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malvolio · Nov 21, 2002, 11:31 PM

Ooh, I'm getting a bad case of theme desire!

wil · Nov 21, 2002, 11:40 PM

um....please release this soon. please.

please. no, but seriously, please release this soon.

swiz · Nov 22, 2002, 12:05 AM

With some discussion focusing around the limitations of OSX regarding the port of this theme, I must say this looks much nicer than the original- because of the "limitations".

swiz · Nov 22, 2002, 12:10 AM

I think there is a law written somewhere that if you even customize the bevel buttons in a theme it automatically becomes my favorite... yeah, its definitely a law. ShweeeeT!

bbxstudio · Nov 22, 2002, 02:54 AM

Wow Max - this looks really good

Great job... I like the bubbles too.

What do we call it??? I'm thinkin'

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

(The MaxRudberg Remix)

Big Ass M logo (with an X added - I got this)

BBX MERCURY� X
Futuristic GUI Overlay Kit for OSX

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

then below everything in tiny type (including folders, etc), the legal bits:

This Remix �2002 by Max Rudberg. Based on the original BBX MERCURY� GUI Overlay Kit �2001 William Bart | Digital Illustration + Design | BBXstudio.com. MMX Icons �2002 Mikkel Madsen | MMicons.com. All Rights Reserved.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Be sure to slap icons onto all of the files you need in the archive (theme, urls, email addresses, etc) and send it along to me when you're done. I'll throw together some spiffy window graphics, Read Me panels, Desktop graphics, logos, etc. for ya' and send it back for your approval. I'm swamped (heavily swamped) for the next couple of weeks so it'll have to wait till then (sorry guys)...

What - that's too long?

Hehe - just kidding. I am swamped, but I can always dedicate some time to making it 'official' - got everything on file and ready to go... a day or 2 and we're off to the races. I think it'll be a huge success Max, should solidify your already immense fame (...then I'll come along with my year-in-the-making hyperfunky next-generation BBX futurestyle and kick your sorry butt back to theming school! - bwahahahahaha)... not really - it'll be friendly competition (and I'll probably come crawling for your help on a technical issue or two).

It's all good. Should keep those pesky BBX fans happy until my next big release (January 2003 it looks like - too much paying work right now, a looming slow spring and a baby on the way) - Max Rudberg fans are always happy (slow down already, you're making the rest of us look bad).

Dace · Nov 22, 2002, 03:53 AM

Originally posted by bbxstudio:
Wow Max - this looks really good Great job... I like the bubbles too.

What do we call it??? I'm thinkin'

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

(The MaxRudberg Remix)

Big Ass M logo (with an X added - I got this)

BBX MERCURY� X
Futuristic GUI Overlay Kit for OSX

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

then below everything in tiny type (including folders, etc), the legal bits:

This Remix �2002 by Max Rudberg. Based on the original BBX MERCURY� GUI Overlay Kit �2001 William Bart | Digital Illustration + Design | BBXstudio.com. MMX Icons �2002 Mikkel Madsen | MMicons.com. All Rights Reserved.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

bbX mercury X ...way too many Xes, doesn't sound right. How about

BBX Neo Mercury ?

with a big fat NM merging together? Something like this:

N M M
NN MM MM
N N M M M M
N N M M M
N N M

Dace · Nov 22, 2002, 03:58 AM

Ok first attempt ruin by forum rules, attempt 2:

N____M_______M
NN___MM____MM
N_N__M_M__M_M
N__N_M___M__M
N___NM_______M

Anyways hope you know what I mean

bOOzo · Nov 22, 2002, 05:20 AM

Good morning everybody, I'm glad I've gotten so many positive replies!

Out of idle curiosity, is the slight variance of the brightness in the small progress bars intentional? I ask mainly because there is no such variance in the large progress bars.

That's just because I did not log out, the big progressbars also have the bubbles in the graphite variation.

How did you change the Stop & Caution icons (in the Photoshop dialogs)? I noticed last night that the tic# resource in Extras.rsrc is being read, but it doesn't contain any icons.

