Being able to apply Texture to WB and Explorer Backgounds and changing colors opens up lots of options for the non-skinner user of the software. 

A nice feature indeed.

Im sure a lot of people will enjoy this feature but I have to say I havent seen one skin with a texture applied by a non skinner that made it look better than the original skin. Not sure I ever will. It really takes away from the original artist concept imo.

The non-skinner may think differently I guess It is what it is.

That is what makes life interesting vStler, we all look at things in a different way.  I may use the features and options in WB but I'm sure it would only be on those skins that I want to change a little and then only for my own use.  I have yet to recolor a skin haven't really seen the need too.

I think it can look very good.

Check out Magnetek by 2of3 with textures three ways

Great new feature. A lot of people are going to love this

I think it's a great addition, can't wait to start trying it out!

i think its a kool idea but like vstyler said it may take away from a skin but then again thats totally up to the user...i bet some skins look bad ass with textures...like zubaz said with magnetik

 

The original looks best, to me. I guess I feel like.. just because you can slap a completely unrelated texture over someones art.. doesn't mean you should.

yea, that sums it up  Other skinners may feel differently.

There is something in it for the skinner too.  You can include your own textures if you wish and you can also define the same sections that are in the .texture file in your uis file.  This allows you to easily apply a texture over the startmenu for example without having to cut up graphics.

Well, that will shorten worktime for the skinner, I do obviously love the work you have done on WB Neil, not trying to be a downer, just how I feel on this subject.

I THINK THATS GREAT TO BE ABLE TO ADD YOUR OWN TEXTURES TOO...sorry to yell but caps was on...sorry

I agree with vStyeler on both opinions. I am only a new skinner so this is ideal for me. but I noticed in doing so I turned Bronze Daize into something that closely ressembled the "Molten" w/b and it made me raise an eyebrow. My first reaction was "cool" and then I thought of the author of the original Molten blind and stated to think it less cool. I will always promote the skinners of the community, no need for worry vStyler.

That being said I think the new features are awesome and I thank Stardock. I'm hpoing that as a new skinner, it will allow me to explore the possibilities un a faster way.

Textures are a lot of fun. If you start to get bored with a particular blind, you can change the texture and enjoy an old favorite all over again

Thats actually a nice way to put it.

I look at textures as a way to extend the usage of a particular skin. After awhile you may still enjoy it but want a little variety, so boom try a different texture. No matter what all skins can be changed by the end user, by only use the title bar, re-coloring, or simply altering bits for their own use, so I don't see how this is any different. Also as mentioned another way for skinners to skin, provide different textures to use with their WB or someone can make a texture they like for use with a skin. More possibilities