Blogskins Press

fedora_girl

2007-08-31T16:56:00.000+08:00

August 31st, 11th Issue

This week, we have interviewed...

FEDORA_GIRL

fedora_girl, or Daisy, is probably one of the older blogskinners around, in terms of age and maybe experience? But her style has not really changed much right from the start. The quality of her skins have always maintained that high level too, and she is also kind and constructive with her comments. Learn more about this friendly blogskinner through this interview, enjoy!

1. How about some background info on yourself first?

I'm 20, live in the Philippines, & pound my brains to death daily getting a Chemical Engineering degree. I'm a child of God, and that gives my life meaning.

2. How did the name fedora_girl come about? Do you like fedoras?

My father collects hats, and had a fedora I was fascinated with. Still have it, in fact. Well, I needed a new internet name in high school, and that hat --- and the name --- was the most original thing I could come up with. Now, most people know me by it so I guess I'll never change it. :D

3. Why/How did you start blogskinning?

I guess it all started with my uncle putting Photoshop in my computer. It seemed like a waste of space if I couldn't use it, so I learned from books and tutorials on the internet. About the same time, I tried changing my blog's design with skins other people made, but was too picky about what I wanted. So I started blogskinning last March 2006.

4. Do you think a skinner's success can be measured by the number of SOTDs he/she has gotten, which is what many people think today?

Having an SOTD is cool, but there are so many great skinners out there who don't have any because of circumstances (they submit when not much people are online to see it, or have no screenshots). So no, I don't think so.

5. I especially like your drawings and flash-animated blogskins. But you don't watermark your images. Are you ever afraid of image theft?

Of course! I don't watermark though because I feel the skin was made for other people to enjoy, not for my name to be printed all over it in large letters. I do put my name in every skin's image, but it's really small. :)

6. What about rippers? Have you encountered any? How did you deal with them?

I have encountered a few, but I deal depending on the situation. If they made the skin but it looks so much like mine, I'll mention the similarity in a joking way. If they copied the whole thing, I'll let them know I'm upset about it and work on it from there.

I try to be careful about accusing people as rippers though. That's a serious accusation, and they might just not know any better.

7. What inspires your blogskins?

Hm. That would be song lyrics, stock photos I find, very beautiful brushes, and ideas I want to bring to life.

8. What about your flash-animated blogskins? What inspires them, specifically? Most of them contain a punchline, did you think of them on your own?

They're inspired by unusual stock photos. Like when I saw the shrimp photo I used in one of the skins, I said "Hey, that looks like a boat!" And yes, I usually think up the line on my own. I guess I just want to make people laugh. :D

9. I read in your blogskins profile that you don't like to rate. Care to elaborate on this? Do you think this has anything to do with the way the rating system works on blogskins.com now?

Well, I think ratings are good things since they show people whether they can do better. But sometimes, people just rate well because the skinner is their friend. Some skinners also demand five stars for skins that aren't quite five-star material then get angry if you don't give it to them. Some people will also rate you down for not answering their skin requests or just because they don't like the topic you skinned about.

I just don't think it's very objective, and I don't want to be part of the drama.

10. Enough about blogskins! A little more about your personal life now. According to your blog, you're in university now, right? Isn't it hard to manage your time between your studies, social life and blogskinning?

Yes, I'm in university and it IS sometimes hard to manage time between the things I do. I also spend a lot of time doing stuff at my church, playing the violin, and working occasionally. I guess it involves doing the more important things first. Like I'll study an hour before blogskinning. :D

11. I also read on your blog that you don't really like watching TV. Could you elaborate on this?

I don't watch much TV because I feel the shows give me wrong ideas about real life. Like a show might imply you have to be pretty or handsome on the outside to be happy, and that's just not true.

I also realized that when I totaled all the time I'd spend watching TV every week, it was a large amount of time I could spend doing other things. I could be going out with my family or blogging instead of staring at that screen. :D

12. I think you have a unique blogskinning style! Personally, what do you think is your blogskinning style?

I have no idea. I can describe my newer skins as simpler though, and more detailed.

13. How has Blogskins.com changed you?

I made a lot of friends on that site that I wouldn't have met otherwise. I also really improved on my blogskinning by going through skins made by great designers. :)

14. Any Blogskinning tips?

Three things: a) If you have no more ideas or get stuck on a certain design, do other stuff for a while. Talk to a friend. Walk the dog. Something. When you finish that break, you'll have a clearer idea what you want to do. b) Keep improving. Don't ever think you know everything about skinning because there's always something you haven't learned. c) Have fun. That's the most important thing.

15. Anything else you would like to add?

Don't forget to have a life in the real world! ;)

16. [Randomly Generated Qn] I'm quite curious about your url ( http://rocktheposer.blogspot.com). What DOES it mean? Any special meaning behind it?

It took such a LONG time to think of that URL. I guess I've always felt like I'm a poser with people thinking I can do more than what I can do. But what they're really seeing is God behind me making everything rock as much as it does. Without Him, I don't think I could do anything right. :D

17. [Randomly Generated Qn] Do you like corn soup?

Haha, sure. But I like cream of mushroom better!

18. [Last Randomly Generated Qn] Do you like travelling?

Yes, I do it as much as I can. It's fun to learn about how other people live in different places.

That's all for this week, watch this space for more updates next week!

Elaine

wishix

2007-08-24T21:48:00.000+08:00

August 24th, 10th issue

This week, we have interviewed...

WISHIX

You might have noticed Jessica, a.k.a wishix, for her manga blogskinning-style, her straightforward personality or even for getting second in the recently concluded (or not so recently) BSP Blogskins Competition. Get to know her better through this interview!

1. How about some background info on yourself first?
Hi BSP reader~ I'm wishix! yea, u probably be wondering who is this fellow? lolz. Well beside kindergarden, which I dun really remember already.. ( guess it's call PAP? XD) I graduated from Xishan Primary, Northland Secondary and then Nanyang Poly, specializing in Multimedia Infocomm Technology. I'm a manga lover! Started reading at the age of 12, 1st book I bought is ranma1/2, (if doreamon doesn't counted XD) That's the reason why my drawing style is like that.. well if anyone ever notice :P. I'm also a gamer! Favourite game series is Final Fantasy!! Currently playing Audition and Fantasy Tennis Online.

2. How did the name wishix come about?
Hmmm I like the word "wish" and It's the 1st online name I have given myself when I play my first mmorpg, Darkages when I was 14. But after awhile, I found that "wish" is too commonly used, so I decided to come out with something unqiue and not too far from what I originally wanted. That's how wishix comes about!

3. Why/how did you start blogskinning?
I like to create website, but it takes alot of time to do website. So I decided to do blogskin instead. Like this, I can do alot of different design without spending too much time on each website structure and stuff!

