We have just come back from the first Aston Development Conference, which took place in Moscow, Russia on the 2nd - 5th of May, 2004. You surely have numerous questions about it and the future of Aston, so without further ado…
The first Aston Development Conference; Moscow, May 2004.
The list of participants:
Nick Egorov/GS - programming, tech. support
Oleg Bulychov/GS - programming
Dmitry (raVen) Suchodoev/GS - server maintenance, administrating
Ivan (ghosty) Oshepkov/ART - psychology, usability
A brief list of topics:
Current status of Aston development
Multimonitor support, themes for multimonitor sets
Main concepts and tech details
Theming Aston 2, graphics
Usability improvements
License, support
All you wanted to know about Aston 2, but hesitated to ask…
There were lots of rumors about A2 on Aston IRC channel and forums. Some info was about to be true, other is nearly absurd. So after all you might wish to get more official information. Here it comes…
First of all, Aston 2 (A2) would be a completely different application that has nothing (but a name) in common with Aston we all know. Just like Aston one it is being written from the scratch and has a completely different architecture. In order to add some features, developers decided to sacrifice support for all operating systems, older than Windows 2000 (Win 9X/NT/Me users may still work on Aston one). In return A2 users would have lots of thing they couldn't even dream about before.
Many of you asked for multimonitor support in Aston. Rejoice, there will be one. But only in A2 as current Aston architecture doesn't allow it to be implemented painlessly. The more, A2 themes could support multimonitor sets natively (don't ask details: they were discussed for hours already :)), so you could use all your screen space more effectively.
A2 would have no plugins in the sense that we all know them now. Instead, users and Theme designers would operate objects, - quite complex things, which would allow you to customize Themes more effectively. An object could represent anything: analogue clock, Winamp controller, resource meter or whatever else you could "teach" them. You could combine objects if you want, customize them or even create new ones, using basic scripts.
Toolbars, Main menu and taskbar will disappear and would be replaced with bars (special container panels) and menus of almost any complexity you'd liked them to be. You could even recreate old Aston's toolbars and menus of them.
Complex animation effects and use of freeform objects everywhere (are you tired of rectangular forms? Ever had a crazy idea to get a round Start button?) won't limit designer's imagination like before, even though theme creation might take more time. All objects could resize (if Theme designer allows it) and change their shape according to their position on the screen.
A2 would be designed with usability in mind. Even though now Aston is one of the most user-friendly shell replacement applications, new Aston design would implement some innovative ideas in usability field in order to make users operate it even easier. But, just as before, Theme usability level would depend on designer.
Aston 2 price is not yet clear now, but expect it to be similar to the current one. Even though upgrade would cost money (remember, that A2 is a completely different program), registered users could buy it with noticeable discounts; we also think about possible discounts for students.
Overall A2 would be more, than just a shell replacement. It would be a highly customizable user environment, not just a way to skin Windows look.
to be continued…
P.S. Gladiators Software always listens to users' opinion even though some things take time to implement, so if you have an interesting idea you'd liked to share, feel free to do it, post it in comments below and possibly you would see it in our future releases.
Ok so it's going to be completely new and registered uses get it at a disount price, but your registration page does say you will get all new releases for free. May be you should change this to make it clearer that all you only get the releases up to the end of a certain build, ie Aston 1 to 1.99, Aston 2 to 2.99. I am not complaining about having to pay more for a good product but I am sure a lot of people are going to.
Date:05.08.2004 Name:SePhiRoTH Rate:
Hmmm..... I'm, well not allowed to buy stuff off the net, so i wish aston would become free. But i can't wait 4 "A2" to come out. Keep up the good work guys.
Date:05.09.2004 Name:Marco Rate:5
I have buy Aston version 1.9 after have read on the web page that ALL the future versions are a free upgrade. In my opinion the user that have buy a version 1.9 must have the version 2.0 like a free upgrade.
Thanks.
Date:05.09.2004 Name: Rate:
Hey guys here's a question will A2 skin the windows themselves or only the taskbar like A1? Coz If it did I guess you could also allow for windows to be different shape or not be windows at all like little popups with lists of file or round dials or anything at all. Well there's some ideas for you. Don't understand what I'm saying? send me an e-mail and I'll try to clarify.
Date:05.09.2004 Name: Rate:
Personally, I understand the impulse of shareware programmers try to find new ways to get paid.
I wouldn't mind a round start button (like Talisman), but I use Aston in a work environment, so my first concern is that it should make categorizing and accessing hundreds of programs quck and efficient.
For instance the sidebars are actually not qute as handy a way to do the same thing as the start menu. Not that the start menu is especially handy either. I find myself using the top panel and the vertical panel. The advantage, I think, especially with the top panel, is the ability to list many entries under a single category. One of my categories is a long list of fequently accessed web sites, another is a long list of frequently accessed help documents for the software I use.
I have no idea how well this would work, but I am thinking of a closer integration of Altdesk with Aston. There could be a single control center desktop with a comprehensive categorizing and listing of software, plus what now serves for quickstart and systray (icons next to the time in the lower right). Provision could be made for starting programs from the control center and assigning them to a work desktop. Go to the work desktop to use the program. The work desktops would be free of attempts to tuck program start menus in cramped and limited little corners of the screen.
Gleason
Date:05.09.2004 Name:chris Rate:
Wow, that's really messed up that upgrades are not free. I just bought aston 1.9 and now I read that I have to pay for 2.0, when it was clearly advertised as free if I registered. I for one will not deal with such a company that lies, despite how good the product is.
Date:05.09.2004 Name:Groofy Rate:
Is this correct what i'm ready no support for "Win 9X/NT/Me" in A2
Date:05.09.2004 Name:mahatma Rate:1
I hate the fact that you gave up support for 95/98/Me.
The number 1 OS with more than 60% worldwide is 98SE. Almost 75% if you count Me and 95.
