Frogboy Frogboy

What's the point? Why have the site at all?

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What's the point? Why have the site at all?

from WinCustomize Forums

I don't often bring this up but I sometimes wonder why we even have this site. I get considerable hate mail every single day because of this site.

Someone didn't get a wallpaper accepted. No idea what the wallpaper was since I didn't moderate it but I get called a Nazi or worse.

Some other guy's network connection isn't working and can't access their skin for some reason so naturally we deleted it because we're "assholes".

And don't even get me started about the people who run into the 50 megabyte limits. You can be assured that for every guy who posts something here, I get 2 emails about it explaining why I am personally a putrid human being.

And I've had days where I get called a "fucking Nazi" and a "blood sucking Jew" (I'm not even Jewish) for things ranging from not "doing something" about the ratings on the site or some comment on some skin that I didn't remove.

And on top of that, this site costs a fortune to run.  The ONLY reason this site is remotely possible to keep up at this point is because of the generous volunteers who run this site day to day.  The admins and moderators who, I might add, often get treated poorly and without any kind of gratitude.  The other variable are the people who SUBSCRIBE to the site.  I.e. pay the $20 for 2 years.

One of the few pleasures I get out of the site lately has been to write about things that interest me.  I realize that some people don't like "blogs".  Or me ranting about niche developer stuff.  What does a PC user care if some obscure Mac developer is getting screwed over by Apple? Why should I keep "whining" about it? It doesn't affect Stardock one iota. If anything, it helps Stardock by taking out a potential competitor.

But I can't even do that without people bitching about THAT. Sure, those people don't know about all the crap that I and others have to put up with on a daily basis because of the site.

But then again, neither does the egomaniac skinner who sends me the nastygram telling me how I'm a parasite on the backs of skinners for working to make customization software.  And the "artist" who sends me a 10 page email insisting that other artists like him should be getting a "royalty" off of every WinCustomize subscription because it is really THEY who matter.  THEY, their ART is what makes this site run and for me to even suggest that developers, moderators, or even users fit in is a demonstration of my "arrogance" and "ignorance" of the circle of life that is the skinning community. That guy doesn't know about the crap we go through either.  Not that he'd be interested.

Right now, what's really helping keep thigns going besides the wonderful people who moderate this site and the users gracious enough to purchase WC subscriptions is the IT team working full time to create the next generation WinCustomize.  Their hard work and tireless devotion to trying to make something really special helps keep the excitement going.

But to those who feel the need to email me telling me that writing non-news items is a "waste of their time" or "yet another example of your petty egoism" or are just "lame rantings", I say to you: Fuck you. Of those who have emailed me, who have accounts, NOT ONE of them has a WC subscription.

Most people dont' seem to have a problem with editorials. And those who don't like them who have posted on the message boards have been at least constructive about it. I have a LOT more respect for the guy who publicly writes their views than the coward who just sends hate mail from their anonymous Hotmail or Yahoo or whatever email account spewing venom at me.

But I'm not having fun right now with this site.  I look at the bills (hundreds of thousands of dollars a year).  I look at my inbox.  And I ask "Why? What's the point?" 

Sorry if I sound a little depressed. I think everyone has those days once in awhile.  And I'm having one today.

46,239 views 161 replies
Reply #26 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I had no life untill this site. All I do every day "Cause I have no job" Is surf wincustomize. I love this site since the day I accidently had it pop up on my computer screen. That was the best day of my life. Please keep up the hard work. I Have purchased much software and I will look into subscribing.

Now if I can just get T-man to change the name on my account to Craig Franey and not Christina Ruotolo I wont have anything to complain about.

Your great froggy!
[Message Edited]
Reply #27 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Shitdamn Brad, I sure hope you feel better today. I can feel the wave of your wrath all the way across the lake.
I can imagine only how hard it must be to put of that that kind of mail every day. I hope you have standard "copy/paste" replies for most of them.

"Your subject field was insulting enough that you are being informed that the mail was not read. If at any point you want to act like a human being I will take my time to help you"

or for the one that go bad in the middle of the mail...

"I read your email up to the point that you started acting like a complete jerk toward me. This is to inform you that I stopped reading at that point and still have no idea what your complaint was and therefore cannot help you. When you would like to take the time to type out a proper email I will take the time to type out a proper reply."

Again, Brad, you have my apologies for any insult I may have directed at you...I was typing too fast to think about it.

This quote is a perfect point. Not toward you of course CerebroJD, you have taken the opportunity to admit to your mistake and apologies.
The point is that there are way to many people out there that get so mad they just start typing and do not think while they are doing so. We all know it only gets worse from there.

