WinCustomize Subscription Totals Won't Make The Goal: What Next?

With the WinCustomize Subscription Not Even At The Half Way Poin... What Now?

Published on October 25, 2005 By joetheblow In WinCustomize Talk

We have talked about this extensively on other threads, but now with the moment of truth upon us the question is what will happen to WinCustomize?

If this site was owned by a person and that crash with the server happened, it would have been a lost.

In fact, the idea that this happened only shows how much work is going on behind the scenes of this site that has to be costly and probably more than Frogboy will admit.

After reading the Does Stardock 'need' WinCustomize? thread as well as other threads on the message board/forums, the question is now what is next.

I think the answer will be more extreme that what we been talking about. Will it be a totally subscriber only site period (this would avoid the multiple account thing because even if you do that you will only get so much and view so much)?

What happens to the Wincustomize User Pages? How will un-subscribers be able to view it or download from it?

Will there be whole sections of WinCustomize off limits to outsiders?

I think the immediate response will be no downloads unless your signed in (unless its wallpapers, CursorXP or something) Not sure about the rest. I am guessing with the need for new restrictions that there will be a total site redesign for subscribers.

Personally, I think it is a sad day for all of this come November 1st 2005. The other sites just don't compare. I visited one site of the alternates to WinCusto and my browser crashed because of the pop-up attempts. Can you believe that?

I don't think many people will like the subscriber idea and will think Stardock is leaching off of artists. People will leave probably from what I read of some of the comments. I find that funny since most of the comments of 'leeching of artists' came from people who started off here and got there notoriety due to the 'leeching' of hosting their stuff, keeping it save, and organizing a community around it.

I always said that WinCustomize is a symbiosis between the artist and Stardock. On can not live as well without the other.

But with the restrictions soon to come on its way, what will happen to WinCustomize? What is next?

Comments (Page 3)

Winmodify

on Oct 26, 2005

if you can get me a DL speed of 1 MB in 1 minute, I'm yours

Are you on dial-up? What's your avarage in downloading 1MB?

Bichur

on Oct 26, 2005

What's your avarage in downloading 1MB?

can't tell my sundial broke.

yes I'm on dialup...my download speed varies but usually it's between 2-4 kb

took 33 hrs +/- to dl SP2

aufisch

on Oct 26, 2005

I worry about one thing: if all freeload traffic is cut and the site becomes largely a 'subscriber only' affair, would that mean that it would become less attractive to the average skinner? Am I correct to assume, that part of the attraction of this site to the great skinners here is that they are able to reach a lot of people and optain high download rates?

I think we need to find a middle way here.

First, I don't think that OD-subscribers should get limited downloads on this site. Brad mentioned somewhere that since Stardock knows exactly how many Customers they have, they know that only a fraction of the daily traffic is actually caused by Stardock customers and subscribers. Its the Shareware/Warez users that are the real problem. Also, I can kind of foresee that people would get pissed off if they are made to subscribe immediately after they press a "get more skins" button in their newly purchased software.

Second: I totally agree with limiting non customers or subscribers. Why should a warez user be able to post a help thread on the support forum? (of course that would require a "no support" stance for shareware versions).

Third: How about a combined subscription/OD-renewal option? That could be ten bucks more ($44 instead of $34) than the current OD subscription and would include unlimited access to WC for another year. The old OD renewal could still be available, but with a warning that downloading would be limited to 100MB (or maybe less) per renewal.

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central

TYCUS

on Oct 26, 2005

33hrs!!!!!!

-=TYCUS=-

(So, do you want some candy for this Halloween...?)

ethsza

on Oct 26, 2005

It's freeloaders like you

I can't leave this unanswered.

All I'm asking you is to read at least this comment.

To start with:
According to todays official policies I'm rather an appreciated community member, a level 4 user, than a freeloader.
(Level 4: Current Stardock customer. These are users who have either purchased Object Desktop Network or some other Stardock product (Stardock is WinCustomize's sponser) within the last 2 years. These users get all the benefits of a registered user plus:
* Unlimited File Downloads. Say good-bye to file limitations! No more annoying messages preventing you from getting your download to work.) Kind words. No bad languange.

