Colour Scheme and customisation

Hi

just updated to latest version of Windows Live Mail. I hope I can get some
answers.

1. Message lists are far, far, far too light to be useable. I mean even the
darkest lonely bolded sender is just a light grey! Everything else that's
unbolded is virtually white in comparison!

I gather microsoft thought it was ok and have made it impossible to
customise other than working around it by setting up a whole lot of rules
etc. Is this correct?
(I notice in all the screenshots on all the official and promotional pages
the message lists are shown to be a little darker than they actually are on
users screens. How did this happen?)

I really can't use the current display - it literally gives me a headache!
Does microsoft intend to fix this at all? And if so, when?

If it's not going to be fixed, I am prepared to just move on.

2. Pastel colour schemes are also far too light or garish.
Ditto as above - vista colour schemes are fine - WLM schemes are not fine -
is there an intention to align the WLM with the Vista schemes?

3. Why don't Microsoft listen and respond to people?
If it's not one obviously annoying unpopular but very basic thing, it's
another. Impossibly light colour schemes (WLM), inability to show image
attachments inline (outlook), folder views forgotten and no customisation
of folder toolbar buttons (vista), list goes on and on.

I'm sorry - I don't understand why Microsoft deliberately stuff up simple
and fundamental things and leave them unfixed. It just makes my user
experience one of frustration and resentment rather than ease. Hence my
vent.

thanks

Joe.

You seem to be assuming that everyone else's screens are just like yours.
I agree that there should be more options to customize this sort of thing,
but everything looks fine on my notebook and desktop.

--
Brian Murphy

http://spaces.live.com/brianslittlespace

"Furry Atlas" <> wrote in message
news:39C80ABC-F882-490F-A810-...
> Hi
>
> just updated to latest version of Windows Live Mail. I hope I can get some
> answers.
>
> 1. Message lists are far, far, far too light to be useable. I mean even
> the darkest lonely bolded sender is just a light grey! Everything else
> that's unbolded is virtually white in comparison!
>
> I gather microsoft thought it was ok and have made it impossible to
> customise other than working around it by setting up a whole lot of rules
> etc. Is this correct?
> (I notice in all the screenshots on all the official and promotional pages
> the message lists are shown to be a little darker than they actually are
> on users screens. How did this happen?)
>
> I really can't use the current display - it literally gives me a headache!
> Does microsoft intend to fix this at all? And if so, when?
>
> If it's not going to be fixed, I am prepared to just move on.
>
> 2. Pastel colour schemes are also far too light or garish.
> Ditto as above - vista colour schemes are fine - WLM schemes are not
> fine - is there an intention to align the WLM with the Vista schemes?
>
> 3. Why don't Microsoft listen and respond to people?
> If it's not one obviously annoying unpopular but very basic thing, it's
> another. Impossibly light colour schemes (WLM), inability to show image
> attachments inline (outlook), folder views forgotten and no customisation
> of folder toolbar buttons (vista), list goes on and on.
>
> I'm sorry - I don't understand why Microsoft deliberately stuff up simple
> and fundamental things and leave them unfixed. It just makes my user
> experience one of frustration and resentment rather than ease. Hence my
> vent.
>
> thanks
>
> Joe.
>
>

No, you're wrong Brian. It looks terrible for many more people than just me.
There's quite a bit of comment out there about how unusable it is. I am more
than happy to provide pages (and pages, and pages) of links to others who
are talking about this problem, (or just google it). There are no links to
any solutions other than the message rule option or system wide contrast
setting option (offered by those helpful and tireless people who work
together to provide solutions, in spite of deafening silence from the people
who design the problems in the first place).

Brian: what version are you using? Are you absolutely sure that the
unchangeable light gray, white and washed out colour scheme for WLM desktop
14.0.8064.2026 looks fine on your notebook and desktop?

If so - I'd be very interested in comparing screen captures - because it
sure isn't fine here! It's like looking at a puddle of milk on a piece of
paper this end.