4. You do EVERYTHING in your blogskin, right? From the codings to the images. Is there anything you have to say about people who use other's images?
Erm, I think it's alright to use other's images, if you do some editing yourself. Nevertheless you still need to credit the original owner, best if you can inform them first and ask for their permission. Sometimes I will use the photos/images I found on the net for my skins too. Not all the skins I did are drawn by myself XD

5. Is it tough? To do everything in a blogskin?
Hmm not really.. cos u just need to do the coding once.. hmm 3 times to be exact, (for the different version, click type, scroll type...) and the rest is just changing the background images and the color schemes. Nevertheless, working out the whole colors and feeling can be tough.

6. I've seen your website, which is very professional done btw! What is the main reason your chose to get a domain?
I've got this domain for like 1.5 years till now. At first I bought this domain cause I need it for my online portfolio. I remember once when I look for jobs online, there's this design company which seems pretty cool, putting up this job advertisement. One of the requirement is to give them your own online portfolio and they highlight this sentence: " Website hosted by free hosting companies need not be write. If you don't understand, it means you're not suitable for this position :)." I remember at that time, I was using geocities.com.. and I felt a slap on my face XD That's when I decided to purchase my own domain, seriously.

7. You do customs for some major websites, right? Anything to say about the experience?
Hmm, do website for people is not as enjoyable as doing it for yourself.. lolz.. cause normally after changing for a few rounds for a particular website, it will end up becoming something quite different from what you first imagine it to be. Well, clients like it, we do it.. that's that... Sad to say, we are designers, not aritist. Designers means we do what people wants. Artist means they do what they want, like it or not, is your problem. XD. Still there are some fun projects, and surely, when the projects you handle goes "live" on the net, you have a great satisfaction.

8. Why do you like web designing?
Hmm why? I dunno too.. lolz just like it ba? hahaha

9. Do you work fulltime? Do you generate a lot of income from web designing?
Yes, currently working fulltime. Sad to say it's a job u do alot of work and get paid little.. >< Still I'm doing what I like, so.. I don't really mind... now.. XD If you are out for money, don't come in this industry... if not, who knows one day we might we colleagues! haha

10. [randomly generated question] Do you like rainy days?
Dun know y but I LOVE rainy days!!! LOL!! Perhaps cos it's cold? hehe but i just love it!

That's all for today, good night!
Elaine.

cicakgirl

2007-08-19T15:28:00.000+08:00

August 19th, 9th issue

Some updates first before we get to interview, eh? :D

Sorry for the recent... lack of updates, I've been really busy lately, exams and all. I sent the emails out to some interviewees but they only just replied, because, they too, are busy.
So thank you for your understanding!

I will be adding the blog links soon, just as you all have requested.
And I promise I will make up for the lack of updates with more interviews per week, just... after my exams.

Okay, on to the interview! With...

CICAKGIRL

As most of you probably know by now, cicakgirl won the BSP Blogskins Competition which came to a conclusion on 1 July 2007. Not only is she a talented blogskinner, but a friendly and approachable person too! Do enjoy this interview :)

1. How about some background info on yourself first?
Well, I'm a 17 years old girl named Ghina that just graduated from senior high school and really love designs. I love making blogskins and trying to improve my skill. I really like colorful things and a DEATH (DElicious And THasty-food) Eater.. ;P

2. How did the name cicakgirl come about?
Hmm.. it's random name, I want to have a catchy name (well, is it catchy?). Honestly, I really hate cicak (you know, a pale brown-semi-transparent house lizard. Euh.) Not only hate, but also EXTREMELY hate and afraid of cicaks.

3. Why/How did you start blogskinning?
Well, it's all begin when I really bored to see my blog template. It' s default theme from Blogger (green tictactoe templates..). At that time, I didn't know that I could change my templates with custom templates and make my own skins. Then, my friend told me that there's Blogskins. So I checked it out and tried to make my own skin with a tutorial I found at the net. I made my first skin using MS Paint and submitted it to BS because I wanted to share it with other people.

4. You have this website called Skin City, what is it about?
It's a blog that contains my skin that I have been submitted to Blogskins, with a link to download. So, you don't have to search at blogskins to find my skins.

5. What inspires your blogskins?
Random things. Sometimes songs can inspired me, some images I found, games I played, SOTDs.. inspirations come anytime, anywhere! ;)

6. What do you think is your blogskinning style?
Erm, simple and clear I think. Well, I like a blogskin that makes the blog beautiful and easy to read at the same time. I found some beautiful and gorgeous skins, but blog contents is difficult to read. It sucks.

7. There are a couple of things people always complain about, especially the SOTD system and rating system. What is your opinion on these two?
Yah, in my opinion, the SOTD quality is getting lower these day. I'm a little bit disappointed about this because SOTD should be the BEST skin of the day and I'm sure there are many better skins than that.
If I'm not mistaken, now they vote SOTD based on comments received and rating, instead of the number of favorites. I think it's quite unfair.

8. How did you feel when you won the BSP Blogskins Competition? Were you expecting it?
NO! I never expected that would happened! I mean, take a look at other submissions! They're damn good, and I don't think I could beat them. Oh, I feel.. SOOOO happy! syalalalala... XD

9. How has Blogskins.com changed you?
Thanks to Blogskins. It helps me improving my skills. I can meet another blogskin makers there that will gave some advice and constructive comments.

10. Any Blogskinning tips?
Ah? Well, just follow your intuition. Don't be afraid to try new styles and don't be mad if someone said that your blogskin is not good enough. Just keep trying!

11. Anything else you would like to add?
Keep using my skin.. hohoho.. and feel free to give me constructive comments.

12. [Randomly Generated Qn] Have you heard the latest Harry Potter book? (try to avoid giving spoilers :D)
Oh, yeah! I've read it! It's fantastic, cool, and really sad at the same time! Many deaths.. it's made me feel horrible. Do you know that [SPOILERSPOILERSPOILER]? *lol* But, anyway, I really hope that Harry Potter series never end! Haha..

13. [Randomly Generated Qn] Do you like japanese products? (e.g. anime, manga comics etc)
I do! I love OnePiece anime and manga, really adore it. I also love watching anime at Animax and YouTube. Japanese anime and manga are cute, funny, and have unique stories. My favorite Japanese products ever: SUSHI!! :D

14. [Last Randomly Generated Qn] You're living in Indonesia now, right? (Correct me if I'm wrong!) Have you ever been to Singapore?
Yap, I'm living in Indonesia. Nay, I've never been to Singapore. But, if you want to give me free ticket and free accommodation at a five star hotel, I would accepted it right away! Haha..
Honestly, I really want to go there. Shopping all day long, eating out everytime I want.. Singapore is really cool place, I think. Small country but really cool.

That's all for this week. Be sure to come back next week for the next interview with wishix!

Elaine

skin previews

2007-07-21T18:00:00.001+08:00

As promised, the previews of the winners of the BSP Blogskins Contest:

cicakgirl

click to enlarge

paperlove

click to enlarge

wishix

click to enlarge

As you have noticed, we have changed the BSP template already. Also, we would like to take this opportunity to thank manikka again! (Watch out for her interview, as we will be interviewing her soon!)