Date:05.10.2004 Name: Rate:
Well, it seems, that some people misunderstood the text. First of all, I'm <i>not</i> a member of GS, so I can't tell you for sure if "upgrading" from A1 to A2 would be free or not. This question would be clarified, when A2 is completely ready. "Aston 2" is a codename of next generation environment by GS, which has absolutely nothing to do with Aston. It could be called "NeoShell", "Newshell" or whatever else: it's just a <i>different application</i> with similar name, so, please, stop complaining about "lies". Future Aston releases <i>are</i> and <i>will</i> be free for any registered user. Nevertheless situation with "Aston 2" registration is still not clear. Maybe you'll (registered users) get it for free, maybe at a discounted price, maybe not. It was already discussed, that "A2" won't run at Windows Me/NT/9x. All owners of old PCs with legacy OSes would still have A1. Backward compatibility was decided to be dropped in order to increase stability, speed and add some features, which are impossible to implement in old operating systems. "Aston one" plugins, themes, skins and so on would not work with "A2" at all. However, there'll possibly be a simple A1 to A2 theme convertor, so you could make a port of your favorite theme. Besides, by the time of A2 release there should already be several sample themes, created by ART group.
Date:05.10.2004 Name: Rate:1
Sorry Sacrat but that's a load of crap. Calling it a different name won't get GS out of the fact that they say once registered you get all future upgrades free. Also ending support for Win 98 etc is just shooting themselves in the foot. The Win98/ME users do NOT care how hard it is to make A2 compatible for them. That is what folks have been paying GS for in the first place. That is GS's job and they need to step up to the plate. Yall are screwing up by doing the Win98 community this way, and we will remember it. I have six A1.9 skins in the pipe and frankly with this news they will NOT be released. And I urge ALL A1.9 skinners to do the same. We are what keeps GS going, and maybe it's time to show yall how much power we have.
Grrrrr!
Bert
Date:05.10.2004 Name:Egg Rate:
Ending support for Windows 98, fair enough. It's a bloody nuisance of an operating system and has been thoroughly superceded by 2000/XP in every department. Surely the only people tech-savvy enough to change their shell yet clinging to a 9x OS these days are people with hugely (and I mean hugely) outdated systems, and that's fair enough, but expecting a new feature packed release of shell software when there's a stable, well developed alternative out there for them is a bit daft. Yes, it's quite a brave move commercially because lots of people still use 98, but only because any shift of this nature takes time, especially with users that are quite happy with their system. Yet why would users that are happy with the way their systems work be looking for a cutting edge release of an alternate shell at all?
I mean, if you don't like some of the 'features' that come with XP, fair enough. I wasn't impressed either. But for those people, 2000 is perfect. It's the interface of 9x with the stability of XP, and about the most significant software switch you can make.
Not so sure about the talk of theme objects, though. Shells that leave interface preference in the hands of theme designers often end up too impractical to bother with, ala Litestep. Everyone has their own way of using an operating system, and it shouldn't be a chore to take a theme and adapt it to your way of working. Hell, it shouldn't be ANYTHING beyond clicking on a theme and having it adapt, if roughly, to your chosen layout. There's nothing more irritating than surfing themes, finding one you like, and ending up spending so much time juggling elements back to your favoured layout that you could have built the pissing theme yourself from scratch in the same amount of time.
Date:05.10.2004 Name:Liderc Rate:
The new release of A2 is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than Aston. Everyone complaining about the whole "future upgrades are free" should pay attention to what is posted here. The new shell under construction now is built from scratch-nothing at all. They didn't pull any code from Aston and as such, this new program is NOT ASTON. Therefore, this NEW PROGRAM shouldn't be free, and I think that GS is being generous by considering making it free or at least discounting it to current customers. This scenario is the same as buying a car that has free repairs for life. If a new car comes out with a similar name, do you expect the dealer to give it to you for free? I don't think so. Just my opinion.
Date:05.10.2004 Name: Rate:
My main concern is just one: Out of all the shells I ever tested in my system, Aston not only is the most stable (much more than Windows itself) but also much faster than windows.
Will the next version keep up with this tradition?
Date:05.10.2004 Name: Rate:
I mean who says GS owes us another version at all? They could just decide to leave Aston where it is at 1.9 and go do other things.
As a shareware author myself, I can tell you that I get zero downloads for win 95 these days. A few 98 and a few Millennium. The vast majority is XP. The unhappy truth about the 95/98/me line is that it was full of troubles. Windows NT was MS's first stable operating system. It's successors 2000/xp have maintained most of that stability.
It is true that Aston adds a lot of stability to 95/98/me. And people who want to stay with those will have 1.9 to help them get the most they can out of their systems. But there is no reason to hold the rest of us back. Time moves on. Especially in the world of computers.
Date:05.10.2004 Name: Rate:
Continuing above.
So Aston had a good practical reason to exist in the days of 95/98/me. It was nice to have a good looking desktop, but the real reason for using Aston for just about all of us was stability.
2000/xp doesn't really need that kind of help. So Aston has to find a new compelling reason to exist. That reason has to lie in the direction of using the advanced capabilities of those systems to the max, it seems to me.
