This blog will be used for deviants that are looking for feedback and improvement regarding their dA skins. For more details look at the different categories below.
I will try to get back to as many as possible, but everyone is welcome to take a look at the deviations and help a fellow CSS coder/designer out.


---

Critique / General Feedback

You have finished a skin, are still fiddling around with a design or your code and what some feedback of how to improve?
Leave a comment below where you mention what kind of feedback you are looking for and for what skin/WIP. Please only add one deviation/link per comment. Once that deviation has been chosen the comment will be hidden to keep track of what has been already picked and what not.

Picked deviations will be available for at least 2 weeks until new deviations will be chosen again.

`im-not-sana is looking for some feedback:
"Hey guys!

I'd really like some feedback on my skin for my articles [link] I feel like it doesn't look quite right but I dont know exactly how I can improve it since I suck at designing... Does it have too many images? Are the fonts readable and suit the skin if not then which font would be recommended? And just what looks out of place or needs to be changed for the design to look more appealing.

Thanks I appreciate it I'll leave a critique on one of your skins if you want as well!"
_{[March 9th]}

Before:After - Code *

Those that want to improve their code and would like to see an "optimized" version of it should also leave a comment with a link to the deviation they would like to see a before:after version of.
In case you want improved versions of exclusive or personal skins make sure that you do not send your code to the group. Instead just leave a comment mentioning that you have such a skin and once i get back to you, send me the code via note or mail. I will not use it in any way other than doing this code check.

To help others to improve indirectly the before:after code will be uploaded as an image side by side (so that the difference is visible) to the gallery of #eCSSited only.
In case of personal/exclusive skins only examples of the before:after will be uploaded to prevent someone else using the code without permission.

Free skins will be listed below and can be checked by everyone who is interested as well.
I will pick skins as i have time to look at them, so there is no guarantees that your skin will be picked immediately. Will try to get back to everyone sooner or later though.

no one is searching for code check atm
_{[February 6th]}

_{* keep in mind that these before:after versions always will depend on who is looking at your code. If two different people would do it for you, you could get two different results as this always depends on the skill level as well as the way that certain person learned/improved.}

Below you will find contest that are purely CSS related or accept CSS entries among others. Name, the deadline as well as a link to more details will be added if those information are available.
We are not responsible if dates, prizes or anything like that changes or a contest gets canceled. In case you get aware of such changes that should be mentioned here, it would be nice if you notify us about it.

If you know any contests or want us to promote yours, just let us know. Either via note or comment directly on this journal.


- - -

Contest:    SuicideGirls CSS contest by #SuicideGirls
Details: [link]
Deadline: 11:59 PST Friday 31st May

Contest:   PE: Thumbs Snippet Contest by `GillianIvy/#projecteducate  
Details: [link]
Deadline: May 30th 2013

  

This blog will now be used for deviants that need help with CSS related things. That could mean they are searching for a coder or someone who is willing to make a CSS for free.
If you are aware of such people send a note and their issue gets a spot here!

If you are looking for general feedback or critques, please go here: [link]


- - -

~FishyFeeshy would like some help with certains journal features. For more details contact him directly.

_{[May 5th]}

no one is searching for help currently!
Keep us informed if you know someone having trouble with CSS etc.
_[...]

dA FAQ

FAQ #62: How do I use Journal skins?
FAQ #66: What journal features do I have access to?
FAQ #67: How do I share Journal Skins?
FAQ #69: Can I use animated images within my journal, journal CSS or journal background?
FAQ #100: How do I add, edit or delete journal entries?
FAQ #892: What is the file format for Journal skins?


FAQ #762: What is the Gallery Folders Feature and how do I use it?


FAQ #101: How do I customize my journal page?

dA Tutorials

Except those places listed below you can find a lot of tutorials about customizing your dA appearance in our gallery folders.

thespook's CSS tutorials.


- - -

CSS + Layout Help

Have troubles with finding the right colors or fonts? The links below will help you to style your skins right.

dA Journal CSS Preview
Colour palette generator
Colour palette generator
Gradient Editor
Color Codes :
Google Webfonts  
Color theory for web designers   

CSS Tipps and Tricks

The links below will show you different CSS tricks that can make the life of a coder a bit easier. The best is to take a look at them all, to figure out which one will be the most helpful for you.

Most Used CSS Tricks.
10 Best CSS Hacks.
Ten CSS tricks you may not know
10 best CSS practices to improve your code
CSS Tests and Experiments
The 30 CSS selectors you must memorize  

General CSS Websites

The list below contains links of websites that focus completely on CSS. No matter if they are tutorial related, share code snippets or just give you a general insight: it can't be wrong to check one or two to learn a bit more.

CSS Portal.
CSS code for all your needs
Blog about CSS/HTML resources
Browser support for CSS and HTML
CSS and HTML tutorials

CSS-Tricks
CSSgirl
CSSKarma
CSSnewbie
CSS Vault

DeDestruct
CSS Globe
24 ways
CSS OFF
CSS Beauty

CSS Zen Garden
CSS3 Click Chart
Net.Tutplus.com
CSS tutorials @ webplatform.com

This will be updated whenever needed. New additions will be marked with

----

General questions

What's #eCSSited?
A specialized group for helping you with dA related CSS and creating journals/gallery skins. But you also can get help for general CSS and HTML problems.


Is it fee free?
Yes, it is completely free. However you must be willing to invest some time and work to get further.


I want to support your group, how can I do that?
You can help us by spreading the word about the group, but also donate points or other prizes for future contest/challenges, to make them a bit more appealing.
Another way would be to apply as a member(eCSSited Groupie or Resourse Provider) if you are eager to get fully involved! Please read inform yourself about the positions 'duties' first.


Who do I ask for help if I have an issue I need to discuss (not related to study)?
That would be any of the group admins or you could also start a new conversation in the forum, if it is more general and can be discussed in public.


I don't have a Premium Membership can I still participate?
Of course! Having a Premium Membership makes it easier to save your results, but you can still code and improve without having it.


What are the group rules?
Respect others and don't judge anyone based on their skill level. This is very important as we are looking for a friendly atmosphere here. And everyone was a beginner once and might not be as fast when learning/teaching as others.
Make sure that you stay active, if you are working together with a mentor/student or keep them up to date when being away for a while.


How often can I join or leave the group?
You can join or leave how often you like, but we recommend you not to do it on a daily basis.


Why do I have to join one of the admin-classes of this group to become a student?
We will be using the forum of the backroom for a lot of actions, discussions, introductions etc... Sadly we don't have any other chance to use this feature for members and watchers. That's why it is required that you are part of an admin-class and can get access to the backroom of the group.


I want to learn through this group, but can't join any additional group as a mentor. Is there any chance of still getting taught?
Currently we don't have any option for this, but we are working out something for all those people. Will inform you as soon as we find a good solution.


Can I submit journal layouts/complete journal CSS to your group?
No. We do not accept such submissions. We are just looking for resources to customize your profile or to give help of how to do so.


May I reuqest custom CSS from you guys?
No. We do not code for specific people. However, we do offer a bunch of help with CSS in the form of tutorials, tips and tricks and a CSS Providers list - which is a list of people who offer free templates or are open to CSS commissions.


I have a suggestion to make! Who do I speak to?
The best way would be to send a note to the group and explain your ideas. But you can also use the forum (if you have access to it) or leave a comment on the home page of the group.


I wrote a tutorial and I want you guys to publish it. Will you?
Feel free to suggest it for a matching gallery folder. We will then take a look at it and check if it really fits to our group. If everything is fine it will be accepted by an admin.


I have a problem with my code, can you help me?
Well, we will try our best. If you are dealing with code issues, you could either note the group, leave a comment at the home page or use the forum for it.
If it is a major problem it also could get listed at our "Helping Corner".


I have a journal layout that I need coding! Who do I turn to?
You may visit our Providers link and get acquainted with some deviants who may code the journal for you, free or otherwise.

