I somewhat doubt that the antispyware apps would add this program to their detection (although anything is possible) since as proposed it is not the classic adware/spyware and has an real opt in: people have to actively choose to download and use the app.

As long as there is full disclosure about what it does and the info it collects and how it is used, I don't see that there's a reason for the antispyware folks to target it. And since people would have to voluntarily download the program with full knowledge of its purpose it shouldn't be classified as "spyware" in the same category as CoolWebSearch and similar "foistware" that typically is installed without the user's knowledge/consent and is often almost impossible to unistall without specialized apps and assistance from spyware experts.

I rather like the proposed name: it reflects its function.

#45 How about CustomEyes or something?

Thats a no-go.
There is already an application by that name - OK its been discontinued but has been picked up by someone else and is now better known a ShellWM.

What about:
WBSnooper
SkinStats

SkinStats

Sounds cool I'm still a bit .. indecisive of whether I would use it or not.

How about SkinMetrix?

SkinMetrix .. Sysmetrix

It's a cool name Frogboy but wouldn't there be people saying you have 'ripped' the name from Xymantics ? (sorry if thats spelt incorrectly)

I'll second "SkinGauge"

what everyone who is concerned about ''spyware in stardock products'' has to remember is, this is a seperate program.. i think its being approached in a good way. you can get away with saying object desktop software will not be bundled with spyware because this could be a seperate program, and if it is turned off by default and letting users specify what informatin they want to send, would be seen purely as a survey tool and wouldn''t be intrusive.

however, you''d want to be clear about what information people can turn on and turn off. if some people are showing their windowblinds themes and some arn''t, would that unbalance the actual most popular skins? and how often would it collect the data? having it send monthly information, with a prompt to say ''its that time again, would you like to participate in this survey?'' might be more appealing.

overall, i''d say i''ll do it. downloads do in fact not accurately depict the best themes and we all know you can''t count on ratings. if it could be categorized, and-for example-i label this machine as an office computer, and my theme (currently pixoffice) shows up as a popular theme for office users, it would be even more useful.

i''m also not concerned with privacy issues when it comes to stardock.. i''m generally not a trusting person and my computers are forts when it comes to withholding information.. but when you meet the programmers of this stuff in IRC to bullshit about pub jokes, ''trust'' with a company feels different.

every company and its mother''s son and dog are trying to collect information about how you use their software now.. but if you are a veteran user, consider that your opinions have a lot of weight in the community and you might want to share your tastes and interface habbits with people new to the software. if you are a designer and use a slick, streamlined objectbar (design by DesignCaddy, of course!) it would make an impression on someone looking for a solution to their interface problems.

anyway thats my 4 cents. if this thing would work, a large majority of people would have to use it to get accurate results. so i hope many of you reconsider.

^^^ i tried to include ''features'' in here as well as my opinion to keep this post relative
[Message Edited]

Thats a no-go. There is already an application by that name

You beat me to it. I remember using that many years ago. http://www.skinbase.org/app.php?name=customeyes

As to the name for the app? How about "Skindecision"?

Karma #57

Being that you will have to willfully download, install and run this program, I can't see how anyone can say that it is bad or unethical. It's not like it comes bundled with something else and installs without your knowledge.

If this is the way it would work there would be nothing wrong with it. Matter of choice then for each user. Only problem is that it would still not give an accurate count then.

Skin Census!

If its an individual program, installed at the user will, then I don't see what some of the fuss is. I might even use it

Skinistics

How would it discover what skinning programs we were using? Would it be watching to see if certain skinning programs are activated? or how.

I'd like to be able to set which programs I'd allow SD to see.