Jaunty Jackalope's Art Theme

[MilesRdz]

Does anyone know if this release will feature a new theme?
Honestly it hasn't changed much since.. 7.04.

[plun]

Well, who knows ?... perhaps a "never ending" Debian discussion...:)

It is promised from sabdfl (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Shuttleworth) himself...

[dcarpenter]

install the community-themes package in 8.10's synaptic and give the Dust theme a go. https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/DustTheme

[Changturkey]

They better change it.

[cariboo907]

UDS is in Moutain View CA. December 8th - 12th this time around. If you feel that strongly about theming, go and make yourself heard. It would probably be a good thing to bring some artwork with you :).

Jim

[CarpKing]

Honestly it hasn't changed much since.. 7.04.

Actually, the current look of Human was introduced in 6.06. A new community theme was planned for 6.10 but didn't make the cut, and things have been floating along since with a few occasional tweaks (apart from the new wallpapers).

[dariusdwtt]

I love Ubuntu, but what were they thinking!

The Jackalope is a Rabbit infected with the Shope papilloma virus.

Sad and ugly, I felt sick when I saw these pics.

http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~hollidac/jacksforreal.html (http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Ehollidac/jacksforreal.html)

[ronacc]

the Ibex and the heron weren't bad but if they come up with a deformed rabbit as a background this time I'll puke .

[Geekkit]

Does anyone know if this release will feature a new theme?
Honestly it hasn't changed much since.. 7.04.

I've never really had a problem with it myself. I dabble in compiz, emerald and all that and I always seem to come back to "the human look". I found it refreshing after years and years of light blue, dark blue, blue with red, blue with white, and on and on ....

What sort of color theme do you have in mind as a replacement?

[duanedesign]

A jackalope is not a real animal, it is a folkloric animal. Some believe it to be inspired by rabbits infected with the Shope papilloma virus. Just like some people believe that dragons were inspired by dinosaur bones. That does not make dragons dinosaurs but something completely different and fictional. It is just as likely that jackalopes were inspired by a species of jackrabbit called the antelope jackrabbit, because of its ability to run quickly like an antelope. In closing I will leave you with this much more interesting or romantic idea of a jackalope.

The jackalope is an antlered species of rabbit, unfortunately rumored to be extinct, though occasional sightings of this rare creature continue to occur, suggesting that pockets of jackalope populations continue to persist in its native home, the American West.

The jackalope is an aggressive species, willing to use its antlers to fight. Thus, it is also sometimes called the "warrior rabbit."

Jackalopes possess an uncanny ability to mimic human sounds. In the old West, when cowboys would gather by their campfires to sing at night, jackalopes would frequently be heard singing back, mimicking the voices of the cowboys. Jackalopes become especially vocal before thunderstorms, perhaps because they mate only when lightning flashes (or so it is theorized).

When chased, the jackalope will use its vocal abilities to elude capture. For instance, when chased by people it will call out phrases such as, "There he goes, over there," in order to throw pursuers off its track. The best way to catch a jackalope is to lure it with whiskey, as they have a particular fondness for this drink. Once intoxicated, the animal becomes slower and easier to hunt.

Jackalope milk is particularly sought after because it is believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac (for which reason, the jackalope is also sometimes referred to as the 'horny rabbit'). However, it can be incredibly dangerous to milk a jackalope, and any attempt to do so is not advised. A peculiar feature of the milk is that it comes from the animal already homogenized on account of the creature's powerful leaps.



Only in the world of Linux would you find a thread discussing the finer points of whisky drinking, aphrodisiac producing rabbits.

[Merk42]

Back onto the subject of the theme.
I pessimistically believe we won't get another one again. Instead we'll be promised one with the release of GNOME 3.0, which isn't due out until 2010.

[Geekkit]

Back onto the subject of the theme.
I pessimistically believe we won't get another one again. Instead we'll be promised one with the release of GNOME 3.0, which isn't due out until 2010.

It sounds like you may not be aware of this but Gnome is highly configurable. If you go to system -> preferences -> appearance, you will be greeted with a barrage of choices including changing icons, title bar fonts, colors. You can even download themes too. Why even compiz and emerald are highly customizable too.

Of course if you're really incensed you could always come up with some new theme ideas yourself and propose them as the replacement.

[PRGUY85]

Shiki Dust is a great combination of two great dark themes that still retain the bugfree environment of default light themes. It also looks alot like DarkRoom but better in my opinion keeping the dark to the window borders/menu bars and not the entire window. It could be an interesting way to go for Jaunty.

[yelo3]

Have you tried the shiki-colors theme? it's great!
it has gdm, icons, gtk and metacity theme! you can find it here http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show.php/Shiki-Colors?content=86717

Do you like it? It's wonderful!

[Gina]

the Ibex and the heron weren't bad but if they come up with a deformed rabbit as a background this time I'll puke .+1 ... I would have preferred something other than a cave painting for the Ibex - I liked the Heron.

[Merk42]

It sounds like you may not be aware of this but Gnome is highly configurable. If you go to system -> preferences -> appearance, you will be greeted with a barrage of choices including changing icons, title bar fonts, colors. You can even download themes too. Why even compiz and emerald are highly customizable too.

Of course if you're really incensed you could always come up with some new theme ideas yourself and propose them as the replacement.

I really really hate this response, which I see so much. I'm aware of GNOME being configurable, as I have done it to my own installation. I shouldn't have to download/make a good looking theme though. Ubuntu should come with one, I don't have to download/make a good browser, or good office suite, or any of the other programs Ubuntu comes with, why should the theme be any different?

It's also the principle of the thing, where we've been promised one for two years now and with every release we don't get it.

[Gina]

+1

[Simian Man]

Yeah I agree that the default is awful and pails in comparison to any other distros default look.

The good news is that Gnome 2.26 (http://live.gnome.org/RoadMap) will include a dark theme out of the box.

So at least it will be changeable without even visiting gnome-look.

[smartboyathome]

I really really hate this response, which I see so much. I'm aware of GNOME being configurable, as I have done it to my own installation. I shouldn't have to download/make a good looking theme though. Ubuntu should come with one, I don't have to download/make a good browser, or good office suite, or any of the other programs Ubuntu comes with, why should the theme be any different?

It's also the principle of the thing, where we've been promised one for two years now and with every release we don't get it.

Well, many people do not like the office suite or web browser that comes with Ubuntu, and manually have to download it. The theme can only cater to a few people, since everyone likes something different. For example, some people have been advocating Shikki-Colors, and others New Wave, but I along with some other people like Dust better.

[JACooks]

Granted, everyone's opinion of a theme is going to differ. I think the key point being made is that we've had a very similar theme (with some tweaks) for the last few cycles, and perhaps a "refresh" of sorts would appeal to new users, who likely base opinions on the default theme (or program, etc.). Certainly they've seen such changes during the Windows evolution (2000/Me --> XP --> Vista). Certainly a very basic user doesn't look for customization, they look at what the OS provides as the theme/browser/office product.

That said, to answer the next question someone might ask, I don't have the skills to make a theme (or program a browser), so this post isn't really chastising anyone regarding the lack of theme changes (since I can't do it), just suggesting we need to do it (conceptually). I'll happily test and provide feedback on many themes if it helps us get closer (and bounce ideas off the less-technically inclined friends and family who never change default themes regardless of OS). And I know that we've hired some artwork people, so I'm hopeful we'll see some more radical changes in the coming months.

Whew, hopefully that's sufficiently non-accusatory while conveying my point. :)

[Merk42]

Well, many people do not like the office suite or web browser that comes with Ubuntu, and manually have to download it.

I know it's impossible to please everyone, my previous signature said that no matter what was chosen for Intrepid, there will be people that hate it.

I do think, however, that the majority are pleased with Firefox / OpenOffice.org as default, but it seems the minority are pleased with Ubuntu's default theme.

[philinux]

I'm wasn't a fan of dark themes till dark room and dust came along. But I've finally settled on a dark theme that does it just right. New wave.
http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show.php/New+Wave?content=87134
Only problem is same as dust, the google suggestions box font colours. White on grey weird.