Gleason
Date:05.10.2004 Name: Rate:
You may like Windows 9X/Me or not but facts remain facts: these operating systems are no longer supported by Microsoft and could only be used on old enough (5 to 10 years old) PCs. When Gladiators started coding A2 they knew, that by the time of its release most users would have powerful enough PCs and modern operating systems, like Windows 2K/XP. Windows 98 is good to those, who have Pentium 100MHz/32Mb RAM, but ones, owning Celeron 2GHz/1024Mb RAM plus two monitor set must choose modern OS by definition. Now think, how many people would own 10 years old PCs in 2004/05. Aston is a fast, stable and nice looking shell replacement. Aston 2 should be more: more or less complete work environment. It won't just replace a shell, but make one's work more effective. Speed question was also discussed during the conference. Bad news: Aston 2 would consume more system resources, than A1 because of additional amount of graphics it uses and more flexible architecture. Good news: on more-less modern (something like PII with 128Mb RAM) computers difference shouldn't be noticeable (unless theme designer is crazy enough to use animation everywhere). Besides, developers themselves have far not the fastest PCs, so making A2 fast is in their own interest ;) In short: Aston 2 should be fast enough for users not to give up using it :D One of major features of Aston 2 is flexibility: designers would get a flexible instrument for building whatever environment they want, so many usability and speed problems would be related to theme creators. As for making A2 interface design the same as in LS... Don't be afraid, such things won't happen. First of all, global preferences and theme's settings would be separated. Next, theme creation would be done by a standalone WYSISWYG application, which would help one creating and setting up objects, finetuning them and so on. Even if you don't like something in a theme, you could update it yourself: this shouldn't be too hard. Surely, designers would have to work hard in order to create good themes as making works a-la wallpaper plus two buttongs just won't work. So in general, amount of themes would be less and their quality should be higher: creating a theme for A2 would require much more skills, than now. We have also discussed the idea of flexible themes, which adopt to user's needs without a loss of usability. In general, creating them wouldn't be hard, but everything is in designer's hands. At least there are good Aston designers now :D Good news to themers: we plan to create and update skinning tutorial from the very first versions of A2. Besides, ART members would regularly post tutorials, explaining some tricks of high quality interface creation.
Date:05.10.2004 Name:Sonic Rate:
I think comments about lies on the registration page are a bit strong, I think it was probably short sightedness from Gladiator Software when Aston first came about. I registered at version 1.24 when there were about 10 themes and i guess only a few users and no forum. Now if the forum and number of themes are anything to go by I would say there has been a big increase in the number of Aston users, accompanied by a big increase in feature requests which may be GS did not anticipate. So if this means a complete rewrite of the code to incorporate all of the features so be it. For me I have had a good run for my money registering early on in the developement of Aston but I can see why someone who registerd 1.9 last week would be unhappy about having to pay again. I hope some sort of discount will be available for registered users, even if it is just a special deal for the first two months release of A2 or something like that. And when are we likely to see A2, or even a beta of A2?
Date:05.10.2004 Name: Rate:
Not Free!!!?!?!? not free u say?, this "new" aston is called astion 2 right?, as in aston version 2.0?, surley to get a aston 2.0 u need a aston 1.0 first?, which would be aston 1, so therefore it is a upgrade, but u guys at aston development just want more more and more money, i bought aston 1.9 not too long ago and one of the main things that i saw that made me buy it was the "free upgrades" and this is a upgrade!, so wots happening?, we should get it for FREE, uve prob jsut relised uve got thousands of customers and thought, hey if weve got 25,000 customers usin A1, at least half of em will upgrade to A2, charge em £20 each and we will ave sum more money, Ur company is lien sayin "free upgrades" sort it out dudes!!!
Date:05.11.2004 Name:gunnix Rate:8
Someone claimed that win9x isn"t supported anymore by MS. It still is supported, they postponed the date to stop supporting win9x.
1 other thing, win9x is really not worth keeping. Or you go for winnt 5 or for linux. Last 1 is the only option and a good one for slow pc's. It's good they stop supporting win9x.
Date:05.11.2004 Name:Waylanderdslayer! Rate:
Woohoo! Can't wait to get designing for it :) It's obvious there's a tremendous amount of work gone into A2....Bring it on!
Date:05.11.2004 Name:Liderc Rate:
Another way to look at the registration issue. Those who purchased Aston, did you purchase Altdesk? When you purchased Aston, did you get Altdesk free, or vice versa? No (except for those who did in fact purchase both)? Well, that's what you're asking for. Let's see what do Aston and "Aston 2" have in common: 1) A DEVELOPMENT NAME of "Aston 2" 2) They are both shell replacements. Differences: 1)Completely different code 2)Aston supports 9x/NT/ME/2000/XP, "Aston 2" supports 2000/ME/XP. As you can see that in order for "Aston 2" to be an upgrade it would have to be a fixed release of current Aston code; which it does not do. Another example, you just bought Windows 98SE. Microsoft provides free upgrades, i.e.-service packs and patches. Windows NT comes out six months later. Do you expect M$ to GIVE you NT because they told you that 98SE has free upgrades? 98SE and NT run off of different kernels. They both operate the same. However they both have the name Windows. I'm not trying to flame anyone; hell I'd like to see it be free for current customers as well. I'm just trying to show everyone where GS is coming from. They've been great to us in the past, and I'm quite sure they'll be just as great to us in the future. You never know they may do a deal that everyone who has already registered will have a five day window when it first comes out at getting it free, and then seriously discounted after that. Another idea maybe that if you've previously registered and just design one theme for Aston or Aston 2, that may reward you with free registration. Just my two cents.
Date:05.11.2004 Name:noizze/ART Rate:
Actually, I don't know about WHAT all noise here is? I'm sure on 99% that updating from A1 to A2 WILL cost some money, and it's normal.
Hey, when You updatin' from Win 9x to Win XP or whatever, You even didn't have in mind, that Billy will give You a new BOX with OS FOR FREE? I'm sure You not. So why all You guys cryin' so loud? A2 will be great implementation of Your money, believe me! :)
Date:05.11.2004 Name: Rate:
Oleg and Nick have to eat too y' know.
I wouldnt worry about the resource usage of aston. Remember when you switched to aston, started looking at the numerous meters and said *wow! this is soooo much faster that explorer!*...... i'm sure Oleg and Nick will see to it that it happens again.
Okay.... time to hunker down and start brainstroming progressiv blue 2.1!
Date:05.11.2004 Name:llwynog Rate:
Well, I think I understand both sides... I think GS have plainly the right to create a new software and sell it for what it's worth. I would not complain for not being able to get a free upgrade : hey, those guys were kind enough to give me a registration for free in exchange for my theme... On the other hand I also understand the other people : I think everyone expected a lot from Aston 2 especially because of the forum and the various discussions anout which cool features would be available next.
