Subscription Drive: Status report
We're not going to make it..
Thursday, October 13, 2005 by Frogboy | Discussion: WinCustomize News
If you click HERE you can see WinCustomize's traffic details. Most sites keep this kind of thing secret but we tend to operate as transparently as possible.
The key figures are: 788,000 visits per day average. 5.5 MILLION visitors this past week.
13 days into the WinCustomize subscription drive, we have a total of 345 people who have re-subscribed or subscribed new. Quite a few of them are individuals who re-subscribed long before they needed to or bought a subscription for someone else. That means a very small number of people are doing a lot of the heavy lifting for the site. 345 subscriptions means $6,900 in revenue (thank you to those who have subsribed).
As you can imagine, running a site that gets 5.5 million visitors every week is very expensive. Especially when it's on a download site. For instance, Kol's VistaXP skin has been downloaded about 2,000 times today. It's a 2MB file. That means 4,000 megabytes (4 Gigabytes) of bandwidth were used just for that one skin. So as you can imagine, the bandwidth costs of this site are immense. Moreover, as skinning gets more popular and more users interact, we need full-time people to code and manage the site. Thank goodness we have volunteers who actually run the site and a day to day basis or else there'd be no WinCustomize.
Which brings us back to the start of this news item. WinCustomize costs probably around $300,000 a year to run. That's bandwidth + salaries. Anyone in the Internet business will tell you wer're running the site on a shoe-string. A site in the top 3000 or so most popular in the world would typically cost far more. deviantART, for instance, has around two-dozen employees working just on that site.
So what happens to WinCustomize when October 31 comes and we're not even close to our goal? Well, for skinners, subscribers, and SD Customers the answer is, not much. Skinners and subscribers are going to get new stuff -- we have a Halloween skin in the works for instance and there will be subscriber-only content made in the future.
For regular users it's going to be a different story. Users are going to have to start creating accounts to access skins made that month. We'll also have to put in some code to make it more difficult for someone to simply create a duplicate account. This will likely drive away some users -- which will be part of the goal.
In the midterm, the site will begin focusing more and more on the community with the community defined as people who care about WinCustomize. That would be the skinners, the subscribers, and SD customers. People not in that category will still be able to do many things on the site, but it will be much more restrictive.
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starkers
Reply #42 Friday, October 14, 2005 3:25 AM
Reply #42 Friday, October 14, 2005 3:25 AM
My subscription renewal isn't due 'til Jan 2006, and I have a couple of bills that must come first, but I will renew a little later this month to help support this great site. And quite frankly, I don't care if there's no extra goodies or premium content with it. That's not what this should be about! I see no problem with offering premium suites to attract new subscriptions from drive by's and more recent visitors, etc, but it's sad when 'old timers' of many free downloads see the premium content as being of paramount importance. If these extra goodies become the primary focus and reason for subscribing, then the spirit of community is lost to self interest. That is a problem! The 'I'm not subscribing unless I get extras' misses the point altogether and sends a negative message to people less familiar with WC services and all it has to offer. This subscription drive is not about catering to individual wants, but the Wincustomize community and the continuation of services, a concept that sadly seems to have been missed by a few.
sixshot
Reply #43 Friday, October 14, 2005 4:23 AM
Reply #43 Friday, October 14, 2005 4:23 AM
I personally do not have much incentives on spending 20 for a subscription. At least, not yet... But I do would like to express and explore the bandwidth concerns.
Skins, screenshots, and suite/themes are downloaded every day. We all know that is a problem. But I see a different problem: the site itself. To elaborate, the site design, while nice and spiffy, needs a redesign still. Why? The site design in itself is part of the load too, not just skins. There are plenty of people accessing this site using broadband connections. So it only appears to load fast. However, I think a redesign to truly make the site use minimalistic designs is needed in order to help save on the cost of bandwidth and maintenance. A lightweight UI can go a long way... and I think rather than depend on the subscribers and future subscribers, start at the foundation first, not at the general users.