Then:
In my comments I'm writing arguments why I think mandatory subscription is a wrong solution. Admitting that operating such a site must cost a fortune.
In return I get answers like: You're sucking the blood of the community, get lost.

Furthermore:
I write, that I'm paying for the applications, and I'm stating that authors upload their work for free. (By means that THEY won't get paid.)
In return I get answers like: Why do you think bandwidth and servers are free? You don't appreciate us.

Then:
I write that if I MUST subscribe for 20USD to download skins, I guess I rather consider stopping paying 50USD to renew my OD subscription, and I ask whether this is not a bigger threat by introducing such a new policy.
In return I get answers like: we will have to shut down the site because of you, shame on you.

And of course there are the always shiny happy people like: it's nice to join a community, I subscribe every 3 months. Which is their business.

To be serious, I myself feel fed up wit the "go away you parasite, you won't get anything for free" comments, without getting a single comment on my arguments.

I don't even know what am I doing here, this is not funny at all.

I beg for a relevant comment on my arguments from "the other side".

Finally forgive my poor english, I'd check back for answers before leaving wincustomize.
BRGDS
ethsza

gef

on Oct 26, 2005

I think that non-subcribers should be given a preview of everything without being able to download more than a minimal amount - if at all.

I agree.

TYCUS

on Oct 26, 2005

we will have to shut down the site because of you, shame on you.

God!!! ...who tell you that?!?!?

He/she has to think before oppenning his/her mouth!!!!

-=TYCUS=-

(So, do you want some candy...?)

Winmodify

on Oct 26, 2005

took 33 hrs

lol.. why don't you upgrade to a faster internet?? I would go crazy if things took so long..

Cyberworld

on Oct 26, 2005

So, do you want some candy...?

Hey spanking is ex officio assigned to Fuzzy Logic...find another hobby.

Just kidding Tycus...oh and Happy Birthday...

starkers

on Oct 27, 2005

I think there should be tougher upload approval restrictions. Which would cause a better database of skins and less of them. And tougher approvals would help across the board making WC "THE" place to put your skin (even more so than it is now) with less skins meaning less browsing and less downloads

Sorry, but I do not agree with this line of thinking. Many subscribers are also budding or newbie skinners, and to introduce a stricter moderation policy would not only alienate these people from the site, but also discourage them from practicing their craft and contibuting more to the site as a whole. The great skinners weren't just born that way, they had to begin somewhere, and there's no better place than WC to gain the exposure, support and encouragement that can inspire and possibly lead to eventual greatness. Obviously, there has to be some form of moderation to ensure posted skins are of a workable and acceptable level, but when one mans trash is another mans treasure, it shouldn't be that a select few can decide for the majority what's pleasing or otherwise.

The problem for Stardock and Wincustomize is not so much the large skin libraries or the skinners who upload their works, but rather the non-contributing freeloaders who advocate forever freeware/pirateware and take everything for free. Those people are the true drain on resources, and for most of us, the new restrictions can't come soon enough because they'll simply piss off and go bludge elsewhere, rather than be fair minded and subscribe.

DJBandit

on Oct 27, 2005

Well I am new to all this. I admit that the software I have is not mine cause I am trying it from a friend. I found it interesting and it was much easier to use his rather than DL a trial copy. I only have Dial-up ATM. I have learn with time that DLing software for free is a pain cause first you run the risk of getting caught, I have learn that programs tend to access the internet without you knowing it. Second, costumer support, you just can't get help when you have an illegal copy. Third, updates, updating is so much more easier thru the web but scary when you know yours is illegal.

So I look foward to getting my own copy of every software from StarDock. They are all amazing. I do how ever have the problem of not having credit and therefor no credit card to use on the internet. I am also not currently able to spend money on non-necesary items, such as this software, so it might be a while before I can save up enough for, say, Object Desktop (which I want so bad).

