I think it's a great idea, seeing how a lot of people just come to the forum and don't know anything about the rest of the site. It is a bit odd, and I really don't like it right now, but I'm sure I will get used to it, just like I got used to the red and beige as opposed to the original green and white.

BTW, just nit picking here, but if you look to the left, "Nuno Bettencourt" is going past the window it should fit in. No big deal, but it looks kinda sloppy. Also, the messege area (the beige box) is wider than the blueish box it should fit in.