I guess most things would have been a lot clearer and would have caused much less noise if GS had announced when releasing Aston 1.9 that it was the last release and that they were shifting to a brand new software. (I am afraid that changing the name and not calling it Aston 2 would have helped in the matter..). In my opinion, if GS ever did something wrong, it might have been on the relational plane but they cannot be taken responsible for what everyone infered from the discussion of the forums..
Keep up the good work. If Aston 2 or what ever the name it will be does not come out before September, I will be able to actually buy it and not to resort to theme making and GS kindness... well I guess it will not stop me from theming neither.... (^^)V
Date:05.11.2004 Name: Rate:8
Well first of all, I want to comment on the article... It's nice that we get to know more about Aston 2, but it's far less than I ever wanted to know... Second is we still don't know anything about possible release dates, though that's getting more important as we know more about Aston 2... That's why I only gave an 8, I think this is some good information and I'm looking forward for 'Aston 2'
Now about what other people have said... I think I found the best explanation until now about the upgrade to GS' new shell. The registration page says all upgrades for Aston, but the now so-called Aston 2 is not an upgrade, it's a complete new program, written from scratch. Therefore I think they're right in asking people more money... And if you read carefully you will also see that they aren't dropping Aston 1, they might stop developing it, but it will exist as today... I would even keep designing themes for it I think, as I have numberous old pc's lying around which could run Aston...
I think I explained most 'incorrect' comments this way... You don't have to agree to what I say, but it's just the truth... Just read, think and understand, don't just read the whole piece in 10 seconds, you'll miss all of the action... Greetings,
Michael
Date:05.11.2004 Name:meglamaniac Rate:9
To Lost_Boy_Z and others complaining of "lies" over upgrades, stop and think for a second would you? Try this analogy:
Microsoft make Windows. Microsoft made Windows 2000. Microsoft promised that updates to Windows 2000 were going to be free (as with all thier products), and they were. Microsoft then made a new version of Windows, Windows XP, which obviously they didn't give away for free as it was a totally new system. As usual, all UPDATES to the new version, Windows XP, are free.
Now do you see what the developers are getting at? Windows XP was not even a complete re-write, it's largely based on Win2k code (which in turn is based on WinNT code) but because it's a substantial re-write with many improvements, additions, new APIs and so on it's only fair to pay for it. Aston 2 IS a complete re-write, it has no prior codebase, it IS NOT Aston, and yet you have a problem with paying for it? Given that there's talk of discounts for Aston users thats a bit ungrateful don't you think? Even Microsoft discount their new OS's for existing users (the XP upgrade packs are cheaper than the fresh install packs) - it's not as if this isn't standard practise.
Its reasonable to expect updates and fixes for free, but to expect a new product for free is pushing it a bit. Ok the wording on the registration screen could be better, but remember the native language here is Russian and that page has been translated, and I doubt the developers can afford professional translators to check everything for them...
Date:05.12.2004 Name:ParaDon Rate:9
I am willing and happy to pay for A2. I understand the explaination and reasoning for this. This is simple economics and not rocket science.
I see it like this - I pay for the new program and GS survives and continues to write great code OR I whine like a sniveling brat and they pack up and go to work for the man.
Step up! Vote with your money. I like Aston, Hell, I NEED Aston, and they won't survive without cash flow.
Keep up the good work boys. Remember - Keep it lean, fast and stable.
ParaDon
Date:05.12.2004 Name: Rate:
Is the new version will be so fast and not too exacting to system configuration?
In my opinion, the biggest point of Aston, that Aston doesn't need to much memory, it uses less than explorer(shell) and it's more stable.
Date:05.13.2004 Name: Rate:
Dear Aston team, please never release A2 without win9x and Me support. As am from India we most of us use Me or 98SE. So please... atleast a modified version for Me and 98..
Date:05.13.2004 Name:JT Rate:8
Ive been using Aston 1.9 for a month now, and as one who admires the product enough to care about the future of the group developing it, I wish voice my opinions on the "YOU WILL get all new releases for free" issue.
The very existence of the numerous complaints regarding the migration for 1.x users indicates that the original offer is indeed misleading. I dont know how the law interprets the precise meaning of this promise (although I suspect it protects the consumer), but a 'reasonable average person' would have understood it as a free entitlement to all future releases of Aston by GS. Anyways, the fine details at this point are irrelevant; it was misleading. What I do wish to see is more integrity to the management of the problem, especially in terms of responsibility and accountability for all such actions - even if they were just strategic stunts to build up a sizeable userbase. The Aston userbase has yet to reach a critical mass and such blows to integrity and confidence at this stage could have pretty large financial consequences, especially in such niche markets where people never forget. Recovering reputation and confidence is tough.
I would like to see this succeed, I think the product is excellent. When you like something, its disappointing to notice signs that could determine its demise. So many superior products have been failed by lack of attention to management, especially in terms of integrity and legal consequences. It just doesnt do justice for the developers!
I think Ill patiently wait for Roman Osadchy's next theme for Aston 2; Technodream was just too cool...
Date:05.13.2004 Name: Rate:9
I look forward to the new release, whether or not I have to pay some dough (hoping to get it cheaper as a themer, still). Sounds like it will be a pretty powerful replacement, with the flexibility afforded by the non-shell DesktopX (free-form objects).
My three primary reasons of heretofore using Aston have been 1) Speed, 2) Low memory/CPU consumption, and 3) exceptionally easy and powerful configuration. If A2 is able to maintain these standards it will be THE shell replacement to be reckoned with. If not, it will simply be a $$$ LiteStep. I'm thinking it will be significantly easier to configure, theme, and tailor to individual users than LS, however.
I'd be more than happy, eager, and willing to contribute ideas to the project, and look forward to its release, regardless of price.
Date:05.13.2004 Name:Crazy World Alex Rate:8
Questions: Will there be a free demo version? Will we be able to use the demo to earn a free key for a high quality theme?
Comment: I think that they should give people who payed money for version 1.9 a free version of 2.0 - this does not include people who earned a free key or people who payed for older versions.
