Windowblinds 5 Creates Demand for Online Piracy

from Stardock Forums

I'm very disappointed in Stardock. I was all set to upgrade to Windowblinds 5 when I discovered that Windowblinds 5 would require online activation. I purchased the entire $50 package the last time but when I heard about Stardock going to online activation. Suffice it to say that while I always knew about sites that had the ability to provide free copies for download I bought the whole package from Stardock but I have personally had so many problems with online activation and limited installation regarding how many times you can activate said software that I have taken akin like so many others before to download the full product and resort to hacks or cracks to use the software.


With WB5 cracked versions already out there I have elected to go this route. I'm so disappointed that Stardock would resort to this rule of thumb and thumbing their noses at its customers considering that their product isn't all that big commercially and that they would rather keep their customers instead of losing them and forcing them to download pirated copies of their software.


Until Stardock reverses its decision, I woun't be paying for their product anymore. No wonder Software Piracy keeps spiraling out of control and its all because of this particular unfriendly business of software companies. They don't want customers to keep using older versions of their software so what better way to stop a customer from installing their software on an unlimited basis than by making it open to a limited number of installs and activations.

I woiuld have been set to upgrade my Object Desktop for this next coming year but after all that's said and done that certain parts of their software, like Windowblinds would require online activation, Stardock has lost an ongoing future customer account because of this action. I'm sure many others here feel the way say and I'm at a loss of words as to why STardock has elected to go this route.

3,586 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Let me get this straight:

1) you have registered Object Desktop in the past becuase it's a good product you used and someone work hard to create
2) you don't want to use on-line registration
a) Because you have had trouble with other on-line activations with other companies.
3) you believe it is OK to steal to avoid on-line activation
4) you think it is OK to tell the people you stole from you stole from them on a site that they pay for

Did I miss anything? I don't get it I guess. Stealing is stealing. Justifying is just bullcrap to make yourself feel better.

Why not (at least) register and THEN use an unlocked copy?

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
are you high on crack?

put down the pipe, turn around and, walk, away, slowly...
Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
are you high on crack?


I was thinking along those same lines but was hoping that due to language issues I misunderstood. I guress all bases are covered now.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Wolf-426

OK...so it's all well and noble to burn your bra in protest against your perception of having been wronged via the use of Product Activation...but it would then be inappropriate of Wincustomize.com to continue to afford you a community of support and unlimited access to our skins here.

If you wish to re-evaluate your stance then contact me on pmar4984@bigpond.net.au and your Forum/site access may be restored.

Activation is intended as a means to maintain Stardock's viability...in the face of recalcitrant twerps who think God owes them a life....and it better be free.

The people who make these programs you wish to pirate have a living to earn.  If you refuse to accept that then that is your choice.

Our choice then is to deny you the services you would otherwise enjoy, as this site is Majorly funded by those very people from whom you wish to steal.

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Until Stardock reverses its decision, I woun't be paying for their product anymore. No wonder Software Piracy keeps spiraling out of control and its all because of this particular unfriendly business of software companies.


Thats one way to look at it. The intelligent way to look at it is.. Pirates have caused software companies to come up with ways to protect their investments.

Maybe next you should go to your local Police Station and turn yourself in. See if they accept your excuse.