Mel D Mel D

What Stardock gets from Wincustomize?

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What Stardock gets from Wincustomize?

First level customer service

from WinCustomize Forums
I’ve been following the discussion here about changing Wincustomize to a paid subscription site and making it pay for it’s self for a while now. Now I have a couple of observations. And a question.
I’ve tried DesktopX and I don’t like it. Nothing personal, it just does nothing I need.
I have downloaded some Windowblinds for my Paid for, registered and legal copy of WB and find I use only a very few of them. Out of the 15 or so blinds I’ve downloaded from here and other sites, I use at best 5. And for me, that means I probably wouldn’t use 99% of what will be new content for the next 2 years. I don’t like the wallpapers here, they aren't my taste. I use a couple of IP’s again for my paid for and registered copy of Icon Packager but again, 99% of what’s here I wouldn’t use. Widgets are a cluttery nuisance to me.

Now looking at this from a consumer point of view, that means if I buy WB5 I will not only be buying the upgrade but I’ll be paying for a subscription for a site that-
A. I rarely use the forum. Sorry guys you are often far to clichéish and snide for me to feel comfortable at your forums. Even an innocent newbie question can get short shrift from some of you. And the policing of the forums for civility, patience with non personal friends and tact is not always effective, in fact lately it's been very uncomfortable to even visit the forums. Yes I know some folks here are nice, but, too many are allowed to flame at will or use cutting, rude and elitist remarks at will with no thought to how it will effect future sales/feelings toward the product you claim to support and love.
B. This sites main value for Brad is it offers the public something he doesn’t have to now. First level customer service. Every person who has a skinning or installing problem who gets his question answered here, means that Stardock doesn’t have to pay a CSR to answer email questions about.
C. I get, at best, 3 to 5 useful downloads a year. And as I belong to DeviantArt and quite a few other sites around I usually find the same packages elsewhere.
D. Skinning is a luxury not a necessity. I quit using StyleXp when it got too annoying trying to find clean Spyware free skins and get customer service that made sense and showed someone on the other side gave a rip.

Now the question.
What are you going to do to keep from driving off paying customers like me who don’t buy the whole package and never will? Are you planning to abandon us or is this just a way to raise the price of partial packages since no matter what else you might say the real value point of this site for Stardock is convenient After Sales Service for the public. At this point, a real effort to not alienate people like me and to include us in your future might just save a large percentage of future sales.

Final note to the Community:
There is a good reason I placed A first and B second.
Think about it guys. I was 50/50 when I came to the site and read Brad’s post about needing to make this a paying site. After watching the uncivil smug verbiage on the forum, realizing that the community/self customer service is the only thing that’s being really offered me here that I couldn’t get anywhere else I have to say the forum attitudes may just be the deciding factor to drive me (and maybe a lot of other paying customers) away from Stardock. For most of us, Skins are NOT a necessity. And in the end, fanboys can only go so far. The average guy who doesn't skin, never will, just wants a pretty desktop and who buys the upgrades is who keeps this product financially alive.
14,015 views 36 replies
Reply #26 from WinCustomize Forums Top
dave86, the price of OD remains $49.95
The $60.00 version I believe is the DX Pro version.


I thought so...knew I wasn't reading that wrong
Reply #27 from WinCustomize Forums Top
For some of you questioning access to WinCustomize.

I bought my WinCustomize Subscription last night! I have already downloaded over 20 items from WinCustomize without even directing my FireFox browser to their webpage!!!! A WinCustomize subscription allows you to download the WinCustomizeBrowser which allows you to view almost all the endless skins without changing pages, without "slow bogged down" speeds, but in real time thumbnail loading. I was completely unaware of the WinCustomizeBrowser program before I bought the subscription.

I don't think that Stardock customers get access to this but I think they should be given a "coupon" maybe a 50% off subscription? Anyway thats up to StarDock to decide, but I am really looking forward to entering the comunity.

I would like to thank everyone at WinCustomize! I want to see them reach at least 1,000!

