I don't have a problem with 'many' (relative term) or multiple RPG forums using the same skin, so long as I'm not active on two that share the same one. As long as it looks nice and matches the RPG, it's cool with me.

I am finding myself drawn to a skin that I have seen used on at least four forums (for the curious, it is "Suni") to use on my own - new - forum... and I'm wondering if that would be in bad taste? Should I be hitting myself for even considering this, or is it generally not a big deal? Your input is much appreciated. :]

I didn't want to make a new topic, and I believe it has been discussed before, but what do you prefer - light skins or dark skins? I've been considering a charcoal and light blue skin for a high school RPG, but it's not a particularly dark setting, so...

The only problem with multiple boards with the same skin is that I am always reminded of the first board when on the second. Which could be good or could be bad.

^ I have that problem as well, actually. Heh. But I can easily block things from memory. e_e

There are certain skins that drive me crazy because I see them everywhere! If it is just a couple forums, thats fine, but there are some that are so overused. I find that more on proboards than Invision but I personally would be turned off to joining an rpg with the same skin as a million others. It makes it so you don't stand out.

The only issue that I have with people using skins over and over again is the lack of originality. Like...It really annoys me when I see one site that is trying to copy another (believe me, I've had it happen to me; the person even had the gall to use the same exact skin as me, and use my forum markers!).

Yeah, I definitely go crazy when I see a ton of forums using the same skin. That's something that bothers me about skins from the IF Skin Zone, a lot of them look alike, and others are used over and over on a bunch of forums :lol: Personally, I prefer custom skins, something you had specially made for your board to match its environment and stuff.

I don't find a problem with it. . .except when you see a board that has the same skin and -oops- practically all of the same forums and information.

I look to see how the ideas match up, because usually when somebody rips from another site, they tend to use the same skin. Odd, but I've noticed that it's been working kind of like that recently. Ugh. . :)

Use that skin! Just don't rip! Bwahaha

EDIT: Now that I see two posts before me, I'm slightly repeating information. Still. . . (happy)

The one that I see used the most is You're Never Coming Back. It's lovely, but used almost everywhere it seems.

*hits you for even considering it*

Skins don't matter. Use the IF Default one for all I care. A mild-looking skin isn't going to stop me from RPing.

It really doesnt bother me. Unless I see the same skin on every forum that I join. Cause I've seen like 6 boards that I'm on use the Panic at the Disco skin. It makes me sick and stuff. But I just dont mind it. And I go make it to the IF Original skin. Cause to me, it looks a lot better than seeing the same skin 6 times.

It bothers me sometimes, usually only when its used a lot and I don't like it. But the one skin (Suni) I've seen everywhere, but I love it! I'm actually working on a new marauders era RP with that skin XD

So I guess it depends on if I like the skin or not.

That makes me want to change my board's skin now. (ouch) Everyone on my board (It's only four, but we're hoping to grow.) loves the Panic! at the Disco skin. It's the one I'm using, but I might change it because it doesn't really match the RP...

Sorry to get off topic, but yeah. It drives me crazy when people use the same skin over and over again. It makes me think that they lack originality...

If it is the same skin that you see at every other RP Forum, then yeah. I get tired of seeing the same things where ever I go. Though I can understand why some people would use the same skins. Some are done up really good, and not everyone can make a skin.

I answered yes. A custom skin shows so much more thought than one that's simply copied and pasted out of the IF skinzone, although there are some fantastic skins there. One problem that I've noticed is that many boards in the same RPG genre will use the same skin--whenever I see a skin using one of Scarlet's Potter skins, I know that I won't join, even though they're nice skins. It's true that not everyone can make skins, but a skinner is definitely someone worth having, even if they aren't doing it professionally. :)

It actually doesn't bother me to see a skin used again and again if it functions well for that RPG. I do agree that having the same skin and the exact same layout is not cool. I especially don't like long layouts, and everyone seems to use the same type of long layout, and I avoid those sites for that reason much more than the skin.

Speaking from a skinner's point of view, I think some of you who have never skinned before and are 'skin snobs' should first try making a skin before you go hard on a site with a skin that's been used a lot. It's not easy to make a simple skin, and those fabulous skins which attract everyone do so for a reason, especially with those amazingly complex gradient bars. Even those of you who think you are great with graphics would probably be stumped on a layered gradient. CSS is something that can be learned, but putting together the whole effect requires not just knowledge, but a great deal of talent as well.

I don't really like seeing the same skins used over and over again, becasuse it doesn't make the site look as appealing as if it's a new skin being used for the first time.

I like good skins. If the skin is used at a lot of places, it's gonna be good. I do not, however, like joining sites if I'm already on a site that has the same skin. It can confuse me and I do not like to be confused. ):

But if I like the skin there really shouldn't be a problem.

Not a problem at all as long as you make sure you're unique among your affliates and competition. Other than that, similar boards can only be argued to be merely a coincidence.

It doesn't really become a problem with me until I see the skin so much I don't like it any more. Its like the song you loved when it came out but got overplayed. I love the plaid skin (rc&r uses it) by Tariq. of the IF Skin Zone but it is so nice that loads of people use it. I can't remember the name of the other one but the pink and black one with the skulls, very cute but I've seen it too many times now! You almost have to do a little research into which skins you pick so if you find a really nice skin, you may want to go with a little plainer one that is more original....

I am trying to do all my own skinning now, which is a headache and a half, but at least I know I am the only one with my skin.

No and yes… You see if the skin is really flamboyant and distinctive, unique to some extents then I o get quite put of by it, but it is a simple black or white or one colour with minor hints of another, nothing too extreme, then I actually don’t really notice.

If they use the same layout, side panels and all yes, but if its just the skin being the same color and such no.

Hmm....well, You're Never Coming Back seems to be a favorite of everyone, but when I look at one skin, and then come back to Ben's, it looks completely....like, washed out or very dull. I try to go for more vibrant colors but back to topic.

I've always tried to make my own skins, or use skins from places that aren't known very well, this way I'm not using an over used skin. Once on my forum I created my own (which a lot of people like), and ever since I've been practicing. I suggest others do the same with their forum, since it will match your forum well and you can be assured it will never be overused.

I do have to say that some forums can make over used skins look really nice, while others use it for the sake of using it.

So, I suppose yes, over used skins do turn me away.

For the most part it doesn't bother me that much. Sure, sometimes it can get a bit redundant, but so long as they're skins that are well done, then I think it doesn't really matter. Unless you are on like twenty RPG sites and they ALL have the same skin, then I'd be a little worried. But since there are so many different sites out there and an equally different skins being passed around, it's not too big of a deal. At least not for me. I do think it's really cool to see someone who makes their own awesome skin and they don't give out the code, because that makes them unique and kind of gives other people something to work for, you know?

The only real issue I have is if I see the same skin over and over and over again, and that has happened here and there, especially on HP RPGs, mainly because skins with themes are limited, and certain skins appeal to a wide number of people.

However, as long as the skin fits with the theme of the site then usually I am not bothered, but I had to vote yes because it really does bother me sometimes if the skin is used an awful lot.

No.