FAQ: Why can't I download any more stuff?
Sunday, May 30, 2004 by Frogboy | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
Problem: After having downloaded 50 megabytes or more of skins, themes, icons, or wallpapers I am unable to download any more without having to purchase a subscription. What gives?
Discussion:
As of May 2004, WinCustomize.com uses approximately 27,000 GIGABYTES (not bits) of bandwidth each month. The cost of this bandwidth, as you can imagine, is quite significant. In addition, while the site runs on a day to day basis thanks to a small but dedicated group of volunteer moderators and administrators, it still requires consider IT resources which are not free along with occasional hardware upgrades (a typical server might cost $10,000).
At the end of the day, someone has to pay for this. You are not paying for skins and themes, you are simply helping pay for the bandwidth costs that you have used. The ISP that provides WinCustomize the bandwidth that has to be paid for each month doesn't care what is being downloaded. They don't care whether it's skins, themes, music, documentation, videos, whatever. Bandwidth is bandwidth and it has to be paid for. Thousands and thousands of dollars each month.
Once a user has downloaded 50 megabytes of skins and themes (and in actuality used considerably more than that in the form of previews and library browsing) they are asked to contribute *something* to the site.
One can contribute to WinCustomize in one of 4 ways:
(1) They can being creating skins and themes and icon packages and submitting them. That is, contribute to the library that they themselves have used. Users with Apprentice access or higher are immune to the bandwidth caps.
(2) They can help their fellow users on the message forums. Answer questions, give them a hand or tips. This is another path to gaining higher access.
(3) They can purchase one of Stardock's programs (CursorXP, WindowBlinds, DesktopX, Object Desktop, IconPackager, etc.). Since Stardock is the one who ultimately pays the bandwidth bill, they have agreed to pay for the bandwidth used by Stardock customers.
(4) They can purchase a WinCustomize account which is $19.95 and not only gives them unlimited bandwidth useages but access to premium suites, access to the WinCustomize skin browser (an extremely cool program), the WinCustomize system tray add-on, and more.
We hope that you will join our community and help it continue to grow and thrive. It is only because of those who contribute back to the site that it is able to exist today.
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Reply #62 Wednesday, August 4, 2004 1:06 PM
| As of May 2004, WinCustomize.com uses approximately 27,000 GIGABYTES (not bits) of bandwidth each month. |
You mean as in 27 terabytes of bandwidth per month???
Holy cow!
Reply #63 Wednesday, August 4, 2004 4:02 PM
Yea, that's TERRABYTES, not GIGABYTES. Doh, can't edit it either. 
What I am wondering is looking at posts like #57 you have to wonder what htey're thinking.
I mean, do they really think they do US a favor coming on and downloading stuff?
Reply #64 Sunday, August 8, 2004 2:33 PM
| Yea, that's TERRABYTES, not GIGABYTES. Doh, can't edit it either. |
No need to edit it. You said "27,000 GIGABYTES" which is indeed 27 terabytes. To some people "27,000 GIGABYTES" might sound like the bigger numberto others "27 terrabytes" might sound bigger. I kinda like 27 terrabytes better myself. (P.S., I'm a registered paying customer...)
Reply #65 Friday, August 13, 2004 7:40 PM
Reply #66 Tuesday, August 24, 2004 11:32 AM
Thx
Reply #67 Tuesday, August 24, 2004 11:38 AM
I can't skin (except for things like Logons), so I choose to contribute buy purchasing products and a WC subscription. Go ahead and do the same. It makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Reply #68 Wednesday, August 25, 2004 2:40 PM
| one minute i'm downloading yet another broken package of to see if it worked |
So, you call it a broken package before you even knew if it was actually broken?
Reply #69 Saturday, August 28, 2004 11:10 PM
Reply #70 Monday, August 30, 2004 11:21 AM
Reply #71 Tuesday, August 31, 2004 5:12 PM
Reply #72 Tuesday, August 31, 2004 7:38 PM
| Maybe another way to get a membership is to post a graphical link in our own websites... |
I think the best way is to do what is already set up. Either buy Stardock programs/WC subscription or really contribute to the site (being helpful to others and contributing your own work). It seems pretty simple to me really. Those who can share their art and talents, those who can't help with the overhead.
Reply #73 Wednesday, September 1, 2004 11:36 AM
i wanna start skinning too for windowblinds stuff. seems fun ..And another thing ive seen ppl "i wont say names" creating skins in this site and then couple days after i see someone els that post the exact same skin... whats the point ? thanks
Reply #74 Wednesday, September 1, 2004 1:32 PM
Reply #75 Thursday, September 2, 2004 4:44 PM
Reply #76 Thursday, September 2, 2004 5:38 PM
Reply #79 Monday, September 6, 2004 10:51 AM
Reply #80 Monday, September 6, 2004 8:47 PM
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Reply #61 Thursday, July 29, 2004 7:54 AM
This fashion will be noticed and recorded by those of this world who truly mean business and those rewards will be in the fashion of $ - not what I can get for free and of course as in the past what is free for some will come back to them as they will find out when the system crash occurs due to what is not what they thought it to be - but what they allowed as to finding the wrong thing that was given freely to them at their own risk and what a risk that is too! All in all we all must pay and in so some will get exactly what is due them by what they pay for or espically what they do not pay for at first but in the end of it they do severly with what they thought not would happen - but it does and does again and again daily on the net for those that look at the things as they do - this is their future and ours too - you make your decision and I hope it is for the better future of Stardock - not what is free!
THE CAR!