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Offworld Trading Company
Reply #28 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Mel D,

I am not sure I understand the post.

It seems to me that you will be served just fine with the prepackaged skins in the programs (StealthOS, Aura, 5imple come to mind in WB5), at least until you can look around for the items you would like - and then decide whether or not you want them.

As has been stated, you already meet the requirements of obtaining WB5 - though you may not be eligible for 5.x at some point, depending on the version of 4 that you purchased.

As has also been stated, Stardock foots a large part of the bill for this site - so it is actually we users at WC who are receiving benefits from Stardock.

The public forums have the potential to allow all different opinions, and heavy handed moderation is not part of the guidelines - so many ideas and comments won't be compatible with everyone's idea of correct.

I think a real community is made up of all different sorts of people, the nice, the rude, the blunt, the thoughtful, the anal, the brainstormer, etc.

For the customer service, and support issues - they are getting better in the Stardock Support forum, with true representatives from Stardock dropping in to help (milksama, and orbitjuice both come to mind). I think that the number of customer service questions is rather daunting based on the increase in users interested in customizing - therefore, WC is more of an offer of assistance until customer service can respond. This does put a measure of responsibility on people who offer advice to make sure they do not step beyond their abilities, or experience and make things worse for the user.

The free downloading, subscriber downloading, and operations (as well as the support needed for these activities - hardware, site coders, bandwidth provision) - have placed a burden on Stardock (instead of a windfall for both the company and the users), and there is now a need to find a way to either generate revenues to cover the costs, or to reduce the costs of running the site - so that we may still have a place to gather on the net.

I am not sure what the best course of action is, but clearly no business would choose to lose money, while providing free services to all.

The alternative is losing a great site (or what many people consider to be a great site) - which does not have much appeal, IMO.

I am sure this is all very obvious to many people, as I am sure that the logical step for Stardock is to pull back on the reins a bit in an attempt to control the budget.

Reply #29 from WinCustomize Forums Top
TheD2JBUG, I guess I'm not smart enough to see what's so obvious could you give me some examples of the obvious evidence of the lack of community here that you speak of.


Well the way this sub drive has worked so far is an example. Basically a lot of preaching to the choir ( oh let me buy another sub, extend to 2012 .. etc , look at me I'm supporting the communuty )This community is a living enttity . And it's currently feeding on itself too much. And yes within WC it's elitist. And not just to subs. Right or wrong, and I'm no fan of his , but I'm amazed Butch123 backs this place , given some of the crap said about him by supposed leaders in this place.

The 'sar' is superfluous. The word you were looking for is 'caustic'....
Public 'donation' [to others] of Subscriptions PROVES the existence of a 'Community', not refutes it...


Yah , I know , this subscription drive is proof positive of that now is it?
and *THAT* is sarcasm , in case you haven't noticed.
Reply #30 from WinCustomize Forums Top

 Citizen TheD2JBug ...yes, it's a bit like 'preaching to the choir' ...but it's also a reality that not 'all' of the new subscriptions are 'renewals' from said 'choir'.....many are NEW people who are willing to play an active part in actually supporting this [to you non-existent] community.

Meanwhile, sarcasm as an artform is clearly quite difficult to carry-off well.  Might I suggest a few more lessons?....

Reply #31 from WinCustomize Forums Top
A. I rarely use the forum. Sorry guys you are often far to clichéish and snide for me to feel comfortable at your forums. Even an innocent newbie question can get short shrift from some of you. And the policing of the forums for civility, patience with non personal friends and tact is not always effective, in fact lately it's been very uncomfortable to even visit the forums. Yes I know some folks here are nice, but, too many are allowed to flame at will or use cutting, rude and elitist remarks at will with no thought to how it will effect future sales/feelings toward the product you claim to support and love.


In that point you are right..., but i think that i have an idea of why most of the people act too "rough" in here("this is alone a supposition"), the thing is that "maybe"(and just MAYBE) some of us came here to unload our pressures of the day; some examples: a bad day at work(home..., etc.), "becouse someone reject our skins!!!!"..., etc.(hehe )

So man, the only thing we can do is be patient with other people("especialy with the MODERATORS who reject our post in at the forum").