Code related questions

What is CSS and how do you use it on DA?
CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets and is responsible for the appereance of websites. For dA it means you can style your journals and galleries.
For more details maybe check this: [link]


Do I need to know basic HTML?
You don't need to, but it will make everything a little easier if you already know what this all about.


Where can I find resources/tutorials to skin my journal?
Our gallery is full of different resources that should help you with any customizing. Please take a look at the different folders or request help if you can't find what you are looking for.


Do I need to credit the CSS/HTML code and/or other resources that I will learn to use?
Whenever you use the resources that have been created by someone else you should credit them. First of all it's only fair to do so and it can also help other people as well.

Mentor and Student related questions

I don't have much time atm but have already accepted several "tasks" by my mentor. What should I do?
First of all you should contact your mentor to tell them about your problem and then you can both decide what to do. 


I want to be a student. How do I apply? What should I do now?
To become a student join the group and request to become one. Being just a member isn't enough. Tell us why you want to join the group and what you hope to learn from it. Once your application got approved, you will get access to the backroom, can choose a mentor (if wanted) and can get ready to learn more.

If you are looking for help of a mentor please read this blog with all you should know before about the whole process: [link]


Can a mentor take care of >5-10 students at a time?
Each mentor can decide on their own how many students they want to take care of. It always depends on how they work and how much they can handle.
In general we don't suggest to have too many at once.


Who can apply as a student & who can apply as mentor?
Everyone who is willing to dedicate some time to this project and sticks to our rules can join. Mentors should have a minimum of CSS and HTML knowledge, while it is not mandatory to have any basic knowledge to become a student. It would make things easier though, as most of our mentors won't have the time to teach you everything from the very beginning. And things will be easier if you already know what it is all about.


I don't get along with my mentor/student. What should I do?
If you realized that you either have been picked the "wrong" mentor, that you don't get along well with one of your students or any other problems raised and you can't solve them on your own, either contact the Schoolmaster or the Assistant.
We recommend to try to talk about this on your own first though.

A student-mentor relationship can be quit anytime, but we want to hear your reasons for it as well to avoid that people just switch mentors/students for fun.
If you are a student and are looking for a new mentor the schoolmaster/assistant will help you with that. There is no need to re-apply.

With this in mind, no public drama, bashing, derogatory comments, or otherwise insulting issues may be posted anywhere in the group.  If someone has problems of this sort, it is to be brought to the attention of the Schoolmaster/Assistant immediately.  Do not reply to any harassment.  If you have a complaint about a Student/Mentor, send a private note (not a group note) to either `ginkgografix or `GillianIvy


I would like to share my knowledge and help the group, but won't have the time to be a 'full-time' mentor. Any chance for me to be part of the group though?
Yes, if you want you can become an Adviser for the group. That means you will get the mentor status as well, but won't need to give lessons to certain student. Instead you can lurk around the forum and help out whenever someone is having trouble. You could also start different tasks or randomly post blogs/comments etc to share your knowledge in a more general form.

To apply for this position, simply request to become a mentor and mention that you want to be an Adviser. Or note `GillianIvy or `ginkgografix.

Chatrules

  Please do not post any random thumbs unless you want critique or help on a CSS-related deviation. This does not mean you aren't allowed to use any, we just don't want thumb-sharing to spread your art.

Same goes for linking - only post links if they are related to a specific conversation.

Please do not write in caps.

Please avoid to use too much slang. Not everyone is speaking english properly and this will cause too much confusion then. Try to use it as less as possible.

All usual dAmn rules apply in our channels. Please refer to the faq for more clarification: FAQ #287: What rules apply to the Chat Network?

Do not spam - this means no repetitive emoticons/words/links.

And last but not least - enjoy yourself!

Chatstructure

If you are interested, chat structure is as follows:

eCSSited: #eCSSited
body: Admin
header: Chat Mods
h1: Helpers
content: Members
footer: Guests
eCSStatic: ~eCSStatic, botclass
stfu: Muted
404: Banned