To FF users (like myself),
Our current blog layout, designed by cicakgirl, is not Mozilla Firefox compatible, but it can still function properly in FF, apart from the lack of background colour.

To cickagirl (if you see this!),
If you find out how to make it multi-browser compatible, please mail the new codes to me asap. It would be great if you tidied up the codes too, as I'm not very good with all these HTML stuff, thanks!

SHOTGUN

2007-07-21T16:27:00.000+08:00

July 21st, 8th issue

This week, we have interviewed...

SHOTGUN

Before she started getting SOTDs, quite a large number of people have heard of SHOTGUN's name already. So what kind of person is Flinda (a.k.a. SHOTGUN) like exactly? You'll find out through this interview. As for me, I think that Flinda is a great person, principled and kind :D Enjoy!

1. How about some background info on yourself?

I'm Flinda, studying in Coral Sec.. I bet you've never heard of that school before but anyways.. I'm a female and I'm very random, I can't say a complete sentence without laughing.

2. How did the name SHOTGUN come about?

I wasn't sure what to name myself though I knew I wanted a simple one word username. And at that time, I was rather obsessed with Dougie Poynter of McFLY and came across this picture of him in this "SHOTGUN" shirt, so I decided to steal the name and make it my username haha. I later then used the picture as my profile picture and I guess that's why people used to think that Shotgun was a "he". Lol.

3. Why/how did you begin blogskinning?

I joined BS because I was curious about what people think about my skins. As for how it all began.. it all started when my older sister used to have her own graphics site during the Neopets era (LOL!) and I would watch her create all those graphics. Somehow I got inspired because everything seemed so fun and new. And at that point of time, people started blogging so I too jumped onto the bandwagon, but instead of using skins from BS, I tried making my own layouts and they were seriously a big disaster. They were either pink or purple everywhere and were just girly and full of swirlies brushes hahah.

4. You are very well-known for your stylish blogskinning style... so much so that people started imitating your stylf and using your base codes. Any thoughts on that?

Uhh, I'm not well known lol. Anyways, thanks, that's very nice!

I know I don't own the HTMLs and CSS codes myself, but I spent a lot of time editing the codes to make the whole skin and codes match so that it would look more "complete". So I'd appreciate it if people would credit me for using my base codes.

As for style, I don't have a fixed style like heroine's line art, I think mine are mostly just collages plus brushes and it's very common nowadays, so I don't really see it as imitation.

5. I've heard that a while ago, you met with this problem in which blogskinners used the pictures you posted on deviantART to make blogskins without creditting you properly or not asking for permission beforehand. Actually I don't really know the details, would you mind elaborating?

They emailed me, saying something like "HELP me, ppl are accusing me!! Tell them I'm not a ripper" and then claiming to have saved my deviantART pictures and made it into a blogskin but didn't credit me because they "simply can't remember where I got the picture from" until people started calling them rippers and telling them that it's from Shotgun's deviantART account. Being the nice person that I am *coughs*, I helped them clear things up and said it was okay. But it was true, I wasn't that pissed although I knew they didn't ask me beforehand, but I was still okay with it as they still credited and emailed me after knowing where the picture is from. I mean, some just steal the stuff and then later act like they didn't.

6. Your rise to "fame" on blogskins.com was one of the fastest ever, what do you think about that?

Really ? Hmm, I think it has got something to do with my name and skins, hahah.

7. Any comments on the recently implemented changes to the Blogskins.com layout/ system (e.g. the friends/enemies system, format of profile page)

I think it's pretty weird, though I like the fact that you're able to see the preview of your friends's skins in your own page. I don't really like the SOTD system, it's making people wanting to be the SOTD all the time.

8. How has Blogskins.com changed you?

Like more blogskinners, BS has made me more open to criticisms and critique. It made me realized that since art, or rather, design, is a really subjective thing, there are bound to be people who hates your stuffs, but you don't have to let it affect you so much. It's just a matter of different people having different views and we'd have to learn to accept that.

9. Any Blogskinning tips?

1. Don't be discouraged, every expert was a beginner in the first place. I'm not saying that I'm an expert, but the quote makes sense. And practice a lot, make a lot of stuffs, if you don't like it don't delete it, it'd be nice to look back after a while to see your progress. And find out what suits you best, figure out what you really enjoy making instead of looking around and "copying" others' work.

2. Be careful with your font choice, colour combinations, css and the quality of the image. If one part of the skin doesn't live up to your expectations (like maybe the graphic), probably you could try to cover or make it up by further improvising on the codes then.

3. Best is if you know your strength ( Collages? Brushes? Drawings? Line art ? Hand drawn pictures ? Good with colours ? ) and use it to enhance your work so that people wouldn't focus so much on your weaknesses.

4. If you want to use pictures from deviantART to make blogskins, ask for permission first. Ask nicely and state that you'll credit them, most of the time you'll just get their permission.

When saving the DA picture, don't rename the file name! The "What_What_Hell_By_Artist_Here" is there for a reason, it's supposed to be reminding where you got it from.

And don't forget to give a direct link back to their deviantART account. Unless you wanna be charged with copyright infringement.

5. Don't curse people silently for giving you a 4.5 stars or below. Sure it's ego-damaging, but if you really want to improve, be open to critique. Some may like your skins, some may not, you can't please every single person out there. It's always interesting to know what different people thinks about your stuffs. If you even want to join BS, must at least try to accept what other people think about your skins la, cannot always have people saying "wah lao so nice sia" at every single comment what right, like that so fake.

10. [randomly generated question] Do you like the colour pink?

I don't like baby pink but I quite love hotpink lol.

Signing off,
Elaine

the results are in

2007-07-16T23:24:00.000+08:00

The results are in... for the BLOGSKINS PRESS BLOGSKIN COMPETITION

In 1st place, we have...

CICAKGIRL'S SUBMISSION!

And in 2nd place, we have...
A TIE!

PAPERLOVE and WISHIX's SUBMISSIONS!

Congratulations to the above winners!
Cicakgirl has won herself an interview, while all three of them have won a permanent spot in the links section.

I will be posting up the previews of their skins soon, and I will be changing the template to cicakgirl's blogskin asap too.

Watch out for our next competition!

Till then,
Elaine.

kynzgerl

2007-07-15T15:20:00.000+08:00

July 15th, 7th Issue

This week, we have interviewed...

KYNZGERL

1.Tell us about yourself
My real name is Shakina & i'm known as kynz on the net.I love to eat a lot
but i'm very fussy about choosing foods.Buy for me cheesecake and i will
love you for a lifetime.My bestfriend is Winnie the POOH.

2.What made you start blogskinning?
My friend (i-can't-remember-who),introduced me to blogging world.That was
when i started to search for new layout from the net and i get to know about
blogskin.com.There was this user (she-quited-blogskinning) and i love her
skins a lot.Than after she left,i can't find any nice skins thus i started
to create one by using MS paint for my blog.Since than,i thought,"i think i
should submit skins in blogskins too".