-=TYCUS=-(So..., who want to "Quote" me?)
Reply #32 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Quite frankly, all this ho-humming, dissent and argument against subscribing is pathetic and tiresome. There's just too many if's, but's and maybe's. Granted, some are cash strapped, but the majority aren't, and crikey, anyone would think WC is asking the earth, to dip deeply into the retirement fund or mortgage the ranch. It's only $20, for crying out loud, and by today's standards that's but a drop in the ocean for most....lose a couple of six packs and a pizza or two, and you have it. I'm disabled and far from being well off ($470 AU p.f.), and if I can manage it.....

The choice is yours to become a part of the community through subscribing, or not. Nobody is twisting anyones arm! If you like what's on offer here and derive pleasure/value from it, then in fair-mindedness, please do and subscribe. If not, and that's too much to ask, then you're free go and check if the grass is greener elsewhere. If the latter applies, then is there any real point in hanging around to argue the point? There's no brownie points to be gained, quite the opposite, in fact.

BTW, this is not directed at any specific individual, just the vehement 'I WON'T PAY' attitude that has little or no regard for others and is far too prevelant. The call for help was issued, but fell largely on deaf ears/sightless eyes.....more aptly named, selective hearing/reading The response to the subscription drive is testament to this, and when we consider how many new subs were purchased as gifts by current subscribers, the turn out was quite pathetic. IMO
Reply #33 from WinCustomize Forums Top

At the end of the day it's all down to numbers. Someone has got to pay for the huge running costs of this site. Either that or cut costs. The choice is a simple black and white - there is no grey area - either more people subscribe, or services will have to be restricted to bring down costs.

The economics of the real world are quite simple really

Reply #34 from WinCustomize Forums Top
These threads are just popping up left and right.

Consider this.. You drive a car because it's "convenient" but, you don't need one. You pay (around here) $40 to fill your tank. But, again it's "convenient" to do so.

Real issue is, is WinCustomize.com not convenient? Is it not all neatly organized with MINIMAL ads even for those who don't even contribute and have never purchased anything from Stardock?

Many ask, what does WinCustomize.com do for me and what does Stardock do for me and why should I support either? Well friends, just like anything in life it's a "convenience". An alternative to make your rather bland default desktop into a completely custom desktop to fit your needs and the way YOU personally operate.

Just a "convenience" again.. But well worth it.

Stardock and WinCustomize.com profits are seperate (from what we hear) and therefore, WinCustomize.com needs to generate it's revenue from somewhere. Sure, the site can continue to support freeloaders and we can have our browsers freeze every time we log in. Or, they can demand a minimal $19.95 for a year ($14.95 every year after, for now anyways) and can manage their revenue in a comfort zone.

IMO Stardock doesn't need WinCustomize.com at all. Infact, they probably get annoyed with it not "pulling it's own weight" in revenue and figure what's the point? It's a seperate entity (as we're told) and revenue is seperate (we're told). In that aspect, Stardock can just say ok? Well, we're tired of WinCustomize.com and them lagging down the company because they can't generate enough revenue to keep it a-float. So, I'd say Stardock would just give up and get rid of WinCustomize.com entirely. Why not? Doesn't help their revenue? Not like they don't have the largest collection of Stardock based content and other on the web?

Anyways, who cares. WinCustomize.com needs your help. It's running on fumes and won't cave into be strictly ad profit based. Which is good. Keeps it a clean and tidy site even for those who refuse to contribute to them or Stardock for that matter.

WinCustomize.com is tired of being taken advantage of. They offer now in subscriptions what no other web sites do. For $19.95 you get a butt-load of features and functionality and unlimited downloads. But why should we help WinCustomize.com... Who cares if they make our lives convenient as far as on a customization level and don't cave into the ad profit tecniques like virtually every other "un-enjoyable" site has?.. Support WinCustomize.com and stop your complaining. The petty comments won't change anything.. And won't deter future customers to Stardock or WinCustomize for that matter. If anything with the new "changes" come not meeting their goal, the site will be more appealing.

