Anyone think of this?
Win, Win for Stardock
Tuesday, June 28, 2011 by Chasbo | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
I wonder if Stardock has ever done a study of how much money they have made from the free skins that people have made and uploaded at Wincustomize? Also the screenshots, wallpapers, widgets, rainys etc. etc. It's a win, win for Stardock. Not only do they get money from these people buying the software, buying the subscription but they get free advertising too in the form of what these people have done with the software. How much of the revenue comes in from newbies seeing all those screenshots and skins? They see all that and they want to have their desktops like that so they buy the software and subscriptions. How cool is that for Stardock? So if someone has made a screenshot and say 1,000 people have downloaded it how many of those people who have looked at it or downloaded it have bought the software because of that screenshot? I think it would be very interesting to see those results and I'd be very surprised if that hasn't been studied by Brad and company.
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Reply #44 Friday, July 1, 2011 1:30 PM
While some of you are worried or concerned about Stardock making money because of it's community members there is a far more important event going on right now. If the U.S. Congress does not raise the current debt ceiling the country could very well default on its debt and it's many creditors around the world come knocking at the door.
I don't think there are too many people who feel that this is going to happen but you can not deny that there is a strong possibility that it could.
Sort of puts this thread in perspective I believe. 
Reply #45 Friday, July 1, 2011 1:44 PM
I'm really trying to figure out what the point of this thread along with the subsequent replies. Really, once I start seeing posts about the Koch brothers (who btw employ tens of thousands of people) I just have to laugh at some point.
Stardock, WinCustomize, etc. has no official political stance. If you are concerned about the leanings of people like Brad, then I would suggest heading over to JU as he has thousands of posts regarding subjects that you seem to be interested in.
As Jafo already stated, WinCustomize runs as a community "service" for skinning and desktop apps. It doesn't make anybody rich.
Reply #47 Friday, July 1, 2011 2:21 PM
I have family and friends who've purchased Windowblinds to use my stuff and I've gotten email from folks about buying it for that exact reason too. Do I think I deserve a piece of the pie...no, of course not. If I didn't enjoy this hobby (and that's what it is to me...I have a job), I simply wouldn't do it. I mean no one's twisting my arm to keep on skinning or even use this site...right? It might be nice to have an occasional bone thrown our (The Skinners!) way. I wouldn't turn down say a WC sub, Stardock software, t-shirt or whatever if it were offered. I mean, who would? 
In my opinion, EVERYONE's personal beliefs about anything at all is simply none of anyone else's business on this forum or any other unless THEY feel the need to share that information, opinion, etc. themselves. Nothing else to say about that.... 
There is sometimes a trendancy to blow folks off who really have something they feel strongly about (whether YOU do or not) with attempted humor or "cute" remarks instead of actually kicking it around a bit. I seem to remember a time when we could have a knock down, drag out and still all end up being friends at the end of the day (or blowout). I wonder, have attitudes changed that much to "kinder and gentler" or just a different type of user with thinner skins?!?! 
I hate to see folks get pissed and leave (been there, done that) but I figure everyone is free to come and go as they please. It's absolutely their own decision to make. That said, Chasbo, I consider you my friend and I hope you come to terms with whatever's bugging you, bro. I got a gut feeling from what I've read it's not just about WC, Brad or Stardock but I could be wrong...only you know that for sure. If there's any way I can help, PM me, email me or whatever... 
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Reply #41 Friday, July 1, 2011 12:36 PM
As our user base keeps growing but our "WC Subscriber" base stay's pretty much the same.. SD has to foot more of the bill, thus they need to make increase sales to help off set the larger portion of funds to dished out to keep WC going. Some times we have to compromise for the good of the community.. I would Rather see WC self sufficient.. but is just not going to happen with as few subscribers as we have..