3.How did the name KYNZGERL come about?
My name is SHAKINA and i started to twist my name to find myself a perfect
nick.Kynz was created in 2005."KYN" came from "KIN",part of my name.The "Z"
was added at the back of KYN to make it more stylish.I'm sure you people
know where "GERL"came about right?Girl=Gerl. :)

4.What would you like to say about the skins you have created?
My skins depands on my mood.If i'm in the happy mood,my skin will be
lively.If i'm sad,my skin will be like emoing.It all depands on my
mood.There's a story behind my ever skins and that's personal.

5.I believe there was an old account like shakinakid right? What have you
learnt from that account?
Actually nothing much.Learning and understanding codings was a very tough
job for me but i've this spirit in me,"never-give-up-spirit".I learnt more
when kynzgerl came about.

6.Do you think you have improved alot from that account?
Definately it's a yes.My 1st skin from shakinakid really looked horrible.The
image was blur and streched.The quality was poor.Now it's much better.Thanks
to Jasc paint shop pro 8.Honestly,i will die if anything happens to the
programme.I don't know why photoshop doesn't get along with my pc.

7.Are there any other hobbies than skinning?
Shopping?I will make holes at my parents pocket.I like to try new perfumes.I
don't mind if the brand is not original,as long as the smell is there than
no one will know.But now i'm using the "still" and it's original.Oh it's
Jennifer lopez perfumed.

8.How will you react if one day you become an FC?
I'm be glad but there's nothing to be proud about.I won't stop skinning.Fame
means nothing to me.I've notices that FC gets flamed from unwanted
people.I'm scared of such things.

9.You have lots of fans out there and they so darn love your skins. What
would you like to tell them?
Eh,wait how you know i got so many fans?Haa.Ok i will say,"Don't stop using
my skin and if you do,you can see me standing outside your house with a
knife".I'm just kidding.

10.Do you plan to use your skins for commercial uses in the future?
I don't know.When it happen,than i will get the answer.

11.Has blogskins.com changed you?
Yea,it has taught me to accept criticism.

12.Have you gone to BS outing? If you did, how much did you enjoy it?
I would love to go but i'm scared.I'm not the shy type and i love to talk a
lot.But the problem is that i'm not a free girl.I'm always busy watching tv.

13.Let's say you are advertising about blogskins by just telling people by
internet or face-to-face. What would you say?
I would say that blogskins is the best website you can find.Not only you can
find great skins but you can get great friends too.Who knows you will find
your future partner from blogskin.com cause lately,i finds more male user in
blogskin.com

14.Any plans for the future?
Yea,i'll the well known future-famous-Architect.And when i've retired,i will
open a cheesecake shop.So do support me by buying my cheesecake.

15.Any shout-outs?
The first step is the hardest.The final step is the easiest.

That's all for this week!

Signing off,
Noor Sharifah

ambivalente

2007-07-10T18:02:00.000+08:00

July 10th, 6th issue

interview with...

AMBIVALENTE

I'm sure most of you (if not all) know this name. She has been around blogskins.com for a fairly long time (about 9 months, I suppose), and has consistently submitted high quality skins, while remaining original and true to her principles. On top of that, she's a really nice person!! Although her answers are short, they're concise. So enjoy reading this interview!!

1. How about a short intro on yourself first?
my name is jasmine
i am fifteen this year
i like art friend @ bras basah
i wanna do visual communication @ tp

2. Why/ How did you start blogskinning?
kelly/wind.waltz, who's my schoolmate introduced me to it when i was in sec 1, i spent more than 10 hours on my very first blogskin haha :]

3. How did your current blogskins name 'ambivalente' come about? Is there any special meaning to the name?
ambivalent - mixed feelings
it was a random word i found on an online dictionary, and i wanted it to be special so i added an "e"

4. Right from the very beginning, you had a very unique style which some people started to adopt. Do you have any comments concerning this?
imitation is the best form of flattery! :]

5. You love photography, huh? You take some pretty awesome photos too. Are you an aspiring photographer?
sorta! amateurish but i do love it lots.

6. Is there any kind of photography you especially love? E.g. landscape photos, holga, vintage photos etc.
landscape/street/nature :]

7. You seem to prefer simple skins, and rarely do your skins use a lot of brushes. What is your opinion of brushes used in blogskins nowadays, and the term "brush-spamming"?
i still feel that brushes are just meant to compliment your skin, but of course there are some really nice "brush-spammed" skins out there, on the whole though, most arent really nice.

8. You recently took a long hiatus (about three months, right?) before coming back. Any particular reason for that?
was busy with my domain but i still logged on to blogskins almost everyday :]

9. You are quite a well-known blogskinner now. Do you think that has affected you in any way?
nah, why should it?

10. I don't really see you participating much in the forums. Any specific reason for that?
im pretty shy, yes, even behind a screen :]

11. Will you ever go for a blogskinners outing?
maybe, i dont know, someday perhaps.

12. Do you like the recently implemented changes? E.g. the new profile layout, the friends/enemies thing etc
yeah i love it :] the friends and enemies thingy, cause the issue about being red flagged for no reason is gone.

13. How has Blogskins.com changed you?
it has helped me improve my photoshopping and coding.
i really appreciate the comments that people gave, they helped me a lot.

14. Any Blogskinning tips?
dont take stuff from deviantart without asking permission!

That's all for this issue. I will REALLY TRY to update more often. REALLY.
Elaine

Contest Closed

2007-07-10T17:58:00.000+08:00

That is right, the Blogskins Press Blogskin Competition is officially CLOSED.

We only have three entries, (and two unconfirmed ones) boohoo. But nevertheless, we'll still decide the order of the winning skins and dish out the prizes as following. Results will be announced in one week's time.

WATCH OUT FOR OUR NEXT CONTEST!!

paradoxical-lilium

2007-06-09T15:19:00.000+08:00

Sorry this issue took so long to be published. There was some... organisation problems. Yep xD

June 09, 5th issue

interview with ...

XIAO PING a.k.a. paradoxical-lilium

I'm sure we all know here, so there is no need for a proper introduction.
This interview was conducted through email.. which was a bit of a pity, because there are many further questions I would have liked to ask her.

1. How about some background info on yourself?

I'm Xiaoping. Currently a Year 1 student in Republic Polytechnic. Laoniang is a future engineer.

2. How did your current blogskins name 'paradoxical-lilium' come about?

Paradoxical refers to my character, which can be very extreme to both ends.
Lilium, or Lily in latin, comes from the anime Elfen Lied, which the theme song is named. Elfen Lied remains my most loved anime.

3. Why did you delete so many of your previous accounts, including your FC account?

I needed something to start anew.

4. Did you like being the FC?

No. I wanted to kill Adrian [littleGREENMAN] because of that.

