Donwloading problem

from WinCustomize Forums
Hi people.

It's no longer possible for me to download anything, although I am registered member. First I though mz downloading from WC is just over, unless I purchase something ( which, with all due respect, I won't ), but right now I found a forum where some guy ( calling himself Island Dog - seemed to be guy from StarDock itself ) claimed registering is free and that no one should have any problem downloading free items.

The point is, the only thing I get when trying to download a Dream is request to purchase subscription or some StarDock product.
wincustomize
6,770 views 17 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
There is a download limit on WinCustomize. Even though you have registered there is a limit to the amount you can download. Purchasing a Stardock product or a Wincustomize subscription helps defray the cost of hosting this site.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Very well, I accept. But what other way to explain this forum ( http://www.neowin.net/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t540026.html ) than the ona that downloading free content is unlimited for registered users?
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The policy of downloads on WinCustomize has since been updated since that original post was made on Neowin.  Past customers have a 500mb limit, so it was stated in the subscribers page that non-subscribers might be subject to limits inthe future.

 







Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

The policy of downloads on WinCustomize has since been updated since that original post was made on Neowin.  Past customers have a 500mb limit, so it was stated in the subscribers page that non-subscribers might be subject to limits inthe future.


Ok, got the idea. But to be honest, do you really think that is a good step at all? WC si definitely damn good site, but I don't think many people are willing to pay just in order to download FREE content. Just because those dreams are for free, there is nothing wrong with downloading them from P2P networks or any other way, it's not illegal.

I'm sure you have everything done right as far as the law is involved, but denying people complete access to free content seems to be somewhat unethical. People here create those dreams with no expectation to get paid for that, while you use both your and their work for earning purposes. Considering that, unless you reward every single author - who creates and releases his work for free - in some really worth way, I think your behavior could be considered - no offence - parasitic.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Another person detached from reality and sucked into the whole 'everyone owes me free stuff' mentality.

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Just because those dreams are for free, there is nothing wrong with downloading them from P2P networks or any other way, it's not illegal.


Actually, this is incorrect.  That IS illegal, unless the creator of the Dream has stated that their work can be distributed that way.  The creation's distribution should ALWAYS remain under the control of the creator, unless he/she states otherwise.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Who pays for

  • the development of WC
  • the bandwidth from which you have received 1.4 gb
  • the servers and hard drives on which that 1.4 gb of data was stored 
  • the people to ensure that these storage/transmission mediums continue to be stable

What about the software you're running. Creating this software isn't a job taking a short period of time, but rather demands countless hours of r&d and QA.

Registered users who contribute back to the community are generally rewarded. You have expressed your support for WinCustomize.com, but what have you contributed beyond your complaints?

My suggestion for reaping some of the benefits from the community without spending any of your money would be to instead spend some of your time either creating themes or helping other users not as familiar as yourself. Don't look for approval, but instead analyze your own strengths and determine how you can use them for the benefit of others.

Quoting my economics professor: "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch."

 

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top
downloading them from P2P networks


I think your behavior could be considered -...- parasitic.


Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Actually, this is incorrect. That IS illegal...


What is legal and what is not is relative... We all live in different countries with different laws. What is illegal in the US can be easily legal in any other country on the world.

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Who pays for



  • the development of WC

  • the bandwidth from which you have received 1.4 gb

  • the servers and hard drives on which that 1.4 gb of data was stored 

  • the people to ensure that these storage/transmission mediums continue to be stable

What about the software you're running. Creating this software isn't a job taking a short period of time, but rather demands countless hours of r&d and QA.


Registered users who contribute back to the community are generally rewarded. You have expressed your support for WinCustomize.com, but what have you contributed beyond your complaints?


My suggestion for reaping some of the benefits from the community without spending any of your money would be to instead spend some of your time either creating themes or helping other users not as familiar as yourself. Don't look for approval, but instead analyze your own strengths and determine how you can use them for the benefit of others.


Quoting my economics professor: "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch."


 




I have definitely no need for playing harmed. I like WC, I like it's content, I like DeskScapes... I take that all as your decision and to be honest - I wouldn't like to be you being bored by some stupid complaints about payments... But the truth is - I'm not willing to pay money for free content. I believe I'm not the only one, as I believe there is a lot of those, who are wiling to.

So, guess this is good bye... Don't worry, I'll keep recommending this site to everyone who askes for visual tuning. As I have said - this site is damn good one to be worth those money. Sorry I'm not the one who is willing to pay for unnecessary visual experience.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Another person detached from reality and sucked into the whole 'everyone owes me free stuff' mentality.


I don't think so. Just being a little sorry that at times when it's normal for sites offering some content to provide at least some kind of unlimited access, there are still some good ones that don't. But that doesn't mean I don't wish you success. You deserve it.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This topic from the beginning is pointless. We all aware what decisions been made by Stardock are not exigible. Whatever your rants on pay versus free contents has been confabulated squillion times,it won't make any dent either. Like it or lump it,you will have to pay some kales to support this site.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
i dont think 20 bucks is too much to pay anyway, especially with all the other goodies u get, not just the unlimited downloads
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Like it or lump it,you will have to pay some kales to support this site.


You're right in everything but the quoted sentence - I don't have to do anything. I just wanted to know whether StarDock sees it the way I think it does or not. There's nothing personal in that, no anger, no "demanding my right to get everything free" etc.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top

i dont think 20 bucks is too much to pay anyway, especially with all the other goodies u get, not just the unlimited downloads




I see your point, but the truth is that I'm a student and 20 bucks is more than 1/4 of what I can earn with my temporary job a month in my country ( there's not much time to work ). That's why I'm really unwilling to pay for what I can get free. And if I can't get it free, it's not so valuable that I coudln't live without it.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
fair enough Intri, i see your point as well. maybe one day you will have the $$$ and subscribe and enjoy the full benefits of the site, i promise you, you will not regret it
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
fair enough Intri, i see your point as well. maybe one day you will have the $$$ and subscribe and enjoy the full benefits of the site, i promise you, you will not regret it


I'll be happy to... Perhaps in time, I'm definitely not studying University to stuck in that stupid factory... But that's somewhat off topic already ( not that the topic was not exhaused... ).