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WinCustomize Subscriptions Now Your Portal To Free Stardock Design Skins!

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WinCustomize Subscriptions Now Your Portal To Free Stardock Design Skins!

Skins Skins Skins!

https://www.wincustomize.com/store/
from WinCustomize Forums

For years now, a WinCustomize subscription primarily allowed you to browse the site completely ad-free, gave you fully access to the Skin Browser, and every now and then a free skin from Stardock.  In recent months, we've been talking about how to change the site subscription model to make it a better value to users, with the goal obviously to encourage more people to subscribe and support the site. 

So today I'm happy to announce a transformation in the WinCustomize Subscription plan.  With Object Desktop, you get a year of software updates to some great skinning applications, but what about content?  To answer that, from today forward, a WinCustomize subscription will give you access to twelve free Stardock Design skins a year!*

Our first free skin to subscribers comes from one of the most respected and talented skinners in the community: adni18.  Stardust is a killer WindowBlinds skin that gives your desktop a modern & flashy look without being distracting or annoying.  Glassy edges, cool colors and attention to detail make this a skin every WindowBlinds user needs to run.

Subscribers can grab the skin from the Subscriber Resources page (must be logged in).

Pricing

Because we are now offering $60 in free skins a year, the pricing of the WinCustomize Subscription is changing.  Effective immediately, a WinCustomize subscription costs $29.95 per year and you'll renew on a year-to-year basis (i.e. no more 2 year renewals).  You will receive all the old benefits of a WC Subscription, only now for $10 extra you're getting $60 in skins.

Bundles

Don't have a subscription yet period?  Well, we're working on some bundle packs for new users. 

WindowBlinds Extreme

Currently, if you buy WindowBlinds Extreme, you can get WindowBlinds plus a WinCustomize Subscription for $39.95 (a $10 discount on the first year of a WC subscription).

We are working on a similar bundle for Object Desktop.  Expect more info on that when it's ready.

Q&A

Now, I'm sure everyone has questions about what this change means for them.  Let me quickly cover the high points...

  1. I already have an existing subscription, do I get these skins too?
    Yes, you'll have access to all skins released while your subscription is active.
  2. How often will skins be released?
    We'll release 12 over a calendar year(Jan - Dec).  Sometimes it'll be one a month, sometimes more, and sometimes we may miss a month altogether.
  3. It won't be one per month?
    We're not guaranteeing one per month.  Sometimes schedules get hectic and projects get in the way.
  4. What if I don't like the skins, can I get a substitute?
    Nope.  Think of this as a book of the month club or something similar.  Sometimes you get a great skin you love, sometimes it's something you wouldn't be caught dead running.  We'll be trying to release skins that appeal to a wide audience, so some months you'll love it, some you won't.
  5. No more 2 year renewals?  What if we've recently purchased renewals?
    The change does not affect users who have purchased renewals prior to the change-over.  From this point forward you will not be able to purchase additional 2 year renewal.
  6. Why get rid of the 2-year renewal?
    Well, now you're getting essentially $60 in free skins every year for your $30 subscription.  That should be sufficient value and not require a discount for future years.
  7. What if I subscribe two years from now, will I get the last two years of subscriber skins?
    No.  Subscriber Skins will become Master Skins a year after they're posted.  At which point you can purchase them at a 20% discount.
  8. What is the release schedule for the skins?
    We're going to release skins when they're finished and through QA testing.  I'll post teasers for upcoming skins as they near completion.  But there is no set release schedule
  9. So some of these skins will be from MyColors Themes huh?  Will I get a discount on buying the full theme if I already have the skin?
    Yes.  We'll be offering MyColors Theme discounts similar to how we offer discounts to Object Desktop users.  Full details on the discount will be posted when the first MyColors Theme using a WC Skin goes up.

If there are any other questions about the new subscription plan, let me know either in a comment or via PM.

*a year is a calendar year, January 1st to December 31st.  Because this plan is launching in May of 2008, the 2008 skin set may fall short of the 12 target by December

292,779 views 155 replies
Reply #76 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thankfully I'm covered until 2010..
This way I'll save the first $20.

Renewals before the price increase did cost $19.95 for a 2 year subscription,
so it really is a $20 (or 100%) price increase.

Fair enough really.. If you don't like it, just don't renew.