Skins, screenshots, and suite/themes are downloaded every day. We all know that is a problem. But I see a different problem: the site itself. To elaborate, the site design, while nice and spiffy, needs a redesign still. Why? The site design in itself is part of the load too, not just skins. There are plenty of people accessing this site using broadband connections. So it only appears to load fast. However, I think a redesign to truly make the site use minimalistic designs is needed in order to help save on the cost of bandwidth and maintenance. A lightweight UI can go a long way... and I think rather than depend on the subscribers and future subscribers, start at the foundation first, not at the general users.
indigonecro
Reply #44 Friday, October 14, 2005 5:02 AM
Sixshot,
Don't take anything in this post the wrong way. Not meant to be offensive or accusing of anything.
I find it funny that you have no "incentives" on spending $20 for a subscription. Yet, you have your incentives to download from this community and not contribute. Where, it's clear that the community is in trouble and needs your help.
I'm an ObjectDesktop and WC Subscriber (Proudly) and I complained in the beginning as well. But at that time I had still paid my $49.95 into Stardock. Being at Visitor rating.. What can you say your contributions were?
Suggestions for site improvement are probably always welcome by the admins. But to be taken seriously you need to show your worth like the rest of us do. Or fall come November.
Again, no problems with you in general. But I hate people who leech!! And hate people who pirate Stardock software even more. (Not that you do). Don't be with that crowd.
Sell an old T-Shirt on eBay and give back to the community that gives to you. It's $20 for a freegin' year. That's NOT pricey on any stretch of the imagination for the subscription uses.
I don't consider you ignorant to the benefits of the subscription, but I do consider you mis-informed. (Like most probably are who refuse to subscribe). Look into it.
The benefits of being a WC Subscriber are more than a personal page that you probably won't use.
-Chris C.
Reply #44 Friday, October 14, 2005 5:02 AM
| I personally do not have much incentives on spending 20 for a subscription. At least, not yet... |
Sixshot,
Don't take anything in this post the wrong way. Not meant to be offensive or accusing of anything.
I find it funny that you have no "incentives" on spending $20 for a subscription. Yet, you have your incentives to download from this community and not contribute. Where, it's clear that the community is in trouble and needs your help.
I'm an ObjectDesktop and WC Subscriber (Proudly) and I complained in the beginning as well. But at that time I had still paid my $49.95 into Stardock. Being at Visitor rating.. What can you say your contributions were?
Suggestions for site improvement are probably always welcome by the admins. But to be taken seriously you need to show your worth like the rest of us do. Or fall come November.
Again, no problems with you in general. But I hate people who leech!! And hate people who pirate Stardock software even more. (Not that you do). Don't be with that crowd.
Sell an old T-Shirt on eBay and give back to the community that gives to you. It's $20 for a freegin' year. That's NOT pricey on any stretch of the imagination for the subscription uses.
I don't consider you ignorant to the benefits of the subscription, but I do consider you mis-informed. (Like most probably are who refuse to subscribe). Look into it.
The benefits of being a WC Subscriber are more than a personal page that you probably won't use.
-Chris C.
Duke_D
Reply #45 Friday, October 14, 2005 5:07 AM
Reply #45 Friday, October 14, 2005 5:07 AM
Im sorry if this is a dumb or repeated question but if you've bought products from stardock but not OD itself, for example my page says my user level is 4 does this make a difference at all? Because i saw in the article that you mentioned SD Customers aswell, thats where i got confused. Again sorry if this is a repeated question.
indigonecro
Reply #46 Friday, October 14, 2005 5:22 AM
Hey Duke,
I can't really speak for the site higher ups because I'm just your basic access user. I have no authority here at all. Lol.. I would say yes.. BUT. WinCustomize.com is a seperate entity from Stardock. Meaning if you bought $9 Million in Stardock products.. This site still needs your support too. (From what I'm told).
You help by having SD products. It means your not a pirate. But depending on how much you download, you could be a borderline leech. You know how you have fast downloads? And easy to find skins? It's because of the financing pumping into the site.
Want to help? Pay the $20. Your SD products and WinCustomize.com will have total integration. You will be able to apply skins right from the WC Browser you get when you subscribe. Awesome huh?