Date:05.13.2004 Name:SAPer Rate:
Guys, when will release be?
Date:05.14.2004 Name:llwynog Rate:
Crazy World Alex has a good point. If Aston 2 is going to be radically different from Aston 1, I hope that there will be a demo which can be installed together with Aston 1 without having to uninstall it and just be able to compare the two of them by swiching in shellswapper...
Date:05.14.2004 Name: Rate:
Partially agreed with CrazyWorldAlex: If it's really an entirely different product than A1 AND A1 support and plugin development continue, I think it still merits a price. Theme developers should probably have to re-earn their keys, too.
Date:05.14.2004 Name: Rate:
It's good to see some info on A2 or whatever it is going to be called. But I hope I still see some updates on Aston 1. Such as full png support in the Left/Right Panel Plugins. And make it similiar to the top panel plugin instead of splitting up a single bitmap. It's these little things that stop me from releasing another theme.
As for not supporting Win9x/Me, I could really care less. My sister's PC runs Win98SE in the room next to me and I just told her last week that I would offer no more "tech support". It gets kind of old when once a week I have to fix something with it because according to her "it's doesn't work". Also when I get calls from friends or friend's of friends with PC problems on an old OS I tell them it will be cheaper to upgrade their entire system :) Because in reality it is, you can get a new system for 300 bones and Dell even offers payment plans, heh.
"Entry level Dimension 2400 Desktop, Celeron 2.4Ghz, Free 80GB HD now starts at $332."
And for people that don't think this is enough information. I'm sure it going to be sort of like litestep but highly menu driven and actually themeable but still scriptable for advanced users. Make a few themes for the current version of Aston and see all of the pitfalls you run into, hopefully that's what A2 won't be.
But that's just my opinions and prophecies. Time to get off my ass and release this theme.
Date:05.14.2004 Name:Smanic Rate:
I'm certanly sure a lot of themers, pluging makers and simple cool guys, who helps us (forum members) will get the new keys for free! We greatly appreciate your efforts!
Date:05.14.2004 Name:Tamandt Rate:
For you all out there, 9X operating systems have been on the decline for sometime now. XP users now total almost 45% of all PC's and another 18% for 2000 users. So the fact that 9X operating systems is not going to be supported is not a big deal. As far as not being free, I can understand that. Let me put this into view.
Lets talk about Microsoft Office. When you purchase it you get free updates indefinetly. But in two years or so, a so called new version arrives. Microsoft still gives you updates to the old one, but the new one (albeit a similar name) is a new product.
For those who purchased the product within the last few months should, in my opinion, get the free upgrade. But for the rest of us (including myself), quit complaining. It is an entirely new program and paying for a discounted upgrade fee is fine and standard in this industry.
Date:05.17.2004 Name: Rate:10
FANTASTIC. honestly, stop your bitching. I never thought for a second that I would get "A2" for free. Its the the same product at all. Although, I admit, this is probably slightly biased, being I did not pay for my registered version of Aston1, I still dont beleave that I should pay. I will not use any discount for "A2" - I will raise the funds and pay for it myself. This will probably take a while, being I have NO $$, but I believe that this WILL be a brilliant piece of crafty 1's and 0's that will be worth paying for, they deserve it. Great stuff guys! I've said it before, I can't wait, but I will. Take your time making the bestest thing in the world! :D
Date:05.18.2004 Name:Atomhrt Rate:5
Objects??? Sounds a lot like Stardocks stuff. I hope they are not going to re-invent the wheel...again. I understand that objects is a common programming term and applys to shells and themes. What I'd like to know, is how will it be different???
Date:05.18.2004 Name: Rate:
No, don't be afraid :) Gladiators are not going to create another DesktopX, even though A2 would be closer to DesktopX, than to A1. :D Both would have so called objects, but the definition of an object would be different. The simplest idea could be the following: replace current plugins with objects :D Another difference is that DX remains a bloated cover for Explorer while Aston 2 should stay first of all a shell.
Date:05.18.2004 Name: Rate:
I'm glad that new Aston is coming soon. This shell gives much of advantages (alternatives). I'm also glad that some new was of usability solutions will be introduced, even i think that it is a good idea to drop off from old Windows versions support. Previously there were much talking about Macromedia Flash support - can't guess if it will implanted in some way in new version (hope so). What could be wished more ? That creepy registration issue .... maybe you could propose some discounts for owners of old versions or for owners who recently bought Aston 1.x (4real!!!). Go-go Aston2 :)
Date:05.18.2004 Name: Rate:
Discounts were already discussed millions of times: topic closed :D Besides, I'm 99.9% sure, that all active Theme designers, plugin coders, some active forum members, testers and many other guys would get their keys for free ;) So even if you can't afford buying a legal key, you would be able to get it for free doing some work (something useful for us, help is always welcome). If you get your copy of Aston a week before A2 arrives... E-mail support, I'm sure, the solution will be found ;) Flash support... I think no. There won't be a need for flash as you'll be able to do most of such stuff using native Aston 2 features, such as scripts or effects. btw, what fo do you think we might need flash?
Date:05.19.2004 Name: Rate:
The whole thing about "microsoft coming out with office and giving you updates only on the version you buy". I agree with that. Microsoft says you will get all version updates for Office 2000, and they do. But for aston, we were guaranteed that all future updates of the Aston product were going to be free. Not that all updates of Aston v1.x were going to be free.
Anyways, I can understand that they are putting a lot of effort into their product to make a new release, but if they call it Aston, then I would hope they live up to their promise to "get all new releases for free". Not all new upgrades, but all new releases of Aston, period.
Date:05.20.2004 Name: Rate:
to SacRat/ART >btw, what fo do you think we might need flash? I believe that native scripts and effects are kul stuff in Aston2. But look, Flash has an enviroment to develop that all things. Anyway, i argue only about ways to express ideas (where flash is a king ;)). Peace.
