My two cents on Stardock.............
Friday, July 6, 2007 by CATMANDU21 | Discussion: Animated Wallpapers
In my opinion, Stardock's out of control on the Premium Dream pricing scheme. The real reason this site is hot is because of the free submissions made by aspiring artists who frequent this site like TheMasterBaron, AzDude and others who have really brought Stardock's Dream Site area all of the hype it has and have also saved Microsoft's butts. Stardock's Premium Dreams have had little impact on the overall success of Dreamscene's, if anything Stardock and Microsoft are riding the coattails of all of Stardock's free submitters. Also realize that if the free users stopped submitting, Stardock would be dead in the water on Dreamscenes. Stardock shouldn't have any premium Dreamscenes, they should be free contributions for all the hits and revenue their users produce. They can charge for Object Desktop, Windowsblinds and the rest of their 100+ other products they have for sale on their site. Just to add, my opinion on why Stardock is charging is because Microsoft made things much harder for Stardock with Vista. In the XP days, Stardock brought Vista-like interface changes to the table. In that era, Stardock cornered the market on GUI customization. Today, things aren't so rosy. Vista performs many of Stardock's Object Desktop features natively, leaving Stardock to find new ways to make money. Understand Stardock's days are numbered in the GUI customiztion business. As OS's get prettier with age like Vista and MacOS, Stardock's software can now be considered "bloatware" and a waste of precious RAM and processor time.
Also, isn't Stardock getting any Microsoft kickbacks being that Dreamscenes and Deskscapes/Dreammaker are collaborative efforts as they work into one another, I mean Stardock has bailed Microsoft out on what would have been a pathetic release with only 10+ dreams available from Microsoft when Stardock currently brought over 200 more Dreams to the table? Finally, if you purchase any of these Premium Dreams, you'll have to activate this product, a little overboard for a $10 wallpaper. Even better, if your system should fail and you are reinstalling Windows and you don't take backup images like a friend of mine who purchased one, then chances are your going to have to call/e-mail Stardock to reactivate your Premium Dream as this activation is paying attention to your SID's when activated to prevent piracy so a reinstall or sysprep would force reactivation, yuck! Saddest part, after the paying customer has all these hoops to jump through, I can guarantee crackers have already infiltrated the activation so in the end the guy paying the $10 feels like, um..........
Hopefully, Stardock's work in the GUI business will not be in vain, leading to a buyout or takeover by Microsoft being that your GUI enhancement's have influenced Vista greatly. In the end Stardock could take over the GUI development portion of the next Windows OS after Vista, which would buy Stardock more time in the game. Some may say it's crazy, but look at the Winternals acquisition. Winternals showed Microsoft how to use System Restore and make it work. They also introduced Microsoft as well as BartPE, UBCD and Reatogo to the bootable Windows environment, which changed the face of Vista as alot of Winternals ERCD's features are integrated into Vista's install DVD. Business constantly changes and evolves, eventually Stardock's position in the market will change drastically, hopefully for the better!!
Also, isn't Stardock getting any Microsoft kickbacks being that Dreamscenes and Deskscapes/Dreammaker are collaborative efforts as they work into one another, I mean Stardock has bailed Microsoft out on what would have been a pathetic release with only 10+ dreams available from Microsoft when Stardock currently brought over 200 more Dreams to the table? Finally, if you purchase any of these Premium Dreams, you'll have to activate this product, a little overboard for a $10 wallpaper. Even better, if your system should fail and you are reinstalling Windows and you don't take backup images like a friend of mine who purchased one, then chances are your going to have to call/e-mail Stardock to reactivate your Premium Dream as this activation is paying attention to your SID's when activated to prevent piracy so a reinstall or sysprep would force reactivation, yuck! Saddest part, after the paying customer has all these hoops to jump through, I can guarantee crackers have already infiltrated the activation so in the end the guy paying the $10 feels like, um..........
Hopefully, Stardock's work in the GUI business will not be in vain, leading to a buyout or takeover by Microsoft being that your GUI enhancement's have influenced Vista greatly. In the end Stardock could take over the GUI development portion of the next Windows OS after Vista, which would buy Stardock more time in the game. Some may say it's crazy, but look at the Winternals acquisition. Winternals showed Microsoft how to use System Restore and make it work. They also introduced Microsoft as well as BartPE, UBCD and Reatogo to the bootable Windows environment, which changed the face of Vista as alot of Winternals ERCD's features are integrated into Vista's install DVD. Business constantly changes and evolves, eventually Stardock's position in the market will change drastically, hopefully for the better!!
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seldomseen
Reply #22 Friday, July 6, 2007 3:48 PM
Sign on my doorknob: "Please Do Not Disturb Any Further"
Constructive criticisms welcome. Blatant attacks as of account-signup day highly questionable.
It's 92F here and climbing. Tempers cocked-and-locked. Don't tread on me. We shoot first here.
