I am having display problems so I apologize if someone commented on this before (it's really hard to read much here right now).

I have often wondered if most people know that these forums are available for a lot of things and a lot of levels of user, from novice to geek.  Perhaps you could find a way to let people know more about the forum when they register.  Perhaps you could find a way to link people to interesting or technical or fun posts on the forums, maybe even in the magazines.  I have found that it is easy for people not to go to a forum the first time, either because the don't know that the forum exists or that it is more than just a technical support type of thing.

Another thing that I have found that draws people in is if there is a section that they can deposit a link of their own, in case they have a blog or a site.  That is a way to link people to the forum by advertising its availability, to get their interest to click the link to come on in and check it out, and to come back and maybe even show their friends.  Once they are in and have posted once or twice they usually look around.

We had a link thread on the old site, but if there was another message board (and I know we maybe have too many boards already) where people could have one whole thread to themselves, that might really make them motivated to check in and to return for maintenance.  It could be the beginning of getting involved.

fairyy ....it's insignificant when considered within a site of this magnitude...and the numbers of works/screenies submitted daily.....it is, however 'significant' when considered on an individual basis...the fact an admin and a site contributor spent so much of each other's time on just one thing...but the result was/is that another member's wall image was not compromised.

A site moderator's role is primarily to nurture general goodwill and quell the odd flame of insurrection, and whilst doing, also protect the skinners'/artists' property rights....and treat everyone equally/fairly.  Usually that results in the odd nose or two being put out of joint...but ultimately things work themselves out.

canmandeco's mention of that thread was/is noteworthy...as it was less than a stellar example of good behaviour...but not everything is controllable....it's a fine line between diplomacy and autocracy...

As for the 'New Subscriber Intro' thread....there's a cure to bouncing....

The 'About' section needs a major overhaul, most of the info is the same as when I joined the site More information needs to be added as to how the site, forums, libraries etc work.

I don't know what happens to new members - I haven't been one for a while   But what about a new user info/welcome pack sent be e-mail detailing how everything works etc and inviting them to take part.

PM is something everyone wants. Another thing highly useful would be a list of which moderators are online. The current list of moderators needs an e-mail link adding for each 

I'd like to see the 'Recommended' page re-named 'Favourites' and 'Recommend this item' on skins changed to 'Add to Favourites'. This is something most people would recognise better. Then maybe add awards for favourites (given and received).

The Home page needs to be that - a home page, with information aimed at the new user. At the moment it's just a news page. News needs to be given a new page of its own, with the home page dedicated to showing people what's happening on the site, where they can find information, what everything means and who is whom.