Date:05.21.2004 Name: Rate:
Sounds awfully like DesktopX from Stardock...... and SacRat/ART DesktopX is NOT a bloated cover for explorer. It is a cover but not bloated... and by the way is runs fine with Astonshell too......
Date:05.22.2004 Name: Rate:
.... but it sounds exiting too :-) wonder how it will compare to DesktopX?
Date:05.24.2004 Name: Rate:
Good Lord People! It's not like Aston costs $100. If you can afford to be surfing the internet then you should be able to afford the small amount of money you pay for Aston.
I've been a registered user of Aston for 2 years and I've no complaints about paying for Aston 2 if it is going to offer much more flexibility in theming. Frankly I'm ready for it as I've not used my Aston for some time now(sorry) because the themes left a lot to be desired.
Aston 2 sounds like it's moving into a new direction (WB-Like? Talisman-Like?) and I really think it will be welcomed by most.
Pre Windows 2000 OSes are old and obsolete so... GET OVER IT!
Date:05.24.2004 Name: Rate:
Incidently...Whe can we expect the first release?
Date:05.24.2004 Name: Rate:
Ok guys listen I've been lreading all the comments for about an hour now. From them i have a few things to say:
-First of all stop complaining these guys worked long and hard on A2 and you expect them to give it to you for free, well what will they eat? I was born in russia and money dosn't come easy. So give them some credit.
- Secondly Flash could be used for animation of icons instead of those enaks that i still can't make.
-Thirdly I see where those of you yearning for win9x support are coming from.It is true that some things(games) do need need a windows 9x system ( Like my beloved Carmagedon2)But come on really migrate to XP, and if you really need 98 for a time use something like vmware tools. I decided to run Red alert recently the setup told that im running windows 5.1 and it needed 95. lol.A quick trip to the compatability propeties tab fixes this.
- Last point for now. Someone mentioned Linux and my brain started thinking of a phew things: -Windows longhorn is gaining on us, what about it's support (not really important) -You guys work long and hard on this stuff how bout making a linux distribution. That'll definitely make me port to linux, With interfaces like yours and the stability bugfreenes and virus cleanliness of linux would tottaly Rock The world. You could probably take on Billy himself.
- Oh yeah nearly forgot Aston rocks as it is A2 will totally kill so keep up the work you make Russians proud all over the world (even those Form a long forgotten island in the pacific, The big rock called Australia)(Kangaroos and Koalas)
Date:05.24.2004 Name: Rate:
to Lexa: :) Good notices far and wide.
Date:05.24.2004 Name:Lexa Rate:
Thanks I tryied :)
Date:05.25.2004 Name:Nick Rate:
For me, the annoyance about the new fee is not that it exists, or the amount, but the way in which Aston have gone about introducing it.
If they'd put their hands up and said "OK, we screwed up with our business model, we're very sorry, we can't keep to our original promise," I'm sure they'd have been pleasantly surprised by the support and understanding they would have received. Instead, they've come out with this mealy-mouthed exercise in semantics...no apology to the customers who bought their product in good faith believing their promise...what a pity.
I do still wish them the best though, it's a nice product (although hardly as indispensible as some here seem to believe), and deserves to succeed on its merits. Need to work on the marketing though...not everyone will just sycophantically accept everything that's dumped on them...
Date:05.26.2004 Name:Jacobi Rate:10
You guys are pathetic... seriously...
They give you a rock solid piece of software, and you turn around and whine like a 2 year old child. And I noticed that the only people really making a stink about it are those sorry sacks who just recently heard about Aston and bought v1.9
Those that have been around since the beginning and have experienced YEARS of bliss and stability with this fine product, are more than willing to pay for A2.
I don't give merrit to those complaining in this forum about not paying, because they haven't been around long enough to truly enjoy what Aston can do for a flawed windows interface.
When you've been around the product for a number of years and have seen the vast improvements and bug fixes in each and every release, then you have ROOM to complain. But until then, you are posts are like squeaky mouse voices which I just drown out amidst so much other usless babble.
Before you can speak from the pulpit, you must have once sat in the pew... and those of you complaining are new converts, while the faithful among us are more than willing to put our money in the offering plate.
Date:05.26.2004 Name:Nick Rate:
LOL...well, that's me told, then...
Date:05.27.2004 Name: Rate:
Well stated Jacobi.
Although I haven't used my Aston lately, I do know that it is indeed rock-solid and that is why I've no problem with again forking out some bucks to acquire Aston 2.
I think (from the comments I've read so far) that Aston 2 will not only retain it's Rock-Solidness, but will also offer themers a way to create much more ...let's say... irregular/uncommon graphics for the shell interface.
That is a step in the right direction in my opinion.
Date:05.27.2004 Name:"2yr old w/ squeaky mouse voice" Rate:
Actually...
I understand the disappointment that the A2 registration issue brings to some buyers.
Imagine you're an average windows user and have discovered this product that claims to enhance the user interface and efficiency of the OS. The product on offer is version 1.9; you know that v.2 might not be too far away (assuming that the consumer even knows what the 1.9 means). BUT, the terms of the offer also seem to promise free future releases of the product. SO, the buying decision of this consumer is based on the various such items of information given. Failure to comply with what the original purchase contract seemed to promise will undoubtedly disappoint the consumer and possibly even make him/her feel cheated/exploited.
This applies whether it was a $100 or $1; the amount is not the issue. Plus, whether $30 is expensive or not is a matter of opinion, agree?
ALSO, since when did product usage time/history have anything to do with one's right to complain about a purchase? You mean to tell me that I can't complain about the purcahse of a cup of coffee because I wasnt part of its evolution and history and hadnt 'sat in the pew'?
"Pathetic"? I beg to differ.
Date:05.27.2004 Name:Merlin Rate:
words, words, words. Yes Aston is great, even adds some more stability to WIn line.
