Why do quite a few boards have the default style as selectable?

Not talking about ones where they haven't changed anything, just in cases where there are multiple styles, usually a custom one for the site, they'll be at least one which is just the default vBulletin/Invision Power Board/phpBB style.

Why is this so common? Is it some kind of administration thing (like being able to alter the default again and rollback changes across other styles?), although that wouldn't make sense seeing how most of these have it as like, the fourth style on the list. Or is it some attempt at usability by leaving the default as selectable to guests used to it?

Just wondering.

 

The default style is likely to be the one with the easiest functionality, and requires potentially more basic know-how than a fully customised style. For that, I leave the default style as selectable

 

Some people might just like the default better than the rest, whether that's because they have used it more or simply because to them it looks better, I keep it there for those who want it (regardless of reason).

 

I personally think the default IPB skin is really nice.

 

i know whenever i come accross a really annoying skin...having the default vb skin there is a treasure.

Usually I dont even stick around a site if i cant stand the looks of it.

I do know of one site that im really starting to like, but not crazy about the default skin...so i always set it to the default vb skin when im on ther..

 

I left it on on one of the sites I am helping to set up because I hate the skin the owner chose and personally, I use the default one. I know there will be others like me, so....

 

I have a ton of skins on my forum for members to make a choice, but there are a lot that still use the default skin. I don't have a mod installed to see the how many are using what, but I imagine half still use the default.

 

^you can use a SQL query to check that out

 

Could you help me out with the query and I'll post the results? I don't know enough to figure those out on my own.

 

I leave it for those that are color-blind or just plain jane types.

^You can only check it out if they have it selected in their profile. If they're like me I usually leave the on in the profile and select a different one whenever I visit.

 

What did you set as the default style for your site? Just curious, but w/e it is, that may be the one used mostly. Not many people know they can change, if they are granted the choice.

On that note, how do any of you communicate that there are other styles to choose from? Not to mention how to save that in the profile.

It may have been mentioned already, but keeping a default style available could just help for admin purposes when implementing mods and such. See how it behaves on the default and compare to the custom offerings.

 

I have the 3.8.4 default skin set up when they join. If they pay attention to the Sticky in the Introduction forum it leads them to the FAQ and instructions.
The occasional thread about why it didn't "save" comes up, but we've been choosing skins for so long other members can answer easily.

The feature always gets attention with the inevitable "what skin are you using" thread. It's great to see them all playing around and having fun. I have to add that I usually revert to the default style so they are all set up the same way. It's just easier for me to do it that way.

 

i offer a range of choices for my members, including one dark skin. I leave the default because I really like the default IPB skins and I know quite a few people that do as well.