I'm ok with it. I consider WinCustomize is where people exchange ideas and to enjoy other people's work. It's mainly for the hobbyist who wish to share.

If Stardock makes money in an indirect way, out of people having a good time on their sites ... why not.

The only issue I have is it tends to be too Stardock focused, but it's their site and they have an interest in promoting and supporting their programs. I can always go to other skinning sites.

I'm with tazgecko, it's fine with me if the community helps Stardock in the market place.   

Now what I would like to know is what does the future hold for the Customizing side of Stardock.  It's been awhile since Brad brought us up to date.  I'm always interested in hearing how the current programs might be updated and what new programs may be released in the future.

taz... there's a Winstep and Rainmeter Gallery. What other Galleries were you thinking of? Of course, SD will maintain a site mainly for its own software and that should be the focus of the site.... it's why we're here.

I often wonder what the relative usage is among the customization programs. I suppose there's a way to discover that, but I've never found it. I bet SD knows, though. I'd also bet that WindowBlinds is at the top. 

So we are here to help Stardock sell its product line? I think that on one hand that's fine but on the other Stardock needs to take a closer look at this. In recent years the selling seems to have been the main focus. That's good for Stardock. It's Brad's site so he can do what he wants with it but personally I'd like to see a little more separation between selling the product line and pure artistry. I think that this was one of the topics that came up when they redesigned the site a couple of years ago.

Absolutely, the artistry helps to move the product. It provides the customers with a view of what can be done with the products. It also provides the artists with a venue to show off their work. seems kind of a win-win situation all around.

I made a mistake years ago here believing that we were a part of a greater community. Our involvement only goes up to the cash register, after that it's none of our business. You will probably never know what goes on behind the closed doors of Stardock, how much money they make or any statistics regarding sales. I'm not complaining, 99% of all business is run this way. I'm only mentioning this because if you think involvement provides special privileges, it doesn't.

I didn't say that, or even mean it that way, but if our efforts do help SD, what's so bad about that? It's part of the win-win, no?

What I did mean was "Stardock maintains this site (we aren't self sufficient - we don't support our cost) but we like those products, so that's why we're here." Since we aren't economically self sufficient there has to be a commercial angle to help cover the $50,000 per year cost (I believe that was the figure quoted - if I'm mistaken, please correct me).

When the new site came into being, it was expressly stated that the emphasis would be commercial: Not exclusively so, and you are correct that it was one of the topics. You can't really separate the two since the skins have to be applied with a software program.

So, clearly SD showcases its products here. Also Winstep and Rainmeter.

Again I ask, what actual (and implementable) changes would you like to see? I'm genuinely interested, and there isn't an argument between us, here: It only makes sense to attract more artists from both the artistic and economic points of view and I, like you, am interested in win-win for all of us.

I'm in it for the fun of skinning. Making stuff. That's what I like to do. If what I or any other skinner does helps promote a product then what the hell...so be it. I see a win win all around.

If you go to a store and lets say buy a lawnmower and tell your neighbor about the great deal you got on it, and they go buy the same lawnmower, do you really think you should profit from telling him about it?  Come on now, a business is a business and Stardock and WC are businesses. Who cares if they make a profit from word-of-mouth advertising, all businesses operate this way.

Because of WC:

• Stardock gets to sell products
• Skinners get to show off skins
• Users get to have skins to use
• Trolls have somewhere to complain
• Spammers have somewhere to get banned
• Jafo has speeling to correct
• Po has people to hate
• Doc has a place to post news

Winners everywhere!



Because of WC I actually like to look at my computer

I just want to be naked.

I just want Pizza, bein neked is optional.

Amen Brother!!!!!!!!

Jack, I don't care what anyone has told you, I DO NOT have a webcam.   

^ Thank G-d.

How many times must he say it...it's a porn cam!

and now I'm in the fetal position with my thumb in my mouth crying like a little schoolgirl...

because of your spelling issues I'm not sure if this is correct or if it's supposed to be "Whiners everywhere!"

just like I like u phoon

I'll get the popcorn.