[Debate] Pre-Made Skins

[Eternity]

faithalone said:

I myself don't know how to design a template and I don't even have a clue as to what I would need to do so, so I tend to use premade templates. However, I don't use just one. I take different features from a couple different ones and also customize them to my own preferences so they aren't completely un-original.

You should check with the creators to make sure that is allowed btw. Some, like myself, prefer that people did not do that.

[Christ Love]

I know the creators pretty well and they don't mind. Most of my stuff is my own I just have trouble with buttons and such. It's not like I'm stealing anything or depending on anyone to completely design my board for me like some people do.

[xylaphonic]

People who use templates and skins made by other people dont know how to make a skin, I myself dont know how to make a skin and no one will help. I have used premades because I have nothing else to do. For the people who think people who use premades are really bad a computers and noobs who know nothing then they are wrong.

[Luna]

how do u get them?

[Eternity]

jessii said:

how do u get them?

google search for "proboards+templates" or "proboards+skins" Not hard

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To get back on topic, I can understand the "don't use premades on a graphics forum/if you can make graphics yourself" idea, but why are people so against them period? Most people in this discussion have some exceptions to this, so what about those who just hate them altogether? Can you explain why for me?

[Enchant]

jessii said:

how do u get them?

This board is for debating the use of Premades..If you have a support question as in "How, what and where" direct them to the support board, this is so the thread stays on topic

eternity said:

jessii said:

how do u get them?

google search for "proboards+templates" or "proboards+skins" Not hard

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To get back on topic, I can understand the "don't use premades on a graphics forum/if you can make graphics yourself" idea, but why are people so against them period? Most people in this discussion have some exceptions to this, so what about those who just hate them altogether? Can you explain why for me?

I personally do not use premades, however, I have seen some that are quite nice. The only problems I have seen with them, is many times they are not used well..for example..using premades that do not fit the theme of a forum, I also think that it takes away from being unique.

That being said, I think it can be useful, if they are beng used in a professional manner. A sleek and slim forum can give a more cleaner and professional affearence and doens't require alot of graphics...I also think they are good for the admin who doesn't have the time or patience fto make one for themselves...

I do think that being creative and unique is just as important. I like diversity and when rating GOAYB, I will see the same tempalte used on so many forums, it takes away from wanting to rate..as I get a feeling of been there done that...Now, there are those few, like yourself who do have the unique eye for standing out amoungst other premades...and that is cool, but I think if a limited release of them would be more appealing to the masses...but that is me....

[mydirection]

I don't use pre-made skins, even though I am horrible at making skins. I think that by making skins, even though I am bad at it, will help me become better at making skins. Think about it, if you don't know how to make skins, and use pre-mades instead of making your own, then how are you going to get better?
Also, if you sign up at a couple forums that have the same pre-made, then it would get confusing. You wouldn't know which forum is which without looking at the banner/forum name at the top.

[Kishan]

I don't use pre-made skins because another board will probably have that same exact skin and it is not original. I would rather have simple skin with just colors than a pre-made one. From some boards that I see using a pre-made skin, the colors/theme don't match with the forum topics. Overall, it just lacks being unique, and I think you could be better off with something of your own.

[Smangii]

For those who are not capable of designing their own skin, I think a premade skin is a wonderful resource. Some skins are sure and up from the default look, especially if you wish to draw attention to your board.

And, skinning has become a hobby of many (me included). It gives us designers something to do, and makes us proud knowing more people would use a premade skin/template rather than a signature background

[dsparrow]

if you can make one that will get my attention and not look like a total pos Then I will be happy but also if they were a little more in detail like if you could adjust how the border looked (besides color) then it would be a lot better

[Smangii]

dsparrow said:

if you can make one that will get my attention and not look like a total pos Then I will be happy but also if they were a little more in detail like if you could adjust how the border looked (besides color) then it would be a lot better

You haven't been searching greatly if that's all you've seen There are some GREAT looking premades out there

[x!Ethan!x]

Pre made skins??? When you do that, it's not really your site.

DIE PROVISION TEMPLATES!!!!!!

[Eternity]

There are other sites out there that provide templates, why pick on just the one

Just because you use a pre-made doesn't mean the site is not your own, it just means you're using a few images and code. Doesn't affect your content which is what makes the forum your own.

[Enchant]

grassboarder said:

Pre made skins??? When you do that, it's not really your site.

DIE PROVISION TEMPLATES!!!!!!

PLease make sure you read the rules and guidelines of this board. First, we require a post of some intellictual thought with approximately 4 sentences. Next, we do not single out one forum, we are discussing as a general topic. Any further violations will warrant a warning.

[Molly Weasley]

Thumbs down for me. Most sites that offer premade skins are used on a lot of other forums and it gives the impression that that forum is just like any other. Also, it gives the impression that they haven't worked hard enough on their forum. It lacks originality and also, people miss out on the fun of learning how to make a proper skin. Contrary to what some might think it can be fun to make a skin. And another thing - you can't change any of the codes since they are copyright to the owner so there is no way you can 'customise' it even if you wanted to.

Thumbs down to Premades!

Missy X