The main pronles for GS is now really to release A@ under the branded and popular name of Aston. Everywhere it is written, thatall future upgrades will be free. Not all future upgrades for Aston 1, but for entire Aston. When i've bought win 2000 i was informed that all future upgrades for Win 2000 i will get for free, and that's ok. If thwy will say, that i'll get all windows updates for free, and then they shall force me to buy win XP, then i shall complain. Now here all i see, that the Gladiator guys should look as liars (and already look like one to some of them) if they release Aston 2 not free for Aston Users. They only way can keep their promisies is to relelase Aston 2 under other name, and to keep some slight support for older Aston. Is this way they won't look like people who betray their promisies (like RitLabs, for example)
Date:05.27.2004 Name:Sad User Rate:
In terms of aston i'm not only buying software, but investing money in the development of it. Not only buying the developed product, but investing and considering, that i'll receive the result of my investment. Now you are jst violating your promise. Since i'm not a registeres user, i'm not so pissed of, but if i was, what shall i feel working with a company that doesn't keep it's promises. Maybe after i buy Aston 2, they will relese Aston 2.01 and ask for additional 10$. I should also say, that now i have decideed not to buy the programm ( and wait for the next release. Why shouls i waist money for a programmthat is not beeing developed any longer, why shoulsn't i wait?
Date:05.27.2004 Name:Nick Rate:
I think to call the Aston guys "liars" may be overstating the case a bit. I doubt they had any deliberate intention to deceive anyone when they made their original offer.
The impression I get (rightly or wrongly) is of a bunch of enthusiastic and well-meaning young computer bods, who perhaps have a fair amount to learn about running a business, and in particular how to treat their customers. They can't rely for their entire income on a small subset of Aston fanboys who will forgive them anything...once you get a reputation for acting in bad faith, that reputation is very, very hard to shake off...
As they guy above said, why should a customer now believe anything they say about future guarantees or promises of support? They might simply turn round and say yet again "ah, but Aston X.XX is a completely new product...we're not actually breaking any promises, we've just decided that our promises don't apply..."
As I said, I like Aston and want it to succeed. Personally, I'd prefer to believe that they have simply been very badly advised...in making a commitment in the first place that would be impossible to stick to, and in how they handled it thereafter.
To "Sad User" and anyone else similarly disillusioned...I'd say give Gladiators the benefit of the doubt on this one occasion. It's not as though Aston costs hundreds of $$$ like MS Office for example. Everyone is entitled to screw up once in a while...not repeating your mistakes is the important thing...
Date:05.28.2004 Name:JT Rate:
Nick is SO right.
Date:05.28.2004 Name:bhakku Rate:
"Before you can speak from the pulpit, you must have once sat in the pew... and those of you complaining are new converts, while the faithful among us are more than willing to put our money in the offering plate." It makes perfect sense to me that those of you who have used Aston for years would feel comfortable paying. You have definitely gotten your money's worth from it. As a "new convert", however great this product is., I am not happy about purchasing a product with no indication that it is abandonware and that I need to make another purchase so soon to get a product that is still being developed. I am not a themer or someone likely to get this for free. So yes I understand it is a "new product". And if had been using Aston for a few years that would be fine. But if I choose to get the product that is going to grow then I am forced to buy another version of Aston withhin a few months. So windows is a poor example. Most people, even new computer users, know well in advance that a windows upgrade is coming so they can choose to wait for it.
Date:05.28.2004 Name:Peter Rate:
What surprises me is that, with all this heated debate, Aston still hasn't updated their registration page to clarify what they mean by "get all new releases for free".
I'm sure there will still be new users who will purchase Aston without having read this thread and feel ripped off when they find out they have to pay for an upgrade as soon as A2 (or whatever they'll call it comes out).
I was almost one of those new users, myself. If Aston had updated their registration page to say buy 1.9 and get A2 for free I would have gone ahead and purchased 1.9. Instead, I decided to uninstall Aston and give GeoShell a shot while waiting for A2 to come out. GeoShell might not look anywhere near as slick as Aston but it's really started to grow on me. A2 better deliver the goods or Aston will have lost another potential hard-core fan...
Date:05.29.2004 Name: Rate:
This is primarily to Gladiator...
Why not let recent registered users of Aston 1.9 get Aston 2 for the difference of the cost of Aston 1.9 and Aston 2 (if there is any) or free.
I do understand why people who have just bought Aston 1.9 would be upset about having to pay again for Aston 2.
Personally I've no problem with these people getting a break on the cost and me paying full price because as one commenter said We long term registrees have surely gotten our monies' worth whereas the recent buyers have not.
Just a thought.
Date:05.29.2004 Name: Rate:
Any date for A2?
Date:05.30.2004 Name:Nick Rate:
sigh....
The registration page does indeed still say that registered users will get all new releases for free. Releases of "Aston," that is, not "version 1.xx of Aston" or "all versions of Aston until A2 is released."
I'm afraid this really is completely inexcusable.
Date:05.30.2004 Name: Rate:
First of all, I'd liked to recommend those few, who are still complaining about prices and nagging (I'm not talkig about registered Aston users, who prefer to ask questions in a more intelligent way)reread the article and thread again. If they're having troubles with understanding, I'd have to repeat myself. New GS application, being in development under a codename "Aston 2" is a completely different application, which has nothing, but a codename to do with Aston Shell. It would have a completely different architecture, features and is targeted on different people (meaning that its userbase should be larger). There's still almost no official information about this program and its price, feature set, etc won't be available to public until it's done. It was already discussed and said, that probably (understand the meaning of this word?) Aston Shell users would get a discount when buying "Aston 2". Once again: "Aston 2" is neither a new release of Aston, nor it's an upgrade, so stop complaining about "lies": you were told that numerous times already. The status of Aston Shell after A2 release is still not completely clear: its architecture has limitations, which are hard to fix, but it is a stable and fast shell replacement. Probably it would be released in a final stable version and some plugins would become open source (so plugin writers could do their job easier); still IIRC, many plugins' sources were opened by developers for the third party developers on their requests (there are several guys outside GS, who actively develop new plugins for Aston). Just like with Aston Shell, anyone interested should get their free key in return of some job (theming, support, development, etc...). To all those users, who would buy Aston Shell a week before A2 release... e-mail support, I'm sure the solution will be found. Right now I cannot tell you any exact date of A2 release, but we expect getting its first test versions in few months. And the last: This is the last post to those boobies, who disregret others' time enough not to be able to read the whole thread. Anyone, having questions, which were not discussed here is always welcome: ask them and I would reply ASAP.