Reply #22 Friday, July 6, 2007 3:48 PM
WC welcomes new folks who have ideas or suggestions and even complaints. We, as a community, however, do not react well to attacks to our sponsor and freind(sp), Stardock.
Sign on my doorknob: "Please Do Not Disturb Any Further"
Constructive criticisms welcome. Blatant attacks as of account-signup day highly questionable.
It's 92F here and climbing. Tempers cocked-and-locked. Don't tread on me. We shoot first here.
Z71
Reply #23 Friday, July 6, 2007 3:49 PM
Reply #23 Friday, July 6, 2007 3:49 PM
I don't know, I like chocolate cake with vanilla icing but only if there're enough bricks to build it.
Well, I just tried to talk nonsence, like this guy.
I don't recommend it. I just broke out in a rash.
Well, I just tried to talk nonsence, like this guy.
I don't recommend it. I just broke out in a rash.
Moderateman
Reply #24 Friday, July 6, 2007 3:55 PM
Reply #24 Friday, July 6, 2007 3:55 PM
wow so the compgeeks can really get their panties in a bunch just like us politcofreaks can. Nice to see that.
I am for taking the author outside and kicking his azz.
I am for taking the author outside and kicking his azz.
ArileenDesign
Reply #25 Friday, July 6, 2007 3:58 PM
Reply #25 Friday, July 6, 2007 3:58 PM
If i don't know/understand something i don't talk of it 
like i don't understand this post i will not answer it
But i see only here an attack and it's not only silly but really dumb cause you talk about something you don't understand it seems. If you want debate there are many others way to make it and certainly not this one. Maybe you'll talk with us but i really doubt of it. It seems to me that this post is a "%££¨µ$€###izs" at SD and run away in safe place. NICE
like i don't understand this post i will not answer it
But i see only here an attack and it's not only silly but really dumb cause you talk about something you don't understand it seems. If you want debate there are many others way to make it and certainly not this one. Maybe you'll talk with us but i really doubt of it. It seems to me that this post is a "%££¨µ$€###izs" at SD and run away in safe place. NICE
Lantec
Reply #27 Friday, July 6, 2007 4:45 PM
I guess the 2.5 million or so registered site users prior to the release of Vista was a fluke.
I really wish Brad would avoid saving MS's butts. I'm still hoping IBM can corner the OS market.
Reply #27 Friday, July 6, 2007 4:45 PM
The real reason this site is hot is because of the free submissions made by aspiring artists who frequent this site like TheMasterBaron, AzDude and others who have really brought Stardock's Dream Site area all of the hype it has and have also saved Microsoft's butts.
I guess the 2.5 million or so registered site users prior to the release of Vista was a fluke.
I really wish Brad would avoid saving MS's butts. I'm still hoping IBM can corner the OS market.
HG_Eliminator
Reply #28 Friday, July 6, 2007 4:55 PM
the site was hot years befor dreams were a gleam in MS eye.... the likes of treetog,frogboy,pixstudio,pixelpirate,dangeruss and many many others had a huge hand in WC/Stardocks popularity...
Reply #28 Friday, July 6, 2007 4:55 PM
The real reason this site is hot is because of the free submissions made by aspiring artists who frequent this site like TheMasterBaron, AzDude and others who have really brought Stardock's Dream Site area all of the hype it has and have also saved Microsoft's butts.
the site was hot years befor dreams were a gleam in MS eye.... the likes of treetog,frogboy,pixstudio,pixelpirate,dangeruss and many many others had a huge hand in WC/Stardocks popularity...
Yosmel
Reply #29 Friday, July 6, 2007 5:48 PM
Reply #29 Friday, July 6, 2007 5:48 PM
Ignorance is Bliss? Jesus I find myself saying that everyday now, it seems.
HG_Eliminator
Reply #30 Friday, July 6, 2007 5:51 PM
Reply #30 Friday, July 6, 2007 5:51 PM
then with senility i must be in heaven !!!! woohoo.. what ?
GH33DA
Reply #31 Friday, July 6, 2007 6:04 PM
Reply #31 Friday, July 6, 2007 6:04 PM
This dead horse has been beaten beyond the point of recognition.
Fuzzy Logic
Reply #33 Friday, July 6, 2007 7:54 PM
Reply #33 Friday, July 6, 2007 7:54 PM
Zoomba is on vacation and can't make us stop
Does that mean the pirates can take over this thread?
Arrr mateys, keel-haul the blaggard. When that be done string 'im from't nearest yardarm an' let loose wit' cat-o-nine arrr...
ShelbyGT_The_Car
Reply #34 Friday, July 6, 2007 8:08 PM
Reply #34 Friday, July 6, 2007 8:08 PM
It's just terrible that Stardock does not do house calls - like the geek squad! Just think of the money one could make?!
I think you should buy another computer and make sure it's a Mac or something. You sure you are using Microsoft products on that hunk of junk there? Well sure you are - it's all you can afford.
Or did you even buy that?