[estyles]

I really really hate this response, which I see so much. I'm aware of GNOME being configurable, as I have done it to my own installation. I shouldn't have to download/make a good looking theme though. Ubuntu should come with one, I don't have to download/make a good browser, or good office suite, or any of the other programs Ubuntu comes with, why should the theme be any different?

Other OS's don't come with a decent looking theme either. And unless I'm doing something seriously wrong, it seems incredibly more difficult to download a theme in Vista than it is in Ubuntu.

Call me crazy, I like Ubuntu's theme, but I don't use the default theme on anything either... it's not that hard to get them.

[Merk42]

Other OS's don't come with a decent looking theme either. And unless I'm doing something seriously wrong, it seems incredibly more difficult to download a theme in Vista than it is in Ubuntu.

Call me crazy, I like Ubuntu's theme, but I don't use the default theme on anything either... it's not that hard to get them.

A lot of people do like Windows/OSX themes, that's why you see them copied so much on gnome-look. It's easy to install software via Add/Remove, but that's not an excuse for the default software to be lacking. So why should the ease of changing the theme be an excuse to come with a theme many don't like?

I understand there are people that like the default theme for Ubuntu, I just said they were the minority.

The problem with the default theme is that if it is shown in a brick and mortar store, it will have the default theme. The majority of people will just pass by it because it's visually unappealing and won't even bother to see how it may actually be better for them than the same hardware running Windows.

[Gina]

A lot of people do like Windows/OSX themes, that's why you see them copied so much on gnome-look. It's easy to install software via Add/Remove, but that's not an excuse for the default software to be lacking. So why should the ease of changing the theme be an excuse to come with a theme many don't like?

I understand there are people that like the default theme for Ubuntu, I just said they were the minority.

The problem with the default theme is that if it is shown in a brick and mortar store, it will have the default theme. The majority of people will just pass by it because it's visually unappealing and won't even bother to see how it may actually be better for them than the same hardware running Windows.
I think that sums it up nicely - that is the crux of the matter!

[Geekkit]

A lot of people do like Windows/OSX themes, that's why you see them copied so much on gnome-look

And you know this because of a recent market survey you read? Please stop attempting to post your opinion as fact, there is no evidence to support the above statement you made. Windows and OSX users have no choice. Linux users do. That is fact.

I understand there are people that like the default theme for Ubuntu, I just said they were the minority.

Again, until you have data to back up such a claim, please stop attempting to mislead others by attempting to present your opinions as fact.

Seriously, if you don't like the theme, learn how to make themes in Gnome, post them on gnome-look.org and suggest that the Ubuntu team consider yours as the default.

[Merk42]

And you know this because of a recent market survey you read? Please stop attempting to post your opinion as fact, there is no evidence to support the above statement you made. Windows and OSX users have no choice. Linux users do. That is fact.
True, I don't know why they do it, but look at the top downloads on gnome-look (http://gnome-look.org/index.php?xsortmode=down&page=0&xcontentmode=100)
#1 emulates OSX, #3 and #5 are heavily influenced by Windows


Again, until you have data to back up such a claim, please stop attempting to mislead others by attempting to present your opinions as fact.

I'm terribly sorry, you're right, no (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=963739&page=13) one (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=775274) wants (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=975743) a (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=963739) new (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=980424) theme (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=437694).
As for more number evidence, look at the thread How do you feel about Intrepid's look? (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=936840) Over 80% gave either Deceived, Tired/Baffled, Worried, or Angry

[Geekkit]

True, I don't know why they do it, but look at the top downloads on gnome-look (http://gnome-look.org/index.php?xsortmode=down&page=0&xcontentmode=100)
#1 emulates OSX, #3 and #5 are heavily influenced by Windows


Most Downloaded doesn't necessarily equal "better" or preferred, it simply means what it says: more downloads. If you look at the other tab right next to "most downloads" you'll see it labeled as "highest rated".

If you click through several pages of the highest rated sort, you do not see OSX or Windows themes - at least not for several pages, although that too is not enough in itself to suggest that the themes chosen are being chosen because of dissatisfaction with the current Ubuntu theme. It simply means that those that bothered to check out the gnome-look.org web site and vote, rated those themes highest.

I'm terribly sorry, you're right, no (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=963739&page=13) one (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=775274) wants (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=975743) a (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=963739) new (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=980424) theme (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=437694).
As for more number evidence, look at the thread How do you feel about Intrepid's look? (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=936840) Over 80% gave either Deceived, Tired/Baffled, Worried, or Angry

I don't think I ever said "no one wants a new theme". I was simply disputing your blanket statements that you attempted to offer as fact when they were simply your opinion.

Also, I would hardly call 255 participants a reasonable sample size of the Ubuntu community. Additionally this poll is flawed (and therefore invalid) for the following reasons:
- a user can choose both happy and angry (or select any combination of choices - I selected all check boxes), which is a contradiction in opinion and logic
- only Ubuntu forum users will see this poll and be able to vote
- there are more negative choices than positive choices making this "poll" biased/leading

I would suggest you enroll yourself in a marketing research and/or statistics course at your local community college for more information on this topic.

[smartboyathome]

the minority are pleased with Ubuntu's default theme.

That may not be true. It could be that the people who hate the default theme are more vocal than the people who like it (since the people who like it don't always post about it). This would make it seem like the people who like the theme are the minority, while the people who hate it are the majority, without that actually being true.

[Merk42]

That may not be true. It could be that the people who hate the default theme are more vocal than the people who like it (since the people who like it don't always post about it). This would make it seem like the people who like the theme are the minority, while the people who hate it are the majority, without that actually being true.

That could be the case yes, what would be a definitive poll? Individually asking the ~6,000,000 users if they like the theme or not?

Since everything I've mentioned is apparently flawed in one way or another, what completely flawless evidence do you have to back up your view Geekkit?

I mean, I'm a little confused, I show you results of a poll here and you say that's not a good enough sample size, but then you show me 'highest rated' on gnome-look which you admit is only of people who "bothered to check out the gnome-look.org web site and vote," and that's okay for a sample size? I could say it's like smartboyathome said and maybe shiki-colors is only the top because people who liked it are the most vocal.

Don't think I want Ubuntu to look like OS X or Windows, just using the downloads to show that there are people that like that look. If Ubuntu went and replaced itself with Shiki-Colors it's fine by me because it's something different than what we have now, which is what we've be promised for a couple of releases now.

[Geekkit]

I mean, I'm a little confused

Then I suggest you reread my post; I'm not sure if I can reword it any clearer than I already have.

[Merk42]

Then I suggest you reread my post; I'm not sure if I can reword it any clearer than I already have.

Oh okay I reread it, it's simple. When it goes in your favor, it's valid. When it goes in mine, it's not.

[smoky1973]

thnk

[Changturkey]

Any updates on this?

[ronacc]

If we were to get a new theme that made everyone happy we would lose this wondeful tradition that has existed since the beginning of Ubuntu , bitching about the look :lolflag:

[Gina]

Don't worry - not a chance!!! :lolflag:

[Skripka]

if we were to get a new theme that made everyone happy we would lose this wondeful tradition that has existed since the beginning of ubuntu , bitching about the look :lolflag:

bam.

[Changturkey]

If we were to get a new theme that made everyone happy we would lose this wondeful tradition that has existed since the beginning of Ubuntu , bitching about the look :lolflag:

Ungh.

[Hyper Tails]

All i think it going to be a picture of a jackalope but in some texture

here's a picture of a jackalope :)

[ktp]

I hope not...i really hope not...then again i have already switched to Shiki which is really not bad and great change.

[larsenguitars]

I like to keep things simple, so I don't fart around with themes too much.
I think one of the main reasons I like gnome is it's both simple & elegant.
I just go with Human-Clearlooks and change Selected/Titlebar color to #0EB7CB & Tooltips color to #C9F5ED.
I have the same theme on Hardy, Intrepid, Jaunty.
(Different backgrounds on all).

As you can see, nothing fancy.
Straightforward and functional.

[duanedesign]

Seriously, if you don't like the theme, learn how to make themes in Gnome, post them on gnome-look.org and suggest that the Ubuntu team consider yours as the default.