-Chris C.
Reply #46 Friday, October 14, 2005 5:22 AM
| Im sorry if this is a dumb or repeated question but if you've bought products from stardock but not OD itself, for example my page says my user level is 4 does this make a difference at all? Because i saw in the article that you mentioned SD Customers aswell, thats where i got confused. Again sorry if this is a repeated question. |
Hey Duke,
I can't really speak for the site higher ups because I'm just your basic access user. I have no authority here at all. Lol.. I would say yes.. BUT. WinCustomize.com is a seperate entity from Stardock. Meaning if you bought $9 Million in Stardock products.. This site still needs your support too. (From what I'm told).
You help by having SD products. It means your not a pirate. But depending on how much you download, you could be a borderline leech. You know how you have fast downloads? And easy to find skins? It's because of the financing pumping into the site.
Want to help? Pay the $20. Your SD products and WinCustomize.com will have total integration. You will be able to apply skins right from the WC Browser you get when you subscribe. Awesome huh?
-Chris C.
RiddickRom
Reply #47 Friday, October 14, 2005 6:32 AM
Clearly the site as it stands offers so much its mind boggling. To offer more is absolutely no incentive for anyone to subscribe.
This is exactly the kind of view that I believe holds the site back. The percentage of people who "love" the community here is tiny compared to the majority. To design a subscription drive around the people who already believe in the community and in general have probably already subscribed, well that is just a very bad business move.
I also dislike intensely the idea that "leechers" should be spit on because they have used a site the way it was actually setup to be used. This whole them and us philosophy cannot help but create problems in growing a community and after all, that's exactly what is wanted.
Still, I'm a fairly new user here. I've tried to take part in the community side, left comments, downloaded a few things, submitted some of my stuff and yet I feel like a leecher. I've gone out of my way to find out more about this site and I think if that is my impression, then what on earth would the impression be of someone who hadn't even tried to get involved yet? Perhaps they might be thinking they are the dirty unwanted leechers too. Hardly an atmosphere that encourages participation or the handing over of money.
Reply #47 Friday, October 14, 2005 6:32 AM
| I see no problem with offering premium suites to attract new subscriptions from drive by's and more recent visitors, etc, |
Clearly the site as it stands offers so much its mind boggling. To offer more is absolutely no incentive for anyone to subscribe.
| This subscription drive is not about catering to individual wants, but the Wincustomize community and the continuation of services, a concept that sadly seems to have been missed by a few. |
This is exactly the kind of view that I believe holds the site back. The percentage of people who "love" the community here is tiny compared to the majority. To design a subscription drive around the people who already believe in the community and in general have probably already subscribed, well that is just a very bad business move.
I also dislike intensely the idea that "leechers" should be spit on because they have used a site the way it was actually setup to be used. This whole them and us philosophy cannot help but create problems in growing a community and after all, that's exactly what is wanted.
Still, I'm a fairly new user here. I've tried to take part in the community side, left comments, downloaded a few things, submitted some of my stuff and yet I feel like a leecher. I've gone out of my way to find out more about this site and I think if that is my impression, then what on earth would the impression be of someone who hadn't even tried to get involved yet? Perhaps they might be thinking they are the dirty unwanted leechers too. Hardly an atmosphere that encourages participation or the handing over of money.
_02
Reply #48 Friday, October 14, 2005 6:34 AM
Reply #48 Friday, October 14, 2005 6:34 AM
My applause to WC for recognizing that giving so much free stuff to non subscribers is not the way to go. The more you give the more they take. The $19.95 subscription fee is well worth it. You get your moneys worth and then some. Anyone who says they can't afford it should consider giving up a few six packs of beer and that Domino's pizza, or whatever un needed luxury they indulge in. Then you can afford it. It is very little to spend in light of all the benefits. I am very glad as a member of this site that all the free loading is coming to an end. Any of you that are still not convinced to support the site can find many others that are free. Just keep in mind that it won't offer anything close to what this site does. This new plan for the site also makes those of us who have paid our dues feel more appreciated. Thanks for a great site and the great content that is made available to us through it. 
