Is it time for Stardock to hire a PR firm?
Friday, March 18, 2005 by MSethWeisberg | Discussion: OS Customization
For those that know me and those that don't I have been a loyal user of windowblinds since the 2.x days and iconpackager since 1.x. I finally decided to buy a subscription to object desktop a little less then a year ago and it was a great move. I love using desktopX, right click, and enhanced dialogs. To say the least I like the software you put out and I have found myself defending those software titles on more then one forum over the last few months.
And yet I can't figure out why that is? The prices are not expensive, for the most part they work as advertised, most programs have small memory footprints, and small installation sizes so I don't see what the problem is. And yet on a lot of customization forums Stardock continues to get bad press with the exception of WC.com.
For the record I am not a graphic artist nor have I ever created a skin but I love customizing XP and I am active in many forums including DA, Neowin, WC, A-S, Aerosoft, etc..and I continually find myself having to defend my passion for the software and in the process acting like a troll.
This has to end, it can't be good for the company and it surely can't be good for its members to continually have to defend why they use it. I say that some money should be set aside to the development of a PR position within the company to promote the software and rid itself of the negative attitudes that a lot of 'skinners' seem to have developed toward Stardock.
Your opinions please.......
And yet I can't figure out why that is? The prices are not expensive, for the most part they work as advertised, most programs have small memory footprints, and small installation sizes so I don't see what the problem is. And yet on a lot of customization forums Stardock continues to get bad press with the exception of WC.com.
For the record I am not a graphic artist nor have I ever created a skin but I love customizing XP and I am active in many forums including DA, Neowin, WC, A-S, Aerosoft, etc..and I continually find myself having to defend my passion for the software and in the process acting like a troll.
This has to end, it can't be good for the company and it surely can't be good for its members to continually have to defend why they use it. I say that some money should be set aside to the development of a PR position within the company to promote the software and rid itself of the negative attitudes that a lot of 'skinners' seem to have developed toward Stardock.
Your opinions please.......
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Ryokurin
Reply #2 Friday, March 18, 2005 7:04 PM
Reply #2 Friday, March 18, 2005 7:04 PM
unfortunately you cannot stop someone from commenting about how a program was in 1998 when they first tried 1.0 dispite the fact that that was 3 versions ago. Look at windows for example, some people refuse to admit that it has improved over the years. Its the price of success.
Stardock has the following people to worry about. 1. Freeware zealots, 2. I tried it 6 years ago and it sucked then so it does now people. 3. People still pissed off about something they did in the os/2 days and 4. those who used it incorrectly in the first place. I mean seriously, if you have a 300mhz machine running onboard video and low memory and you try to run an alphablended with built in time, animations and the fixins then yes it and a few other things are probably going to seem slow.
Stardock has the following people to worry about. 1. Freeware zealots, 2. I tried it 6 years ago and it sucked then so it does now people. 3. People still pissed off about something they did in the os/2 days and 4. those who used it incorrectly in the first place. I mean seriously, if you have a 300mhz machine running onboard video and low memory and you try to run an alphablended with built in time, animations and the fixins then yes it and a few other things are probably going to seem slow.
joeKnowledge
Reply #3 Friday, March 18, 2005 7:08 PM
Reply #3 Friday, March 18, 2005 7:08 PM
I don't know if pr would fix that... I would blame Frogboy for being accessable... being asseccable made him a target and therefore Stardock...
But other than that, if Stardock needs PR it would be to talk to news agencies, schools, music/advetising businesses, corporations and websites... not forum posters.
But other than that, if Stardock needs PR it would be to talk to news agencies, schools, music/advetising businesses, corporations and websites... not forum posters.
MSethWeisberg
Reply #4 Friday, March 18, 2005 7:31 PM
But its those forums where the word of mouth gets the most advertising.
Reply #4 Friday, March 18, 2005 7:31 PM
| not forum posters. |
But its those forums where the word of mouth gets the most advertising.
Frogboy
Reply #5 Friday, March 18, 2005 7:39 PM
Reply #5 Friday, March 18, 2005 7:39 PM
Stardock has an external PR firm.
But a PR firm isn't going to be able to do much on individual websites. Because ultimately if our products and services are worth defending, then hopefully people (such as yourself) will defend them.