There are so many different ways to be involved in the Ubuntu community. Everyone who uses Ubuntu should get involved in some way. Especially those who feel so strongly that they can make Ubuntu better. There is no person who is right or wrong about the look of Ubuntu. There is only the person who feels strongly enough to get involved and effect change.

[Herman]

:) Hello people,
I just wanted to let you know I have the entire community where I live searching for jackalopes.
Where I live, way out in the Australian 'Outback', we have lots of rabbits.
In fact, we probably have the most rabbits in the world right here in Australia.
We have even had rabbit plagues here. We don't have any sick rabbits, all the rabbits here are healthy and virile.
The government's scientists did release a disease called 'mixamitosis' to the rabbit population here to try to destroy all the rabbits in Australia, but it didn't work.
That only resulted in a stronger, resistant new breed of rabbits.

There's a strong possibilty we might have some jackalopes here, but no-one I asked has heard of them before now.
The problem here isn't a shortage of jackalopes, it's a shortage of humans to see them and would be brave enough to report one when they do.
The 'shire' (county) I live in covers about 41422 km² (15,993.1 sq mi), that's about four times the size of Pecos county in Texas.
We have a population of only about 2,151 people in the whole shire, that's only about 1/8th of the population of Pecos.

I have alerted truck drivers, grader drivers and road construction crews and the flying doctor to be on the lookout for jackalopes and also enlisted the aid of the local aborigine population.
It's thunderstorm season right now in the outback, so I have warned everyone to be especially careful if they do find one.
Besides the fearsome antlers, another concern here is the fact that it's so dry in this country. Some areas only get one or two thunderstorms in a decade, so the jackalopes would understandably be in quite a hurry to mate, and consequently less selective because of all that pent up urgency.

We already have the 'buffaroo', which is an asian ox (locally called 'water buffalo'), crossed with a kangaroo. Link: Buffaroo (http://www.anu.edu.au/linguistics/nash/ca/buffaroo.html).

I hope I'm not out of place posting this here, I don't know much about artwork or themes, but we're trying to get a photo of an Australian jackalope, and when we do I'll certainly be posting it in here for you.

Regards, Herman :)

[Gina]

I like it :lolflag:

Nice to see you again Herman :)

[Herman]

:) Hello Gina,
It's nice to see you again too. How about Britian?
Are people there on the lookout for jackalopes there too?
If there were jackalopes in England, where would they be most likely to be found and would they be tame and friendly or wild and dangerous?
Has anyone there ever succeeded in photographing one?

[ecr959]

Hello Larsen

I tried the color changes you said in your post. I like them and I'm gonna leave it that way. Thanks

[Gina]

:) Hello Gina,
It's nice to see you again too. How about Britian?
Are people there on the lookout for jackalopes there too?
If there were jackalopes in England, where would they be most likely to be found and would they be tame and friendly or wild and dangerous?
Has anyone there ever succeeded in photographing one?Thaak you Herman :) I don't think there are any jackalopes in England. There could be some in Scotland I guess - they have all sorts up there :lol: The only unusual wildlife we have in the south west would seem to be the odd sighting of a big cat. We don't have the great expansive wild areas that you have. But we do have plenty of rabbits.

[autocrosser]

Been looking around here for Jackalopes--no sightings as of yet (except for a very good short film from Pixar----- http://www.pixar.com/shorts/bdn/ ):lolflag:


Posted from the wilds of Oregon ;)

[autocrosser]

Just so everyone can see my favorite Jackalope!!!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJC9vw6F4Vo


Have fun!!!!! It's one of Pixar's best shorts......

[ktp]

This is great...love pixar!!

[Starks]

There are so many different ways to be involved in the Ubuntu community. Everyone who uses Ubuntu should get involved in some way. Especially those who feel so strongly that they can make Ubuntu better. There is no person who is right or wrong about the look of Ubuntu. There is only the person who feels strongly enough to get involved and effect change.

There has been overwhelming consensus since Hardy development that Ubuntu should adopt a very dark, non-brown motif with hints of orange.

[danf_1979]

There has been overwhelming consensus since Hardy development that Ubuntu should adopt a very dark, non-brown motif with hints of orange.

That sounds like Shiki-Human to me :), and its a great theme. I hope it could be the one.

[Starks]

I'm more of a Shiki-Brave and Shiki-Dust fan, but Shiki-Human would be a great default theme.

As I mentioned in another topic: If Ubuntu goes ****-brown, I swear I will jump ship to Fedora.

[Sorivenul]

Are people there on the lookout for jackalopes there too? Has anyone there ever succeeded in photographing one?
I'm originally from a small town in South Dakota, USA, and while not Britain or Australia, we have a statue of a Jackalope. I suppose you could call it a "Plains Jackalope" or a "Prairie Jackalope".
http://www.agilitynut.com/06/9/jacka.jpg

[kestal]

I know Jaunty is going to be a major overhaul when it comes to boot speeds and program performance (or at least, we hope), but overall if Ubuntu plans to lead over the rest and market itself out to actual 'big fish' then it has to change its default theme.

I mean, its default theme is a stock theme that comes on most distributions, yes? Sure, it included the new dark theme, but not as default.

If people look at Ubuntu, install it, and its theme is unappealing, then thats just it, they leave and go elsewhere and miss out on the wonders inside.

I am not saying that the current default theme is ugly (though I dislike it, it is quite functional), its just that if you want to 'wow' everyone with boot performance, ext4, dri2, or whatever else possible changes that Jaunty comes out with *crosses fingers for some kind of form of Plymouth*, then why not the default theme too?

I mean, gnome-look has TONS of themes, Shiki themes are beautiful, the dust theme is great. Look at 'distributions' such as Mint and how its gained momentum from just a bit of eye candy and web 2.0 marketing. (which in my opinion, is not hard to do).

Yes, there are people that like the default theme as it is. But there are also a good amount of people who do not. I am sitting on the edge, on this one, but I see the current default theme everywhere. Why not stand out?

[Nirro]

Shiki-Dust is the first brown-theme ever that got the "wife approval" achievement in my house...

It's a realy great theme. I hope it can be the default for Jaunty.

[Izek]

Shiki-Dust is the first brown-theme ever that got the "wife approval" achievement in my house...

It's a realy great theme. I hope it can be the default for Jaunty.

Have a link?

[ktp]

I am more of Shiki-Brave fan.

http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show.php/Shiki-Colors?content=86717

[autocrosser]

Yes--If we have to have another brown theme--Shiki-Dust would fit the bill nicely....

+2 on that theme for default!!!!

[alex.rayu]

I love Ubuntu, but what were they thinking!

The Jackalope is a Rabbit infected with the Shope papilloma virus.

Sad and ugly, I felt sick when I saw these pics.

http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~hollidac/jacksforreal.html (http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Ehollidac/jacksforreal.html)

Yikes! That IS way ugly! Poor rabbits! Nobody look on those pictures! You will puke!

No, I refuse to associate these two ideas. Nice elk-like horns. THAT is REAL Jackalope. Whew... I feel bad from having seen that!

As for the theme, I figured out they will do nothing decent until Gnome 3. GTK 2 is outdated and gigantic. No reason to pour over it. It's dying of age. We'll see massive switch to KDE pretty soon =)

[Gina]

Yes, let's keep to the legendary Jackalope - not deformed rabbits! Those are certainly absolutely horrendous photos :(:(

[Nirro]

Have a link?

http://code.google.com/p/gnome-colors/downloads/list

Give Shiki-Dust a try...

[Dgurion]

http://code.google.com/p/gnome-colors/downloads/list

Give Shiki-Dust a try...


I like this theme.. But.. It tells me that I'm missing the "gnome-human" icon theme.. Any idea where I can find that?

Sorry about this being offtopic...

[Starks]

I like this theme.. But.. It tells me that I'm missing the "gnome-human" icon theme.. Any idea where I can find that?

