[Debate] The Grey Skin Look

[D.evious]

Just being a person who likes "cool-looking", colourful boards [that match, of course], I don't really like a grey skin. Sure, it's easy on the eyes, but I prefer a few or more skins, with the option of one or two grey toned skin(s).

[Pipamonium]

I don't mind grey skins. But really I think what skin to use should be appropriate to the forum type. If you have something like... a support forum for mothers of young children... you'll probably want brighter "happier" colours. On the other hand if you're running a forum geared toward the Gothic community a grey or black skin is completely appropriate. I never think using clashing colours/gradients, is a good idea - not even to stand out, nor is it a good idea to use bright colours that just hurt your eyes.

I suppose I should say that I feel the look of a forum should give the viewer an idea of what you're on about. You guests/members should get an idea of what you're on about from a glance at the screen, even before they really take a look at what you're offering.

But I see no problem is making other choices. There are plenty of people who like the grey look, who find it easier to handle, so why not keep the option open and let them switch the skin if they so choose.

[Darth Momo]

I, personally, don't like to first view a forum with a gray skin;; as I've actually said about sites that I've reviewed, the gray look appears very dull and boring, and it's actually kind of depressing when people are in moods less than chipper;;

However, there have been times where I've prefered to switch over to a gray skin, because it's a lot simpler for my computer to load and is a lot easier on my eyes after a long day's work;; I have to say that it's absolutely fine to have a gray skin as an option, for those who need them and those who prefer them;;

[getsauced]

I think Grey skins are a decent option, but should be mixed in with other options. I use it a lot, but also do like the look of other skins. I think it is one of the skins that is easiest on the eyes, but should be used as a choice of many, not the only option for your forum.

Also as Pip mentioned, it should also tie in to the theme of your board.

[Le' Purple DOOM*!?]

I personally do not mind gray skins-- I think, if they're done right, they give off a classy vibe. However, it certainly isn't hard to muck up a gray skin, and I do believe that it cannot be entirely one solid colour if it's going to be gray.

I run a gray site (it''s funny how people always have to poke that in) but not solely for the fact that it's gray. It's seven deadly sins based, and our member groups are the theme colour of the sin or virtue-- so, how do you make a skin that doesn't wash out one of the member groups or show favouritism toward a specific sector of members? You make a skin using shades of white, gray and black. As everyone keeps repeating, it really does depend on the theme of the forum.

[/blockquote]

[angelstardust]

I have a grey forum - it's linked to a grey website. I inherited the site from a former webmaster and it seems the most appropriate for our older group membership, who have difficulty with text and colours.
We are Grey Wolves, Wolverhampton Pensioners' Convention.

[Sean]

I like gray skins, because they are easy to read and god on the eyes. Some sites have these flashy skins, and just for that I wont join. Most sites have great skins and graphics.

[>>Phoenix<<]

Jun 22, 2006 20:39:50 GMT -8 @myke said:

Using Grey Skins On Your ProBoard

Grey skins are a very popular here on ProBoards. Incidentally, that just may be the problem with it. With them being so popular, they make new forums that used them look less unique, and stand out less from all of the other competition. What do you think?

Also, many feel that a Grey skin, as opposed to original looking skins using a nice mixture of matching, unique colors, fails to capture the initial interest of a guest, since Grey skins tent to be monotone, and lacking in a 'lively look'. What do you think?

Debate.

I love color.
I couldn't deal with looking at grey all day.

[Rm1985]

I recently helped a fellow Proboard user out. She wanted a Gray scale skin for her forum. At first I was apprehensive to the idea of a Gray scale skin. After I got started I found that with the correct combo of colors and shades you can actually have a very pleasantly pleasing Gray Scale skin. I used a nice Gradient background and customized some gray buttons to add to the banner. It balances really well. The board in question is an RPG board that covers many different groups surrounding the subject. These groups are so drastically different you need a skin that is neutral. Gray scale skins are very neutral.
So in short I think it just depends on the board as to if a gray scale skin can look good.

[Merrique]

Personally, I think that the grey skin is very proffessional looking, but depending on the subject matter of the board it is used in, it can be quite plain. For instance, role plays should never use grey skins in my opion. They should look inviting and creative and grab the eye of potential members. However, if your board looks like a rainbow puked on it, it can be just as unattractive.

[ace~the~ace]

Grey skins are the easiest to make; you can't make an eye burning grey skin even if you tried.

I myself feel that they are rather drab and boring; it's hard to tell some sites apart now with side bars, stripe/patterned backgrounds, and grey skins! It's completely hackneyed.

Grey skins are ultimately preferable to a terrible colour skin, but a good colour skin is most more valuable.

[••PSYCHO KILLER]

While grey skins can look elegant, I definitely think that they usually end up appearing boring. Yes, some colored skins can be hard to read or annoying, but they can also look fantastic if the maker puts work into them. Also, grey skins can look like the admin/skin maker wasn't really putting in any effort--"I don't want to work on a colored skin...I'll just do a grey one"--even if they did work hard. As long as someone doesn't just choose random colors for no reason, the skin shouldn't be an ugly colored skin.

In addition, all grey skins look very similar to each other, even if their are major differences. For me, it's a definite turn off if a forum looks similar to multiple other ones that I have seen.

Grey skins are nice as options for those who find them easier to read, but shouldn't be default skins.

[grieves and squick]

I've found that simple tends to be better for a forum's skin. That said, simple doesn't have to be boring.

By "grey" do you mean truly grey scale as in no colour at all, or does it also include muted/earth tone skins? You can use muted colours to great effect, I think better than a depressing, colourless board; why not try something close to grey like soft blues, purples or tans? {Not glaring blues like I've seen on some forums, I call it Blue Abuse and it can be jarring. If you think blue is always a serene colour you haven't seen some of these places!}

I say err on the side of caution. People are more likely to stay on your forum if the skin's a little boring than if the skin's unbearable to look at or impossible to read. A particular pet peeve of mine is skins so dark you can't read them. When you debut a new skin, ask for members' feedback. If they find it difficult to navigate with, listen to them and adjust it.

[Gylfie107]

I don't use grey skins, for they are not lively enough in my oppinion. However, I'm really picky about the colors I use. I don't think they're that bad, as long as they have a splash of color somewhere. Its the all grey skins that bother me. That falls into the "increative" section of my book.

[Bloodlust]

I use a grey skin, and personally, I think they look good. Mind you, competely grey isn't great, but when mixed in with another colour, i think its alright. For example, I have a grey skin with blue banner and pips, so ot brings focus to them.