Higher Bandwidth, Better Content (As if there isn't enough amazing content already) and stronger community.

Hey, IMO a lot of people in this community despise me in a big way. Can you believe that? Holding grudes against me for asking for what I'd consider petty questions or offering to help out. Do I care? Nope. Because >Overall< this is the strongest community and quickest growing I've seen on the net. Even those who take hostile towards me, and I know who they are.. I'd still help them.





Do I care that I'll remain a level 1 indefinitally because of my shrude comments sometimes to voice my oppinion? Nope. Do I care that no Admin or Mod in their right mind would recognize me as possibly being someone who could help out the site with my technical knowledge and free-time at work (Lol.) Nope. I wish I was a Master or at least had some authority to be "recognized and respected" ;( by the community I help on a DAILY basis with my posts here and all around the net. You'd think I'd at least be a Level 2 by now for my efforts, at least. But who cares, I don't need Stardock or WinCustomize.com to do that. They still have my support anyways, if I don't have theirs.



Because, in short,

We're not a community here at WinCustomize.com. You all are right about that. We're a "family" in a sense. Much more than a "community" here. Don't like our family, don't marry into it. But families always last. The blood is thick here and you can always find someone in the "family" to address whatever questions, concerns or comments you have. Even though some people in your families at home are probably idiots and mean (like in everyones, especially mine) But, none the less they are still family and there's always someone else to turn to.

Help WinCustomize.com with your $19.95 for a year. Absolutally wreek of the stench from your amazing (and over offered) benefits. We want you to. Indulge like it's Thanksgiving with the pilgrims if you want. We do. But, help out by getting the measily low priced subscription to show you've done your part in keeping the sites revenue alive.

Shrug away those in the community (family) that are idiots and tolerate their hostility if I do. If that's what drives you away. 98% of us are helpful, honest and willing to be here for what you need.

-Chris C.
Reply #35 from WinCustomize Forums Top
A message from Butch123

Citizen TheD2JBug You ask and I quote... (but I'm amazed Butch123 backs this place , given some of the crap said about him by supposed leaders in this place) and a question well worth responding to. You know as I read thru this thread and numerous others about the subscription drive here I had noticed people for some reason feel that there is no community here. well, I guess that I am 100% living proof that there is a really fantastic community here. You know I will be the first to admit that in a vast site of this size that not everybody is going to like everybody for one reason or the other. But, and I mean but, this is the only place that I have found on the internet where you truly do have a community spirit. when I first joined WC I met some really fantasitc people such as Lynx Den, Gooberbean, Ana, Nikos, Rick, Barb, and list goes on and on...and not to forget my dear sis Cindi. so why anybody would be amazed why I would back this place is beyond me.And would I resubcribe? Damn straight ! If only for the community spirit.
Reply #36 from WinCustomize Forums Top
And would I resubcribe? Damn straight ! If only for the community spirit.


Well said, Butch....I feel quite similarly about the place and have come across some pretty amazing characters who help make WC such a great site. There's far too many to name individually, and admittedly there's a few 'oddballs' amongst them, but that's what makes WC unique and so enjoyable.

I mean, not many sites have a resident troll, who's not only the whine moderator, but ever vigilant and contributing to the forums by way of humour and whatever help he can offer
Then there's Sleeping Dragon....(so glad I can't hear the snoring), who does avatars and adds much with his own brand of support and humour....not to mention his great works
And we then have a Jafo....whose sharp wit and sense of correctness has many at least trying to spell properly
The list goes on and on and on.....sorry if I cant mention everyone.

Are any of these people elitists? No, not at all! They simply have enthusiasm and dedication to this great site, contributing whatever they can to its' betterment and survival. Sadly, there are some who would rather criticise than commend this kind of positive attitude

The community spirit is alive and well, but it sure as heck wouldn't hurt if a few more also embraced it