Object Desktop 2008 Preliminaries

Draginol

Join Date 03/2001

+137

Object Desktop 2008 Preliminaries

It's almost time to start talking about what's happening with Object Desktop in 2008. 2008 will be the single biggest change to the product since its release.

Here are some highlights:

Two versions

In 2008 there will be two editions of Object Desktop:

Object Desktop normal which will remain $49.95 and it will include:

Object Desktop LaunchPad
WindowBlinds
IconPackager
DeskScapes
DesktopX
SoundPackager
Theme Manager
MyColors with 3 premium themes included

And there will then be:

Object Desktop Ultimate Edition which will be $69.95 and add:

TweakVista
WindowFX
SkinStudio
IconDeveloper
StyleVista (new program in development)
LogonStudio Vista
ObjectBar
RightClick
Keyboard LaunchPad

ALL current users of Object Desktop at the time that 2008 edition is launched will be upgraded to Ultimate Edition.

Another big change is that the user experience of Object Desktop is going to dramatically improve. Gone will be the days of a new user simply getting a serial # and being expected to download Stardock Central to get started. Instead, a user will download a complete Object Desktop package which will allow them to easily upgrade to updates versions.

The inclusion of MyColors is a pretty big deal as well in that now users will be able to much more easily add new premium themes. What we'll be doing is that every so often we'll add an additional premium MyColors theme to every active Object Desktop account. So the longer someone is an Object Desktop user, the more stuff they get.

Stay tuned.

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In case some people forget, basic SkinStudio is free.

Existing users get Object Desktop Ultimate so I don't see how existing customers can argue they're getting a bad deal out of it.

The renewal price of Object Desktop Ultimate hasn't been set but will probably be $39.95.

I also think some people desperately need to go and look at how much things cost and then come back and argue that Object Desktop isn't a great deal.

Hey Brad,

It's not Stardock that I'm questioning... I mean, Object Desktop hasn't been increased in price for like ages... so I don't mind a price increase to cover the increased costs of living

"(though 40% seems a bit out of proportion).
It's the way the crowd reacts on it like they are all positively excited about the price increase. That's something I do not understand from a customer point of view. On the other hand, if the renewal price increases only by $5, then I don't think there's any reason to complain for current subscribers though.

Martin

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warreni

Join Date 12/2005

+86

Speedy Martin said:

It's the way the crowd reacts on it like they are all positively excited about the price increase. That's something I do not understand from a customer point of view.

Well, as one of the aforementioned customers, I think most people are reacting to the value-added content and enhancements to existing software that are to come. I think that the release of WB 6 and SkinStudio 6, as well as SoundPackager, illustrate that Stardock has a commitment to upgrading and improving its existing OD components and building new ones.

Jeff Gamble said:

Instead (or perhaps in addition), I would like to see packages that users could customize, so they can get what the want, at a reasonable price.

I started using Windowblinds back in 1998, and I stated subscribing to OD in 2001.
With this I may consider NOT renewing next year.

While this seems like a good idea on the surface, it usually works out that when you break a package out into individual components, the cost to the end user goes up, substantially. Look at what it costs to register WindowBlinds and Iconpackager as standalone products (~$35) as opposed to an OD 2007 subscription (~$50). When you start weighing the added benefits of having "the package," even if it contains components that you do not now or may not ever use, you may find that they outweigh the costs of purchasing a "buffet" of items.

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WebGizmos

Join Date 09/2003

+735

Draginol said:
Object Desktop normal which will remain $49.95 and it will include:

* Object Desktop LaunchPad
* WindowBlinds
* IconPackager

Not listed with Ultimate

Which some users will be upgraded to.

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ZubaZ

Join Date 11/2001

+917

Not listed with Ultimate Which some users will be upgraded to.

[quote]Object Desktop Ultimate Edition which will be $69.95 and add:[/quote]
Regular OD + Ultimate

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Philly0381

Join Date 11/2004

+844

Not to stir the pot here, but there are some small utility programs that are listed in my Object Desktop, will they stay or be dropped? One that I use is Object Sweeper.

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Personally, I think this is an excellent idea ...

When I purchased the ODesktop, I was wondering then, why it wasn't like this- in packages.

They make more money this way; and we get a few more things...after all, isn't that what it's all about... Business.

If you add all the items as stand alone programs, your total amount is way over $70.00. It's just smarter to purchase the whole package (unless you just intend on using one thing out of it) even if you don't intend on using all the items that you've purchased, as time goes by, you just might....and if you do- decide to, there it is..and automatically updated, as needed.

And just in case, it's still in the works, about the 3 MyColors premium themes, from package 1....There should be an addition, where you should be able to choose the 3 themes that you'd like, from a selected list, right before purchase. That would give the customer more selection and make them feel that they're getting more for their money, which will also make it a more personal purchase, and in return, a repeat customer.

~ Merry Christmas ~

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PurrBall

Join Date 02/2003

+23

The renewal price of Object Desktop Ultimate hasn't been set but will probably be $39.95.

Please, no more than this, I like that price since it's about what I pay now

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I'm an addict. I can't imagine NOT having OD so I'll continue. Besides, the product is certainly worth the price inn't?

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Philly0381

Join Date 11/2004

+844

You came to this party and now you don't want to dance, imagine that! Oh, can I ask if you shelled out the money for Vista?

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Alternate Setting

Join Date 03/2004

+24

In case some people forget, basic SkinStudio is free.

Existing users get Object Desktop Ultimate so I don't see how existing customers can argue they're getting a bad deal out of it.

The renewal price of Object Desktop Ultimate hasn't been set but will probably be $39.95.

I also think some people desperately need to go and look at how much things cost and then come back and argue that Object Desktop isn't a great deal.

I think a lot of what you're saying is fair enough.

I also think it's consistent for me to post as an individual, that I find Stardock prices have traditionally been good value for money overall...............

.......and at the same time, as a community member with an interest in seeing new skinners from all backgrounds encouraged - it's also consistent for me to post expressing a concern that a year from now (while recognising there is a free version), some of those potential skinners, who might otherwise have been able to afford SkinStudio Professional, may because of it's repositioning, find the proposed new price point more challenging.

I don't think that's an unkind or aggressively anti-Stardock viewpoint.

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It seems like everytime someone calls a software package "Ultimate", you can expect to take it in the bloomers. Less for more. Yay. The only program I use in your "Ultimate" is Right Click and I'm certainly not going to fork over an extra $20 for that alone. I was planning to learn & use SkinStudio but I'm not going to pay extra money in hopes of providing you with free content. The addition of "My Colors" appears more to a benefit of Stardock than anyone else. I don't want it. I don't follow college sports. The only color I want is green and you want to take that from me.

Draginol said - "I also think some people desperately need to go and look at how much things cost and then come back and argue that Object Desktop isn't a great deal."

....again, most companies don't rely on user submitted content the way that this one does.

Judging from the tone that this topic has taken I'm pretty sure that this post will not be recieved well but I don't care. I really don't see any benefits with the so called "Ultimate". This is a lot less for 40% more, announced right before Xmas. I really like this stuff but there are alternatives to a lot of it. If & when the software that I have paid for ceases to work, I will use those alternatives. Apparently I've purchased all the virtual product that I'm going to from Microdock or Starsoft or whatever you've become.

Scold all of the paying customers that you want...this will cost you money & content in the long run. I'm new to all of this. I can only imagine what long time customers & skinners must {really} think about this.

~ Have a Christmas

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The only program I use in your "Ultimate" is Right Click and I'm certainly not going to fork over an extra $20 for that alone.

Well, I sure would, as it is the most useful Stardock-Program for me.

The renewal price of Object Desktop Ultimate hasn't been set but will probably be $39.95.

That's 5$ more for two new components. Not an unreasonable price increase. Especially not since OD has remained at the same price for ages (I believe this is the first price increase since I subscribed for the first time approx. 6? years ago)....

I can only imagine what long time customers & skinners must {really} think about this.

...... 2 cents from a long time customer.

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PurrBall

Join Date 02/2003

+23

Scold all of the paying customers that you want.

I don't give a hoot since the renew price is about the same

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What a bunch of bloody whingers,your going on about price for how many apps are you getting in a single package there's around 27 apps divide that by revised price for ultimate it works out at around $2.60 for each app,then there's the member gallery which contains thousands of skins & are free,some of which are so dam good we all should pay for the skinners time,so give it a rest already & be thankful the price is still in US dollars & not Euro's

, *loads scoped shotgun*

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Suck it up folks...buisness is buisness! I'm with you on this one xscorpx.......

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Vista is a joke. Until microsoft allows it to be compatable with XP`s programs, it`s kind of like OD '08 not really worth the price or effort.

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Frogboy

Join Date 03/2001

+2419

Object Desktop has remained the same price since its December 4, 1999 launch date when it included just Control Center, Tab LaunchPad, IconPackager, and WindowBlinds.

Since existing customers automatically get Object Desktop Ultimate, I fail to see how existing customers can argue they're somehow getting treated poorly.

A big reason to create the two packages was one of marketing. Over the years, as Object Desktop has grown and grown in features, the ability to get it reviewed or covered in magazines has gotten reduced because it's become so unwieldly.

Moreover, we wanted to move towards providing more content to Object Desktop users but that comes at an increased expense.

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I don't mind the price hike, but at this stage its not clear whether there's enough new components/features to warrant renewal.

I really don't like subscription based software as it feels like its just new veneer with more of the same under the hood. I renewed last year based on Stardock's GalCiv2 after sales enhancements and expansion packs. This year I don't see any real benefit - yet.

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Frogboy

Join Date 03/2001

+2419

Well, let's say you renewed one year ago today. What did you get for your $34.95?