We can't really do much about people who tried a desktop enhancements on Windows 95/98/ME, had problems and can't imagine that things might have changed. All we can do is hope people will correct those things.
Corky_O
Reply #6 Friday, March 18, 2005 8:45 PM
Reply #6 Friday, March 18, 2005 8:45 PM
Coming from a very practical background, I see Stardock products as a stable option to a current trend that has a great future - customizing your interface to suit your personal needs and tastes.
Therefore, I see these strengths that can be shared via word of mouth (or text on forums):
- A variety of programs that can be installed and uninstalled cleanly.
- A variety of programs that allow customization with a lot of depth and no hacking.
- A good customer support at both the official company level, and at a user base level found at WinCustomize.
- A plethora of content to be had for all the programs at a very reasonable price.
- A reasonable first purchase, and subsequent subscription renewal price, which allows the user to update to the latest and greatest products.
If in Longhorn, Microsoft allows the developers competent and fair access to continue the third party customization market (I am not sure why they wouldn't - it only increases the interest for purchasing a computer and OS), then I would say Stardock will only increase in popularity and success if they keep improving the above mentioned strengths.
Any software that is highly compatible with Windows and remains easy to use for new users, while offering advanced features for seasoned veterans, is bound to do well in the long run.
At some point it should become obvious that there is an irrational bias in comments that would attempt to riducule or discredit a good software company.
My point? Results speak for themselves, and no amount of PR can replace the demonstrable quality of a product.
Therefore, I see these strengths that can be shared via word of mouth (or text on forums):
- A variety of programs that can be installed and uninstalled cleanly.
- A variety of programs that allow customization with a lot of depth and no hacking.
- A good customer support at both the official company level, and at a user base level found at WinCustomize.
- A plethora of content to be had for all the programs at a very reasonable price.
- A reasonable first purchase, and subsequent subscription renewal price, which allows the user to update to the latest and greatest products.
If in Longhorn, Microsoft allows the developers competent and fair access to continue the third party customization market (I am not sure why they wouldn't - it only increases the interest for purchasing a computer and OS), then I would say Stardock will only increase in popularity and success if they keep improving the above mentioned strengths.
Any software that is highly compatible with Windows and remains easy to use for new users, while offering advanced features for seasoned veterans, is bound to do well in the long run.
At some point it should become obvious that there is an irrational bias in comments that would attempt to riducule or discredit a good software company.
My point? Results speak for themselves, and no amount of PR can replace the demonstrable quality of a product.
butch123
Reply #7 Friday, March 18, 2005 9:25 PM
Reply #7 Friday, March 18, 2005 9:25 PM
Unfortunatley as was stated you cant stop people from having their opinion, but I believe that the best PR cannot be bought. And thats word of mouth ! so if everybody here in the community believes in our product I think thats one of the best ways to promote it. Talking about windowblinds etc. adding links, etc.etc. I dont think this will change everybody's point of view, that would be boring if it did. but, it might help to get the truth out. That it is a really superior product and in my opinion the best. 
mrbiotech
Reply #8 Friday, March 18, 2005 11:21 PM
Reply #8 Friday, March 18, 2005 11:21 PM
When I post updates on Stardock's software on my site, people leave comments like "Is there any site Stardock doesn't own", "Not you too!" or "Bloated." Extolling the virtues of the my ObjectDesktop subscription to them has branded my a Stardock sympathizer (although you wouldn't know it looking considering the treatment at WC).
I get the feeling from the broad skinning community that Startdock is just another mega-corporation squashing little guys. Not entirely the case, but that's what people are telling me. I'd almost recommend stepping down the PR, give the perception the company is smaller than it is, perhaps even decreasing visibility.
Frogboy, you're a great help to the community, but I'm agreed with joeKnowledge- you're so visible that you stick out. You're personal investment in Stardock is admirable, but it can be perceived as overzealous in other circles (AveDesk&AquaSoft ). Perhaps it would behoove the company to have others post the software updates/releases net-wide. Rainy and Xymantix seem to be exceptionally adept at this: maintaining low profiles, leaving brief positive comments, avoiding argumentation, and having others post updates/releases on community sites.