Try this on too! I've been using Stardock products for a good while now. Sure we have had our ups and downs. Just as every other software company has. But I've always had the best computer system due to the fact I use Stardock software on mine. As for bloatware - well you should buy a new Norton or maybe a complete Mcafee deal to get things really going well! But Stardock has never been bloatware at all ever!
If you will take the time to learn more about what a computer will do and try to get it where it will do it. Then maybe you will have a place to think completely different about Stardock programs. Till then - YOUR LOST!!!
Good luck and hope you give it another chance at making things work for ya!~
SGT
I think you should buy another computer and make sure it's a Mac or something. You sure you are using Microsoft products on that hunk of junk there? Well sure you are - it's all you can afford.
Or did you even buy that?
Try this on too! I've been using Stardock products for a good while now. Sure we have had our ups and downs. Just as every other software company has. But I've always had the best computer system due to the fact I use Stardock software on mine. As for bloatware - well you should buy a new Norton or maybe a complete Mcafee deal to get things really going well! But Stardock has never been bloatware at all ever!
If you will take the time to learn more about what a computer will do and try to get it where it will do it. Then maybe you will have a place to think completely different about Stardock programs. Till then - YOUR LOST!!!
Good luck and hope you give it another chance at making things work for ya!~
SGT
starkers
Reply #35 Friday, July 6, 2007 10:26 PM
Reply #35 Friday, July 6, 2007 10:26 PM
Oh how I thank my lucky stars for posts like this. I do so hate being treated like a mushroom...kept in the dark and fed bullshit. So thank you, CATMANDU21, for enlightening me....and now that I'm all wised up to Stardock's conspiracy (in cahoots with Microsoft) to take over the PC customisation world, I'll be ever so much more careful and get all my GUI enhancements & dreams from Apple in future.
Oh, that's right, Apple don't do dreams or Windowblinds, etc...free or otherwise. Looks like I'm stuck with Windows & Stardock, then. Yeah, it's a bugger having my PC options limited like that, so let's hope Steve Jobs reads this and unties the Mac OS from its propriety hardware only so it's much more versatile.
Oh, that's right, Apple don't do dreams or Windowblinds, etc...free or otherwise. Looks like I'm stuck with Windows & Stardock, then. Yeah, it's a bugger having my PC options limited like that, so let's hope Steve Jobs reads this and unties the Mac OS from its propriety hardware only so it's much more versatile.
vStyler
Reply #36 Friday, July 6, 2007 10:31 PM
You seem to have forgotten that your posting to a whole community of people that support Stardock.
What were you thinking?
1. If your going to act like you know what your talking about..present some facts.
2. Are we ever going to get one of those detectors that nip these thread's in the bud before they ever post (a la minority Report)?
3. The Day MS or Mac knocks Stardock out of the customization business you will be able to look out your window and see little pink flying pigs...President Shwartzenegger and Scotch mist.
4. Better luck next time.
Reply #36 Friday, July 6, 2007 10:31 PM
Understand Stardock's days are numbered in the GUI customiztion business.
You seem to have forgotten that your posting to a whole community of people that support Stardock.
What were you thinking?
1. If your going to act like you know what your talking about..present some facts.
2. Are we ever going to get one of those detectors that nip these thread's in the bud before they ever post (a la minority Report)?
3. The Day MS or Mac knocks Stardock out of the customization business you will be able to look out your window and see little pink flying pigs...President Shwartzenegger and Scotch mist.
4. Better luck next time.
eieio
Reply #39 Friday, July 6, 2007 11:45 PM
Reply #39 Friday, July 6, 2007 11:45 PM
Funny thread!
Skinhit gets the prize for funniest line, though.
I nearly ... well best not said
Skinhit gets the prize for funniest line, though.
I nearly ... well best not said
Jafo
Reply #40 Saturday, July 7, 2007 3:52 AM
Reply #40 Saturday, July 7, 2007 3:52 AM
Well....everyone can have an opinion about anything at all, but it usually tends to be advisable to base that opinion on a modicum of experience/investigation/research.
The 'opinion' [belief] that the world was/is flat was based on a lack of experiential evidence/record of people actually trying to sail off the edge....AND failing.
Once some adventurous twit 'went West' ...and kept on wenting west...until he ended up back where he started he could exclaim 'nup, it ain't flat....probably round'.
Again, there is the example of those 3 philosophers on a train from England to Scotland....and as they cross the border into Scotland, seeing a black sheep out the window one exclaims 'All sheep in Scotland are black.', to which the second retorts....'Ah, but all we can deduce is that at least ONE sheep in Scotland is black.' The third then comments...."to be pedantic, all we can REALLY say for certain is that at least ONE sheep in Scotland is black on at least ONE of its sides."
It's all about experiential perception......your understanding of the world is only as good as how much your nose is inserted into it....
There's no reason to demonstrate how naive someone may or may not be....only to be aware of it when it's the case....
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Reply #21 Friday, July 6, 2007 3:44 PM