_02
Reply #49 Friday, October 14, 2005 6:45 AM
If the skins and themes are not enough incentive, then I don't know what is. Members are not buying friendships or atmosphere, members are helping to pay for the bandwidth it takes to download all the wonderful work that all the skinners work so hard to create for the enjoyment of others. Without the members, non memebers would not have a site to come to. And since so many people have been free loading, we the members are in danger of not having a site to come to either. The bandwidth used by non members is outweighing the amount of money collected from members. The friendships that develop here are just icing on the cake. This is after all, a skinning site.
Reply #49 Friday, October 14, 2005 6:45 AM
| Hardly an atmosphere that encourages participation or the handing over of money. |
If the skins and themes are not enough incentive, then I don't know what is. Members are not buying friendships or atmosphere, members are helping to pay for the bandwidth it takes to download all the wonderful work that all the skinners work so hard to create for the enjoyment of others. Without the members, non memebers would not have a site to come to. And since so many people have been free loading, we the members are in danger of not having a site to come to either. The bandwidth used by non members is outweighing the amount of money collected from members. The friendships that develop here are just icing on the cake. This is after all, a skinning site.
RiddickRom
Reply #50 Friday, October 14, 2005 7:52 AM
You missed my point completely. I'm actually in agreement with you, the bandwidth nightmare has to be resolved but my point was that if you were the type of person that was here just to download and were already getting everything you wanted for free, why on earth would you subscribe?
I beg to differ. I would wager the biggest reason people subscribe to this site is based purely on the respect they have for the skinners. The overwhelming creativity here is intoxicating for other creative people. If that isn't atmosphere, I don't know what is.
The royal we? I'll say no more.
Reply #50 Friday, October 14, 2005 7:52 AM
| If the skins and themes are not enough incentive, then I don't know what is. |
You missed my point completely. I'm actually in agreement with you, the bandwidth nightmare has to be resolved but my point was that if you were the type of person that was here just to download and were already getting everything you wanted for free, why on earth would you subscribe?
| Members are not buying friendships or atmosphere, members are helping to pay for the bandwidth |
I beg to differ. I would wager the biggest reason people subscribe to this site is based purely on the respect they have for the skinners. The overwhelming creativity here is intoxicating for other creative people. If that isn't atmosphere, I don't know what is.
| And since so many people have been free loading, we the members are in danger of not having a site to come to either. |
The royal we? I'll say no more.
Kevin_C
Reply #51 Friday, October 14, 2005 8:32 AM
Because if you were this person and you enjoyed coming here and you enjoy the artwork you find here and you want things to stay the way they are. i.e. free, then you would hopefully feel compelled to chip in and help a bit.
If you don't feel compelled to chip in and help keep things the way they are then you really are part of the problem and you will see exactly what is going to happen when the new restrictions go into place. Honestly I think if this site started using as many obnoxious ads and changed the layout of the free site such that it was impossible to find anything like on DA maybe the subscribership here would be as high as it is there.
While I'd like to see the drive be successful, it appears that the only thing some people understand is having their free toys taken away. So, I guess we'll just have to see how bad it has to get for the casual visitor before things are manageable around here. I've thought about re-subscribing *again* even though my WC sub doesn't expire until mid 07, I subscribed again during the last drive, but maybe I'll just donate a subscription or two.. We'll just have to see.
Reply #51 Friday, October 14, 2005 8:32 AM
| if you were the type of person that was here just to download and were already getting everything you wanted for free, why on earth would you subscribe? |
Because if you were this person and you enjoyed coming here and you enjoy the artwork you find here and you want things to stay the way they are. i.e. free, then you would hopefully feel compelled to chip in and help a bit.
If you don't feel compelled to chip in and help keep things the way they are then you really are part of the problem and you will see exactly what is going to happen when the new restrictions go into place. Honestly I think if this site started using as many obnoxious ads and changed the layout of the free site such that it was impossible to find anything like on DA maybe the subscribership here would be as high as it is there.
