I've been thinking about this more and more recently. If anybody ever asks you how best to make the most of Wincustomize, tell them they simply have to relax.

If you are new here and overwhelmed by the options, relax. There's no rush to see everything at once, not only will everything still be here tomorrow, there'll probably be some new stuff.

Maybe you've been a few times and just begun to realise the site is bigger than it first appeared. Apart from the scale of the forums, some of the other avenues of Wincustomize include the personal pages (available to subscribers Click me to find out about subscribing), the IRC channels, the newsgroups and the more recent Wiki. The key to not being overwhelmed is to realise that no matter how big it becomes, you will never be asked to clean the place. So again, relax. Just pull up a chair in a spot that feels good, then either watch, investigate further from a safe distance, or maybe, if you feel ready to take that first step, create your own post and say hello.

Yet again, the secret to saying hello is just to be relaxed A simple post on the general forum to introduce yourself, throw in a happy smiley for good measure and you can be assured of a friendly reception.

What happens next depends on you. Wincustomize can take you a few different ways. For instance you may find yourself looking at a graphic and becoming overwhelmed by the urge to tinker, to improve it, to make it yours just for personal use.

If that relaxes you and leaves you fully satisfied then great ..... on the other hand, if it's just not quite enough,,, if you've realised that tinkering isn't doing it for you and you need to start something from scratch, Then beware, it could be the first sign of addiction.

Q. Is that a danger - addiction?

No, you've not been listening, the danger is in forgetting to relax. The addiction is just what keeps you here. . it's what will eventually relieve you of the stresses and strains of the real World - mostly because you'll spend less and less time in the real World.

The addiction is simply that which gives you something in common with your fellow Wincustomize members. Giving you the sense of belonging to a club, the difference being, you don't have to wear a silly hat or learn a secret handshake - although that has been known to brighten up a slow Monday afternoon, while adding a whole new dimension to naked Thursdays

Q So - what's the problem, why keep telling me to relax? Shouldn't I be relaxed? I've got a new home from home, a great new interest, folks who'll share their skills and help me improve, what could go wrong?

Well, it could all come crashing down around your ears tomorrow and you'll be left alone to struggle with your addiction.

Q. Really ?

No - not really, see how easy it is to wind you up? You've been here so long that you just naturally resented the idea of anyone threatening the community you've become invested in. Relax - Wincustomize is big and Stardock is bigger. There's not a post that a troll can make that will put a dent in either of them - or by itself, affect your ability to contribute to this site.

Q. So the secret to enjoying Wincustomize really is just to relax?


You know, I really think it is ........