Black...I hear what you're saying and I appreciate your opinion. However, I disagree. What I do find disappointing, however, is the difference of support between xbox-scene and xbmc forums.
I understand that, in the past, people have tried and failed to get something off the ground, and I completely understand that team BlackBolt has really been the only team that successfully any rabbit out of any hat.
My ponderous thought in all that some people are telling me, however is this...should we really try again, because it's tried and failed in the past? HELL YES! If we stop doing things or stop trying to do things because either it will end up disappointing people shoudl NEVER be the basis of action or inaction. To be honest BB, I can understand how your previous experience in this area can cloud either your judgement or your pespective?
However, that said...we have now got a great-looking list of people who want to share in the vision of creating a professional-looking skin that does justice to the functionality of what is EASILY the best media center out there.
With regards to your fears of this ending up in more mocks that will never end up in production...let me put your fears to rest. You wont see mockups on the forums because all work in regard to this will be on a disassociated forum. It will be visible only to those involved in the project. Second, the very reason I am doing this is because I (along with MANY others) are sick of seeing good looking mock-ups come to nothing...I am guilty of this also with Pandora.
There have been some extremely classy looking mock-ups end up as nothing but graphical inspiration. At least with this propsed project we aim to do something that will make a difference. I'm sick of sitting on these forums and seeing nothing significant take place...it's a wasted resource when you think about the talents and gifts that people have in these forums. We have a WEALTH of people who can do amazing things when they put thier minds to it...but have no support to carry those into fruition. With this project we will have a team of people who will be able to support each other, regardless of what skill level they will be at.
I would very much value your input also into the project, especially as well have people such as JMarshall, Blittan, BritneysPairs, C-Quel, McGyver and others already offering thier support...but I understand your retisence to get involved, especially as you have a skin coming out soon.