I get the feeling from the broad skinning community that Startdock is just another mega-corporation squashing little guys. Not entirely the case, but that's what people are telling me. I'd almost recommend stepping down the PR, give the perception the company is smaller than it is, perhaps even decreasing visibility.
Frogboy, you're a great help to the community, but I'm agreed with joeKnowledge- you're so visible that you stick out. You're personal investment in Stardock is admirable, but it can be perceived as overzealous in other circles (
craeonics
Reply #9 Saturday, March 19, 2005 7:44 AM
Reply #9 Saturday, March 19, 2005 7:44 AM
StarDock is the Microsoft of skindom. Hence they get all the flack. Not much you can do about that.
thomassen
Reply #10 Saturday, March 19, 2005 8:07 AM
Actually, there are companies that work for clients to produce "word by mouth", not only on the internet, but in the streets as well. They advertice a product for you, but you don't even notice it.
Not sure if I agree with that. I believe that they get far more good publicity than bad. It's just that the bad tends to cry louder.
Reply #10 Saturday, March 19, 2005 8:07 AM
| Unfortunatley as was stated you cant stop people from having their opinion, but I believe that the best PR cannot be bought. And thats word of mouth ! so if everybody here in the community believes in our product I think thats one of the best ways to promote it. Talking about windowblinds etc. adding links, etc.etc. I dont think this will change everybody's point of view, that would be boring if it did. but, it might help to get the truth out. That it is a really superior product and in my opinion the best. |
Actually, there are companies that work for clients to produce "word by mouth", not only on the internet, but in the streets as well. They advertice a product for you, but you don't even notice it.
| I'd almost recommend stepping down the PR, give the perception the company is smaller than it is, perhaps even decreasing visibility. |
Not sure if I agree with that. I believe that they get far more good publicity than bad. It's just that the bad tends to cry louder.
CerebroJD
Reply #11 Saturday, March 19, 2005 10:36 AM
Reply #11 Saturday, March 19, 2005 10:36 AM
I think you need to get a huge billboard by a major highway. "Tired of WindowsXP's look? www.stardock.com"
MSethWeisberg
Reply #12 Saturday, March 19, 2005 12:32 PM
I think that is probably very true...just wish there was some way to change that
Or maybe do one of those "Why I switch from the default XP look" commericals kind of like the apple commericals of why the people jumped ship over to apple from the windows pc. That would be great
Reply #12 Saturday, March 19, 2005 12:32 PM
| StarDock is the Microsoft of skindom. Hence they get all the flack. Not much you can do about that |
I think that is probably very true...just wish there was some way to change that
| I think you need to get a huge billboard by a major highway. "Tired of WindowsXP's look? www.stardock.com" |
Or maybe do one of those "Why I switch from the default XP look" commericals kind of like the apple commericals of why the people jumped ship over to apple from the windows pc. That would be great
Andy Hutchinson
Reply #13 Saturday, March 19, 2005 1:42 PM
Reply #13 Saturday, March 19, 2005 1:42 PM
I think you'll find a lot of the bad feeling towards Stardock is down almost completely to its founder - Brad Wardell. I've been a desktop customisation advocate for about five years now - writing countless columns, features and articles on the subject for a wide variety of magazines in the UK and abroad. About 18 months ago, Brad Wardell took it upon himself to directly email the editor of a magazine I was working for, accusing me of being biased towards him, his company and his products. The editor asked me if I was and so I went back through every single article I'd ever written about Stardock related products and I collated the results - the fact was I'd been overwhelmingly positive about Stardock and its products (reading them back you could probably even say I'd been biased TOWARDS Stardock) and when presented with such black and white evidence, the editor apologised to me - but there's been no apology from Wardell over what was little more than slander (actionable slander probably, but hey, life's too short). It's extremely difficult to be nice about a company and its products when the owner has the media savy of an amoeba, but I have based and will conintue to base all my reviews on each individual products merits.
The problem is that Wardell has a hard time believing there can possibly be anything at all wrong with his products, hence the way he's always popping up on online forums in a totally unprofessional manner, bad-mouthing anyone who has the temerity to suggest otherwise - and these are his customers remember! He blunders from one PR disaster to another, doing nothing but harm to his company's reputation. When customisation goes mainstream with the next release of Windows XP - and other companies enter a market that Stardock currently monopolise, I think there's going to have to be some very substantial changes here.
