MyColors 2008 Guided Tour

check it out

https://www.wincustomize.com/articles.aspx?aid=172162
from WinCustomize Forums

In the next couple weeks Stardock will begin officially rolling out MyColors 2008.  This may be the single most significant event in skinning in the past few years.

Check out the tour below.

 

6,840 views 14 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I just happen to be one of the lucky people in the world. I'm retired and I have a subscription to Object Desktop. ;) 

By the way you folks keep adding things though even beening retired won't allow me enough hours in the day to keep up with all the goodies.  :SURPRISED: 

Thank you very much, I'll just have to find away to manage my time better.  :LOL: 
CursorFX - Customize your Windows cursor
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Curious--Will most MyColors themes cost money to get?
End of quote

As far as I know, *all* MyColors themes cost money. That is how it works. They come bundled with the software needed to run them, which is why they cost more than the standard premium skin.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Curious--Will most MyColors themes cost money to get?

I have 5 my colors suite, even though it cost a bit compared to normal stardock skinz, U wont regret it, money well spent as I may say... ;)
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
So basically all it is, is selling suites for $20 but calling it a new name? Or am I missing something?

If every one has the same software included surely its wrong to charge for it again?

I think the point is that buyers of these themes won't have to care about the software . . they don't even have to know that they are "re-buying" it over and over again. They just buy the themes at whatever price point it is and happens to get the player software with it. It's a radically different market.
End of quote


Taken from the click to view link above ... https://www.wincustomize.com/articles.aspx?aid=172162

So you are knowingly selling the same stuff over and over again and condoning it as people 'don't even have to know that they are "re-buying" it over and over again.'
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
They are buying the themed suite.  If they don't have the software, it installs.  No more and no less.
They don't need to purchase ODNT or any of the apps in ODNT.  For JoeAvergeUser this seems like a very simple application.  What's the problem?  People want a UofM watch they buy it.  They want a UofM suite, they buy that too.  If they want a Pistons suite . . they can buy that too.

MyColors = no knowlege of underlying apps, no customization
ODNT/WC = underlying apps, customization
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

So basically all it is, is selling suites for $20 but calling it a new name? Or am I missing something?

If every one has the same software included surely its wrong to charge for it again?

So you are knowingly selling the same stuff over and over again and condoning it as people 'don't even have to know that they are "re-buying" it over and over again.'

End of quote


Belgarath67,

It's my understanding that part of the pricing scheme on the MyColors themes is based on the work product on the skin components, part is to cover the software runtimes, part (of course) is a profit margin for Stardock, and another part is designed to cover licensing fees for the NHL/NFL/NBA or whatever entity the theme is based upon (the exception to this would be "Magic" and other original themes). So the software is only a (small?) component of that price structure, and the other factors explain the discrepancy in cost between MyColors themes and other premium suites that are geared toward ODNT subscribers.

This topic has arisen in the forums before.

As Zubaz pointed out, the software components only reinstall if an update is needed.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
They don't need to purchase ODNT or any of the apps in ODNT.
End of quote


You don't need WB or Icon Packager to run themes? A friend of mine was interested in a collage theme I told him he would need to install WB and IP.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top

They don't need to purchase ODNT or any of the apps in ODNT.


You don't need WB or Icon Packager to run themes? A friend of mine was interested in a collage theme I told him he would need to install WB and IP.
End of quote


ALMonty,

As long as you're referring to a MyColors theme (and I don't think there are any premium suites that are college-themed at the moment), then, no, your friend would not need to buy any software to run the theme. The MyColors packages include all of the software needed to run the theme.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yes I was refering to MyColors. Thank You ;) 
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Yep, that's what's nice about MyColors. Regular users see a theme and purchase it and they have it. They don't have to know anything about the software.

"It just works"

Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
"It just works"
End of quote
Wasn't that the tag line for WindowsME?   :LOL: 
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I purchased a MyColors theme and it didn't play well with OD. I recommend that Stardock provide either an installer that recognizes installed OD applications and does not install the run-time versions or release the same themes as premium themes. I love the sports themes, but I spent several hours fixing up the mess MyColors caused with OD.

I still have a problem with the logoff background of my theme. MyColors is a great way for Stardock to introduce Joe User to skinning and themes.
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I don't have too big a problem with the idea of MyColors themes costing something--that is, as long as I can keep skinning my windows with WB and with new WB themes.

I'm not one of those people who needs his skins seamlessly prepackaged with software in order to install and run themes. Why should I have to download the software every time I want a new theme? If I'm missing something here, please enlighten me.

OD as it stands now is just fine with me. I think I'll stick with free and low-cost WBs, thank you. I'm sure I'll get the itch to migrate, as I always do with new software, but not at $19.95 per theme.

Stardock is a business and like any business, it must continually develop new products and new income streams. Sorry, but that's how I see MyColors. Let the NBA, NFL, car companies and whatever big corporations foot the bill for making themes into desktop advertisements.

On a more positive note, I applaud Stardock and Stardock Design for the great roster of skinners it is putting together for future endeavors.