While I'd like to see the drive be successful, it appears that the only thing some people understand is having their free toys taken away. So, I guess we'll just have to see how bad it has to get for the casual visitor before things are manageable around here. I've thought about re-subscribing *again* even though my WC sub doesn't expire until mid 07, I subscribed again during the last drive, but maybe I'll just donate a subscription or two.. We'll just have to see.
_02
Reply #52 Friday, October 14, 2005 8:35 AM
I'm sorry you take it that way. It was not implied. I am no better than anyone else. The only difference is I am a member. If you want to attach a stigma to it, you are free to do so.The money I have paid to support this site allows me to call myself a member. Why don't you just join and become one of the members yourself? You won't be sorry, and I for one will give you a warm welcome.
While part of what you said is true, the fact is, most of the skinners here belong to several other sites that are free. The only thing one needs to do on those sites is sign up.
And I appologize for overlooking your stand on free versus subscription. We are in agreement there.
Reply #52 Friday, October 14, 2005 8:35 AM
| The royal we? I'll say no more. |
I'm sorry you take it that way. It was not implied. I am no better than anyone else. The only difference is I am a member. If you want to attach a stigma to it, you are free to do so.The money I have paid to support this site allows me to call myself a member. Why don't you just join and become one of the members yourself? You won't be sorry, and I for one will give you a warm welcome.
| I beg to differ. I would wager the biggest reason people subscribe to this site is based purely on the respect they have for the skinners. The overwhelming creativity here is intoxicating for other creative people. If that isn't atmosphere, I don't know what is. |
While part of what you said is true, the fact is, most of the skinners here belong to several other sites that are free. The only thing one needs to do on those sites is sign up.
And I appologize for overlooking your stand on free versus subscription. We are in agreement there.
RiddickRom
Reply #53 Friday, October 14, 2005 9:36 AM
I agree with you 100% but that clearly isn't working. I think the problem lies somewhere in the mindset the majority have who surf. They have paid their subscription fee to their ISP and now believe they can surf the internet freely. A little like you'd pay for your cable TV access then expect the shows to be free. Not a perfect analogy I admit. There is very little understanding about how much it costs to provide content and I'm not just talking about downloads, the work webmasters put in has absolutely no value to the majority. It's expected and I dont think you will change attitudes like that without at least trying to hit the downloaders with some information that educates them.
How many times have you read on forums that the ads are annoying, why can't you just take them away etc. Most surfers are oblivious to how the internet actually works and how much it costs to run even hobbyist sites, let alone the traffic monsters like this site. The forum isn't the place to get the most effective results, I applaud how transparent this site is in revealing the costs involved but how about putting a little of that into the download section?
"You are about to download file x, the cost in bandwidth to bring you this file is up to $x this week. If you appreciate this service, come into the forums, get involved, weve got x, y and z to tempt you and if you subscribe you'll get all this......"
At least your making each person think about the reality of what it is they are doing.
Do I feel the need to pay for a site I've only recently discovered and am not even sure I'll still be surfing in the long term? I'm not here for the downloads, Most of the time I just like to look at what skinners are doing. I have my own minimilist desktop that I customize myself for my own needs. I really dont need a download service but I'm sure I am in the minority there. So would I subscribe to essentially pay for others bandwidth? Not a hope. As I get more into it would I consider paying? Maybe I would but I'd also like to see a lot more done to improve the mechanics of the site. That's for another thread though.
I keep saying but seem to be giving the opposite impression, cripple the downloads for people like me, I have no beef with that at all. Fire more adverts at me, bring it on. I love Gamespots layout and ads. I really do and despite the moaners who shout much louder than those that are happy, the idea of providing on topic advertising that's visually pleasing makes my experience of using the site better. I've run small sites and used ad agencies like Burst media, small time stuff I admit but I know the kind of trash that is out there in online advertising and the desperation small time webmasters have in general in trying to maintain their ever increasing costs but with models like gamespot, larger sites have no excuse not to get with the program and really make the most of the traffic.
