/ WB cuz once that's cut up anyone can skin anything which pretty much wraps everything up.
Maybe have a small section on the site labled "Skin Suites in Action" where ppl can go hit that section of the site and see what is available to jump on when the mood hits them for skinning and participating?
Don't limit too much the list of apps but start out w/ the most popular and most used and then go about 15 more under that to give a broader range of possible participators?
But yes I personally think it's a good idea. G'luck Boo...
I remember the days where full suites actually were FULL suites consisting of just about every skinnable application available. Like the classic FormualOne and Heavy Equipment suites... dang those were the days!
I bet Doreen remembers too ;)
It would be truely great if someone would "donate" gfx for another "Community Suite"
If that happend, one "unnamed" retired skinner might just get back in the game again ;)
Just to clear things up, I'm looking for suggested apps and such. Right now, I starting to see a trend and some general (tho not 100%) agreement.
I've already got the ok from plight to have skin suites as news. The only question is: "What is a skin suite?"
Snowman: Ya, I remember those days. I can't see any reason why we couldn't have an event like that. We have skin suite capabilities at this site. That would be big news too. Skins here can have dual authors, so you could list yourself and the skin group as authors. Once we have the "What is a suite?" question answered, I'll get started on organizing that. We might be able to partner up with visionleague, even.
But anyway, all good input. I'm getting some ideas for a poll so I can see some votes.
Lurkers and on lookers, this is a good time to speak up even if it is just a "what he said" comment.
I don't think suites in and of themselves are newsworthy.
IF it's a really good suite, maybe. if it deserves special acclaim.
Is one poor to mediocre suite more newsworthy than one super excellent skin or wallpaper?
You'd be better off simply doing little news stories and interviews about great skins in general and their creators. If it happens to be a set of great skins belonging to a suite, wonderful.
New skins are not news. Therefore collections of new skins are not news either. This site revolves around skins, so it would add little to also post news about it.
As for what defines a suite, I'd say: suite = similar skins for 3+ apps. Ofcourse, three is not enough, but it's a good start. Wallpaper, media player, window skinner and program launcher/shell are desired elements, but not essential.
Visionleague's releases went unnoticed by me, and I usually am pretty good about keeping up on that kinda stuff. I've seen a few other suites that slipped by me too. It makes me wonder what else I've missed. That, to me, means they should get a little news coverage.
A good point has been raised, tho. How should quality come into play? Personally, if it's usable, it's news worthy to me. An outstanding skin just would get a better review. TBH, we already have a similar system in place at most sites. Here we just called "featured," but think how similar that is to setting a page to show a single news article? Is it different? Yes. Are there striking parallels? Yes as well. >;]
Let me put a little spin on the question at hand: What (types of) programs would a suite need to include in order for it to be considered news worthy?
Btw, I want to thank crae & c72 for adding their input, even if they disagree with me. It made me think a little harder about the subject, and gave me some other ideas too.
Keep the ideas and opinions coming. Thx out to everyone who has shared thier thoughts so far.
If you write a story about it, Red, then I would assume its good.
Just like all media, I guess, the reporter = quality control.
Basically all I am trying to say is, if someone writes a story about it, it's probably worth writing about. Maybe a good idea would be just to encourage Suite author's to write news for it too?
It seems everyone with an opinion has spoken. There is still time to toss in any opinions or recommendations. I'll be creating a new poll in a day or two after I give the matter a little more thought. I need to be able to back up my decision and be able to relay it others (esp. fellow staff members).
I wouldn't include icons because... it's already lots of work with all the other stuff and I don't expect from skinners to make icons too... because there are already brilliant people who do nothing else than icons.