5. Why did you join blogskins.com? How did you find blogskins.com?

I was bored, I was moody, I needed something to express myself.
Blogskins.com is a place with potential designers. However some think too highly of themselves.

6. You don't make blogskins anymore, why?

No photoshop in my current laptop, lazy to download. In addition, laoniang has no time. RP very stressful you know, everyday must cough up one presentation.

7. You seem like a very straightforward person, ever afraid of the negative consequences? (e.g. flaming, badmouthing etc)

Laoniang not scared nor afraid. Those who buay gum me just get people to bash me up, I will get people to bash them up. Easy peasy, what goes around comes around. Want flame flame lor, LOL! You think I care?! I have a life outside BS.

8. How do you think Blogskins.com has changed over the years? Do you think it has changed for better or for worse?

Blogskins.com initially, was a platform for people to share their designs. Now with all the SOTD crap, people are vying for the status and honour, which I deem as materialistic. Worse, I think.

9. Any comments on the recently implemented changes, such as the forums and the 'friends/ enemies'?)

I like the recently implemented changes, I think everything looks neater now, as for the friends/enemies, it's quite fun actually. Maybe Myles can cut down on the Google ads.

10. You have organised a couple of blogskinning outings, anything you would like to share about them?

I have only organised 2 outings to date actually. Well, during the outing in last November, maple_cake turned up. It was fun having him/her around.

11. How has Blogskins.com changed you?

I am still the same old me.

12. Any Blogskinning tips?

-Brushes are to enhance your work to a certain extent. Do not have this mindset that more brushes will make your work better-looking. It doesn't.
-No point downloading 1000 brushes and making your work look fantastically messy. You can create an image using only 2 types of brushes. Believe me, I tried.
-Play with the opacity and flow of the brush. It makes wonders. Add layers so that you can alter the angles of the brush.

that was a really short interview, but with many important points. Once again, thank you Xiao Ping for answering our questions!

Watch out for the next issue... which will be soon, I promise I'll try!

Elaine

May 21st . ISSUE 4!!!

2007-05-21T22:22:00.000+08:00

he's well known, he's well loved by all of us here in at Blogskins.com.
he's..... [drumroll]

LIONHEART!

be intimidated. haha well i was at first when i had first met the guy. turns out he's a very fun-loving fella and it was my pleasure to have the opportunity to interview him. (: and being my chatty chatty self after warming up to him. you'll see a lot of my reponses as well!

* * *

HELLO! would you mind if we do the interview now?
Sure

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm Wang Guan. WOW. currently a J1 student at ACJC. I am doing Art as one of my subjects, inspired to become a designer in future. I'm straight-forward and LAME, and friends think i'm retarded and funny.

You sound like a simple guy.
Of course :D
OH and i also want to direct a film in future.

wow, a designer AND a potential director, you must be very into the arts scene.
yah i totally regret taking triple science cause i am so NOT a science person. I am not even doing the sciences now!

How did the name LIONHEART come about?
Oh. In P6, i was obsessed with Final Fantasy 8. And Lionheart is like Squall Leonhart's limitbreak. And i totally love it. it's been stuck.

So why/how did you begin blogskinning?
Because i have been blogging for VERY LONG. since sec 1. and i have been designing since. But i only became interested after seeing the newspaper report on skinners. that one that featured Anne? So i thought, HEY, i can do that too... so i joined.

There was an article? Any way to trace it? i would love to read it.
hmm... i don't know.

diaos. Ok. So what inspires you?
My emotions. I do whatever i FEEL and like. it's like automatism in art. if i want to do something ABSTRACT, i will do it. if i want to do something EMO, i will do it.

So i suppose you took the Creative Arts Programme [CAP] in Secondary School?
NOPE. i'm doing H2 art only now.

WHOA! everyone! we have a natural talent here!
haha. i guess art is one thing you can master yourself. sometimes you need guidance. but definitely no need for courses in art. just try out stuff and explore yourself. i mastered photoshop myself. :D just gotta have passion.

What are some difficulties you face when Blogskinning?
coding? i'm always having coding problems.

doesn't everyone.
yeah... and it's hard sometimes. BUT there are fellow skinners to help me!
like javier, kat, jeanette, eric, rachel, anne and people like that

looks like you know a lot of the skinners personally huh.
yeah some old-time good skinners.
basically all the old skinners have left.

And you're joining that legion of old skinners? [sobs]
basically i AM old.

How has Blogskins.com changed you?
must be smarter.
must learn how to take critisms
must learn how to keep changing yourself
and adapt to demands
and of course you get to MAKE FRIENDS

Any Blogskinning tips?
don't be afraid to try new stuff.
and always have a STYLE.
cause people will know you for your STYLE.
like heroine. you see the skin, and you immediately know it's her work.
it's a STYLE.

You were the previous FC. How did it feel?
felt great.
and that's why i left
and i can tell you why most skinners left after becoming FC

ooh. SPILL.
it's like you've worked your way to the top, and there's nothing more you can achieve. like becoming an olympic champion, nothing else bigger for you to win. so you just wanna quit because your career basically ends here. you've made your spark, now it's another person's turn to shine.

So you've had your fair share of the spotlight.
yeah

So does that mean LIONHEART's not coming back anymore?
well, not anytime soon. sometimes i really feel like submitting, but i just dun feel like it? HAHA. maybe one day you may not know it, i may just come back.

We'll all be looking forward to that
:)

Oh yes, we have not heard much news on j3tflame. how is he?
oh he died.
no lah, he's busy with work as well.
he's in ACJC with me too

So how's your current social status? [randomly generated question]
relationship: i'm attached! to my lovely girlfriend... YY :D
friends: i've got a great bunch of friends in JC
my old SJI peeps
my zaobao friends
church friends
having fun all around.

ok i guess we're about done. any last words?
Blogskins really needs to be improved. the format is so messy. i prefer the old format. TOO MUCH ADS. SO MUCH EXTRA THINGS FLYING AROUND. template is totally gross. plus the forum thing. why must the latest reply go on top? all the old threads are going right up. and SOTD quality is seriously not as good as last time. wow, i'm so critical. Myles seriously needs to do something to the site. cause it seriously sucks now.

* * *

okay that's my interview with LIONHEART.
haha he's leaving us. but perhaps, just perhaps, he'll be back.

glenboyy

Magnette interview

2007-05-16T22:25:00.000+08:00

May 16, Wednesday 2007

Hey all ! I apologise for the late update, but here it is ! :D An interview with Magnette, a very well-known and well-liked skinner in the BS community.

My first impression of Magnette, was that she'd be really stuck up because she was a little older than the rest of the skinners. But she was far from it ! :D Throughout the interview, she was sweet, and a little flustered. ( Due to the fact that she was a little sick ) (:

Hey ! Tell us more about yourself ! (:

Hi. i am jeanette and you call me nette for short. i am a year 2 undergrad at the National University of Singapore. i enjoy playing sports, listening to music and i love spending time with my family and friends. :)

Ooh. NUS ? Is life stressful ?

