Does Microsoft actually encourage skinning?

Doesn't look like it...

from WinCustomize Forums
Does Microsoft actually like it when people customize and make their own skins for people to buy or download? If they did, wouldn't they mention it on their site or something. There are many people who do not like the original windows XP taskbar, icons, log-on, etc... and they don't know how to change them or customize them. I was lucky to find out how thanks to the wincustomize ad i saw. Many of my friends have told me how to change the way windows XP looked and when i told them to go to this site, they were all amazed on how much they can do to change the way they wanted their XP to look. So if Microsoft actually did like the fact that we can customize windows. Wouldn't they have mentioned anything about it? Or at least make their own skinning site. TIP: I think it would be better if Wincustomize made tv ads. I mean a lot of people watch tv and that could bring more people into the skinning community. MY 2 CENTS   
10,310 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I don't think MS likes any one messing with anything.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

The customizing is achieved by 'third party' companies/products and thus any support issues, etc would obviously be handled by those companies on their own sites, etc.

Were Microsoft to promote skinning on their own website the inference would be that potential users would assume MS as the source for support, etc.

Stardock's partnership with Microsoft is endorsement enough for me.....

SoundPackager - Customize the Windows sound scheme
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well, there were some official game-suites though using stardock technology. Not to forget The Skins Factory for media player skinning.