Reply #53 Friday, October 14, 2005 9:36 AM
| Because if you were this person and you enjoyed coming here and you enjoy the artwork you find here and you want things to stay the way they are. i.e. free, then you would hopefully feel compelled to chip in and help a bit. |
I agree with you 100% but that clearly isn't working. I think the problem lies somewhere in the mindset the majority have who surf. They have paid their subscription fee to their ISP and now believe they can surf the internet freely. A little like you'd pay for your cable TV access then expect the shows to be free. Not a perfect analogy I admit. There is very little understanding about how much it costs to provide content and I'm not just talking about downloads, the work webmasters put in has absolutely no value to the majority. It's expected and I dont think you will change attitudes like that without at least trying to hit the downloaders with some information that educates them.
How many times have you read on forums that the ads are annoying, why can't you just take them away etc. Most surfers are oblivious to how the internet actually works and how much it costs to run even hobbyist sites, let alone the traffic monsters like this site. The forum isn't the place to get the most effective results, I applaud how transparent this site is in revealing the costs involved but how about putting a little of that into the download section?
"You are about to download file x, the cost in bandwidth to bring you this file is up to $x this week. If you appreciate this service, come into the forums, get involved, weve got x, y and z to tempt you and if you subscribe you'll get all this......"
At least your making each person think about the reality of what it is they are doing.
| If you don't feel compelled to chip in and help keep things the way they are then you really are part of the problem and you will see exactly what is going to happen when the new restrictions go into place. |
Do I feel the need to pay for a site I've only recently discovered and am not even sure I'll still be surfing in the long term? I'm not here for the downloads, Most of the time I just like to look at what skinners are doing. I have my own minimilist desktop that I customize myself for my own needs. I really dont need a download service but I'm sure I am in the minority there. So would I subscribe to essentially pay for others bandwidth? Not a hope. As I get more into it would I consider paying? Maybe I would but I'd also like to see a lot more done to improve the mechanics of the site. That's for another thread though.
| So, I guess we'll just have to see how bad it has to get for the casual visitor before things are manageable around here. |
I keep saying but seem to be giving the opposite impression, cripple the downloads for people like me, I have no beef with that at all. Fire more adverts at me, bring it on. I love Gamespots layout and ads. I really do and despite the moaners who shout much louder than those that are happy, the idea of providing on topic advertising that's visually pleasing makes my experience of using the site better. I've run small sites and used ad agencies like Burst media, small time stuff I admit but I know the kind of trash that is out there in online advertising and the desperation small time webmasters have in general in trying to maintain their ever increasing costs but with models like gamespot, larger sites have no excuse not to get with the program and really make the most of the traffic.
RiddickRom
Reply #54 Friday, October 14, 2005 9:46 AM
I just took it as I saw it. A little quote from animal farm "All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others." That wasn't really aimed at you. You just provided a good spot for me to air what I was already thinking after reading a fair bit from subscribers.
Phew! I think we agree too, I just really wanted to make the point that driving traffic away might not be the only solution and by saying that I didn't mean, dont touch the downloads, leave them as they are although I could see how one idea suggests the other.
Reply #54 Friday, October 14, 2005 9:46 AM
| I'm sorry you take it that way. It was not implied. I am no better than anyone else. The only difference is I am a member. If you want to attach a stigma to it, you are free to do so. |
I just took it as I saw it. A little quote from animal farm "All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others." That wasn't really aimed at you. You just provided a good spot for me to air what I was already thinking after reading a fair bit from subscribers.
| And I appologize for overlooking your stand on free versus subscription. We are in agreement there |
Phew! I think we agree too, I just really wanted to make the point that driving traffic away might not be the only solution and by saying that I didn't mean, dont touch the downloads, leave them as they are although I could see how one idea suggests the other.
orb351
Reply #55 Friday, October 14, 2005 10:01 AM
Reply #55 Friday, October 14, 2005 10:01 AM
Something about all of this divisiveness is really getting me down. As a community we should be rallying around each other, not picking fights and placing blame. This entire community is interdependent, skinners and non-skinners alike. Do we take to heart that a skinner is just as important as someone who buys objectdesktop, one doesn't exist without the other. When I feel that a difference has to be made between people who buy OD (1/2 of the equation) and those who subscribe to WC (1/2 of the equation) I don't feel all that good and I can't see how this situation will solve itself with the majority winning.
