I have to sympathize with Zubaz a bit. There are valid points he makes as well as Stardock response. But I too am not happy that I paid "full" price for only a partially working software suite, with no release date for full working version. Just think about that for a second. It borders on a free loan from a (new) customer. And what would this be called if the Win 8 release of the remaining products doesn't materialize? I don't think refunds will be coming.
The Stardock justification above is basically - we're telling you we are going to charge you full price on something we can't yet deliver.
We'll we're not really telling you; you have to notice this off the pages on our website.
Yes, after looking at the forum it was pointed out that one of the website pages does indicate only a few of the Object Desktop software tools are currently upgraded for Windows 8. But does that make it fair to charge full price for a new Windows 8 subscription purchase?
It's not clear whether the subscription period is being used up by the few working modules? Apparently it must because there is a single registration number for the full OD.
This is a weakness in the system and this is apparent by the low ratings Stardock is getting. It's just not right and improvement is needed here. Especially when one can't call in to get an empathetic voice. This seems to indicate staffing is low and budgets are tight; which only makes one more concerned when paying full price for an unfinished product with no target release date. This is poor overall execution.
Now, the few modules of Object Desktop that are working (with Win8) are impressive and as a new user I may look forward to the remaining Win8 releases. But the process of charging full price with an open-ended release date for remaining unfinished work is an unprofessional business practice. At a minimum, full paying customers in waiting should receive the courtesy of expected release dates for each work-in-process module and re-notified if the target date slips.
Even better, only a pro-rata charge should be processed.
I can only imagine this is not done because the extended time the release dates will reveal will turn off many buyers thus hurting the funding process; as will pro-rata assessments.
It's seems Stardock is on to some nice talented enhancements for the Windows operating system. One would think additional funding could be acquired for use in adequate staffing to handle the concerns of a growing disgruntled customer base.
So the options are wait patiently and write off the 50 bucks (or some lesser value for the items not compatible with Win8); or uninstall and dispute the credit card charge within the proper time frame.
There's time to decide.
ps - Jafo's (a Stardoch representiative) decision of what is and what isn't appropriate should also be a red flag about the attitudes and pressures inside this development team. Dismissing customers is simply an unprofessional and inappropriate way to build a customer base.
