Resubscribe?

from WinCustomize Forums
I am trying to decide if I want to resubscribe to Objectdesktop.  Have really enjoyed it in the past, and the main reason I subscribe is windowblinds which is kept very uptodate.  Thank you much Stardock.  I dabble a little bit with logon studio and and few of the minor programs that come with it.  Would really like it if DesktopX didn't run havoc at times when I use  a lot of programs.  It is a neat toy that I still try to sneak on for a while until it causes problems... probably from poorly written gadgets.  Recently uninstalled it, and now can not put it back on because my subscription ran out.

My hesitation comes in when we have to buy the skins for the program seperately.  The whole try before you buy concept doesnt work here.  All skins are not created equally and some really wreak either memory or screenspace, while others work wonderfully.  Somebody took the cottage industry out of skinning here.  Yes people put a lot of time into the skins, but they used to do it either for a hobby or to have a neat desktop.   Sure everyone wants of piece of pie, but there is only so much around.   Of course  one can charge people if they want to come  to a website and not be inundated with advertising, but then you start charging for the skins needed for the programs you sell.  And yes, I am sure Stardock does get their fair share from all the skins sold by these master skinners.

Stardock you have a GREAT product here and I really like it.
But I disagree with you selling the skins for it.  When I buy a product, I like to think everything I need is available in the package and doesnt have to bought peicemeal to get it working the way I want it.

I expect flames now so I am putting on my oven mitts. 
4,024 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If you are giving thought to not renewing your subscription because a very small percent of the skins are not free, then you really are missing the boat. You are not forced to buy any skins as there are literally thousands of them for free. Don't you think the artists who make premium quality skins deserve to get paid for it if they want? They are not on this earth to give anyone a free ride.
Do you get all your movies and channels free when you buy a Satellite dish or the dvds to play in your dvd player? I think not.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Are you talking about the new master skins or the suites from Stardock Design?  How is that different than The Skins Factory?  Someone seeing a market and trying to fill it.

I think how you spend your money is your business and you should do what you feel is right.

Me?  I think that skinning is going to get very interesting again with Vista. {And after people get it, the Vista-like skin era will pass and many more exciting skins will be built.}

Remember, you can always come back at the renewal price.  Stardock and Wincustomize will be here.
DeskScapes - Bring your desktop background to life.
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
But I disagree with you selling the skins for it. When I buy a product, I like to think everything I need is available in the package and doesnt have to bought peicemeal to get it working the way I want it.


Nobody should flame you for your opinion.  However, I would like to point out that the majority of skins on Wincustomize are free for download. 
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
At the moment there are only 3 master skins out of 6000, I'd hardly call that making you buy the skins in order to use them. There are still so many great free skins out there it could take a month just to *look* through them all, let alone trying each one of them. I'm happy with my resubscription.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Turning down flamethrower
Yes RESUBSCRIBE !~!

By the way I do not skin anything but my own desktop. I am just a satisfied customer

First of all I prefer buying the cd, best money spent for convenience and avoiding the necessity of downloading. Then its just the updates.
It's unfortunate that you are having problems running DesktopX, likely getting support would solve those problems. I use such a variety of programs and have had no major problems. More knowledgeable people are readily available to troubleshoot issues both in the forums and at support@stardock.com

One of the greatest things about this site is that new skinners are encouraged to submit skins. As a result you will get buggy skins. But how can someone learn otherwise? The skins are clearly rated and reading comments gives you a great overview of any problems people may be having, or in some cases the lack of comments or downloads

With all the programs, updates & free skins included I believe you get more than your money's worth. And with over 4 years worth of skins uploaded your FREE choices are astounding. And selecting highly rated skins eliminates issues.

I would have a problem with skinners charging if everyone could. But the skinners that do, have contributed 100's of free skins for years. And the quality is 100%. How much of a skinners effort, hard work and time am I entitled to for free? I am not Entitled to one bit of it, no matter how much I pay for the program to run it. The skinners have given generously and freely of their time and owe no one anything. They are people like you and I, But they have a hobby that they share the results of with the world. Now they are the best of their class and after years of giving away it is their turn to take a few dollars.

Well I hope I haven't burned you too badly That was not my intention at all. Just want to give an opinion that you asked for And see that even those that don't skin can understand the legitimate need for skinners of the highest quality to finally get their due.

It's My Secret


Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You can still reinstall any product up to the last version that was out when your subscription ran out.Mine ran out for a couple of months,I never had any problem getting any of the apps again.Once bought,they are yours forever.

As a skinner I find it insulting that just because there are a few premium skins out,none of the work by the rest of us is good enough anymore.

Plus...these Masters have plenty of free stuff,whats wrong with those?If I find something I like and it dosnt look or work just like I want,I tweak it or ask the author for a fix.Most will bend over backwards to accomodate.  
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

When I buy a DVD player, I still have to buy DVDs.

But I do get your point.  However, the existence of commercial content doesn't detract from all the great stuff people are creating and sharing every day.

The goal is to have more options available for everyone.



Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Subscribe! It wont hurt you! Its cheaper then a $1.00 Date   
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I swore that there were skins for sale before 'master' skins came along >__>?

Besides, sure the master skins are great, but in my opinion, some of the BEST work is the free work.