"Brian Murphy" <> wrote in message
news:A290324D-53A8-435F-9BF8-...
> You seem to be assuming that everyone else's screens are just like yours.
> I agree that there should be more options to customize this sort of thing,
> but everything looks fine on my notebook and desktop.
>
> --
> Brian Murphy
>
> http://spaces.live.com/brianslittlespace
>
> "Furry Atlas" <> wrote in message
> news:39C80ABC-F882-490F-A810-...
>> Hi
>>
>> just updated to latest version of Windows Live Mail. I hope I can get
>> some answers.
>>
>> 1. Message lists are far, far, far too light to be useable. I mean even
>> the darkest lonely bolded sender is just a light grey! Everything else
>> that's unbolded is virtually white in comparison!
>>
>> I gather microsoft thought it was ok and have made it impossible to
>> customise other than working around it by setting up a whole lot of rules
>> etc. Is this correct?
>> (I notice in all the screenshots on all the official and promotional
>> pages the message lists are shown to be a little darker than they
>> actually are on users screens. How did this happen?)
>>
>> I really can't use the current display - it literally gives me a
>> headache!
>> Does microsoft intend to fix this at all? And if so, when?
>>
>> If it's not going to be fixed, I am prepared to just move on.
>>
>> 2. Pastel colour schemes are also far too light or garish.
>> Ditto as above - vista colour schemes are fine - WLM schemes are not
>> fine - is there an intention to align the WLM with the Vista schemes?
>>
>> 3. Why don't Microsoft listen and respond to people?
>> If it's not one obviously annoying unpopular but very basic thing, it's
>> another. Impossibly light colour schemes (WLM), inability to show image
>> attachments inline (outlook), folder views forgotten and no
>> customisation of folder toolbar buttons (vista), list goes on and on.
>>
>> I'm sorry - I don't understand why Microsoft deliberately stuff up simple
>> and fundamental things and leave them unfixed. It just makes my user
>> experience one of frustration and resentment rather than ease. Hence my
>> vent.
>>
>> thanks
>>
>> Joe.
>>
>>

Actually here's an interesting thread complaining about the very same
problem I have ...

http://www.vistax64.com/live-mail/19...ail-final.html

My screenshots just the same as Jorge's. Microsoft knew this was a problem
late last year - and still ... !

Similar issues, avoidance etc:
http://www.vistax64.com/live-mail/20...uild-14-a.html
http://morethanmail.spaces.live.com/....entry#comment

Crazy I tell you!

"Furry Atlas" <> wrote in message
news:1FCADA18-A26F-4A10-B27B-...
> No, you're wrong Brian. It looks terrible for many more people than just
> me. There's quite a bit of comment out there about how unusable it is. I
> am more than happy to provide pages (and pages, and pages) of links to
> others who are talking about this problem, (or just google it). There are
> no links to any solutions other than the message rule option or system
> wide contrast setting option (offered by those helpful and tireless people
> who work together to provide solutions, in spite of deafening silence from
> the people who design the problems in the first place).
>
> Brian: what version are you using? Are you absolutely sure that the
> unchangeable light gray, white and washed out colour scheme for WLM
> desktop 14.0.8064.2026 looks fine on your notebook and desktop?
>
> If so - I'd be very interested in comparing screen captures - because it
> sure isn't fine here! It's like looking at a puddle of milk on a piece of
> paper this end.
>
>
>
> "Brian Murphy" <> wrote in message
> news:A290324D-53A8-435F-9BF8-...
>> You seem to be assuming that everyone else's screens are just like yours.
>> I agree that there should be more options to customize this sort of
>> thing, but everything looks fine on my notebook and desktop.
>>
>> --
>> Brian Murphy
>>
>> http://spaces.live.com/brianslittlespace
>>
>> "Furry Atlas" <> wrote in message
>> news:39C80ABC-F882-490F-A810-...
>>> Hi
>>>
>>> just updated to latest version of Windows Live Mail. I hope I can get
>>> some answers.
>>>
>>> 1. Message lists are far, far, far too light to be useable. I mean even
>>> the darkest lonely bolded sender is just a light grey! Everything else
>>> that's unbolded is virtually white in comparison!
>>>
>>> I gather microsoft thought it was ok and have made it impossible to
>>> customise other than working around it by setting up a whole lot of
>>> rules etc. Is this correct?
>>> (I notice in all the screenshots on all the official and promotional
>>> pages the message lists are shown to be a little darker than they
>>> actually are on users screens. How did this happen?)
>>>
>>> I really can't use the current display - it literally gives me a
>>> headache!
>>> Does microsoft intend to fix this at all? And if so, when?
>>>
>>> If it's not going to be fixed, I am prepared to just move on.
>>>
>>> 2. Pastel colour schemes are also far too light or garish.
>>> Ditto as above - vista colour schemes are fine - WLM schemes are not
>>> fine - is there an intention to align the WLM with the Vista schemes?
>>>
>>> 3. Why don't Microsoft listen and respond to people?
>>> If it's not one obviously annoying unpopular but very basic thing, it's
>>> another. Impossibly light colour schemes (WLM), inability to show image
>>> attachments inline (outlook), folder views forgotten and no
>>> customisation of folder toolbar buttons (vista), list goes on and on.
>>>
>>> I'm sorry - I don't understand why Microsoft deliberately stuff up
>>> simple and fundamental things and leave them unfixed. It just makes my
>>> user experience one of frustration and resentment rather than ease.
>>> Hence my vent.
>>>
>>> thanks
>>>
>>> Joe.
>>>
>>>

