It’s a Web 2.0 world, where the individual user is king, and where users in masses are considered the authoritative voice on any topic they lend their numbers to.  Crowdsourcing, harnessing the collective brainpower of the masses, 10,000 geeks can’t be wrong!

The basic idea is that given enough pairs of eyes, the most correct information and best content will come to the surface, surpassing incorrect or irrelevant content.  It’s a truly democratic system where whoever gets the most votes, wins.  Great in theory, but does it work in practice?

As an example of this well-intentioned system failing, I offer up Digg.com, current darling of the user-driven Web 2.0 world.  Registered users of the site can submit content, and “Digg” items they find interesting.  They can also vote to remove something from the site they feel is spam.

In theory, the idea is great and a fair method for selecting content.  However since it’s largely automated, it is open to abuse.  It is extremely vulnerable to the biases of a limited group of users who can choose to act as a single unit to either promote or remove content from the site.  Digg works on the concept that it is the best content selection system, that what it presents is an accurate and fair cross section of users.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case.  While Digg dreams of itself as being the aggregator of all Internet news and content that’s the most interesting, true and relevant, I would suggest that it’s free-for-all, unrestricted system is its biggest barrier to that success.

• WinCustomize.com: Possibly the largest site dedicated purely to windows UI customization, WinCustomize is home to over 66,000 user-submitted uploads, covering nearly 50 applications and UI elements. The site also boasts a large and helpful community, providing assistance to fellow users via forums and IRC. This is the essential site to have in your bookmarks list if you’re interested in skinning.

  Additionally, the site has launched a resource and help wiki at http://wiki.wincustomize.com It is currently the most comprehensive skinning wiki in the community.

• Customize.org: One of the oldest customizations sites on the Internet, Customize.org caters to more than just Windows customization, though that represents the bulk of their content. Recently relaunched with a Web 2.0 style look, Customize.org is a growing site with a very active community.
• WinMatrix.com: While WinMatrix itself does not host any customization files (icons, wallpapers skins etc.) they have one of the most robust, active and friendly forum communities out there. If you’re looking for feedback on your latest creation, or general technical assistance, WinMatrix is a fantastic resource.
• DeviantArt: DeviantArt is one of the biggest digital art sites on the Internet. The site has everything from photography, to oil paintings, to sculptures and digital art. What many don’t know is that the site started as a Windows UI customization gallery. They still have a very active set of galleries dedicated to icons, skins and wallpapers. While there’s a lot to sift through, you’re sure to find something you like there.
• Skinning.net: A smaller site, more focused on community than content, Skinning.net is a great starting point to ease yourself into the world of Windows Skinning. The community is friendly and extremely helpful, and a good place to showcase your early work. They’ll welcome you and give you good advice on improving your work, or where to get the best content for your PC.
• Skinartistry: Another community focused skinning site. Skinartistry is one of the best sites for tutorials and help on how to skin your PC. From user-focused tutorials, to how-tos on designing specific elements of a desktop user interface, SA is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for help on how to get into skinning.
• Bonus: Community Suggestions: Based on feedback from the skinning community, I’ve thrown in this entry for “Community Suggestions” These are all smaller skinning sites but worth checking out. WinModify specifically is about ready to undergo a relaunch with a new design, so keep your eye on them!

  1. SkinBase.org
  2. WinModify.net
  3. Adni18.com
  4. LotsofSkins.com

Check out this list at OnMyList, where you can list your pants off!

Microsoft has been making a big push lately to secure their dominance in the field of small, Internet-based or Internet-enhancing utilities and applications.  It started with MSN Messenger oh so long ago and has grown with the recent refocusing on the Windows Live brand, centered largely around the online services at Live.com

One of the areas little explored in the online services arena, surprisingly enough, is that of Blogging.  On the whole, most blogs require you to travel to a web page to write up and post. 

To that end, Microsoft has been working on Windows Live Writer, an app for writing your articles offline and having them posted to your blog of choice with just a click of a button.  Simple concept, and one that’s been done before by tools such as Blog Navigator, but anytime a company as big as Microsoft enters the field, people suddenly start to take notice.

This week, Microsoft released Beta 2 of Windows Live Writer.  It works fairly well with most major blog systems, as I’ve tested it with both MSN Spaces, WordPress and Blogspot and it has auto-detected proper upload methods and posted without trouble.

If you’re interested in giving it a spin, you can download the latest beta for free from Microsoft here:

Windows Live Writer Beta 2