Confessions of a Complete Noob
Recently I got a job at Stardock. You’ll note I’m a moderator on this site, but only because I need to have access to post things on a regular basis. I’m new to the whole WinCustomize community and to the concept of skinning. I’m actually lucky I am able to turn on my computer and get on the Internet at all – I’m the opposite of a “power user”. I’m not sure the term “newbie” even applies to me, as someone had to put their hand over mine on the mouse and do all the clicking to get me here in the first place. I’d ask what the term for my kind should be, but I don’t think my self esteem could take the hit. 
Now that I am here and have had the chance to look around, I have to admit that when I see a really nice wallpaper – preferably some kind of landscape with a fantasy feeling to it I get goose bumps. And then when I see a skin with a really strong color theme using nicely saturated earthtones I’m ready to rate it at least a four without really looking at it, much less downloading it. Then, when you have a name like “Opalescent Moonstones” or “Obsidian Aztec” thundering after it I fall to the floor in paroxysms of joy.
As you may have guessed, I am not a graphic designer. I AM able to import clip art into my word documents, but that’s about where my abilities end. It simply isn’t a skill I possess, and I’m ok with that. I love the fact that I can come to a site like this and pick and choose from so many good artists and download and USE their art for FREE to make my work area prettier, more functional, and just plain better.
However, I find I have very little reference for rating a skin except “that looks cool to me”, or “ooohh, shiny!” I must remember to restrain myself and at least look at the preview/details before going mad with ratings. This begs the question: what system do you use for rating skins? Surely it’s a combination of it being aesthetically pleasing and functional, but which takes precedence for you and why? Would you give a skin a high rating even if you would not like to use it yourself? I realize it’s a personal thing but everyone has their criteria. What are yours?