Pretty much. Workload is extremely heavy and there are a lot of projects, essays and tests during the semesters and it can get really stressful at times. but i am on holiday right now so i am feeling good at this moment. :D

How did the name Magnette come about ?

Haha. It was a nickname given to me when i was in primary school. i have been using it ever since for every account i make over the internet. i guess i am still using it out of convenience and it is easier to remember. i dont really like it though but i think it is unique enough. (:

Has blogskins changed your life in anyway ?

Yes, it has. Firstly, it will be the wonderful friends that i have made through blogskins. it is pretty cool to have friends that share the same passion with you on blogskinning. i have gotten close to some of them and it is pretty awesome.

Secondly, blogskins have taught me to be more open to criticisms. i struggled with that a lot initially.i have this motto now : " life aint a beauty show. i seek, i learn and i grow. " Blogskins provided me with wonderful memories but i went through a lot of crap too. With insults, criticisms, wars and so much more, i have really become stronger ever since. you cant please everyone but this is life. i have to be open to everyone's opinions so that i can learn and grow from. :D

When did you start skinning and where did your inspiration come from ?

ooooh. another long story. i had the blogskins account ever since year 2003 but i have never used it till last year. i used to be a noob at blogging and some of my friends werent that helpful in teaching me how to edit my html templates. it was in circumstances like those that i had to force myself to learn and i got better. After that, i started helping people who werent that good in their htmls and eventually, i did my first blogskin for my friend. it was then that i realised that i had a passion for blogskinning and started contributing to the blogskins community. (:

mmmm, my inspiration comes from God and songs that have touched me in a certain way. my skins are pretty much based on how i am feeling. yayy. :D

Any dreams for the future ?

i am an aspiring Geographer and i want to work for the Singapore Tourism Board in future.i want to venture out into missions too. i want to learn to see the world under the eyes of God's creation. :D

What's your take on homosexuals ? .____. Random, I know.

Haha. Actually, i am pretty much okay about it. i have been in an all girls school for the past 10 years and i have seen alot of them in my school. that is why i find it easier to accept lesbians over gays. But i still think that it is wrong even though i dont discriminate them at all. i would like to think that it is a passing phase and eventually, they will get out of the whole homosexual thing. (:

Have you got any tips for new skinners ?

1. Be true to yourself.Continue skinning because you enjoy doing so and do not do it out of the fame involved. Sure, SOTDs and Top 15 rated should be aims to motivate yourself but at the end of the day, it does not matter if you dont get them. as long as you have enjoyed the process of doing skins, i think that is all that matters. Do not get caught up in the popularity contest because you may end up losing yourself in the process of doing so. Stay true and keep blogskinning as a way of improving and keeping your passion alive. yayy. (:

2. Humility is the key.i think it is an important aspect that every blogskinner should have including myself. No one can be perfect in doing skins. And i think staying humble is a good way of telling yourself to keep improving. :D

Anything else to add?

errr, blogskins rock? yayy <3 i hope i didnt sound so philosophical. i had fun doing this interview. :D

And that's the interview with Jeanette. Do take care, and watch out for the next interview ! :D

Vanessa.

sweet-melancholy

2007-05-04T15:37:00.000+08:00

May 04, 2nd issue
Hey all, Blogskins Press brings you our second issue so far! Thank you all for the lovely support, it is appreciated a lot (:

I know that this is the exam period, and most of you are probably mugging now. But it's the weekend, take a little break!

This week, we interviewed sweet-melancholy over msn:

My first impression over msn of sweet-melancholy is that she's quite shy. Then she became really talkative, telling me really weird but funny stuff in between questions. (No offense xD) Before that I already knew that she was quite a nice person from her comments etc, but I was a little afraid she might be a dao kind of person. It has been really nice interviewing her, that's all I can really say :)

How about some background information on yourself first?
Hellooooo, I'm Kathleen, but most people just call me Kat. Anyway! I'm 14 and studying in RGS, my CCA is Chinese Orchestra, I play the Zhong Ruan! :D

Raffle's Girls' School? ._. Smart!
No, I'm not. Okay maybe a little, if not that would mean I'm retarded o_o But I'm a normal girl, y'know! Undergoing similar problems etc. I think stereotypes are stupid, somebody should just altogether ban them. o_o

How did you start blogskinning?
It’s quite a long story xD

I started last year, roughly around March. I got the idea when I was down with food poisoning. It was my second day resting at home, and I was pretty much recovered, and the idea just suddenly popped into my head. “Why not I try my hand at blogskinning?” And so I did.

I was kind of a silly girl back then. (oh yeah, my first account was InnoCenTxX, but it has long been deleted already) I would spam poor Blogskins.com with 3 skins a day, and they were very sloppily put together. I still remember my first skin, oh my gosh so embarrassing! It was an utter disaster, my codes were completely screwed (seriously).

Okay I think I’m digressing. ANYWAY! After submitting about what, 70 skins, I was ready to start anew. That was around May? So I created my sweet-melancholy account and deleted my InnoCenTxX account. I must say, it was a really new start. I became more critical of my work, I didn’t submit everything I made. I was so pleased when I got my first SOTD, I never DREAMED I could even make it that far in so short a time. And the rest, you can figure out on your own, anyway I have crapped enough o_o

You're the FC. How did you feel when you first found out?
I thought Blogskins.com was screwing up. It was really coincidental, because right before I visited my profile page, I went to li0nheart’s profile page, so I thought that somehow it had lagged so much they thought I was the FC.

I was/ am tremendously honoured that Myles (and Kelli!) thought that I was good enough to be the FC. I was so shocked and elated my hands could not stop shaking for quite a while xD Then I saw the typos. And I laughed, because it’s just really funny, don’t you think. And there is the huge typo still, smack on the front page for everybody to see it xD

What does being FC mean to you?
It means being a good role model to other blogskinners etc. I’m sure you’ve heard about these stuff before. Basically, I feel that I have the responsibility to maintain a high standard (which I really hope I have!) of blogskinning at Blogskins.com, and maybe maintaining the peace and harmony at Blogskins.com? I really don’t know… Maybe just being me, and not pretending to be someone I'm not.

What is your take on being FC?
It’s tough, really. Because you’re under everybody’s critical eye. And it’s quite hard to tell who really likes you as a person and who is sucking up to you. But on the whole, being the FC has been a really good experience, and I can say this with a fair amount of certainty.

Any blogskinning tips for the others?
(uh yeah, these tips don't just include the technical aspect of blogskinning)
1. “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again”.
Seriously, it works. Giving up is just the worst thing you could do to yourself.

2. You don’t have to have photoshop to be great.
There are a handful of great blogskinners who don’t have photoshop at all. Their skins are still of high standards, and generally well-received. You have to use your creativity you know?! Think out of the box!

3. If you seem to be copying the blogskinning trend, don’t visit Blogskins.com for a while, maybe 2 weeks or a month.
Originality is the best blogskinning policy.

