A request to the developers. . .

from WinCustomize Forums
To all the developers, I would like to make a small request, but before I do that, let me say that I do appreciate the time and effort that you have invested in programs you've created and enjoy using them immensely.

However, I have found in some programs that the documentation that comes with them tends to be...inadaqute. One example would be Iconpackager, what is the purpose of the 'Individual Drive Mode' button? Or where is the documentation thatat least I believeshould be included with Object Dock? I spent 45 minutes trying to figure out how things were supposed to work, because there are several different files such as: Themes, Backgrounds, etc. There was no documentation to even give me an idea of how to install or change themes, icons, etc. And what is the difference between a dock and a docklet???

I feel that my ability with computers and software, while not world class, is beyond the level of a newbie (no offense to those that are. We all have to start out somewhere ).

So in conclusion, all I'm asking is that more adequate documentation be included. I think there would be many that would appreciate it.

Again, this is NOT meant as criticism(?), but rather an opportunity to point out some areas that could use a little tweaking.

Thank you for your time and possible responses.

A fan of all that is Stardock


P.S. Go ahead and make those marks for spelling and grammar, Jafo.


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Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I think this is a very well written request, possibly the reason it hasn't been addressed as yet is the title. you see there are a ton of skin requests that start out with similar titles.
I'm sure in time one of the community can answer these questions.I imagine there are quite a few who would love some more detailed information on certain products here.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
ok i dont know the official reason for the individual drive mode button .. but i know With litestep it has helped make the drive icons change .. im not sure but it seems it helps force the icons to change if they dont want to normally...
Elemental: Reforged
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
There's a big Object Desktop Documentation documentation PDF available from within Stardock Central, not sure if it's available elsewhere though.

The Icon Packager part is pretty short though and too am not sure about a few things. What's smart package loading?
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
See, this is the thing that I would like to see improved. The documentation for the various programs gives just a brief overview of the programs, but doesn't really get into the specifics. Better documentation would also eliminate some of the questions posed here because of this basic overview. Although there will be those who will still ask becasue they didn't RTFM!
I'm surprised that with all the time and effort put into this software, Stardock has done a better job with the manuals. But maybe there's documentation out there that I'm not aware of. *shrug*

I still think the software is excellent!

BTW if you have not checked out tiggz' K-tek theme, do so. This is why I use windowblinds etc.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I agree better documentation would be better.

But documentation, like all things, costs money. IconPackager is $14.95 on its own. After ecommerce charges / bandwidth  you're talking $12.  Throw the cost to help subsidize the IconPackager library you're down to $10.  So your'e talking razor thin margins on this stuff.

This year, we did a lot of documentation updates. DesktopX, WindowBlinds, SkinStudio, IconDeveloper, etc. But the IconPackager stuff was kept pretty basic still.

We have a LOT of docs already on Object Desktop and its components (the OD manual is 118 pages on its own). 

Now, to answer your question, individiual drive mode, when enabled, allows you to assign different icons for each drive on your computer when you click on the drives tab.  It's not intuitive because the button mode is on every page.

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks Frogboy. O.K., is the OD documentation on my OD cd or on the Stardock website? Also, I didn't realize that the profit margins on your software were so narrow. And based on some of the things you've told us concerning the running and support of the WC website, cost vs. profit on software, idiotic lawsuits and so on, I sometimes wonder why you continue to do it. But as long as you're ok with it, keep it up. You do your part and I'll do mine (I have both WC & OD sub).


P.S. Thanks again, and keep up the good work.
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