The problem is that Wardell has a hard time believing there can possibly be anything at all wrong with his products, hence the way he's always popping up on online forums in a totally unprofessional manner, bad-mouthing anyone who has the temerity to suggest otherwise - and these are his customers remember! He blunders from one PR disaster to another, doing nothing but harm to his company's reputation. When customisation goes mainstream with the next release of Windows XP - and other companies enter a market that Stardock currently monopolise, I think there's going to have to be some very substantial changes here.
Jafo
Reply #14 Saturday, March 19, 2005 6:21 PM
Reply #14 Saturday, March 19, 2005 6:21 PM
This isn't about PC Answers is it?....and the section called "Extreme Customization"?
Because if it is, I have every edition of that Mag since day one....it's the only mag I buy....and the Anti-Stardock and anti WC-Admin sentiment oozing out of that tripe [pretending to be unbiased GUI customizing discussion] was down-right pathetic and childish.
What I HAVE noticed is a dramatic change of late with the editorialising within that section.....that I had put down to it now being written by someone else who actually had a brain, or just 'maybe' by the same person who had since been dragged over the coals for being a vindictive arsehole and was told to 'be fair or Don't Come Monday'.
"IF" this is the same magazine/writer then all references to Stardock/Wincustomize can be quoted here [in context] for all to judge.....as the very best of English Tabloid Journalism which has a world-wide rep and an understanding that its best editorial content is on page three....
Flagellating one's own ego and personal failings in the guise of 'expert' GUI Customization editorial on a publicly distributed medium is unprofessional at best. The 'power' of position is not something to be abused through personal prejudice and myopic thought.
Of course, if this is not you then nothing here paints you in a poor light.....it's some other poor sod who needs a reality check...
EventHorizon
Reply #16 Saturday, March 19, 2005 7:00 PM
Reply #16 Saturday, March 19, 2005 7:00 PM
Jafo, you should be one o' them newspaper editorialists...
I must say, you do type a very entertaining read.
I must say, you do type a very entertaining read.
Daiwa
Reply #17 Saturday, March 19, 2005 7:14 PM
Reply #17 Saturday, March 19, 2005 7:14 PM
As a humble user who dabbles in skinning as a hobby of sorts, the absence of a "PR machine" as it were is one of the appealing aspects of SD's business model. They let it all hang out, warts and all, giving anyone who wants to the opportunity to trash their stuff on SD's own nickel, and are remarkably responsive to (reasonable) customers. We all have our own ideas about how others should run their businesses, while remaining rather convinced we're running ours quite perfectly, thank you very much.
Cheers,
Daiwa
Cheers,
Daiwa
Jafo
Reply #18 Saturday, March 19, 2005 7:40 PM
Reply #18 Saturday, March 19, 2005 7:40 PM
Oh my.....how 'unfortunate'......seems it's NOT some other fellow who needs a reality check.
Sad, rather, wot?....
Andy Hutchinson
Reply #19 Saturday, March 19, 2005 8:25 PM
Reply #19 Saturday, March 19, 2005 8:25 PM
"Flagellating one's own ego and personal failings in the guise of 'expert' GUI Customization editorial on a publicly distributed medium is unprofessional at best. The 'power' of position is not something to be abused through personal prejudice and myopic thought."
That's brilliant Jafo, I'll have to print it out and get it mounted in a nice frame. Not entirely sure what it means, but then English is clearly your second language so we'll cut you some slack. With you and Brad championing Stardock's PR, the world's your oyster. I bow down before you both.
That's brilliant Jafo, I'll have to print it out and get it mounted in a nice frame. Not entirely sure what it means, but then English is clearly your second language so we'll cut you some slack. With you and Brad championing Stardock's PR, the world's your oyster. I bow down before you both.
Fuzzy Logic
Reply #20 Saturday, March 19, 2005 8:33 PM
Reply #20 Saturday, March 19, 2005 8:33 PM
What a prat.
(My English is a bit more basic)
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Reply #1 Friday, March 18, 2005 6:36 PM
Those that can, do.....those that cannot, criticise...
In Oz it's called the 'tall poppy syndrome'.....people will always want to cut the successful down to size...one way or another.
I wouldn't fret it....save for the wealth of mis-information these twits generally spout...