They are contained within the SystemIcons.rsrc, so you have to use the included .iconset to get them to show up.

With some discussion focusing around the limitations of OSX regarding the port of this theme, I must say this looks much nicer than the original- because of the "limitations".

I agree, the theme looks great even without the thick boarders. I'm pretty happy with it

I'm not sure about the name. I think BBX Mercury X sounds ok and it's easy to figure out what kind of theme it is. It would be _very_ cool if you could make a new logo just for this release. A couple of desktops would be great too, right now I just color modified an Apple desktop to match the theme.

Do you think Mikkel would mind if I improved the icon maks a little bit?

I think it'll be a huge success Max, should solidify your already immense fame (...then I'll come along with my year-in-the-making hyperfunky next-generation BBX futurestyle and kick your sorry butt back to theming school! - bwahahahahaha)... not really - it'll be friendly competition (and I'll probably come crawling for your help on a technical issue or two).

I hope so too and I'd be happy to help you out with any theme problems.

I thought I'd ask this of you who will use it when it's released - would some of you be willing to donate some cash to me for xmas? I've been longing for a 5 gig iPod, but the family economy isn't allowing it.. And I'm to lazy to get a job besides school/theming. Anyway, no demand, but it would be greatly appreciated!

mrfrost · Nov 22, 2002, 08:25 AM

Will this do?

I can't donate just yet, need fresh money first

�1 is a little less than $1

bOOzo · Nov 22, 2002, 08:35 AM

Originally posted by Mr_Frost:
Will this do?

I can't donate just yet, need fresh money first

�1 is a little less than $1 [/B]

That will definetly do it, anything you can spare is grealy appreciated!

NetworkShadow · Nov 22, 2002, 05:25 PM

I loved all the old BBX schemes! I think this one looks great too. So when do you think it will be done? I can't wait to use it on my computer!

chezpaul · Nov 22, 2002, 08:20 PM

Hey Max, U've done so much for the theme community.. U should add a paypal donate link file with the theme when downloaded so that some of us can donate. It does seem like everyone is using your themes anyway. It's defenitely worth 5$.

I would first of all advertise your theme on versiontracker.. Let everyone see and download whatever theme they want for free (the ones already on your site) but have BBX (or your next big theme) be like 1 or 2 $ to get it.
Just have a screenshot of it on the site and to download it, U need to pay.. ;-)

I'd definitely think about it cause U're puting a lot of hours, time, and sweat.. and it's an art.

People can always complain but in the end, it's work you've done and nothing in life is free for long.

macmike42 · Nov 22, 2002, 08:59 PM

I totally agree that Max should be compensated for his excellent work, but charging for themes is a sure way to get yourself a cease-and-desist letter from Apple. Granted it is almost all original work, but I'm sure if he charges money, Apple will not overlook "Apple Is Lazy".theme.

chezpaul · Nov 22, 2002, 09:50 PM

That's quite a thought...
I guess that's why he should do a donate thing then and have people donate him some money if they like what he does and feel like giving. Even though, I wonder how far that really goes...
I'd donate 5$ without a second thought for BBX.
But it need to be made easy to donate otherwise people can't be bothered.

that's why paypal usually works quite well..

chezpaul · Nov 22, 2002, 09:52 PM

By the way Max, when are U letting BBX go ???
A little theme this week end would have been nice...
I hope the boot screen looks nice.. ;-)

Dace · Nov 22, 2002, 11:11 PM

Originally posted by chezpaul:
By the way Max, when are U letting BBX go ???
A little theme this week end would have been nice...
I hope the boot screen looks nice.. ;-)

He can't charge for BBX, it belongs to William Bart...even though Max ported it. Unless you want to charge 15$ for it, 5$ for Max 10$ for Wlliam

chezpaul · Nov 23, 2002, 01:19 AM

Yeah but it's his work.... that's why I said maybe his next theme can be donateware... Anyway... whatever...

rgoer · Nov 23, 2002, 02:47 AM

Let's not lose sight of the matter at hand, folks... Max, release it already!

mrfrost · Nov 23, 2002, 04:24 AM

Originally posted by macmike42:
I totally agree that Max should be compensated for his excellent work, but charging for themes is a sure way to get yourself a cease-and-desist letter from Apple. Granted it is almost all original work, but I'm sure if he charges money, Apple will not overlook "Apple Is Lazy".theme.

