One computer?

from Stardock Forums

I've been looking at Start8 and possibly upgrading it to Object Desktop.

I have 6 computers I use in my household.  I read the EULA and it states, "Install and use one (1) copy of the Software on a single computer."

While I understand a developer deserves his due, that seems a little draconian, especially considering that Stardock always has talked about not making DRM punitive.  I'm not saying there shouldn't be limits, but it's hard to justify $30 in this economy when I can get http://www.classicshell.net/ for free.

I'm not saying a workman isn't worth his wages, but at the same time it's an attempt to nikel and dime someone who legitimately wants to purchase the software.

Before you start calling me a cheap bastard or saying what a jerk I am, I'd like to point out that I wouldn't be making this thread if I wasn't interested in purchasing Start8.  Heck, I know where to torrent it, but rather than that, I'll go with Classic Shell than steal from Stardock, because I have had a softspot for them since GCII.

17,494 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

So what is your point?? You can afford 6 computers in single household,but  $4.99* 5?? Wow.  :\


Anyhow,Stardock does offer price for businesses/corporates' users,you may get a special discount under this circumstance: https://www.stardock.com/corporatesolutions/Start8/

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

timburton....

Rather than inappropriately referring to pirated 'product'  why not contact [email protected] and put forward your case for consideration?

It might not be impossible that they couldn't offer a 'collective' discount....

 

Note....I'm not 'in sales' ....;)

Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Gaspershooters, reply 1

So what's is your point?? You can afford 6 computers in single household,but  $4.99* 5?? Wow. 




Anyhow,Stardock does offer price for businesses/corporates' users,you may get a special discount under this circumstance: https://www.stardock.com/corporatesolutions/Start8/[/quote]

 

The point is that I don't believe that the value of Start8 is $30 or Object Desktop is $300.  So irrespective of if I can afford it, I don't want it at that price.

 

So, reading more in this forum this morning, I found:

 

https://forums.stardock.com/448729/page/1/

 

So I guess it is going to be Classic Shell.  Lost sale.  They see the value at per a computer, I don't.  I choose not to spend my money, and they choose not to loosen their EULA.   In some ways both lose, but I can live without Object Desktop.  Classic Shell will give me 90% of what I want. 

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 2
why not contact [email protected] and put forward your case for consideration?
Before you write Stardock off, why not take Jafo's advice and contact sales, rather than basing your decision soley on what you've read in the forums?

(Although not in sales, he has been known to steer people in the proper direction.) ;)

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I often wonder why I have to pay to put a license plate on each vehicle I own too. >:(

 

+1 Loading…
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Phoon, reply 5

I often wonder why I have to pay to put a license plate on each vehicle I own too.

 

 

Again, if I don't put the vehicle on the road, I don't need one for vehicles never going off my property.  Its why tractors usually don't have them.

But ultimately, your analogy is wrong because we aren't talking about an OS or something, required to operate the computer, the OS is like a motor.  That would be an apples to apples comparison.  Rather, it is more like a spoiler.  Sure it looks good, but it isn't required.  I can get the same thing from something free.  So they are competing against free which has virtually everything they offer.  So they should really reconsider the # of computers allowed to us the program.

It's just my 2 cents and hope they reconsider this policy in the future.

 

 

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 2

timburton....

Rather than inappropriately referring to pirated 'product'  why not contact [email protected] and put forward your case for consideration?

It might not be impossible that they couldn't offer a 'collective' discount....

 

Note....I'm not 'in sales' ....

 

OK...I 'may' have too many negatives there.... but what is meant is Stardock MAY be able to offer you a group discount.

 

With regards to your comments in #3 ...start8 is NOT $30 it is $5 - each..... just as the computer OS you wish to put it on to enhance the functionality/use [missed by MS] is NOT $1200 [say]...it's $200.

Generally when you purchase something you do so per item....1 apple....one price....2 apples one price-twice.

Unfortunately there is a misconception about software [particularly downloads vs. hard media [CD] ] as if somehow the concept of purchase is different.

 

But, as with cheaper-by-the-dozen you may find Stardock is sympathetic.

Contact them...;)

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

It is when I combine it to unify my system.

I'll ask.

 

About referring to a pirated copy, lets not act like they aren't out there.  What I was attempting was what occurred within the first couple of posts.  Calling me cheap.  If I was really cheap, I would just go pirate it.  What I am saying is that when I buy something I say I value that item more than I do the money that the other party wants.  I'm saying I don't find it valuable enough to put it on all of my systems for $30 when I can get 90% of the functionality for free.

I probably won't use any features that Start8 offers over SC.  That said, I have a soft spot and would happily pay what I consider reasonable.  Since they seem to think their product is worth more than what I do.  We are at an economic impasse.

 

I'm just suggesting that they reconsider their EULA. 

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 7
Unfortunately there is a misconception about software [particularly downloads vs. hard media [CD] ] as if somehow the concept of purchase is different.

 

actually the concept is different already for many software purchases and that will become more and more obvious in the (near) future.

sooner or later almost all software will be tied to the user and not a particular piece of hardware. (what in the scenario here might mean the user would still have to buy multiple licenses if his wife or children would like to use the software as well)

 

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Yeah, just messin Jafo.

 

I like all the free art that is strictly WC product reliant. Unmatched anywhere.

Could not be shared or enjoyed by so many without such a program.

worth the cost per pc.