As for the blogs. This is your website and you should be able to do with it what you like. If some people do not like the blogs then they need to just not read them and shut-up. My God, they are on the front page and not taking away from anything else on the site. Some people I will never understand.
[Message Edited]
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #28 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm sorry you have to listen to all the bull, Frog

Just remember you can't please everybody all the time...and you know you've got alotta people here (very obvious!! ) that can pick you up if you're feeling down

Don't worry! Be hoppy!

Reply #29 from WinCustomize Forums Top
@ Mrs _footsie_

Will echo sentiment from 'over the pond'




[Message Edited]
Reply #30 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have been online for over two years now doing "my thing" and am not loved for it, yet I found that this site is the only one where I can hang out and truly enjoy "Fellowship" with honest respectable people for which I am grateful.

This site is now a "Touchstone of Refuge" where I can return to after my less than desirious encounters elsewhere on the net that allows me to normalize with real people of the good kind.

To give in and lose this site over a few mis-guided embeciles would be a tragedy indeed, not only for me, but for all those who work hard providing it, and those who work as hard being a part of it in the Spirit of Goodwill.

Fame has a price we must all pay and some more dearly than others, but the rewards that follow will always reveal themselves in ways unexpected to those who stick with the plan.

To give in is to give up and I for one will never do that.

Hang in there Frogboy, we all in this together.




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Reply #31 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I guess you have to put things into perspective Brad. This site is a brilliant example of what stardock's programs can do. You can't please them all, so no need to be > or And about the money...well I read what it costs you, but never what it brings you. Keep on looking to the positive sides I say.
Reply #32 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I would just like say I think this site and all of the software is great. I have never paid to be a member to any kind of website before, but I gladly paid to become a subscriber here. Also, I don't like paying for software unless I think it's worth it. I just bought OD Plus and I am getting ready to buy more.

I would also like to say I think wincustomize has a great community. I look forward to reading the message boards and helping people out if possible.

I know people can be hard to deal with and that comes with the job I guess, but know that there are many more who really appreciate the things you and your staff do.
Reply #33 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You know what I think about You and Your company and I feel Your pain, which I get a little sight of on other sites. And when I watch the blatant comments on those other sites on every news You post I don't want even imagine the hate mails (I got a few also as everyone openly supporting Stardock, I guess) You get on a daily basis. So to cut this short : All my sympathies go over the ocean to that little software company You drive and I hope You and every employee of Stardock will feel a little breeze of it.



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Reply #34 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Brad every rose has it's thorns and your site is no diff besides how much fun would it be if all wassss smiles and praises all day long? you do live here on earth right?

obviously the site is something good so stop looking at the bad and just focus on the good there is alot of ppl that practically live on your site as much as their homes and enjoy it don't let the party poopers spoil your party...

I don't know too many ppl that get to make their living by a hobby they love (and even hobbies have set backs so I don't know what you expect) when you've really had enough of it you'll know and just shut it down but I doubt it's soon, everything seems to be going too strong for that, would be a shame to shut down cuz of a few jealous and moody ppl so stop crying and refocus you frog and I guess enjoy the fruits of your labors?
Reply #35 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I for one enjoy your 'rants'.It shows there is a real person at the helm,not just some faceless corporate guy who dosnt really care.Its good to see the head guy show up and talk to us.Not many companies out there where you can have a dialog with the ceo and his developers and website staff.
Reply #37 from WinCustomize Forums Top
What I.R.Bainiac said I'll get the hang of the quote thingy yet
Reply #38 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Just had a thought, ppl mostly go awall on email or posts wanting to blame someone. You dont see who you are talking too and they feel like they are talking to computers.
Users on this site should be able to post theyr pictures in theyr profile or something, make the experience feel more human.
What do yall think?
I see admins talking but I dont know whos talkin lol.
Reply #39 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This site is a godsend to those of us with no life! It is all yours, you have brought happiness to so many people and created a community that is tight knit and protective of each other, just like family. Don't let go, we'll be lost without WC.
Reply #40 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Frogboy:
I gotta tell you that for me this is one awesome site. No I dont know everything about computers and no I'm not some IT tech. However, I am a man who loves computers and have had one since they had little black screens and the OS had to be loaded off a floppy. There has been sooo many proggies I have tried to use that TRUTHFULLY SUCKED and cause me a lot of heart acke for trying them. With WC, I have been using WB, CursorXP, and ICON Packager. It has been so cool to finally be able to customize my computer the way I want it to be. Problems, I dont think so. PPl who bitch about WC programs either havent got a clue about computers (which the bitch might be acceptable due to ignorance) or the are just Plain pricks. Then again many are 12 year old babies who are trolling for reactions.

