The new white default background is kind of harsh on the eye but then I'm an admitted "don't-change" freak. Change always takes some getting used to for me...don't know if I can get use to this one but hey...all I have to do is log in and there's my beautiful deep blue background like always. So yes, it is unappealing but at the same time we can each do something about it by setting up our own personal backgrounds. If newbies can get by the default scheme, then they will see the quality and variety that has always been here. Btw, the new logo rocks :o)