Sorry about this being offtopic...

http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show.php/GNOME-colors?content=82562

I highly recommend you just use the ColorizeMe script...

http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show.php/Shiki-Colors?content=86717

[rudenko_ruslan]

Maybe this (https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-devel/2008-December/027022.html) is a beginning of something really new? :confused:

[Izek]

Maybe this (https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-devel/2008-December/027022.html) is a beginning of something really new? :confused:

What about us widescreen users? :-|

[Starks]

Impression looks promising.

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Jaunty/Impression

[plun]

Maybe this (https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-devel/2008-December/027022.html) is a beginning of something really new? :confused:

Yup.....

So lazy users reads it.....

Hi folks

As part of our work on desktop experience and design, I'm collecting
screenshots of desktops in action. Please send me yours! Feel free to
send two or three, with browsers open or email clients or chat windows,
anything. I'm interested in seeing the diversity of wallpapers, themes,
panel configurations, window layouts in general use.

By and large I think I can promise to keep these confidential but I
would rather not have any sensitive info just in case. We will use these
for mockups to test different ideas, and if one of those mockups got
published I would not want to cause a problem for anyone!

I specifically am looking for screenshots that are all the same size so
we can test ideas against multiple desktops simultaneously. I think
1024x768 is probably the most widely used size of screen on laptops. I
don't mind screenshots of desktops in other sizes (they may be quite
useful) but having 10 or 20 shots in one size would be more useful right
now.

Thanks very much!
Mark



My proposal....

- We can start a new Desktop thread and send Mark the URL

- No questions is allowed about a specific desktop > Community Cafe got a thread

- Include just facts about a desktop

- Only Ubuntu "standard" desktops, Gnome, KDE, and XCFE

[Starks]

Send Mark desktops with dark/black themes.

[Izek]

Send Mark desktops with dark/black themes.

And we want dark themes because? Clashing with the majority of white websites is not a good idea.

[Gina]

1024x768? -- hmm... don't think I've anything that small :confused:

[ronacc]

just break your video driver and you too can get 1024x768 on your WS monitor :lolflag:

[Chrisj303]

The default Ubuntu theme really does suck.

Its definitely ugly enough to scare away potential new users.

Whats worse, IMO, is the default icons. They look incredibly cheap and ugly.

The default fonts are just as bad also.

[josephellengar]

Does anyone know if this release will feature a new theme?
Honestly it hasn't changed much since.. 7.04.

God I hope so. Human theme sucks! I use clearlooks, but sometimes, it's just not real Ubuntu, if you know what I mean. The brown; it hurts me!

[sharp65]

The default Ubuntu theme really does suck.

Its definitely ugly enough to scare away potential new users.

Whats worse, IMO, is the default icons. They look incredibly cheap and ugly.

The default fonts are just as bad also.

I really hope they decide to dedicate much more time to this release to fix up these things, it really is a big issue, more so to new users. I know people say that their are custom themes but that's not the point. New users aren't going to care about the availability of custom designs, they will judge it on how it looks by default. I would love to be able to dual boot with ubuntu again, but I'm not going to until they spend some time making it look nice.

[Hyper Tails]

I love this Jackalope

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ36VMt6GHs&NR=1

you'll never catch meeeee

:lolflag::lolflag::lolflag:

[utnubuuser]

Human comes across kinda so-so -- at first.

Hated it a while, always looking for something new. Now I absolutely love it. -- Hope they keep it.

[kestal]

I really hope they decide to dedicate much more time to this release to fix up these things, it really is a big issue, more so to new users. I know people say that their are custom themes but that's not the point. New users aren't going to care about the availability of custom designs, they will judge it on how it looks by default. I would love to be able to dual boot with ubuntu again, but I'm not going to until they spend some time making it look nice.

I actually completely agree.. new potential users will see default gnome icons and template and think its ugly and just pass it by. I mean, if we want to 'wow' people then why not use something other than the default theme for the majority of the distributions out there. (that are gnome-based, of course). Unless we are restricted by what gnome lets Canonical have as the default, I do say we change it.

[MilesRdz]

If the Gnome team is slowing down Ubuntu's progress, I say they start building on top of Gnome themselves.

[luca_linux]

I actually completely agree.. new potential users will see default gnome icons and template and think its ugly and just pass it by. I mean, if we want to 'wow' people then why not use something other than the default theme for the majority of the distributions out there. (that are gnome-based, of course). Unless we are restricted by what gnome lets Canonical have as the default, I do say we change it.

If the Gnome team is slowing down Ubuntu's progress, I say they start building on top of Gnome them selves.
I totally do agree with these opinions. That has been my position all along.

The Dust theme (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/DustTheme) would be far better already.

Ubunte NEEDS a new appealing theme, I have seen with my eyes people just trashing Ubuntu after their first live-cd experience and deciding not to install it because of the theme. Their comments have been: "It seems like Windows 95. Windows Vista or Mac OS X are light years ahead and definitely far better". And you can't actually reply to this statement, because from the common user's point of view, it is right.
Desktop users are almost never geeks, they don't care about which kernel version they are running, proprietary drivers, etc. They just want the applications to work, to listen to their mp3/aac/wma music, to watch their DVDs, divx, etc. And the actual aesthetics of the OS is as much as important.
So, I think if ubuntu really wants to spread in the desktop market, it really needs to improve on its look as well.

Edit: I forgot to say that some preinstalled wallpapers would be great too, but please, enough with the wooden stuff! Just get some landscapes, cityscapes, etc.

[MilesRdz]

So yes Ubuntu has so much potential, but looks does matter.

New icons would do wonders.
Something like the Dust theme would be awesome, but again, Gnome seems to be limiting.

As luca_linux said, they should include new wallpapers of the sort:

Here is a comparison between the three operating systems.

Windows Vista (http://edge.networkworld.com/subnets/microsoft/chapters/0789736888/graphics/03fig01.jpg)
Mac OS X 10.5 (http://www.cuppadev.co.uk/assets/2007/10/30/leopard_desk.jpg)
Ubuntu 8.10 (http://www.penguinway.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/ubuntu_ibex_wallpaper.png)

Now tell me which one in your honest opinion looks better.
In order. ;)

[crjackson]

If we were to get a new theme that made everyone happy we would lose this wondeful tradition that has existed since the beginning of Ubuntu , bitching about the look :lolflag:

Haw Haw Haw... Hee Hee Hee...

Funny stuff!!!:P

[Gina]

I totally do agree with these opinions. That has been my position all along.

The Dust theme (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/DustTheme) would be far better already.

Ubunte NEEDS a new appealing theme, I have seen with my eyes people just trashing Ubuntu after their first live-cd experience and deciding not to install it because of the theme. Their comments have been: "It seems like Windows 95. Windows Vista or Mac OS X are light years ahead and definitely far better". And you can't actually reply to this statement, because from the common user's point of view, it is right.
Desktop users are almost never geeks, they don't care about which kernel version they are running, proprietary drivers, etc. They just want the applications to work, to listen to their mp3/aac/wma music, to watch their DVDs, divx, etc. And the actual aesthetics of the OS is as much as important.
So, I think if ubuntu really wants to spread in the desktop market, it really needs to improve on its look as well.

Edit: I forgot to say that some preinstalled wallpapers would be great too, but please, enough with the wooden stuff! Just get some landscapes, cityscapes, etc.I have to agree except that I don't like dark themes (as I've said before - oh dear, I guess everyone will know my views by now!).So yes Ubuntu has so much potential, but looks does matter.

New icons would do wonders.
Something like the Dust theme would be awesome, but again, Gnome seems to be limiting.

As luca_linux said, they should include new wallpapers of the sort:

Here is a comparison between the three operating systems.

Windows Vista (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/54/Windows_Aero.png)
Mac OS X 10.5 (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c0/Leopard_Desktop.png)
Ubuntu 8.10 (http://www.penguinway.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/ubuntu_ibex_wallpaper.png)

Now tell me which one in your honest opinion looks better.
In order. ;)
I have to admit, I like the Mac OS theme best of all! As for the other two - I don't much like the Ubuntu wallpaper (the Heron was much better) otherwise it's just about OK. I'm not personally all that keen on Vista. OTOH the comparison is not totally right as the Ubuntu example doesn't show any windows open.