TweakVista. A new $19.95 program.
WindowBlinds 6. A $14.95 upgrade from WindowBlinds 5 and adds a ton of new features.
SoundPackager. A new $19.95 program.
Object Desktop Premium Suites. A $8 value.
IconPackager 3.2. Windows Vista support added including Live folders (the only program that exists that can do this).
SkinStudio 6 Pro (beta).
ObjectBar 2.1 (Vista support added).
RightClick 1.2 (Vista support added).
DeskScapes
Keyboard LaunchPad 1.6 (Vista support)
DesktopX 3.49 (beta) (Vista support)
Premium skins for Object Desktop users ($5)

If you have Windows Vista, I think the value is pretty obvious.

If you still have Windows XP, then it's a matter of which programs you use. WindowBlinds 6 is a pretty big deal. If you didn't have WindowBlinds stand-alone, you benefited by $20. SoundPackager depends on whether you use it or not. Premium suites I think are pretty obvious. Plus the aforementioned updates did have new features for both XP and Vista.

But I think in either case, a substantial value was provided.

And in 2008, even bigger things are in the works for Object Desktop users.

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The Breakdown from an XP perspective

BlogSpotz Free Image Hosting

WHITE = Products that will still be offered for current price
RED = Must pay 40% to have &/or keep
YELLOW = Apparently Removed
* This uses the list provided in the original post by Draginol

I use XP & have no plans on moving to Vista. This restructuring of the software is clearly a benefit to Vista users, but for XP users it's stripping them of a large group of programs. This means the only solution is to pay for a bunch of Vista programs that I don't want & will probably never use....just to keep the programs that I have now, that work with XP. Even if XP users payed the extra $20 we will apparently be losing a large amount of programs. I don't understand how that translates as a "good deal" by anyone's standards.

xscorpx - *loads scoped shotgun*

Under what business model is this kind of comment acceptable? This should have been removed immediately & the person dealt with! Especially considering all of the shooting incidents this country has endured this year.

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Philly0381

Join Date 11/2004

+844

Some folks do, I must say, have different forms of humor and ways of expressing their selves. Please do not take it personal, I'm in now way speaking for xscorpx or Stardock but I'm sure the response was made out of frustration.

I'm also a non Vista user, but my choices are made form the aspect of is the software doing what I want and does it still have value. I kind of think everyone needs to take that approach and do what they feel is reguired. My subscription is out to 2009 so I get the free upgrade to Ultimate, but I would renew based upon what the Orignial Post. It's all about choices and what we want. Changes do happen is life, we either accept them or not.

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Frogboy

Join Date 03/2001

+2419

Just because I don't explicitly mention a component doesn't mean it's been removed.

That said, as a practical matter, if you plan to "never" upgrade from Windows XP, then yes, Object Desktop will have a decreasing value just as it did for Windows 95 users and Windows 2000 users in turn.

And let me say (again): If you already have Object Desktop you get Object Desktop Ultimate for free. So the "40% increase" is not applicable.

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PurrBall

Join Date 02/2003

+23

Are we finally going to get our new ObjectEdit build with ODNT 2008?

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Just because I don't explicitly mention a component doesn't mean it's been removed.

People have asked about various programs & I didn't see a response so I assumed if the weren't listed, they were being taken out. Sorry if that's my mistake.

I do plan on upgrading from Windows XP. I'm just not going to upgrade to Vista. (Which is a downgrade in reality). If the next OS (after Vista) sucks as bad as Vista does, I will most likely switch to Linux. Windows Vista & the programs that go with it are fast becoming a set-up for the elite with money to throw away.

And let me say (again): If you already have Object Desktop you get Object Desktop Ultimate for free. So the "40% increase" is not applicable.

With no given date you are leaving most people in the lurch. One would have to assume that you know when the majority of subscriptions expire & that you will choose to release the new "Ultimate" package when it most benefits Stardock. That's fine & "business is business" as was said earlier. If it's worth it to you to get the extra subscription money, with the cost of losing customers, artists, coders, content submitters etc. so be it.

In the end it is all about perspective. I'm just sharing mine, and from where I sit...this news doesn't look good at all. You have plenty of people telling you what you want to hear, some of them with shotguns. Stick with them. I deal in reality & I give my honest opinion. If someone wants to call me a whiner & basically threaten to shoot me, (as a joke or not), I don't need to support the infrastructure that allows it. Let that person, & your other "Yes" people, reimburse you for any business you lose.

I honestly don't know why you announced this to begin with. It's not like you're doing anyone but yourselves a favor. That's fine, but puzzling from my end.

Have an Ultimate Christmas

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dude, that has to be the most ridiculous statement i've seen posted here in years. i'm sure brad has checked to see when certain individuals' subscriptions for odnt expire so he can release odnt2008 and force them to pay the extra 20 bucks. when your sub expires, renew it! end of story. the most it's going to cost you is 40 bucks compared to 35 like it was for odnt2007.

these statements bashing stardock and brad for having two different versions of odnt are quite comical. i have yet to see one that has a valid argument.

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