4. Don’t become blinded by the popularity game.
Stay true to yourself. I know that this sounds so cliché, but it’s true, VERY true. Make skins because you ENJOY doing so, not because you want to become popular, by gaining the most SOTDs and dishing out the most 5 stars ratings.

5. Brush spam may be the way to start, but it is NOT the way to go.
Brush spamming is not true art. I’m not saying that using brushes is bad, OF COURSE NOT! I myself use brushes, but I try to moderate it. By becoming too dependent on brushes, you are taking away your creativity y’know?! I mean, brushing is so simple. Upload brushes, brush brush brush, ooh it looks pretty, upload blogskin, ooh everybody thinks it’s pretty so I shall brush spam forever and let my creativity seep away. It’s a sad case when such a thing occurs, you know.

6. Original images, or original codes (or both) or nothing at all.
Seriously, if everything in your blogskin is copied from somewhere, it can’t really be called YOUR blogskin anymore. It’s what? A collaboration? o_o And that is quite stupid. The very least you can do is have original codes! Referring to others’ is fine! As long as you have their permission to do so! But once you’ve had enough practice, you should stop, yep.

That’s quite a lot already, so I think that I better stop here xD

How has Blogskins.com changed you?
Blogskins.com has made me more open to criticisms. I can now accept criticisms and work on it. I have also learnt how to respond to difficult people. (e.g. flamers) Blogskins.com has taught me some pretty important values, like integrity. And I’ve become more sociable now; I used to shut myself off from the rest of the world most of the time, but after interacting with so many different people, I realize how nice it is to have friends, yea.

How did your username come about?
It came from a book, I think. I saw it and thought melancholy sounded really cool (even though I’m still unsure how to pronounce it xD) and ta-dah!

What inspires you?
My emotions. How I am feeling at the moment I am blogskinning really affects the overall mood of my blogskin. You can’t make me do an emo blogskin if I’m feeling happy, really. The effects are just disastrous.

Music also inspires me a lot nowadays. :D

What are some difficulties you face when blogskinning?
Colour combination, GAH! So difficult at times!!
And multi-browser compatibility, this is a tough one. Sometimes it works in FF and screws up in IE, or vice versa. And that is HORRIBLE!!!!!!
Inability to achieve the desired effect I was hoping for is something that I find difficult too… I mean, I can just see the desired outcome in my head, and I just can’t achieve it! That’s very frustrating ):
And when codes screw up and you don’t know what’s wrong? That’s pretty horrible too!
And lots of stuff, really.

Randomly-generated question: Do you like cheese?
Funny you should mention CHEESE. I used to LOVE cheese like nothing else on Earth. I could eat them whole, three or four a day, and not get sick. Now I eat a little and I feel like puking. But melted cheese is the way to go!

That's all for this week, look out for the next issue soon!
`Elaine

paperlove♥

2007-04-28T20:57:00.000+08:00

HEY HEY HEY!!!
glenboyy here!! WITH OUR FIRST ISSUE!
we interviewed the paperlove♥ duo!!! SARAH AND MAYANN!!!
it was over email because apparently, they both got banned from their computers. >.<

1)Tell us a bit about yourself!
mayann: hello(; i like cheesecake cause its refreshing.and im in solid gold choir and proud of it. yay.
sarah: hello ! (: um, im in nanyang girls' high school and i am in the solid gold concert band :D yay, lol, and im in the trombones section and im happy in it :D and and i like tapioca cakes. hahah.

2)Why/ how did you start blogskinning?
sarah: uhhh, because i thought contributing to a website like blogskins was cool :D so i started making blogskins to contribute but they were quite bad lol.

3)Reason behind username?
mayann: actually it was random so we made paperlove cause we were bored and wanted to start a new account again.
sarah: hahah, yeah it's random lol, and it sounds pretty cool (: yay, hahah, and yeah we wanted a fresh start. o.0 hahahah.

4)What inspires you?
sarah: um, alot of things :D but usually i just make anything that suddenly comes out of my mind :D hahah, mmhmm.
mayann: domokun inspired me at first (;

5)What are some difficulties you face when blogskinning?
sarah: people's likes and dislikes i guess, hahah, i dunno, im sad when people dont like our skins lol.
mayann: i agree.
sarah: lol.

6)How has blogskins.com changed you?
mayann: its made us together closer. awww. i feel warm and fuzzy. yay. and it has really made us learn to accept criticism better, and made me more mature. :D
sarah: YEAH ! we are really good friends :D and yay, it has made us become more tactful and understanding (:

7)Any blogskinning tips for others?
mayann: just follow your heart.
sarah: LOL. yeah and lots of practise on photoshop ! (: and uh, practise. yeah. hahah.

8)Your mothers banned both of you from msn! why?
sarah and mayann: we were both banned because we used the comp too much but its okay cause its okay.

9)You both participated in SYF and you both achieved a GOLD ! How do you feel?
mayann: because this year, the judging was super strict, but we practised alot so when we heard we got a gold, i cried for joy. im serious and we celebrated, yay. hee.
sarah: um, we got like the only gold for the day :D that's why we were overjoyed and we were extremely happy and happy and elated and we were touched and all our seniors were touched and we were uh, moved. lol.

10)Why a joint account?
sarah: because, it's cool (: hahah, yeah and it makes us multi-task well. :D
mayann: yeah.

11)We hear you met Mayann in church. Care to elaborate?
sarah: hahah yeah, we attend the same church :D and we are in the youth choir, and we are really good friends so we just decided to start a joined blogskins account. (:
mayann: yeah she met me in church(;

12)Any new skins coming up from you?
mayann: of course, because we could never stop contributing :D
sarah: yeah hahah and we would never stop contributing because we are cool people (: hahah. and we love the blogskins people :D

13)What are your dreams/Aspirations?
mayann and sarah: to grow closer to GOD, and to go to africa, and to sell churros and icecream in disneyland for 1 month. yay us. hahah.

14)Do you like mudpies?[totally random question]
sarah and mayann: ermm, okay, we like chocolate mudpies NOT mud mudpies :D

it was signed,

YSARAH&MAYANN:)

yes, expect to see alot more of this duo, as it seems their friendship is stronger and nothing is gonna tear them apart. you can view their profile, and the fabulous skins they've made here

this is glenboyy signing off from our FIRST ISSUE!!!!

contest submissions

2007-04-26T22:16:00.000+08:00

Hello, this is Elaine speaking. So sorry for the lack of updates and all, Mid Years are approaching so the BSP team has been really busy. But WATCH THIS SPACE, I promise that the first article will be up very very soon.

Anyway, some updates on contest submissions.
We have received three submissions already! Thank you so much for the participation!

So here is the list of current participators:
- paperlove♥
- cicakgirl
- wishix

More more more please!

contest update

2007-04-20T21:02:00.000+08:00

Hey, Elaine here (again)! This is an update on the BSP Blogskins Contest (BSPBC, go figure)

THESE ARE CONFIRMED, I REPEAT, THESE ARE CONFIRMED.