[luca_linux]

I have to agree except that I don't like dark themes (as I've said before - oh dear, I guess everyone will know my views by now!).
Well, I don't love dark themes (but I don't dislike them either as long as the readability and usability are good), but in my opinion the Dust one is nice enough and definitely more appealing and modern-looking than the ubuntu standard theme.

[luca_linux]

Here is a comparison between the three operating systems.

Windows Vista (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/54/Windows_Aero.png)
Mac OS X 10.5 (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c0/Leopard_Desktop.png)
Ubuntu 8.10 (http://www.penguinway.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/ubuntu_ibex_wallpaper.png)

Now tell me which one in your honest opinion looks better.
In order. ;)
I like their looks in the same order you put them in the list. :D

[ronacc]

not a fair comparison , you show a full desktop for osx and vista but only the wallpaper for intrepid but I would rate them in the order osx,intrepid,vista . to my eye the vista color scheme looks even worse that sh*t brown .

[MilesRdz]

If anything I didn't due a fair Vista screen shot.
There, fixed. :P

Oh and only the wallpaper for Intrepid?
Explain.

[ronacc]

for osx and vista you show windows open and icons and widgets on the desktop for ubuntu 8.10 just cave art ibex with minimal top and bottom pannels

[MilesRdz]

Need I mention those are on by default?
I just posted the OS's in their normal desktop.
Nothing added, nothing taken.

Edit: Now they should be balanced out with no windows opened and whatnot.

[vishalrao]

I also don't like these dark themes. But I just noticed the "Dust Sand" lighter look in the "Extras" section here: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/DustTheme

That looks promising, I hope this Dust Sand look is also stable for Jaunty, I will certainly install it.

edit: this image:

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/DustTheme?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=extras.png

[ronacc]

i looked at your "fixed vista " I stand by my rating .

[MilesRdz]

i looked at your "fixed vista " I stand by my rating .

The idea of the new image was to make it fair.

[BatsotO]

well, we can search gnome-look for ubuntu theme, wallpaper, icon and sort them to most download, there we have art theme ubuntu user like most, let's just hope the wallpaper is not a naked women with ubuntu logo on her body. It is the fair way of democracy.

[luca_linux]

I also don't like these dark themes. But I just noticed the "Dust Sand" lighter look in the "Extras" section here: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/DustTheme

That looks promising, I hope this Dust Sand look is also stable for Jaunty, I will certainly install it.

edit: this image:

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/DustTheme?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=extras.png
Yeah, Dust Sand is very nice too. :D

[Gina]

I think to do a comparison we need a desktop with one or two windows open (one would be sufficient) to see the full theme. That would be better to judge.

With just desktop to compare my order is - Mac OS X, Ubuntu 8.10, Vista. Knowing what Ubuntu is like and comparing with the original posting with windows in the other two my choice is still the same. I think even with that awful wallpaper, Ubuntu Intrepid still beats Vista - after all when you're using the computer you're not much interested in the background - it tends to be covered by windows where you are working.

In my view, how the windows look and act and the main menus and top/bottom panels are the main things.

[vishalrao]

Dust Sand with the Wood Chips wallpaper:

http://www.imgx.org/public/view/full/13252

[phenest]

...It's easy to install software via Add/Remove...So why should the ease of changing the theme be an excuse to come with a theme many don't like?

I used Kubuntu once and found an application that allowed you to download wallpaper from a given list without having to browse through god knows how many websites and pages trying to find something you like. I believe they were categorized too.

Now, if this were done for all flavours of Ubuntu, for wallpaper, themes, sounds, etc...well, you get my drift.

[ronacc]

http://www.gnome-look.org/
and for kubuntu
http://www.kde-look.org/

[Merk42]

I used Kubuntu once and found an application that allowed you to download wallpaper from a given list without having to browse through god knows how many websites and pages trying to find something you like. I believe they were categorized too.

Now, if this were done for all flavours of Ubuntu, for wallpaper, themes, sounds, etc...well, you get my drift.

I had to look back at my post since it was over a month ago, but I think you may have misunderstood.

I was saying it is easy to install a new theme, but that shouldn't be an excuse for Canonical to not change the default.

ronacc, I'm pretty sure everyone in these type of threads knows of those sites.

[ronacc]

those sites were aimed at phenest as "one stop shopping" for gnome and kde goodies , and yes I'm sure most do know about them but it doesn't hurt to post them in case someone doesn't.

[BatsotO]

I could think of one excuse :lolflag: no matter what art them they include in their release, people would modify it as much as they want till there is no trace of original art work. Though i stick with hardy art work, that maybe because it is a good one or i'm just too lazy.

[Gina]

those sites were aimed at phenest as "one stop shopping" for gnome and kde goodies , and yes I'm sure most do know about them but it doesn't hurt to post them in case someone doesn't.
Agreed :)
I could think of one excuse :lolflag: no matter what art them they include in their release, people would modify it as much as they want till there is no trace of original art work. Though i stick with hardy art work, that maybe because it is a good one or i'm just too lazy.I very much liked the Hardy artwork and kept it too. Intrepid I didn't like and changed it right away. 'Nuff said!

[Bobby Rankin]

I agree with whoever said that the Shiki theme is worthy. It's quite excellent. But, truly, we need a new theme.

To clarify, though, the developers and art designers are doing a great job. I have nothing against them, and am very thankful. This would just be on my wishlist.

[nosoupforyou]

Also instead of one single screen wallpaper as default, it should be two different wallpapers that go together for the two work spaces that you have in ubuntu like some of the ones posted here http://www.dualscreenwallpaper.com/ which would also be a new feature since I have no idea how to do this in 8.10 and is probably gnome dependent.

[Starks]

Also instead of one single screen wallpaper as default, it should be two different wallpapers that go together for the two work spaces that you have in ubuntu like some of the ones posted here http://www.dualscreenwallpaper.com/ which would also be a new feature since I have no idea how to do this in 8.10 and is probably gnome dependent.

Day of Ubuntu
http://dylanmccall.googlepages.com/DayOfUbuntuSlideshow.tar.gz

[MadsRH]

Also instead of one single screen wallpaper as default, it should be two different wallpapers that go together for the two work spaces that you have in ubuntu like some of the ones posted here http://www.dualscreenwallpaper.com/ which would also be a new feature since I have no idea how to do this in 8.10 and is probably gnome dependent.

http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/15968/image/1/ (http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/15968/)

I would love to see the default Ubuntu wallpaper expand over two/three/four desktops (or monitors).

I suggest that the wallpaper included default in Ubuntu should come in four versions - one for each desktop (or monitor). So if you don't have, or use, more than one desktop, your wallpaper will look as it does now - just fine using wallpaper #1. But if you use more than one desktop the wallpaper will expand and view different wallpapers on each desktop (as we know it from Compiz - see the screenshot).

I hope you understand the meaning of this idea, if not please post your questions below and PLEASE CAST A VOTE AT BRIANSTORM :-)

Example screenshot: (perhaps not the best example)
http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/175241/wallpapers.jpg

[phenest]

I don't know why people try to demand Canonical make a new theme with each release. That only gives 6 months in which to come up with something new. I would sooner have Canonical provide a stable OS than worry about what it looks like. In fact, I would sooner Canonical kept the same theme so as to make Ubuntu recognizable, and then (to refer to my last post) provide an application that shows a list of themes that you can install. Sure, I could go to gnome-look (a place I was already aware off), but that's as bad as suggesting someone 'Google' for it. An application would remove the need for hours of endless searching. Not all of us have super fast internet connections.

I'm guessing from past threads on this topic, that creating a new theme is more than just deciding what it looks like. There is programming involved too. Also, I'm guessing that, apart from Canonicals art team, there are very few people involved. Therefore, trying to create a new theme for each release is not going to be easy. I'm also guessing that a great majority are going to change it anyway. Again, therefore, is all this effort worth it? I think not.

