A couple years ago I posted my second IconPackage, "Shut Up And Kiss Me". Since I only have two, it would be silly to say it's my favorite, but it is special to me. Imade a 'His' and 'Hers' version of the package and was pretty proud of it. I still am.

  In the few years I have been skinning I have been fortunate not to have anything ripped. I've joked that it's simply because my stuff isn't good enough. Well, apparently, that has changed. Yesterday it was brought to my attention that my IP had been ripped for a Summerboard Theme for iPhone.

 As soon as I found out, I left IRC and went looking. Everywhere I found it I left nasty messages until their email link and emailed them. It was all short and sweet. "You stole it. Remove it".

 The first reply said they didn't steal it, that my name was on it. I responded "You didn't have my permission. Remove it." The next reply said "Okay. I will."

 I went to bad pissed anyway. Then, this morning I thought about it. I hate being mad. I'm not very good at it. I don't like the way it makes me feel. So I emailed them again.

 I apologized for my 'curtness'. I then explained why I was so angry. I also explained how things are usually done among skinners when it comes to using someone else's work. Ask. get permission. Enclose the permission. I told them I usually give permisiion when asked. I then gave them permission to use it. Hell, they aren't selling it and it's not like I do Summerboard themes.

 I then invited them to join the community here at Wincustomize and also at Devianart (DA has a cellphone gallery). So, I feel better. My bitterness and anger are gone. I told them I hoped we could be friends.

 I'm hoping this was worth it. I hope they join the communities at WC and DA. And I hope if you see "DustLonley" around, you'll give them a shout out and make them feel welcome. Show them how we do things, how we look out for each other and help each other, and how cool we all are. Maybe we can bring them over to our side one at a time. Maybe.