I agree with those suggesting alternate business models and those looking for other solutions. This subscribe or you're no one isn't the solution. Punishment doesn’t make anyone act for very long.
Speaking of alternates, which section or sections take all the bandwidth? Maybe those sections need to be limited?
What about the OD users, maybe they get access to anything OD would directly support (WB, cursors, etc.) but things like wallpapers would be a little different.
Perhaps it’s time for the site admins to start a new message thread that asks for the visitors and subscribers alike to list their positive suggestions.
I agree with those suggesting alternate business models and those looking for other solutions. This subscribe or you're no one isn't the solution. Punishment doesn’t make anyone act for very long.
Speaking of alternates, which section or sections take all the bandwidth? Maybe those sections need to be limited?
What about the OD users, maybe they get access to anything OD would directly support (WB, cursors, etc.) but things like wallpapers would be a little different.
Perhaps it’s time for the site admins to start a new message thread that asks for the visitors and subscribers alike to list their positive suggestions.
Frogboy
Reply #56 Friday, October 14, 2005 10:04 AM
Reply #56 Friday, October 14, 2005 10:04 AM
| I might have agreed with that line years ago but I've seen too many sites thrive by giving things away, for free. Look at DeviantArt as an example of how a site can grow on the basis of giving stuff away. |
non-subscribers on deviantART can't even search.
Frogboy
Reply #57 Friday, October 14, 2005 10:19 AM
Reply #57 Friday, October 14, 2005 10:19 AM
Our belief is that people don't subscribe to the site simply because there's little incentive to do so.
Right now, a user can come on and download over a 100 megabytes of stuff. Then, once they do, they can simply create another account and continue doing the same thing.
Instead, what we're looking at is creating a system in which the newest skins require an account (which is free). Then after 50 megabytes of downloading, they have to purchase something, become a skinner, or become a subscriber. Then put in place a system where we can better detect people who are creating duplicate accounts.
If that doesn't work, then we'll lower it to 25 megabytes of bandwidth a user can have.
There are other features of the site that can become premium features.
mpapad
Reply #58 Friday, October 14, 2005 10:41 AM
So you are going to use more resources for users that don't indent to subscribe.
Why don't you enforce those changes for a week to see how it goes starting today?
Reply #58 Friday, October 14, 2005 10:41 AM
Our belief is that people don't subscribe to the site simply because there's little incentive to do so. If that doesn't work, then we'll lower it to 25 megabytes of bandwidth a user can have. |
So you are going to use more resources for users that don't indent to subscribe.
Why don't you enforce those changes for a week to see how it goes starting today?
_footsie_
Reply #59 Friday, October 14, 2005 10:47 AM
Reply #59 Friday, October 14, 2005 10:47 AM
Hmmm
I just found out that buying OD didn't include a subscription to WC......
So I'll be sending another money order for a subscription and to support the site
because I love the way it's set up, run and the artists and techs are more than worth the small subscription fee.
It will cost me an entire day's paycheck, so you see I don't have much money to throw around...I'm frugal by necessity
the work and people here are worth it
*do I get suck up points???
I just found out that buying OD didn't include a subscription to WC......
So I'll be sending another money order for a subscription and to support the site
because I love the way it's set up, run and the artists and techs are more than worth the small subscription fee.
It will cost me an entire day's paycheck, so you see I don't have much money to throw around...I'm frugal by necessity
the work and people here are worth it
*do I get suck up points???
Surj
Reply #60 Friday, October 14, 2005 10:53 AM
Reply #60 Friday, October 14, 2005 10:53 AM
how dissapointing, so many site visitors that couldn't give a rip van winkle about the site. its not new though, that same stigma has been around since the sites launch, and its the reason I've never wanted to be part of this "community". i support the site, but its only for the sake of the skin authors and stardock, not the other members.
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Reply #41 Friday, October 14, 2005 2:44 AM
Feel free to ignore my comment then, if such is the case; I beg your collective pardons...
(hunts for whiffleball bat to repeatedly bust over computers case...)