[luca_linux]

I don't know why people try to demand Canonical make a new theme with each release. That only gives 6 months in which to come up with something new. I would sooner have Canonical provide a stable OS than worry about what it looks like. In fact, I would sooner Canonical kept the same theme so as to make Ubuntu recognizable, and then (to refer to my last post) provide an application that shows a list of themes that you can install. Sure, I could go to gnome-look (a place I was already aware off), but that's as bad as suggesting someone 'Google' for it. An application would remove the need for hours of endless searching. Not all of us have super fast internet connections.

I'm guessing from past threads on this topic, that creating a new theme is more than just deciding what it looks like. There is programming involved too. Also, I'm guessing that, apart from Canonicals art team, there are very few people involved. Therefore, trying to create a new theme for each release is not going to be easy. I'm also guessing that a great majority are going to change it anyway. Again, therefore, is all this effort worth it? I think not.
Well, the thing is the default theme has been barely touched at all among all the releases. Changing the titlebar color from brown to orange-brown and polishing a couple of icons do not mean creating a new theme.
All we are asking for is a real new theme which has been promised for at least two or three releases ago by now.

[Izek]

Well, the thing is the default theme has been barely changed at all among all the releases. Changing the titlebar color from brown to orange-brown and polishing a couple of icons do not mean creating a new theme.
All we are asking for is a real new theme which has been promised for at least two or three releases ago by now.

What about the people who like the current theme? I don't like dark themes at all much. Why? Take a look at the ubuntu forums, it's all white! What an eye strainer that would be!

Also, +1 for phenest.

[luca_linux]

What about the people who like the current theme? I don't like dark themes at all much. Why? Take a look at the ubuntu forums, it's all white! What an eye strainer that would be!

Also, +1 for phenest.
I never said the next theme would have to be dark, but just new and more polished.

[Izek]

I never said the next theme would have to be dark, but just new and more polished.

You mean like a glossy full of itself media center edition of Luna? You want the panels all glossy and to stand out more? Get Compiz.

[luca_linux]

You mean like a glossy full of itself media center edition of Luna? You want the panels all glossy and to stand out more? Get Compiz.
Not necessarily. I have already said in my opinion the Dust would be a great improvement over the current default theme; and not necessarily the dark version, but the light Sand one.
Have a look at this page: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/DustTheme
Also the icon concept showed there would be very nice.
According to me lights and shadows on icons and bars/panels make everything look much more modern and polished.

[BatsotO]

Ehm..maybe canonical will add to their cds " If you don't like the art theme, fell free to send the cd back to us"
I also don't have the idea how to measure polished, if the art team feels it polished enough, so be it.

[andrewabc]

I'm using Dust theme for intrepid. Have been using it since 8.10 released. Works and looks great.

As long as they make the community themes easy to download and install I'm happy.
Sadly, I had to go into synaptic, search "dust" and then install. I don't see how basic user will know to go into synaptic to search for community themes.

Maybe something to let people know to install community themes file to get some other themes?

[scaine]

Everyone already using Ubuntu - they don't really care about new themes for themselves. It's more about how things look out the box. Ubuntu doesn't score well here. It lags to Vista, it certainly lags to OSX and in my opinion, it lags to most other distros too. The icons are mediocre, the wallpapers are routinely shockers and the widget sets, although clean, are now pretty staid looking.

At least Mr Shuttleworth seems to be making noise about the looks now - that's good... something might happen.

And of course, although I don't think it's been said (much) in this thread, let's not have any "I'd rather they worked on stablilty/feature X/driver Y/etc" - the people who work on art, widget themes and icons are very rarely the same people who work on code. Nothing lost, much gained.

Not that I care - got my cairo-dock installed with Dream sounds, Shiki-Dust, customised drag-borders (bigger) and a pretty background from pixelgirlpresents.com (http://www.pixelgirlpresents.com/) (or was it deviantart.com (http://www.deviantart.com/)?). Happy days.

[luca_linux]

Everyone already using Ubuntu - they don't really care about new themes for themselves. It's more about how things look out the box. Ubuntu doesn't score well here. It lags to Vista, it certainly lags to OSX and in my opinion, it lags to most other distros too. The icons are mediocre, the wallpapers are routinely shockers and the widget sets, although clean, are now pretty staid looking.

At least Mr Shuttleworth seems to be making noise about the looks now - that's good... something might happen.

And of course, although I don't think it's been said (much) in this thread, let's not have any "I'd rather they worked on stablilty/feature X/driver Y/etc" - the people who work on art, widget themes and icons are very rarely the same people who work on code. Nothing lost, much gained.

Not that I care - got my cairo-dock installed with Dream sounds, Shiki-Dust, customised drag-borders (bigger) and a pretty background from pixelgirlpresents.com (http://www.pixelgirlpresents.com/) (or was it deviantart.com (http://www.deviantart.com/)?). Happy days.
That is the point. I totally agree with you.

I don't care about the default theme for myself, I've been using linux for years, so I'm definitely not scared of changing the theme on my box (for the record, I already did. I've been using Dust Sand since its release and I'm giving Shiki a try. An excellence default setting is always welcome though), but the new common user won't make allowances. I have seen this with my eyes.

[exploder]

I was happy how the default look of Intrepid turned out. Yes, I was one of hundreds that complained about the circle wallpaper they originally planned to use. :D

My 18 year old daughter saw Intrepid loaded on one of my machines and her first impression was, "I like that!" My response was, "really?" My daughter said that she liked the style of the wallpaper and the fact that it was different than anything she had seen before.

I asked my daughter what her over all impression of Intrepid was, she said she liked it because it did not look anything at all like Windows. I was fascinated by my daughter's views.

I think the current shades of colors look good together, especially the shade of brown in the wallpaper and the gdm theme. I would be happy with the same for Jaunty. Of course it will have a new background but if it has the same sort of primitive style and color it will look nice. The current theme looks nice and the Darkroom theme is a nice alternative because of the popularity of the darker themes right now.

Intrepid has a real style to it and this defines it from other distributions. I would like to see a continuation of this style for Jaunty.

[gnomeuser]

I was happy how the default look of Intrepid turned out. Yes, I was one of hundreds that complained about the circle wallpaper they originally planned to use. :D

My 18 year old daughter saw Intrepid loaded on one of my machines and her first impression was, "I like that!" My response was, "really?" My daughter said that she liked the style of the wallpaper and the fact that it was different than anything she had seen before.

I asked my daughter what her over all impression of Intrepid was, she said she liked it because it did not look anything at all like Windows. I was fascinated by my daughter's views.

I think the current shades of colors look good together, especially the shade of brown in the wallpaper and the gdm theme. I would be happy with the same for Jaunty. Of course it will have a new background but if it has the same sort of primitive style and color it will look nice. The current theme looks nice and the Darkroom theme is a nice alternative because of the popularity of the darker themes right now.

Intrepid has a real style to it and this defines it from other distributions. I would like to see a continuation of this style for Jaunty.

I can offer up a similar story. I have a friend who regularly calls upon me to fix her machines (and boy has she collected a few over the years). In order to let her get me better information on certain kinds of hardware issues I gave her an Ubuntu Hardy CD I had lying around. If that boots I know where to start and I thus know what tools to pack. Her first words when she saw Ubuntu booted up, and that big orange/brown/golden screen comes up (before gdm and the desktop - when X starts) was "Wow that is a beautiful color".

There are people with all kinds of taste, personally I quite like the Ubuntu artwork. I also like a lot of the upcoming theme work such as Dust. I am a big Tango fan (and I definitely think the way forward is an all encompassing upstream effort like Tango in order to cover all applications, especially the trick ones like OpenOffice). I think once we switch, it should be to something fundamentally better as in offering us a unified look for all of the desktop (including bootup, shutdown, login and suspend/resume - jimmac from Novell has some great ideas here btw.). It should bring new features. I think merely changing the colors would be a wrong move, it would hurt the branding and it would be throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

[exploder]

The positive things I see with the Intrepid release are:

1) The toolbars have a nice color to them. The burnt orange color is different.

2) The shade of orange in the progress bars in applications is attractive and the effect is not overdone.

3) The shade of brown used in the gdm theme and default wallpaper looks nice with the orange and white in the menus.

4) The default icons portray a primal look that fits with the rest of the artwork.