@Zoomba, you'll get enough to have twice as many now :)
Reply #77 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Can somebody explain to me what the tangible benefits would be in having a wincustomize subscription (besides the ads) if you already have an OD 2008 subscription??!!!  :d 
Start11 - Customize the Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 10/11.
Reply #78 from WinCustomize Forums Top
ODNT and WC are two completely different thing. The ODNT subscription gets you the programs, whereas the WC subscription gives you the content. Ad free browsing, 100 skins per page, personal photo album, 12 Stardock Design skins a year, discounts on Master skins, etc.
Reply #79 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ripped from page...........

Here are just a few benefits when you do your part and contribute to WinCustomize:

* WinCustomize User Level increases to User Level 5 (Subscriber). Once you purchase a WinCustomize Subscription, you will be automatically promoted to User Level 5. This will entitle you to many exclusive features, such as unlimited file downloading on WinCustomize, access to skin ratings, your very own WinCustomize personal website, and much more.
* WinCustomize User level increases to User Level 4 (Current Customer). Once you purchase any WinCustomize/Stardock product, you will be automatically promoted to User Level 4. This will entitle you to unlimited file downloading on WinCustomize as long as you remain a current customer.
* Free Stardock Design Skins! Over the course of the year, you will receive free WindowBlinds skins designed by Stardock Design. Your WinCustomize subscription is now an annual subscription to professional skins AND the largest skinning community on the Internet!
* Helping to Promote Skinning! By making a purchase, you are showing your true colors. You like WinCustomize and want to support the skinning community and this is just your way of saying, "Thank you."
* A Great Product & Service. When you buy one of our award winning products, you're letting us prove to you why WinCustomize is the best place on net for your Windows customization needs.
Reply #80 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I already have unlimited file/content downloading. Discounts, I see are available on MyColors suites, as well as other products such as ObjectDock which I also purchased. I'm just not seeing it! If the main benefit is to Stardock in the way of support, that's fine too.
Reply #81 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Having more than 8 skins per page is a real bonus, makes browsing the galleries a lot easier. With the WC subscription, you get a 20% discount on all Master skins (I don't think the WC sub provides discounts for software). And yes, the money from the WC subs goes straight to funding WC.
Reply #82 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have a super fast connection so the number of skins per page is a non-issue. And quite honestly, I've yet to see a "master skin" that I like. Give me a better reason to subscribe and I will!!
Reply #83 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If the main benefit is to Stardock


The main benefit is to Wincustomize. Stardock foots the bill (mostly), but the powers that be would like to see WC as less a financial drain and more a community asset.

It has been argued that the site is necessary for sales of Stardock products but with Mycolors I think that argument has lost a little ground. Those of us who subscribe, do it to support Wincustomize the site & community......not necessarily Stardock the company. I've been coming to the site regularly since 2001 and a lot of effort has been made to constantly improve the "experience"

I'd have to check, but I think my DeviantArt sub is $30/year and I don't spend a 1/10 of the time there that I do here.
Reply #84 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Bressler: If you're not worried about how many skins per page or having ads on the page and you don't want to buy Master skins then the only good reasons for you to subscribe would be:


The 12 skins a year that are only for WC subscribers.

and

Showing your support, to all of the artists here who make the stuff you download, by spending a small amount of money to help ensure that the site sticks around.

That way we all have a place to find these things without having to search for multiple other sites where you have to wade through a lot of stuff that has nothing to do with customization in order to find small amounts of what you might be looking for. ;)
Reply #85 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Lantec,

I was of the impression that Wincustomize and Stardock were one. I applaud your candid and honest comments. I will definitely consider a wincustomize subscription based solely on your comments.
Reply #86 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Zakai,

I didn't say that I don't want to buy "master skins", I said I've yet to see one that I liked. Big difference my friend. Do you work for Stardock??
Reply #87 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Zakai,I didn't say that I don't want to buy "master skins", I said I've yet to see one that I liked. Big difference my friend. Do you work for Stardock??


That still means at the moment you don't want to buy any. And you asked for other reasons to get a subscription. I was just pointing out a couple good reasons. Where does that lead to me working for Stardock?
Reply #88 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Zakai,

Master skins and 12 skins a year is a very user/chooser thing, at least for me. "That still means", give me a break. Choose your words more carefully my friend. My leg is wet, is it raining??

Reply #89 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Zakai,

Master skins and 12 skins a year is a very user/chooser thing, at least for me. "That still means", give me a break. Choose your words more carefully my friend. My leg is wet, is it raining??


As I stated Bressler

And you asked for other reasons to get a subscription. I was just pointing out a couple good reasons.


