Aside from the money element frm client work, I personally skin because I want to make my PC look the way I want it to.
Sometimes I'll see a cool skin uploaded, and try that, but it all comes back to the fact that if you want something exact, and you have the skills, you are able to make it.

The common problem with skinning is that people belive there's an unwritten rule that implies you HAVE to upload everything you make. Few people cotton on to the fact that you can skin your system, and not actually expect anything in return, be it comments, praise or free beer(I wish).

If you don't want to update your work, don't. If you want to start afresh, then do it.
No-one can decide for you, you have to pick what would make you happier, for yourself.

The only reason to upload skins you've made 'should' be that you think others 'might' just want to try/enjoy what you've done to modify your own.

It shouldn't be about dl counts or ratings, etc....though they can be diverting/enlightening.

It shouldn't be about constant revision/updating as a chore.  There is no 'law' requiring updates....none at all.   If a skin/theme is outdated and people don't 'like' it - so be it....they simply won't use it.  If YOU don't use it either because it's out of date/disfunctional and are suitably inspired you might want to revise it for your own benefit...and others will benefit as a simple by-product of that.

I'm currently working on version 6 of 'Antares for Litestep'.....all within a month or two....not for anyone's benefit but my own interest in extending functionality.....a couple of months of mucking with one theme only.....but it's done for personal enjoyment.  If others get a kick out of it too....well and good....

Personally, I skin because I enjoy it. I've always been a artist at heart and skinning gives me an outlet in that regard. Sure, download counts, appreciation and comments are nice perks. Some people do want download counts, some people want comments. I say, go for it, in anyway it makes you happy.

Adam, I know its difficult when people complain, but it is also nice to know that they like your work. Going back and updating older skins actually helps me to improve my work as a whole. Right now, I'm working on a totally new skin, but I really believe that updating my old skin is going to help me develop my skills better for the new skin.

What is really distracting though is that the old skins actually seem to get broken when new versions of the programs come out. But when I went back to really look at that broken skin, I realized it was crap. I just updated Silver Surfer, and I still believe its not quite complete. Whatever I do on my own time, I do to bring some satisfaction and happiness to my life or others. Not everything in life for me is about making money. For me it is developing myself as a person. Even writing and conversing with people on this messageboard helps me. And, its enjoyable when its also helps others.

I skin for me. Hang on let me think.......... Yea, I skin for me. I decided that a long time ago. I update my skins or create new ones ( which I have a new, grayscale, Idea for) when I feel the need to update my own desktop. When people complain that I didn't do this or that I generally say if you want to mod it go ahead, I'm probably not going to until I feel it needs a change. (just give credit where it is due). If you skin to please others it's a battle you can't win, there will always be complaints.

and I’m really wondering what is the point!
by JourneyMan Solution design - 9/18/2004 6:08:54 PM

like everything else that you ask yourself what is the point? Why not!
If you enjoy it, do it! if it becomes such a burden then don't do it (quite simple)

Also you should be proud ppl are using your skins that are apparently old enough to be outdated and they are asking you to update them cuz that means your skins have "staying power" to them...

Adam, your ideas are innovative and your themes are awesome. I'd complain too. But, I know what it is like to hear the complaints, and the time spent making these themes for free. So, I'll just shut up and be patient.

If you wanna go away, go away

If you wanna stay...stay!

It's really that simple

to skin or not to skin. no one can answer that for you. do what makes YOU happy....skinning should be fun.. everything else is gravy.....remember skinning is not just the making of beautiful graphics, skinning is the enjoyment of taking something and altering its appearance to suit your wants/needs/desires/vision......