So what's all this then? Journal skins for non subscription members? Where's the catch? Where's the usual little * symbol that accompanies anything that's "Too Good to be True!"

Ah yes. There it is, found the *.

"*For A LIMITED TIME ONLY -- Enjoy ANY Journal Skin for FREE"

Typical. Never give the folks who've been with the site for a few years something free for loyalty, but for a marketing campaign? Sure thing!

It does make me wonder though, what'll happen when the "Limited Time" is over? Do all previous entries go back to the drab green, or, and I know this isn't at all dA's style, let us keep our entries using the skin?

Huh, must've been delusional just there, back to reality. Not a chance.

Anyway, if you can't tell I'm ever so slightly annoyed by this, well I am. Why? I hear you ask. Simple.

I have been a loyal dA user since Feb 23, 2007. In my time here I have recommended countless people to join the site. I have caused zero trouble, I have reported quite a few pieces of stolen art, and I have always respected the moderators.

So this has what to do with free skins? Stick with me here folks.

Now, how much of a load on the dA servers is a skin being used in a journal? I'd be inclined to say little or none at all.

So why is it then, pray tell, that to get these skins, we are asked to pay? Now don't get me wrong, I'm fine with paying for a service, but the service of tweaking a bit of .css?

But! If dA are payed a fair whack of money by an advertiser, then it's no problems giving their users a "Free Service" to use, but only as long as the campaign lasts.

I know people have a desire to make money, but you'd think that perhaps just once, a site like this would give something really nice to it's members, the folks who are an integral part of the money making side of the site. Perhaps say.... Invest the money from just one ad campaign into.... Oh I don't know. Giving each user the chance to choose 1 different skin to use in their journal, for the lifetime of the account?

Hahaha, Their I went again. Delusional. Anyway, I'd best stop typing, I could probably rant all night, and I doubt people would sit through my random rants.