Use the Help->Send Feedback option.
I do prefer the prior version color scheme over this one.

Also the color picker tool is broken.

Cheers


"Furry Atlas" <> wrote in message
news:39C80ABC-F882-490F-A810-...
> Hi
>
> just updated to latest version of Windows Live Mail. I hope I can get
> some answers.
>
> 1. Message lists are far, far, far too light to be useable. I mean
> even the darkest lonely bolded sender is just a light grey! Everything
> else that's unbolded is virtually white in comparison!
>
> I gather microsoft thought it was ok and have made it impossible to
> customise other than working around it by setting up a whole lot of
> rules etc. Is this correct?
> (I notice in all the screenshots on all the official and promotional
> pages the message lists are shown to be a little darker than they
> actually are on users screens. How did this happen?)
>
> I really can't use the current display - it literally gives me a
> headache!
> Does microsoft intend to fix this at all? And if so, when?
>
> If it's not going to be fixed, I am prepared to just move on.
>
> 2. Pastel colour schemes are also far too light or garish.
> Ditto as above - vista colour schemes are fine - WLM schemes are not
> fine - is there an intention to align the WLM with the Vista schemes?
>
> 3. Why don't Microsoft listen and respond to people?
> If it's not one obviously annoying unpopular but very basic thing,
> it's another. Impossibly light colour schemes (WLM), inability to show
> image attachments inline (outlook), folder views forgotten and no
> customisation of folder toolbar buttons (vista), list goes on and on.
>
> I'm sorry - I don't understand why Microsoft deliberately stuff up
> simple and fundamental things and leave them unfixed. It just makes my
> user experience one of frustration and resentment rather than ease.
> Hence my vent.
>
> thanks
>
> Joe.
>
>

Sounds like a user preference / monitor issue to me. Again, I agree there
should be more options to customize the look and colors. In answer to your
question, yes I am using the latest version of WL Mail and I have have not
experienced any issues with reading or seeing that you are having.

Thanks Martin - done.

"Martin Riddle" <> wrote in message
news:u$...
> Use the Help->Send Feedback option.
> I do prefer the prior version color scheme over this one.
>
> Also the color picker tool is broken.
>
> Cheers
>
>
> "Furry Atlas" <> wrote in message
> news:39C80ABC-F882-490F-A810-...
>> Hi
>>
>> just updated to latest version of Windows Live Mail. I hope I can get
>> some answers.
>>
>> 1. Message lists are far, far, far too light to be useable. I mean even
>> the darkest lonely bolded sender is just a light grey! Everything else
>> that's unbolded is virtually white in comparison!
>>
>> I gather microsoft thought it was ok and have made it impossible to
>> customise other than working around it by setting up a whole lot of rules
>> etc. Is this correct?
>> (I notice in all the screenshots on all the official and promotional
>> pages the message lists are shown to be a little darker than they
>> actually are on users screens. How did this happen?)
>>
>> I really can't use the current display - it literally gives me a
>> headache!
>> Does microsoft intend to fix this at all? And if so, when?
>>
>> If it's not going to be fixed, I am prepared to just move on.
>>
>> 2. Pastel colour schemes are also far too light or garish.
>> Ditto as above - vista colour schemes are fine - WLM schemes are not
>> fine - is there an intention to align the WLM with the Vista schemes?
>>
>> 3. Why don't Microsoft listen and respond to people?
>> If it's not one obviously annoying unpopular but very basic thing, it's
>> another. Impossibly light colour schemes (WLM), inability to show image
>> attachments inline (outlook), folder views forgotten and no
>> customisation of folder toolbar buttons (vista), list goes on and on.
>>
>> I'm sorry - I don't understand why Microsoft deliberately stuff up simple
>> and fundamental things and leave them unfixed. It just makes my user
>> experience one of frustration and resentment rather than ease. Hence my
>> vent.
>>
>> thanks
>>
>> Joe.
>>
>>
>

So do I. This color is terrible to read and see.

"Martin Riddle" <> wrote in message
news:u$...
> Use the Help->Send Feedback option.
> I do prefer the prior version color scheme over this one.
>
> Also the color picker tool is broken.
>
> Cheers
>
>
> "Furry Atlas" <> wrote in message
> news:39C80ABC-F882-490F-A810-...
>> Hi
>>
>> just updated to latest version of Windows Live Mail. I hope I can get
>> some answers.
>>
>> 1. Message lists are far, far, far too light to be useable. I mean even
>> the darkest lonely bolded sender is just a light grey! Everything else
>> that's unbolded is virtually white in comparison!
>>
>> I gather microsoft thought it was ok and have made it impossible to
>> customise other than working around it by setting up a whole lot of rules
>> etc. Is this correct?
>> (I notice in all the screenshots on all the official and promotional
>> pages the message lists are shown to be a little darker than they
>> actually are on users screens. How did this happen?)
>>
>> I really can't use the current display - it literally gives me a
>> headache!
>> Does microsoft intend to fix this at all? And if so, when?
>>
>> If it's not going to be fixed, I am prepared to just move on.
>>
>> 2. Pastel colour schemes are also far too light or garish.
>> Ditto as above - vista colour schemes are fine - WLM schemes are not
>> fine - is there an intention to align the WLM with the Vista schemes?
>>
>> 3. Why don't Microsoft listen and respond to people?
>> If it's not one obviously annoying unpopular but very basic thing, it's
>> another. Impossibly light colour schemes (WLM), inability to show image
>> attachments inline (outlook), folder views forgotten and no
>> customisation of folder toolbar buttons (vista), list goes on and on.
>>
>> I'm sorry - I don't understand why Microsoft deliberately stuff up simple
>> and fundamental things and leave them unfixed. It just makes my user
>> experience one of frustration and resentment rather than ease. Hence my
>> vent.
>>
>> thanks
>>
>> Joe.
>>
>>
>

>
> Brian: what version are you using? Are you absolutely sure that the
> unchangeable light gray, white and washed out colour scheme for WLM
> desktop 14.0.8064.2026 looks fine on your notebook and desktop?
>
> If so - I'd be very interested in comparing screen captures - because it
> sure isn't fine here! It's like looking at a puddle of milk on a piece of
> paper this end.
>


That's what I see, too. When I go in and adjust the colors to intensely
garish in the color selector, it automatically slides the color intensity of
whatever color I select back down to pastel when I click OK and out. I open
it back up again, and the intensity selector has been moved to the halfway
mark (if there was one).

"...winston" <> wrote in message news:...
> I'm not sure why yours is yellow..
> Mine is Teal, Blue and White


Winston,

He's talking about using the Colorizer and its More Colors... button.
I don't think the More Colors... button works. All it seems to do is
let you find one of the pastels which is closest to whatever color
you create using the More Colors button.

So, for example, use the More Colors button to pick that solid bright
green (0, 255,0) (80,240,120). Ok out and it's pretty obvious that
all I have been given is their greenest pastel (Lime). So if instead
of solid bright green you chose solid bright yellow (which isn't as bright
as the bright green IMO) you will probably be given the yellow pastel
(Sun).


Robert
---


>
>
> --
> ...winston
> ms-mvp mail
>
> "LuDean Marvin" <ludeanmarvin@g_MAPS-ON_mail.com> wrote in message news:...
>>
>> "Brian Murphy" <> wrote in message
>> news:1735E904-0725-4E7B-B438-...
>>> Sounds like a user preference / monitor issue to me. Again, I agree there
>>> should be more options to customize the look and colors. In answer to
>>> your
>>> question, yes I am using the latest version of WL Mail and I have have not
>>> experienced any issues with reading or seeing that you are having.
>>
>> I have to disagree with you. The people who are complaining about this I
>> believe are experiencing an unfixed bug, not a "screen preference". Why it
>> shows up on my machine and not others is still a mystery to me. Take a
>> gander at what I set to be the most garish color of yellow (attached)!
>>