like i said before i don't do any payment over the net so i will
likely never become a member...or buy the stardock software !!!
that brings me to my question
why is it not available in stores ??

Comments (Page 1)
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on Dec 22, 2004
You can order by mail and pay by cheque or money order using this form: https://www.stardock.com/order.txt
on Dec 22, 2004
Getting the products out in stores is a GIANT hassle...I've heard of some GalCiv horror stories (not so much with the Political Machine, surprisingly) with trying to market the game and distribute it in stores. If I can remember right...according to Frogboy, Stardock barely made any money off of the retail versions of GalCiv. Although profit/sales may not be the only factor, I'd still vouch that getting individual programs out in stores would be very difficult. Having SDC is a lot better since all the products can be easily updated and accessed.
on Dec 22, 2004
I also despise doing payment over the internet....

But, I took a chance with stardock back in '99 and have renewed every year since. They do things right, they don't automatically charge your credit card for renewal. Stardock Central is excellent because it gives you direct access to all the stardock programs as soon as they are updated.
on Dec 23, 2004
Stardock Central works so well, I wish that everything I have bought through Stardock would show up there
on Dec 23, 2004
Essencay....t-shirts would be difficult....
on Dec 23, 2004
on Dec 23, 2004
OZZY....it would appear that you are already using purchase-only software. You claim that you have not (and will not) purchase anything online. Yet in your screenshot, ObjectDock+ is clearly visible both onscreen and running in your systray. The FREEWARE version of ObjectDock does not support tabs...only the purchased version does.

https://www.wincustomize.com/ViewSkin.aspx?SkinID=7344&LibID=13&comments=1

I'm also suspicious since you're the one who started the thread bemoaning the loss of a warez site.

http://www2.wincustomize.com/Forums.aspx?ForumID=1&AID=58630

If you wish to purchase Stardock's software without doing it online, contact Stardock's sales department. They'll be MORE than happy to work something out that will satisfy you.
on Dec 23, 2004
wow, great observation...digital, I am very impressed.
on Dec 23, 2004
FYI Digital Trucker it IS a freeware version...and it did show the
tabs this is no joke !!!
i will check out that link paxx !! thx !
on Dec 23, 2004
Where did you download the freeware version from? The official download site is cnet.com. I just downloaded and installed the freeware version, and it has no tabs.

Also, no systray icon with the freeware version
on Dec 23, 2004
i really do not know that....it is possible it is not from cnet !!
sorry !!
on Dec 23, 2004
oh and something completely diffren't digital trucker
is the avatar better now ??
on Dec 23, 2004

The problem is one of cost.

The only reason why something like Object Desktop can be sold for $49.95 is because it isn't in stores. That savings is passed on to the users.

Let's use WindowBlinds though as one example. We actually did put that in stores once.  The box cost about $3 to manufacture. Getting to to the stores was around $1. The stors required about $2 per unit in "Market development funds".  And the wholesale price had to be $13.50. So on a given sale, we made $7.50.  Of course, that's not counting returns (5%) which were essentially ruined boxes at that point.  Damaged boxes (another 5% of units).

And on top of all that, you have payment issues.

As others mentioned, even today we're still trying to get paid for retail sales of Galactic Civilizations. Not the stores fault, our publisher, Strategy First, filed for bankruptcy owing us hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Only direct sales saved that game. 

So that's why we don't sell desktop enhancements in the stores. It would require us to raise our prices too much. 

Check out Norton Internet Security. It's $70.  The features in that would fit into a couple of Object Desktop (or ThinKDesk) components.  You're paying $70 to subsdize the overhead they have to having so many distribution channels.

on Dec 23, 2004
Honestly I don't know why people think that by not making a purchase on the net somehow protects their information. Have you visited a doctor...bought anything in a store with a credit card? Even if your not on the internet your information still is. There are so many utilities I see sold on the net to spy on people that your info isn't safe anywhere...so if someone really wants your info it;s there to be found. So why deprive yourself of some great software?

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
on Dec 23, 2004
Weird thing is that there is more credit card fraud in stores and restaurants than on the Net. On the Net, card information is securely encrypted and no human eye ever sees the number, as opposed to when you give your card to the waiter at the restaurant for example (bars and restaurants are the places where there is the most card information theft). Many waiters have a little device thingy in their pocket to scan the info off of the credit card. Machines can be trusted, human often not.
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