I'm not paying for the theme ! I'm buying him an iPod

That's quite a thought...
I guess that's why he should do a donate thing then and have people donate him some money if they like what he does and feel like giving. Even though, I wonder how far that really goes...
I'd donate 5$ without a second thought for BBX.
But it need to be made easy to donate otherwise people can't be bothered.

that's why paypal usually works quite well..

Max allready has a
donation page.

bOOzo · Nov 23, 2002, 04:50 AM

He can't charge for BBX, it belongs to William Bart...even though Max ported it. Unless you want to charge 15$ for it, 5$ for Max 10$ for Wlliam

I'm not going to charge for it, I don't want to make people pay for it, I think everybody should be able to enjoy it. But if you do appreciate it and use it instead of Aqua, I feel that donation would be your way to say "thank you for your hard work, keep making more themes!". I've written on my homepage that I will always keep my themes for free and I intend to keep it that way.
Anyway, when you have had the chance to try out the theme, you can think about making a donation.

Let's not lose sight of the matter at hand, folks... Max, release it already!

You will have to wait some more. I'm still tweaking tiny parts of the theme, and when I'm done I'll let William Bart make nice logos and stuff for it.

I've also made two "Skin a dock"-skins. That's a pretty cool app by the way.

invisibleX · Nov 23, 2002, 09:32 AM

This theme rocks. One of the few themes that looks likeit can actually be used on a regular basis..

swiz · Nov 23, 2002, 11:39 AM

This will be without question the most comprehensive theme available for X.

NetworkShadow · Nov 23, 2002, 12:54 PM

Do you have an ETA for the release of the theme?
You need a mailing list so you can let all your fans know when you release a new theme.

chezpaul · Nov 23, 2002, 01:23 PM

Well, Max had it all along... a donate page on his website...
I'm proud to say that I donated... ;-)

chezpaul · Nov 23, 2002, 01:24 PM

Maybe people who donate should have access to beta's...

hehe.. just kiddin'

bOOzo · Nov 23, 2002, 02:11 PM

This theme rocks. One of the few themes that looks likeit can actually be used on a regular basis..

Thank you!

This will be without question the most comprehensive theme available for X.

One of the most, dxb is probably the most comprehensice

Do you have an ETA for the release of the theme?
You need a mailing list so you can let all your fans know when you release a new theme.

Well, at least within this month. I want it to be as good as possible.

I'm proud to say that I donated... ;-)

Yeah, I saw that

, thanks!

Adam Betts · Nov 23, 2002, 02:30 PM

Originally posted by bOOzo:
Do you think Mikkel would mind if I improved the icon mask a little bit?

It would be great if you could do that

Mikkel's icons is very nice but he need to pay attention to small icons too.

bOOzo · Nov 23, 2002, 02:59 PM

Originally posted by Adam Betts:

It would be great if you could do that

Mikkel's icons is very nice but he need to pay attention to small icons too.

I've done that to the icons that come with the theme.
By the way, Duality refuses to replace the trash icon, any one know why? I can only change it with candybar..

swiz · Nov 23, 2002, 04:03 PM

Originally posted by bOOzo:

I've done that to the icons that come with the theme.
By the way, Duality refuses to replace the trash icon, any one know why? I can only change it with candybar..

Really? Thats very odd; even after a restart it refuses to take? If you haven't yet, try going back to to Aqua and restarting then apply BBX and restart, at least go through it a few times so you can see if its not just some hit or miss thing. It sucks time out of your dev progress but since Apple changed HIToolbox.rsrc's contents to SystemIcons.rsrc there's no other way to get the icon switch to take for certain system icons.

bOOzo · Nov 23, 2002, 04:32 PM

Originally posted by swiz:

Really? Thats very odd; even after a restart it refuses to take? If you haven't yet, try going back to to Aqua and restarting then apply BBX and restart, at least go through it a few times so you can see if its not just some hit or miss thing. It sucks time out of your dev progress but since Apple changed HIToolbox.rsrc's contents to SystemIcons.rsrc there's no other way to get the icon switch to take for certain system icons.

To get the trash to look right, in 10.2, you have to switch two .png files in the Dock.app, but even though the path is right the trash wont change! I've tried going from aqua to bbx, but no luck.
By the way - a good way of getting icons right for your theme is to switch them with candybar and then just copy the files fromt the system to your theme.

Dace · Nov 23, 2002, 11:14 PM

Originally posted by bOOzo:

I've also made two "Skin a dock"-skins. That's a pretty cool app by the way.

Hey Max have you seen the skins I made? I was wondering if it would be ok for me to release them.

bbxstudio · 02:02 AM

Originally posted by macmike42:
I totally agree that Max should be compensated for his excellent work, but charging for themes is a sure way to get yourself a cease-and-desist letter from Apple. Granted it is almost all original work, but I'm sure if he charges money, Apple will not overlook "Apple Is Lazy".theme.

I've often thought of this and I do know a way in which it could be done without any legal repercussions (although all work would need to be 100% original)...

FREEWARE -
1.The main OSX theme
2. couple dozen icons
3. some wicked matching desktop pictures
4. cool alert sounds

- everything you need for a free and happy makeover...

SHAREWARE (donate $5?) to support the cause -

5. hundreds of additional icons
6. tons of amazing new desktops in HD res
7. the official construction kit
8. additional (and even cooler) alert sounds
9. the official Audion skin
10. the official Konfabulator Widget set (clocks, pixel-toys, etc)
11. the official screensaver
12. early access to upcoming / experimental releases
13. subscription to the mailing list and iCal release calendar

- more than enough incentive for the hardcore fans to help out...

Many GUI artists / web font designers / desktop artists sell subscriptions / registrations / memberships, and I think for a package along these lines (or even less extras, or shuffle some things - think of the work involved, my god), $5 - $15 is a pretty fair price.

If you look at a kit like Mercury - the result of hundreds (if not thousands) of man hours developing a high-quality and totally original GUI design over many months - all visually integrated across the entire system - those who appreciate such efforts won't balk at offering a little pocket change in thanks (and in exchange for some awesome extra goodies).

Up until the last minute, BBX MERCURY was intended to be set up in this 2-tier freeware/shareware delivery system... I had registered with paypal and even set up the Kagi site for transactions and dealing out 'keys'. But I backed down at the last minute (and stormed through the kit changing all of the spashes and little 'upgrade to pro' tags) - because I was so burned out that I couldn't possibly develop the required extras in a timely enough fashion (for this to work, you would need to provide instant and undeniable satisfaction), plus I knew I'd be abandoning OS9 in favour of OSX at any time.

I've seriously considered exactly the structure above for my upcoming BBX releases... I've poured months and months of contemplation, experimentation, heartache, braincells, blood, sweat and tears into these things - and they burn up huge amounts of time probably better spent on paying work (which, sick as it sounds, I will turn down from time to time so I can work on this GUI stuff). But I really honestly do it for the thrill of seeing it come to life from nothing - all totally original and polished-like (and suddenly being swamped with countless emails saying 'YOU ARE A GUI GOD!!! THIS ROCKS!!!' helps fuel the satisfaction for months at a time)... having said that, it would be much easier to justify to my young wife (who suffers greatly for my art I might add) and myself to some extent if there was at least minimal compensation for that lost revenue and time with the family.

Oh well, I'll probably never have the balls to charge for them, even though I've been told hundreds of times 'I'd pay for this, no problem'. I'd really have to feel I was offering people something 'unbelievably cool' before I started charging for BBX.

As for Max, in this case he should simply pop a 'please donate' link in his archive and on his website, same for anything other than totally %100 original Max Rudberg artwork. After all, he couldn't charge for his Quicktime-derived or Aqua-based themes (even if one could charge for themes, which one can't in this case - if there were an Apple sanctioned product that took over the GUI like Kaleidoscope for OSX, no problem - ), and all of the extras for this one are already in the public domain available as freeware and/or derived from pre-existing copyrighted images by myself. For any totally original work, he would be utterly justified in charging a shareware fee - assuming he offered up enough 'goodies' to justify it. He's always justified in requesting that appreciative users 'donate' to the cause.

My thoughts on this anyways...

bOOzo · Nov 24, 2002, 05:28 AM

Originally posted by bbxstudio:

Oh well, I'll probably never have the balls to charge for them, even though I've been told hundreds of times 'I'd pay for this, no problem'. I'd really have to feel I was offering people something 'unbelievably cool' before I started charging for BBX.

As for Max, in this case he should simply pop a 'please donate' link in his archive and on his website, same for anything other than totally %100 original Max Rudberg artwork. After all, he couldn't charge for his Quicktime-derived or Aqua-based themes (even if one could charge for themes, which one can't in this case - if there were an Apple sanctioned product that took over the GUI like Kaleidoscope for OSX, no problem - ), and all of the extras for this one are already in the public domain available as freeware and/or derived from pre-existing copyrighted images by myself. For any totally original work, he would be utterly justified in charging a shareware fee - assuming he offered up enough 'goodies' to justify it. He's always justified in requesting that appreciative users 'donate' to the cause.

My thoughts on this anyways...

I've already decided to not charge for any themes, but I find that donation is a really good alternative. For your next BBX theme, just set up a PayPal account and I think you will get many donations from happy users.

Hey Max have you seen the skins I made? I was wondering if it would be ok for me to release them.

Hi, I don't think I have. Send me an email.

NetworkShadow · Nov 24, 2002, 02:02 PM

So you are porting all the old BBX themes to OSX?! That would be great!

I'm glad you are keeping your themes free, it's great for guys like me who are broke most of the time. But the idea of some cool extras for people who donate sounds good.
I'll try to keep you guys in mind next time I've got a few spare bucks though.

MacManMikeOSX · Nov 24, 2002, 03:34 PM

when will it be out? Im so excited this is an awsome theme.

bOOzo · Nov 24, 2002, 03:51 PM

Originally posted by MacManMikeOSX:
when will it be out? Im so excited this is an awsome theme.

Glad you're excited. I think it will be released within this month.

scaught · Nov 24, 2002, 07:51 PM

i just wanted to say that i too am quite excited about this. before i saw the BBX stuff was going to be "ported" for OSX i wasnt terribly interested in themeing OSX.

i used to use BBX mercury and platinum with OS9 and now i kinda miss them. mostly i want to get rid of the damned pinstripes in my finder. ugly.

mrfrost · Nov 26, 2002, 02:13 PM

*bump*

How is the theme coming along Max?

bOOzo · Nov 26, 2002, 03:11 PM

Originally posted by Mr_Frost:
*bump*

How is the theme coming along Max?

Hi-
My part is done. I've sent the theme to William Bart and he will overlook it and then make an offical package with a speciall logo, cool desktop pictures and such. He siad that he is swamped with work right now, but I think it will be released soon.

SwarmyCurve · Nov 26, 2002, 03:41 PM

Thats great news.

I received a new gigahertz powerbook this past saturday, and I think this will be the first theme on it. - Can't wait!

gdiddy · Nov 26, 2002, 04:46 PM

Originally posted by SwarmyCurve:
Thats great news.

I received a new gigahertz powerbook this past saturday, and I think this will be the first theme on it. - Can't wait!

I just got mine this morning and think BBX will look just tits on it.

nycdunz · Nov 26, 2002, 11:13 PM

nice job max! cant wait, i hope we get this before thanksgiving so that i have something to be thankful for when i say grace at the dinner table

, i thanks max rudberg for his hardwork for porting this amazing BBX theme to OS X! Thanks to the original creator William Bart for his awesome work! I love your style man...

beautiful and amazing theme...

im sure i speak for the rest of us here...

gdiddy · Nov 28, 2002, 09:52 AM

Where is everyone?

W. Bart, don't eat too much turkey. That stuff makes you sleepy!

Thanks for this amazing effort. Will we have it as a christmas present?

bOOzo · Nov 28, 2002, 12:26 PM

Originally posted by gdiddy:
Where is everyone?

W. Bart, don't eat too much turkey. That stuff makes you sleepy!

Thanks for this amazing effort. Will we have it as a christmas present?

It's up to William to finish the packing. I hope that it will be done until sunday, would be cool to release it on the 1st of december!

SwarmyCurve · Nov 29, 2002, 06:50 AM

I hope william bart finishes it soon! AtMMicons, it shows on the extra files page that the max theme is "coming soon."

bbxstudio · Nov 29, 2002, 12:01 PM

Originally posted by bOOzo:

It's up to William to finish the packing. I hope that it will be done until sunday, would be cool to release it on the 1st of december!

I'm working as fast as I can - unfortunately I have to slip it in between real work (of which I have far far too much right now - working day and night). I'll try to have something for Sunday/Monday, but it might be Tuesday (cringe)... but no worries on the turkey - I'm Canadian, so I had my thanksgiving last month. This adaptation has a new logo (derived from the original, but X is in there too), which I'll be forwarding to both Max and Mikkel (so he can whip up the official logo icon) later today. There are also links within to all of the different elements (otherwise you'd have a 40 MB download), so you can get them right away. In the meantime, looks like I get to use this shiny new theme before any of you ('cept Max)... bwahahaha!!!

Chill... it's coming along nicely

SwarmyCurve · 03:22 PM

40 meg download!? What are you packaging with this theme? The 380+ icons from the site?

Thanks for the update, lots of people are anxiously awaiting the end product.

swiz · Nov 29, 2002, 03:04 PM

Originally posted by SwarmyCurve:
40 meg download!? What are you packaging with this them? The 380+ icons from the site?

Thanks for the update, lots of people are anxiously awaiting the end product.

Anxiously? More like manic compulsively

.

Dont wanna rush this one, its gonna change OSX theme development expectations from here on out and although the theme is done, this comprehensive package being put together is just as important as the theme itself.

NetworkShadow · Nov 29, 2002, 08:28 PM

Cool. Apple should give you guys a job!

Are you going to launch your new http://www.bbxstudio.com site with the theme?

bbxstudio · Nov 30, 2002, 12:56 AM

Originally posted by NetworkShadow:
Cool. Apple should give you guys a job!

Are you going to launch your new http://www.bbxstudio.com site with the theme?

Not with this one... that'll be in conjunction with the upcoming new BBX for OSX stuff. I finally just acquired a kickass package with immense storage, super-high bandwidth and unlimited traffic, but I haven't had a chance to pop a single page online yet. Been experimenting for a year and I've got some seriously cool **** happening behind the scenes, stuff like nothing I've ever seen before (it's true)... now if only I could get some time to work on it.

A site launch without at least a preview of an upcoming kit would be anticlimatic, so I'm waiting until I get my **** together on one of these OSX designs I'm tinkering with. I'm split between 4 designs right now: Miraikane (which is a silver+dark+angular design to follow up Mercury) and something I haven't named yet (which is a very clean but slick silver+white+curved design) and a hybrid of the two (which looks like Aqua wrapped in an Audi TT) and one based on my prototype BBXstudio website look&feel (which looks like magnesium with a neon bluegreen underlite)... too many cool ideas, not enough freakin' time... aaarrrggghh!!!

What I'm really dying to do is a nice dark design, but this unchangable text colour issue in OSX makes that a waste of time.