5) The grey panels look clean and are very readable, text stands out nicely.

6) The branding in the system is not overdone, it provides product recognition that is not in your face, so to speak.

7) The black usplash works with anything and in the event it needs resized it still fills the users screen.

As you can see I can find quite a few positive views with the current artwork.Here are a few suggestions to give things a little bit more polish.

1) Make the progress bar in the usplash a little slimmer and do away with the hashes in it to make it more flowing and streamlined.

2) Give the folder icons a different look, lose the glossy look and give them a more real look while retaining the orange color with some shading effect.

3) Keep the current shade of brown for the default wallpaper and the primal look. I am not suggesting a rabbit with antlers!

4) Perhaps, switch the Darkroom theme for Dust or one of the other popular dark themes. I am not saying there is anything wrong with Darkroom, I like it myself but give people the alternate theme they want.

I think these subtle changes would help refresh the look and not create an overwhelming task for the artwork team. The alternate theme would provide change for those that want it and would be good for the community. These are just my ideas, everyones opinion is welcome.

[Totonno]

I was happy how the default look of Intrepid turned out. Yes, I was one of hundreds that complained about the circle wallpaper they originally planned to use. :D


I preferred a lot that minimal "circles" wallpaper better than the final one (which I find ugly and doesn't even fit with the colors of the windows). I also liked the background image in the panels (i think it showed up only in the beta).

Anyway, back to the topic, I definitely agree with a lot of people posting here that a totally new theme is absolutely necessary for Jaunty Jackalope.
I mean, this is reality, not dreamland.
Be substance, but also be LOOK, because it's what definitely matters to people approaching for the first time.

I'm talinkg about the WHOLE theme: all the icons, windows, gtk, and FONTS too...well fonts actually come first for me!

I really can't stand Sans.
It makes me wanna go Windows :popcorn:

[ronacc]

I preferred a lot that minimal "circles" wallpaper better than the final one (which I find ugly and doesn't even fit with the colors of the windows). I also liked the background image in the panels (i think it showed up only in the beta).

Anyway, back to the topic, I definitely agree with a lot of people posting here that a totally new theme is absolutely necessary for Jaunty Jackalope.
I mean, this is reality, not dreamland.
Be substance, but also be LOOK, because it's what definitely matters to people approaching for the first time.

I'm talinkg about the WHOLE theme: all the icons, windows, gtk, and FONTS too...well fonts actually come first for me!

I really can't stand Sans.
It makes me wanna go Windows :popcorn:

and cutsey icons and serif'd fonts make me want to puke . NEWS FLASH tastes vary all mover the lot , that is why a "theme " designed by committee will offend everyone and theese "artwork" threads are endless .

[scaine]

These threads are endless, because the artwork/themes in Ubuntu are bad enough to incite a lot of such threads.

If Apple can come up with a theme that is pretty enough that most people using one never change, then surely Canonical can do the same.

Maybe you're right about the committee element - they just need to make a decision and stick to it. My worry is that they've done so already and this is what we're stuck with... (or rather, what new users are stuck with).

[ronacc]

some people think the current theme is "ugly" , me for one , I change it to suit my liking but if you follow these threads you wil find many who do like it . The argument about new users doesn't fly because unless they have been hiding in a deep jungle somewhere and have never seen a computer before they know that themes can be changed , and only need to find out how . No one ever changed a windows or apple theme I suppose ? And BTW the apple "smilingface" is exactly the icon I was thinking of when I said "cutesy icons make me want to puke " . These threads are endless because as I said "tastes vary" not because there is some absolute standard of beauty .

[Gina]

I have to agree with that :)

[ShirishAg75]

Hi all,
I have been keeping an eye on the archives. I don't understand why but there is a edgy-community-wallpapers which was packaged for jaunty. Don't understand why apart from the fact that we have some wallpapers that can be packaged (or have been there for few versions)

https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/jaunty-changes/2009-January/002604.html

[olskar]

These threads are endless, because the artwork/themes in Ubuntu are bad enough to incite a lot of such threads.

If Apple can come up with a theme that is pretty enough that most people using one never change, then surely Canonical can do the same.

Maybe you're right about the committee element - they just need to make a decision and stick to it. My worry is that they've done so already and this is what we're stuck with... (or rather, what new users are stuck with).

I think for Canonical to do something as great as Apple they have to rewrite a lot of theme-engines and such, perhaps make completely new ones

[scaine]

@ronacc - No, I never bothered learning how to change the theme on the Mac - it didn't need changing. I certainly DID learn how to do it on Ubuntu because using an out-of-the-install Ubuntu WITHOUT changing its theme is laughable, unthinkable (unless it's for testing/server).

And yep, you're right - people who install linux WILL know how to change themes. If you think that Canonical is happy with Ubuntu's "market share", then cool. Because unless they make the first impression far more desirable, then I'm pretty sure that techies who know how to change the theme is all they're going to attract.

Put it another way - if you wanted to impress a sceptical Windows/Mac using friend that Ubuntu rocks - would you, truly, honestly, put an unthemed Ubuntu desktop in front of them and wait for their positive reaction? Or would you theme it, jazz it up with Compiz and Cairo-dock/AWN first?

Honestly?

[ronacc]

While you may not have changed a mac theme apearently someone has , from google " Results 1 - 10 of about 1,160,000 for mac themes. (0.12 seconds) " , curious myself I checked out interfacelift.com ( 3rd hit that search) and snagged a nice wallpaper for my jaunty desktop .
Truly honestly I have poped an ubuntu live cd into someones box and on more than one occasion . Only once have I got an UG when the desktop came up ( a neighbors collage student daughter ) . my response was Oh thats eaisly fixed , click click , now how do you want it to look ? After that her only question was about functionality ( can I do my homework ((MSword formet)) with this ? ) , showed her OO and Abiword .

[exploder]

I still believe the themes and wallpaper used in Intrepid were a step forward. The overall effect of the theme, icons,etc achievea a tribal effect that represents where the distributions roots are and it distinguishes it from anything else.

I believe that the Ubuntu Art Team does not want Ubuntu to bear any resemblance to Windows or Mac OS in any way. I have been testing releases for some time and have finally grasped why Ubuntu looks the way it does.

The Artwork Team did include the Darkroom theme in Intrepid, that's a first! It is not flawless but it is very usable and good use of the color scheme they want to use. Even the default theme has been improved in the last two releases!

Asking for Mac like docks and a different color scheme is never going to happen, it goes against what is trying to be achieved. I believe the entire focus for artwork is for Ubuntu to stand completely on it's own merits. My earlier post in this thread suggests subtle changes that might refine the look with the use of the color scheme Ubuntu uses.

Consider what the distributions goals are and then consider where improvements might be made and how they would be interpreted.

[Eclipse.]

Hi all,
I have been keeping an eye on the archives. I don't understand why but there is a edgy-community-wallpapers which was packaged for jaunty. Don't understand why apart from the fact that we have some wallpapers that can be packaged (or have been there for few versions)

https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/jaunty-changes/2009-January/002604.html

Ignore the naming (for now anyway), hardy's wallpaper was "warty-final" if I remember correctly, nothing to worry about.

[Nullack]

This thread comes up every development cycle and the same old points are made over 10 000 posts and 100 000 reads, which in the end, contributes next to nothing in tangible progress.

That said, Im going to chime in. What some people dont realise is how broken Linux is in critical areas. There's so many broken things in Linux like:

* Broken audio stack
* Broken graphics stack
* No true bluray support

Yes work is happening in these areas but it isnt truly fixed yet.

Then there's the Ubuntu specific broken stuff like:

* No DVD feature support or de interlacing from the officially supported gstreamer/totem way of doing it
* Not being able to set custom mtu values in nm 0.7

And so on.

Behind the fluff with nice art should be a solid, well architected system with robust code. Until the software "just works" I think rare development resources are better invested elsewhere.

[cariboo907]

I have to agree with Nullack, there are a lot of things that need fixing before a new theme, I find there is a serious problem with network performance that should be addressed before pretty pictures. If I remeber correctly the current Interpid background didn't show up until either the Beta or rc release. I would much rather have a system that works than a system that looks good, but doesn't perform very well.