I gave my opinion of reasons to subscribe. So if you don't want people to answer your question with their opinions then don't ask for them. And since you did ask for them there is no need to be an ass about the responses. ;)
Reply #90 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Zakai,

I don't care for your response It is you who are the ASS. Do me a favor and don't respond to any of my posts. I DON'T LIKE YOU!!! (:( 
Reply #91 from WinCustomize Forums Top
True,the skins offered are subject to personal taste,but if WinCustomize didn't exist((shudder)) what incentive/motive would all these great skinners have to upload and share their work?For free!The community is the engine on this bus, but it does take fuel.My 2cents. :D {edit} Peace everyone.
Reply #92 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Reply #94 from WinCustomize Forums Top
That's not a good news for Stardock, but if using Impulse i won't be able to come on Wincustomize (untill, Impulse will be IE6 compatible ...)  :LOL: (and i won't update to IE7  :D )
Reply #95 from WinCustomize Forums Top
That's not a good news for Stardock, but if using Impulse i won't be able to come on Wincustomize (untill, Impulse will be IE6 compatible ...) (and i won't update to IE7 )


Or you could visit WinCustomize with your web browser of choice. (IE6 still works)

The Community Tab in Impulse doesn't have an address bar anyway since it is not supposed to take the place of your regular web browser.

As to not liking the skins.  If you don't feel that the additional skins are worth it to you, then you're welcome to not subscribe.  I've said it several times, we're not going to force anyone into it.  We felt that it was a good compromise, but with all compromises someone is bound to not agree.  As a software customer you will continue to have unlimited downloads, you'll just have a few web ads here and there.


Reply #96 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I've been a member here with a WC sub for a few years now. I would say "I have got more than my moneys worth!" The sub is well worth it and sure there is a few things that are not to my complete liking. But for the most part - where you going to find anything much better?
I have not...

If you are looking to get the best there is for your computer. To have it customized with your taste in mind? Then Stardock programs with of course a WC sub is the way to go.
Who knows - if you give it a try you may be the next master skinner. No one starts at the top. But a lot have come here in the same search you have. Few realize what skinning truly is and those few are always working hard for the community here. To give us the best desktop there is.

There is also always this to keep in mind. Artist are hard to find and usually good hard working people. Without the support of this community - where would they be now?
This one of my main reasons for buying a WC sub and programs from Stardock. It is to support my friends here that work hard to give us people of the community The BEST!

Give it a try - I did - I found a good place and I'll never leave it!

Reply #97 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Shelby GT!!

Another compelling argument. I have noticed that people on this site are fiercely loyal to Stardock. I like their stuff too, maybe I just wanted to hear somebody from Stardock say what I know to be true and that is if you are already an OD Ultimate Subscriber, there really is no tangible benefit to adding a wincustomize subscription other than basically supporting Stardock as stated most eloquently by Lantec (reply #83). These arguments saying that OD and Wincustomize or two completely different animals and blah, blah, blah just rub me the wrong way, especially when I have no trouble seeing through perfectly clear glass.
Reply #98 from WinCustomize Forums Top
These arguments saying that OD and Wincustomize or two completely different animals and blah, blah, blah just rub me the wrong way, especially when I have no trouble seeing through perfectly clear glass.

You asked, we answered, and when you don't like the answer we give, you insult us?

They ARE different.
Reply #99 from WinCustomize Forums Top
As to not liking the skins. If you don't feel that the additional skins are worth it to you, then you're welcome to not subscribe. I've said it several times, we're not going to force anyone into it. We felt that it was a good compromise, but with all compromises someone is bound to not agree. As a software customer you will continue to have unlimited downloads, you'll just have a few web ads here and there.

Zoomba:

Sorry, just read that part of your post which I assume was for me. Let me reiterate, it's not about not liking the skins. I like just about everything on this site but prefer to do the picking and choosing myself. It's about calling a spade, a shovel. Don't like the "used car salesman's approach". Quite frankly, I'm still a little upset about learning through purchase that Object Desktop Ultimate 2008 which proudly states "Vista Ready" on the main Stardock page and lists the differences between regular OD, that 3 components which make up the "Ultimate" version namely Window FX, IconX, and RightClick are NOT Vista Ready. You've even named it Ultimate and I happen to be using Vista Ultimate.
That's the rub....but I was going to subscribe anyway based on Lantec's great argument (reply #83) but now I'm not so sure......
Reply #100 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If you have ODNT then there are less reasons to subscribe to Wincustomize.  The reasons stated are still valid . . but maybe not to you.  You can have one or the other and still get a value or have both and get that much more.

WC is a community more than it is a service to many of the people that have memberships here.  We subscribe so as to maintain the community.

Before you consider joining . . think about what you have to give as much as what there is to take.  And you can keep your rudeness one way or the other.   :NOTSURE: