My experience with Stardock & Impulse :(

from Stardock Forums

I'm wondering if any other first-time users of Stardock's Impulse platform have been equally frustrated by it. A friend of mine told me it was as easy as the Steam platform. I only mention Steam cos I could've sworn I saw Sins of a solar empire advertised as being on Steam.

Anyway, let's see how it went:

1) Buy SOSE off Stardock.com
2) Oh no, I need to install their download manager "software distribution platform".
3) First download nets me a 2.5kb installer file, which, dumb monkey that I am, click 4-5 times before realizing that maybe the install somehow didn't complete.
4) Hit the download button on impulsedriven.com a couple more times, net the 2.5kb installer file a couple more times before it finally agrees to let me have the N mb-sized installer file.
5) Double-click the installer file, oh wow, it needs the .Net framework. Why? Ugh. OK. Go on, then.
6) .net framework download doesn't work. Revert to dumb monkey mode and continue hitting that download button until the installer figures it out that yes, I actually want to download the (utterly unnecessary) framework.
7) Finally, finally I get things working. Wahey, it looks just like steam.
8) I go to the "My games" tab, and hit the "Download" button.
9) Guess what? Yep... doesn't want to download. Monkey mode: On! Press that button again!

It finally asks me whether I want to resume my download? I guess I do...

So now, after all those hoops you unnecessarily made me jump through, I'm finally downloading the game I purchased over half an hour ago. Is this *really* the way it's supposed to be? I mean, wonky .net framework and download manager software distribution platform downloads? Really? And before anyone jumps on my mentioning the steam platform, I'm by no means a fanboy of that, either. Except for the fact that their installation seemed, oh, a million times easier, faster and, most of all, usable. For one, it didn't punish me the way that Impulse did. I'm just very disappointed that even in this day & age, companies STILL think it's A-OK to ram whatever they feel like it down user's throats.

Also, this is the second time I'm entering this post, as the first time, some enterprising admin thought it wise to delete my post. Censorship doesn't win any friends...

2,947 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Sorry your last post was deleted and sorry you are having so much trouble with software that millions of us love (Impulse).  Everyone has wonky installs from time to time with a lot of softwares.  Nature of the beast I guess.

I am not a technical support person, but I can offer some advice in getting your issues handled in a fair and timely manner.  First, start with Stardock Support.  Email them with your issues and give them some time to work it out.  Another thing is that you can get a lot of great help here on the forums from some pretty savvy guys and girls if you were asking for help instead of dissing the products.

Good luck to you and hope to see you back as part of the community.:)

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Also, this is the second time I'm entering this post, as the first time, some enterprising admin thought it wise to delete my post. Censorship doesn't win any friends...
End of quote

Actually your post was moved to the General Discussion forum since you are NOT asking for any kind of help. See https://forums.wincustomize.com/328735

 

The support forum is for support. If you need something please post a new thread.

Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I had a post called Stinkin' Impulse that pretty much summed up my feelings on Impulse but don't let the title of the post fool you, it was a praise to Stardock.  (Where has my post gone by the way...anyone....anyone?)

 

Anywhoo, I installed a new HD not long ago and decided to go fresh install of everything.  Once I got everything basic on my new HD, I went and started the Impulse installer and whizz bang it installed perfectly.  Then, you won't believe this, it even installed all of my apps, upon selection, perfectly.  Whizz bang again!  Not once have I had a problem with Impulse.  I even purchased Sins of a Solar Empire last week and guess what?  Whizz bang, perfect download and install.

Like someone said, folks do have problems with Impulse.  But I'd be willing to bet it usually isn't Impulse.  Most can probably be chalked up to network traffic, shitty boxes, and user error.  (side not, my rig is 3 years old but it has a smokin' 3.2 Ghz processor).  This may be one reason I haven't had any problems.

Kudos to Stardock and all the folks involved with the creation, upkeep and support of Impulse.  I for one love it and will continue to support Stardock 100%.

Now, where's my thread!?:grin:

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

One should read before one starts accusing makes more friends that way.

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Censorship doesn't win any friends...
End of quote

Please post in the correct forum section. As you can see by Lantec's link your post was 'relocated' to the proper section.