When I started out here, about a few months ago I never figured I had a limit to DLing. Man I should read more often. I knew about the subscription but I figured it was to access more better stuff and so far, being a newb, was happy with what I was getting. It now seems worth subscribing to get the better stuff and more but once again my financial position stops me from doing so. I would hate to think that I will not be able to access this site anymore for I found it so great and a great software as well for a PC fanatic like me. I can understand if my subscription or what ever it is called was canceled after this post I can understand and I appologize completely. I hope everything goes well for you guys and thanx for allowing me the pleasure of enjoying such a great site like this one, which BTW pointed me to another great site, joeuser.com which I like and enjoy writing and reading at. Thanx again and good luck.

DJBandit

on Oct 27, 2005

One last thing, because of this place and all the great skinds for every program I have seem I am looking into learning how to use PSP and Adobe Photo Shop so that I can make my own skins. I was hoping one day to be able to upload my own skins. I finally found something I want to do as a hobby and I am researching alot to learn as fast as I can. I don't wish to be know as a freeloader. It was not my intention, I figured that's how it was, kinda like a P2P site for skins. People made it for free and WC was the place to share it. Once again my bad, I appologize.

Kevin_C

on Oct 27, 2005

Second, costumer support, you just can't get help when you have an illegal copy

just a little tip, but you are using an illegal copy right now. While it may seem OK because your friend bought it both you and he are actually in the wrong. While you saved yourself a bit by stating you plan on buying them, but I'd be careful about admitting you're using someone else's software because it's easier than following the legal path.

I do how ever have the problem of not having credit and therefor no credit card to use on the internet

There are lots of ways to buy the software without a credit card online. Buying online is the fastest way to get the software but other alternatives do exist. Have your friend buy it on his credit card (if he has one) and then just pay him back.

I'm not going to assume I know anything about your financial position and I do know that $20 can be a lot of money for some people so I'm not going to be the annoying car salesman who's only looking to make the sale, but I can tell you the subscription is a great investment. You might also just consider buying at least 1 of the apps you are currently *trying*. It will remove your download limit, at least in the near term, and it will give you that warm fuzzy that comes from knowing you're helping out where you can. Then, just start tossing quarters and dimes into a jar whenever you can and you'll have $20 in no time and you can get another app or a subscription. I'd of course suggest OD but it's a bit more expensive but well worth it!

Good luck, and remember, technically you're using the software illegally so don't be surprised if someone else comes along and is pretty brutal about your admitting to using someone else's software because it was easier than downloading the Shareware versions...

DJBandit

on Oct 27, 2005

Well just to make it clear I am simply testing it. I am not keeping the copy for the simply reason of not getting my friend in trouble. It does sound easy to be able to save a penny here and there, but it's not always that easy. Still I do look foward to getting OD ASAP. Maybe there are other ways of buying stuff online. I am a bit uneducated as to how. I don't have a bank account and I don't wish to use someone elses credit for my benefit cause it always comes back to bit you. I should know it has happened before with my brother.

I know I can expect a wave of insults and hatred. I figured if I was honest it would not be as bad but it's not something I can get away with. I was only trying to be honest when I realized the dilema WC is going thru with people like me "freeloading". I never figured that was what I was doing and am stopping from doing so. As I said it was not my intention to be part of the problem. I always look foward to help in any way I can and I gladly offer any help I can give if it will help me stay in this great community. If it is not enough, once again I understand and will take whats coming to me. I still have joeuser.com, I hope.

Hopefully I will be able to return (if I am restricted) and be part of the community as a member not a freeloader. If anyone understands that free doesn't always mean free it's me. Little by little I have learned to find free options to some software but getting it was not easy, which is where the not completely free part comes in. I'm sure most here know what it's like to download 75 MB of software thru a dial-up.

NightTrainthedark

on Oct 27, 2005

DJBandit
UserID: 1139447
Member Since: 4/28/2004 12:12:45 AM
Last Visited: 10/26/2005 2:47:11 PM
Access Class: Citizen (1)
User Level: Visitor (2)

You passed the trial period well over a year ago.

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