Criterias:

Must contain the words "Blogskins Press" somewhere in the image

The font size must be at least font size 9pt or 9px

It must be a relatively "big" blogskin, meaning the blog post section should be 350px wide at least
If any entry submitted does not meet any of these requirements, they will automatically be disqualified

Winning Categories:

Judge's Favourite : FIVE chosen

Public's Favourite : THREE chosen. We will start a poll/ thread and you all can vote for your favourite skin (NOTE* THIS WILL ONLY BE OPEN IF THERE ARE MORE THAN FIFTEEN SKINS SUBMITTED, THEREFORE, YOU ALL SHALL SUBMIT!)

Prizes:

Banners to put up in your blogskins profile

Blogskins selected will be used on Blogskins Press for at least one month

Blogskinners' links will be put up permanently in the links section, and their links will be the first of the list

Credits will of course be left alone

The blogskinner will win an interview (If he/she is already being interviewed, they'll still be interviewed as per planned)

A MYSTERY PRIZE

Deadline:

1 JULY 2007

So what are you waiting for?!?! Start skinning now!

new layout

2007-04-17T23:25:00.000+08:00

Hey, Elaine here! You might have noticed that there has been some majorrrrrrr changes around here. After much discussion, here are some new ideas the BSP team has come up with!

(1) Layout contest
Yes, that's right, we have decided to hold a contest, with official banners and all. Anyone can enter, really.

Some criterias:

Must contain the words "Blogskins Press" somewhere in the image

The font size must be at least font size 9pt or 9px

It must be a relatively "big" blogskin, meaning the blog post section should be 350px wide at least

There are, of course, prizes, but these are not confirmed yet.
There will also be an official banner, which we will release at a later date.

The winning categories have not been confirmed yet, either, but will be soon!

How do you submit your entry? Simply mail me (Elaine) at cutoutpaperdolls@gmail.com with your entry attached.

DEADLINE: July (Exact date not confirm, will be updated asap!!)
This is to give you the june holidays to work on your blogskin.

(2) New Layout
Finally, no more dull black-and-white layout! Kind manikka was the first one to submit a layout, and she submitted before we decided to hold a contest, so to be fair to her, we shall use her layout first. Besides, her layout is just so pretty!

She "wins" a permanent spot under the links section and an interview (but she was already going to be interviewed in the first place).

(3) New features
You might have noticed there have been some additions to the left column <<
All I can say is, WATCH THAT SPACE!

(4) First issue
You can expect our first issue to be up by 23rd April (:

Good night!

is anybody willing to donate a blogskin?

2007-04-15T14:32:00.000+08:00

Thank you all for the support at the blogskins forum! I appreciate it lots, really.

I have taken into consideration all of the suggestions, and after much consideration, here are some new implements:

(1) Blogskins Press shall be run by a team of not more than five! It may be expanded if neccessary, but right now I think five team members are enough. Team members will be accepted based on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Recruitment of team members is CLOSED!

Invitation to blog sent:

glenboyy

Murder Machine

Confirmed but I need your email addresses to send the invite:

definition:D

heroine

(2) CONTINUE TO SUGGEST INTERVIEWEES, PLEASE!
I know I've listed most of the "famous" blogskinners only, that is why I really need your help in discovering the new and upcoming skinners.

(3) Tagboard added
If you haven't noticed, I've added a tagboard after reading poisonlove}'s suggestion.

(4) A blogskin for Blogskins Press needed!!
This is highly urgent, I myself have noticed that this blog is terribly dull. The blogskin doesn't have to be very complicated, simple designs are highly welcomed too. I'm sorry, but I can't make good designs. I'll try, but it would be great if anybody would volunteer to make one! (If more than one person has volunteered, and I chose more than one, I will use each blogskin alternatively, and the first blogskin to be submitted will be used first)

Some criterias for the blogskin:

Must contain the words "Blogskins Press" somewhere in the image

Font size must be at least 9pt

It must be a relatively "big" blogskin, meaning the blog post section should be 350px wide at least

To make this request more attractive, I have put up some simple "prizes".

Blogskins selected will be used on Blogskins Press for at least three months

Blogskinners' links will be put up permanently in the links section, and their links will be the first of the list

Credits will of course be left alone

The blogskinner will win an interview (If he/she is already being interviewed, they'll still be interviewed as per planned)

So please please please submit! To submit, simply mail me with the codes. Thanks!

(5) List of interviewees
All I can say is, there are so many possible candidates! I have already sent out the emails/ tags to the possible interviewees, and am currently waiting for their reply. I will put up the confirmed list at a later date. In the meantime, continue to suggest!

I hope to get the confirmed team up and running soon, and hopefully have the first interview up by 29th April.

FAQ

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Q: What is Blogskins Press?
A: Blogskins Press is an online magazine that mostly features interviews with blogskinners at blogskins.com. Sometimes, there will be articles on other things too, like contests etc.

Q: Then isn't that like Blogskins Times?
A: We're different in a lot of ways. For example, Blogskins Times doesn't do interviews, which Blogskins Press does.

Q: Interviews, you say. How are these interviews conducted?
A: Preferably over msn. If the interviewee does not have msn, emailing would be the next alternative.

Q: Is there any way for me to suggest an interviewee?
A: Of course there is. Simply email me at cutoutpaperdolls@gmail.com.

Q: What sort of questions will be asked?
A: There will be mainly two types of questions. One is regarding the blogskinner's activities at blogskins.com and the other would be a little more about his/her personal life. Don't worry, I won't get too personal, honest. And if anything, the interviewee reserves the right not to answer the question. I will understand.

Q: Who are you, anyway?
A: I've had many blogskins.com accounts before this, actually. But I would not like to reveal my identity, because there might be some... boot-licking, you know? Anyway I wasn't a very well-known blogskinner, so not many might even know me.

Q: What if someone finds out?
A: I would strongly urge that someone to aid me by keeping my identity a secret. Please respect my decisions, thank you.

Q: Can I exchange links with you?
A: Yes, you may. Just simply leave a comment or send me a mail, whichever you prefer. I will exchange links with anybody, really.

Q: What about affliation?
A: I will only affliate with other communities or people I respect.

Q: What is the difference between link exchange and affliation then?
A: The links under affliation will probably receive more attention, for starters, I'll put it above link exchanges. And also, people (or at least I do), tend to respect those whose links are under affliation more than thye respect links under link exchanges. Do you understand? If you don't, forget it. It's just a fancier term, alright?

Q: What are you like, as a person?
A: I'm a realist.

[last updated: 14 04 07]

Welcome

2007-04-14T16:42:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Blogskins Press.

>>> About Blogskins Press

Blogskins Press is basically like an online magazine. Every week or so, I'll update this blog with one interview with any blogskinner (randomly chosen). Sometimes, I'll also update about significant events going on in blogskins.com, such as contests.