Jim

[phenest]

Let's not forget Mark Shuttleworth's country of origin which influences the overall theme of Ubuntu. I'm sure this is something that Mark doesn't want to loose.

Thing is, people recognize XP because of its theme. Same for Vista and OSX. Ubuntu should be no different.

If anyone thinks that Ubuntu's icon theme is outdated, then have a close look at the icons in XP and Vista. Some of them have aliased edges. Yuck!

[scaine]

It's been said before - people who work on themes/art are rarely developers. The two goals (stability and aesthetics) will not really compete for some finite resource pool of "developers".

In fact, as Nullack says - it's ALL been said before, over and over. Maybe the fact that even Mark Shuttleworth feels that things need improving might help in the near future. Not that near though - it's meant to take a couple of years, according the Reg (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/07/23/shuttleworth_apple_challenge/).

[luca_linux]

It seems like they are working on something: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Jaunty/Impression

:)

[Gourgi]

the wallpaper suggestions look promising too.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Jaunty/AlphaBackgrounds

this is a wallpaper i really liked !
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Jaunty/AlphaBackgrounds?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=jackalope_sketch_brown_refined_tn.png

i'm using it right now and it looks just great !
clean, cool and 'jackaloped':D

what do you think ?

[plun]

Well...:-k


Community-themes is upgraded for Jaunty

community-themes (0.11) jaunty; urgency=low

* Update New Wave theme to version 0.7.1'

https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/jaunty-changes/2009-January/002781.html




What is best for main stream ? Thats the only important !

IMHO

[Gina]

I dunno!... I think I prefer "Dawn of Ubuntu" to a strange looking rabbit :lolflag:

[scaine]

the wallpaper suggestions look promising too.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Jaunty/AlphaBackgrounds


Man, the bottom two wallpapers are sweet. At least in thumbnail mode. I mean, if you gotta have brown, that's the way to do it!


EDIT : Holeee, just checked out the Impression page that luca_linux linked to.
It seems like they are working on something: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Jaunty/Impression

That's bloody lovely. Sorry Gina, it's dark, but it's bloody lovely.

I also like the rounded scrollbars idea on the incoming page. Rounded progress bars would be sweet too, but I don't know if there's any support for them at the moment.

[PRGUY85]

Well those are made by the community art group not the group Shuttleworth hired to do other things including new art.

[ShirishAg75]

right. Anybody knows how to activate the community themes?

[taavikko]

right. Anybody knows how to activate the community themes?

Have you tried installing them ;)
sudo apt-get install community-themes

[gnomeuser]

right. Anybody knows how to activate the community themes?

Install the community-themes package, then enjoy.

[taavikko]

Been using community-themes since intrepid, Personally I like Dust-theme.
Clear dark theme, but metacity, window edge width just drives me nuts...
(manually have to edit metacity-xml to get rid of them)

Just wondering if anyone is aware of such application similar to kwin's
to adjust the size?

What the point use more than 1p for an window edge?
Issue is comes clear when using devices with small screen size and resolution.

[ShirishAg75]

I have installed the themes but then what?

[taavikko]

I have installed the themes but then what?

gnome-appearance-properties
and select what theme to use...

[ShirishAg75]

taavikko,
I know that command, was just seeing if there was another way. Had to file another bug 315877

Any ideas, suggestions welcome.

[taavikko]

taavikko,
I know that command, was just seeing if there was another way. Had to file another bug 315877

Any ideas, suggestions welcome.

Well, you didn't gave any clue about that ;)
btw, confirmed that bug, but that's a another issue/thread.

[andrewabc]

I have installed the themes but then what?

Dunno if this is relevant, but in intrepid I go to

system->preferences->appearance->
or
right click desktop->change desktop background-> themes tab

And the themes should be listed there.

That doesn't work in jaunty yet?
Or is it just the one theme that is broken?

[ShirishAg75]

andrewabc,
That one theme is broken. Btw that and what tawas told above are one and the same command.

[Gina]

I installed the community-themes with apt-get but nothing new shows in the appearances themes :( Tried rebooting - no joy.

[ronacc]

Hmm , they showed up for me , look in /usr/share/themes and see if they really are there , they are dust , kin , and new wave . if not try a reinstall , I used synaptic to install rather than apt-get but that shouldn't make a difference .

[ShirishAg75]

I'm looking for the community-wallpapers to be packaged.

[Hyper Tails]

has a dapper feel

It's nice

[andrewsomething]

taavikko,
I know that command, was just seeing if there was another way. Had to file another bug 315877

Any ideas, suggestions welcome.

Thanks for filling the bug. New Wave added a new folder that wasn't in the setup.py for community-themes. There is a fix attached to that bug, just waiting for a sponsor to upload.

The upload will also update community-themes to use version 0.2 of the Dust theme.

[ShirishAg75]

just wish there was also a community-wallpapers package as well. I do have edgy-community-wallpapers but some of the artwork in incoming specifically with the rabbit those are cool.

[scaine]

Clear dark theme, but metacity, window edge width just drives me nuts...
(manually have to edit metacity-xml to get rid of them)


If anyone else feels strongly about the size of resizing edges in Ubuntu, please go to this bug and click on the "Affects me too" link. Thanks.
https://bugs.launchpad.net/metacity/+bug/160311

Looks like there might be a hidden gconf trick coming in Jaunty to change this, but if enough people raise this as an issue, you never know - it might end up as a regular feature of the gnome theme dialogue (although I imagine that would require another bug upstream on gnome).

[ShirishAg75]

just added my 2 paise.

https://bugs.launchpad.net/metacity/+bug/160311/comments/66

[yorkie]

Hi
I am using the Impression theme from Incoming/artwork/jaunty I think its one of the best themes ubuntu have come up with .
I can not find the wallpaper/background that is shown can anyone help.
Cheers

[Starks]

Hi
I am using the Impression theme from Incoming/artwork/jaunty I think its one of the best themes ubuntu have come up with .
I can not find the wallpaper/background that is shown can anyone help.
Cheers
Impression has ****-poor version control and development indicators.

[DarKnyht]

I just leeched the glassy bleu icons from the HP Mini Ubuntu, and it gives me hope that they can make Human look better. They left a lot the same, but the little bit of work they did on the folders, file types, and icon's representing hardware is a vast improvement over the standard human.

[melalcoolique]

Any screenshots? I can only find photos of the laptop, not the OS.

[olskar]

I just leeched the glassy bleu icons from the HP Mini Ubuntu, and it gives me hope that they can make Human look better. They left a lot the same, but the little bit of work they did on the folders, file types, and icon's representing hardware is a vast improvement over the standard human.

Is Minbuntu the distro of which you are talking?

[Merk42]

Any screenshots? I can only find photos of the laptop, not the OS.
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.downloadsquad.com/media/2009/02/hp-mi-home-screen.jpg
From here:
http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/02/04/hp-releases-netbook-interface-for-ubuntu/

Is Minbuntu the distro of which you are talking?
The one that comes with the new hp minis.
http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/mini1000/hpmini1000_mie.html

[Nirro]

the wallpaper suggestions look promising too.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Jaunty/AlphaBackgrounds

this is a wallpaper i really liked !
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Jaunty/AlphaBackgrounds?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=jackalope_sketch_brown_refined_tn.png

i'm using it right now and it looks just great !
clean, cool and 'jackaloped':D

what do you think ?


I like this one :
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Jaunty/AlphaBackgrounds?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=Jauntybeta1.png

[dualpretop]

:guitar:

http://img03.picoodle.com/img/img03/3/3/24/25573/t_001m_6a89718.png (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/3/3/24/25573/f_001m_6a89718.png&srv=img03)

[StilenX]

Shiki-Human is an amazing, already completed theme. I urge ubuntu dev's to roll with it or a modified version.

[Simrn]

I like this one :
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Jaunty/AlphaBackgrounds?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=Jauntybeta1.png

This wallpaper looks real cool :) right now I'm not using Jaunty Jackalope, coz I've not heard about it much but it looks to be with interesting features!!!