Theme poll for the new SM4 Default

[Arch0wl]

There has been some controversy over recent SM4 themes. As such I'm creating a poll on all of the major SM sites for what should be the default theme.

Theme 1: Intended theme for SM4 (Danford)
Pic 1
Pic 2

Theme 2: Proposed theme for SM4 (shakesoda)
Pic 1
Pic 2

Some have suggested the default theme should be "bright, fun and attractive." Others have suggested that this is way out of SM's target demographic and the average SM player doesn't like themes like this. What do you think? Which do you prefer?

Please vote before reading any other posts in this thread. Also, vote for the theme you think looks better, not which theme you would use due to its features.

edit: Also, if you're going to post "both of them suck" then provide an example of a theme you think looks good. Posting "both of them suck" by itself is useless because it tells me nothing about what you like.

[TheRapingDragon]

Re: Theme poll for the new SM4 Default

I don't really like either to be honest.

[arrekusuof93]

Re: Theme poll for the new SM4 Default

I voted for the intended theme because the design is of a higher quality IMO.

P.S. I understand the Brag Board is more popular, but this thread should probably be in here.

[Arch0wl]

Re: Theme poll for the new SM4 Default

TRD: "Neither" is not an option.

P.S. I understand the Brag Board is more popular, but this thread should probably be in here.

No it shouldn't. The brag board has occupied nearly all significant discussion about SM throughout this site's existence and this is where the major players go. That it's called "brag board" is a formality that mods choose to follow but it doesn't reflect the nature of the board.

[TheRapingDragon]

Re: Theme poll for the new SM4 Default

Arch - I can choose to not like either option if that is my opinion.

It would be the same in any scenario. If you were to show me two walls that were painted different colours, and I didn't like either but instead liked a third option, then it's a perfectly viable option to say "I like neither wall".

In this case I like neither of those themes and I'm pretty sure I'm entitled to my own opinion and can say said opinion and just not vote.

[Arch0wl]

Re: Theme poll for the new SM4 Default

Right. I'm saying it's pointless to say you like neither because that's irrelevant.

[makdaddy]

Re: Theme poll for the new SM4 Default

wait wait wait! When did Arch0wl come back to chat it up online with the FFr babes? What is going on! I'm so confused...

anyway, theme 2, its sleeker and cooler looking

[Coolboyrulez0]

Re: Theme poll for the new SM4 Default

2nd one is empty but I prefer it if they would keep working on it.
also A0's been back for a few months now, lol

[makdaddy]

Re: Theme poll for the new SM4 Default

when is SM4 due?

[Arch0wl]

Re: Theme poll for the new SM4 Default

when is SM4 due?

Not sure.

Do you know of any other SM sites besides SMO, FFR, ODI, RF (though it got hacked =\)? I know there's a few Chilean sites I can poll as well as a few minor pad sites, but those sites likely use the ITG theme.

[Emo_Saur_]

Re: Theme poll for the new SM4 Default

Second theme ftw.

[Mans0n]

Re: Theme poll for the new SM4 Default

Secong home looka more friendly, the first one, makes it look like SM needs more players, and is making something attractive, (which is homo) so im gonna go with the 2nd one.

[ieatyourlvllol]

Re: Theme poll for the new SM4 Default

I don't really like either to be honest.

Yeah, I'm roughly neutral in regard to the proposed theme, but I find it much better compared to the intended one. The latter is too cluttered/colorful, which detracts from the purpose of the selection screen (lmao, if I wanted to see art while picking songs, I'd go to a hybrid music store / art gallery) and distracts from the actual gameplay. Imo, to a certain extent, the best themes are the simplest.

In terms of popularizing the theme, modifying it so that it's more aesthetically attractive to prospective players probably wouldn't have enough of an effect to offset the amount of current players that would be turned away [I actually once had the displeasure of playing with the same note- and receptor- skins as that of the intended theme, and as a player that falls into the part of the SM demographic geared towards (semi-pseudo)competition, I hold that the vast majority of the group would likely feel the same way].

In essence, I think that the current mindset (of the "bright, fun and attractive" proponents) is taking theme development in the completely opposite direction of what it should be. That is, unless the intention is fundamentally to shun veteran players (who wouldn't quit StepMania simply because of an unappealing theme) solely for the purpose of hooking new players. In any case, although doing so might, with ample time, increase the growth rate of the player population, it would undoubtedly be an extreme nuisance to all of those (and keep in mind, "all of those" is a lot of people) who would have to go through the entire import/export process just to enjoy the added features and fixes of the new release.

EDIT: Hmm...that was really wordy. W/e

[makdaddy]

Re: Theme poll for the new SM4 Default

dayum, pwnd

go #2!

[wwwJ4mmYcouk]

Re: Theme poll for the new SM4 Default

Voted 1, but i shouldn't have. So 1 only really has 1 vote not 2.