IPB has some advantages over the vB skinning system, which is that you can edit the raw CSS. However, vB has some advantages over the IPB one: for one, their "easy mode" is much more informative and better laid out, telling what each thing changes and whatnot. I think IPB can benefit from this, as there are so many areas, that for a first-time user, it can be very daunting.

I agree. I love the WYSIWYG editing that vB uses, and would really like to see it incorporated into IPB some day.

I agree and would like to expaind on this.
I have seen some CMS's that offer css editing and they show a picture beside it what it changes so you know what it will change.

I agree and would like to expaind on this.

I have seen some CMS's that offer css editing and they show a picture beside it what it changes so you know what it will change.

Pictures was one of the ideas I had in mind. Possibly, in the easy editor mode, make the class names link to a screenshot (in a new window) of what it changes. At the least, have an explanation beside each class of what each changes.

Yes, but the easier you make it to skin, the more fugly IPB sites there will be, lol.

No need for pictures. Why not use Ajax to select the area to move or change colors then update it in real-time? Visability could be restricted to admins only until completed.

No need for pictures.

What about the admins who eat at Denny's and choose their meals by pointing at the photos on the laminated menu, huh? :lol:

I highly agree that one of the most important things that IPB needs to overhaul is their skinning system. More intuitive, like their product suggests.

I can remember at least 5 accounts of Brandon saying the skinning system will be overhauled in 3.0

I agree, I have used both vBulletin and IPB for some time now and I find the skinning system for vBulletin and the CSS editing mode much easier to use. I have developed numerous coloured skin sets for vBulletin standard skins using the simple CSS mode and changing images within vBulletin. With IPB however, editing menu items and colours requires sometimes hours of reasearch into the CSS stylesheets. Implementing an interface that can easily edit and show what parts of the forums design are being edited would definitley benefit those who are looking for a more user friendly interface. My opinion is that IPB would benefit themselves from implementing such a system for more than obvious reasons.

Looks like I'm the only one who disagrees then. I've tried VBs skinning method and I find it so simple it's actually too restrictive.

I much prefer the IPB method. Though I do wish you could export and import individual skin parts, or create skin "patches", so that you can release downloadable skin fixes, instead of having to rerelease the entire skin set over and over, each time you fix what might be a tiny bug.

Looks like I'm the only one who disagrees then. I've tried VBs skinning method and I find it so simple it's actually too restrictive.

How is providing information on each class restrictive? If anything, it would be less restrictive, as people would have a better idea of what they're doing.

I can remember at least 5 accounts of Brandon saying the skinning system will be overhauled in 3.0

That's good to hear.

there are so many areas, that for a first-time user, it can be very daunting.

I have been using IPB for 4 years... am proficient in CSS... and still can't make the most basic skin changes on my own! I shouldn't need to be an IPB expert to make the colors match. Or- *gasp*, put site navigation to the side as it is with the rest of the site :(

I've not been around much recently... is 3.0 expected any particular quarter? Anytime this year, at least?

I have been using IPB for 4 years... am proficient in CSS... and [b]still[/b] can't make the most basic skin changes on my own! I shouldn't need to be an IPB expert to make the colors match. Or- *gasp*, put site navigation to the side as it is with the rest of the site :(

I've not been around much recently... is 3.0 expected any particular quarter? Anytime this year, at least?

Who knows, but hopefully it will have a greatly improved skinning system. ;)