I have created a few skins and it is a real pleasure to see ppl downloading my efforts and commenting on them. (more than 57000 now ) And if someone wants to bitch me out for my work that they have the opportunity to use for free, I'm with you F&%$ them.

They piss and moan about something that costs just pennies compared to just the cost of the graphics programs skinners are using to create these skins. The BIGGEST thing lacking is APPRECIATION!!! >

Unfortunetely the voice you hear the most is the voice of the Belly Achers. Well, From one very Appreciative user....... THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND EFFORTS!!!!
Reply #41 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hehe yeah users have to do a computer literacy test when they sign up
Reply #42 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I too feel your pain Brad, but you have a lot of great supporters on your side. Don't let it get you down. I think Keila has the best idea yet. Heck, just use her words verbatem(sorry Jafo for the mis-spelling). If anything, you'll get a kick out of it!!!
Reply #43 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Brad, I can relate to your frustration as I went thru a similar phase back when I hosted/moderated the MSN Chat Rooms. At the end I had to learn to laugh at the insanity and ignorance of some people.
And just as you mentioned, the people that dish out the most complains and disgruntle are the people that have never made any kind of contribution, yet they feel it is their given right to label, accuse and trash those that don’t fall on their 'fair' terms.
My advice is to disregard that which is of no use to you and give way to that which benefits and drives the site.
Now, go have a drink, take a walk around the park and play a game of solitaire. I'm sure you'll feel better afterwards
Reply #44 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Now, go have a drink, take a walk around the park and play a game of solitaire. I'm sure you'll feel better afterwards


What A67 said
Reply #45 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well, I'm still new to this community, but I can sympathize with your plight. Just try to let is slide man, and keep in mind that there are those of us that appreciate what you do, greatly. Some to the point of getting a WC sub, even though our purchase lets us download. (I know that bandwidth ain't cheap at all, and an extra $20 isn't going to make me starve to death.) Keep up the good work, and just try to find those of us that appreciate what you are doing in the mess you have to trudge through.

As for skinners wanting a "royalty" from the subs? Politely remind them that we are not paying for the skins and content, but to help pay for the bandwidth to host their works. If we were signing on to pay for the actual content, they could expect royalties... however, the aggeement is for a membership to the community, not specifically for the content of that community. If that aren't happy with that idea, well... they don't have to put their works up for download... noone is forcing them to. I don't think they realise just how expensive it is to run a site, much less one this size, with this much traffic. True, without the submitted content, there would be less of the site to enjoy... however, without the site, there would be no place for them to showcase their work. Politely suggest that they engage in running their own, professional (no geocities crap) site, and find out just how much is involed in the process.

In the end, I have no problem supporting this community with the nominal fees asked of me. Further, once I learn to develop content myself, and begin to upload it to the community, I would simply take pride in the fact that anyone else out there would like it enough to use it... and wouldn't be looking to get paid for it. That's why I have a "day-job" as a technician!



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Reply #46 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hey, for what it's worth, I think you do a great job. The majority of users here I belive feel the same way. So piss on the ones that give you flack about things. You should be proud that you are providing such a fantastic and worthwhile service which doesn't promote filth and questionable material like so many sites do.

Keep up the great job!!
Reply #47 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm really sorry that you feel this way at the moment. There are thousands (and thousands?) of us who totally appreciate all the sites here, the hard work all of the folks put in, the incredible customer support you guys offer, the amazing software...

It's all good.

I know it's really hard sometimes, but don't let those few, those total degenerate freaks, get you down forever. They're not worth it.



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Reply #48 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Sorry to hear that, I can relate to what you're saying, just can't imagine dealing with it. It's not easy to be a leader. So far, you've done a great job though...
[Message Edited]
Reply #50 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I think it is terrible the lack of respect people can have for each other. Although I think the majority of visitors to this site are good people, unfortunately those who lack any form of decency feel the need to speak loudly.
I work in retail and the lack of respect towards those of us working in that profession is revolting at times also. It seems people get into their big heads that they are the only important person alive and their every whim should be granted.

Its seems these nasty people Frogboy writes about care about this site just don't possess the means to properly voice their concerns and suggestions. They also forget the proverb that you can't please all of the people all of the time.

I think this site has been an extremely postive influence on the world of skinning. Sure its gone from being a totally free hobby towards something that costs money to become a part of, and sometimes others can make money as well. Change is a process that some simply can't embrace. To those I say, stay in the past, wallow in it and let those of us who choose to advance, do so.

It is known that you hear from those who complain, than those who like what is going on. People are more likely to write when upset. So I think more of us need to take it upon ourselves to let Brad know when we like what is going on as well. I don't know if he really wants more email, but more positive emails will show him how much we care and that the jerks are really in the minority.



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