Date:05.30.2004 Name:Nick Rate:
So..."Aston 2" is neither an upgrade nor a new release of "Aston".... good to have that clarified.
When you're in a hole, it might be best to stop digging...
Date:05.31.2004 Name:Lexa Rate:
SacRat/ART
Yes Yes Yes all of you noobs read his comment and stop bloody complaining!!!!! i want to read ll the stuff on A2, but im seriously pissed at reading comp[laints about prices.
And yes I already asked this question,but will there be skinable windows?
Date:05.31.2004 Name:SacRat Rate:
No one knows yet: the product is still in development :) There are two ways to skin windows for a shell app: 1) use third-party engine (ShellWM, Windows Blinds, MSStyles) 2) create new engine the last thing is a very hard work and no one can say for sure, that it won't be too slow and buggy. So IN MY OPINION the easiest way to implement Windows skinning is using a simplified version MSstyles.
Date:05.31.2004 Name: Rate:
Hmmmm. Well, you only have to know what has been, to know in essence what will be. It is difficult for me to beleive that anyone who put so little thought and effort into the presentation of a product (upgrade or not) could feel compelled to put much more into the product itself! Don't get me wrong, A1 is sweet, but that was due to the motives of the coders. Obviously these have changed. I would love to support your product, but wont support your conduct. These are lies and the test is rather simple, if it is not Aston, why call it that? Good luck, your not as big as Billy so you are going to need it.
BTW I am a registered user, and I deeply resent the ridiculous notion that just because I don't agree with you that I am lacking in intelligence. I disagree with you based on your inability to produce as reasonably clever announcement of your so called new and never before thought of product.
Stick to programming, it's low profile, so even if you suck at that too no one has to tollerate it.
Date:06.01.2004 Name: Rate:
Hello all! I didn't want to argue with you but i have to. I understand your complaints but think twice before call us liars. If you are so bad with math (or common defenition) and don't know what is a lie don't use this word at all. And those, who think they know what a lie it is, pls, compare the following: get all new releases for free (on the registration page) and "Aston 2" is neither a new release of Aston, nor it's an upgrade (Sacrat's post). So, pls, use another word!
Date:06.01.2004 Name: Rate:
Well I cant wait to see A2. And if the price is reasonable, I may even register.
However!! Some people need to brush up on the english language. I'm not complaining myself, but I can see why some would.
You simply CANNOT say "Aston 2" is neither a new release or upgrade. It MUST be one or the other.
If the owners of A2 wish to call it a totally new piece of software they must change the name and sever all ties with A1.
Otherwise, all those that paid for A1 are legally eligible for A2 for free as stated in the registration page.
My advice, change the name, or be prepared for legal action.
Date:06.01.2004 Name:SacRat Rate:
Calm down, guys. All the talks about pricing and distributions policy, which take place here are useless until program is released. And no one ever promised, that this would happen soon enough. Don't ask me or support about its release date: we do not know. When it's done. It might happen in a month or in five years. So if you decide to wait, just do it and remember, that good programs need some time to be released. Right now the whole thing is mostly a CONCEPT plus some code, which is far enough from being a complete full-featured product, no natter if you think differently. Now no one is going to sell it to you now at ANY price, just because it's not ready yet. No release version, no complains. OK? As promised, registered users of Aston would all updates for free, no one said the opposite. As already mentioned before, "Aston 2" is a codename developers themselves use to call it, thus the future name might be completely different from the current one. Again, when I'm talking about "Aston 2" I'm talking about a concept, not a concept. When it will be mature enough we would show it to you and talk about the rest. Dot.
Date:06.01.2004 Name:InMySock Rate:
In an effort to calm the storm, why doesn't GS just call "Aston 2" by a different codename? When they finally release it, it isn't going to be called "Aston 2" or "A2" anyways. It will be something entirely different.
In an effort to turn this thread around, let's all think of a new codename for the new product that GS hopes to develop.
My first submission: "Billy Bob's BBQ"
:D :D :D :D :D
Date:06.03.2004 Name:Nick Rate:
Whatever they call it, it will still be a shell replacement. Not an office suite, not a DTP package, not a video editing program, not an operating system. A shell replacement. Knowing this, they are still promising on their registration page "all new releases for free" KNOWING that they will not honour this promise. For smanic's benefit, that comes well within the definition of a lie as far as I'm concerned.
To Sacrat: It's a bit rich telling people to "calm down" after you started insulting them and questioning their intelligence. By the way, if you'd like to read the registration page, you'll see that the actual promise is "all new releases" for free, not just "updates."
I can't believe I was stupid enough to suggest giving you guys the benefit of the doubt. Your attitude and comments are arrogant, patronising and offensive. I wouldn't deal with any company which treats its customers so shabbily, however good the product is.
I guess I'll leave it there, and let you enjoy dealing with the writs as and when they arrive. Frankly, you deserve it.
Date:06.04.2004 Name:JT Rate:
Nick has a point.
Date:06.05.2004 Name: Rate:
Yes Nick has a good point But.. Requiem has the best point.. Be prepared for legal action.
Confucious say: Man should not speak when mouth full of bullshit...hehe
Date:06.06.2004 Name:Dragon31337 Rate:
It is great about A2, but when could we get the first beta, release or something. Usually greate plans crash. So much new feaches hardly to make alive... Sorry for my English ;(
Date:06.06.2004 Name:Lexa Rate:
God damn it shut up all of you complaing about the price of A2 and calling the team liars. It's a new product and if you want it you will buy it(maybe even with a discount if you wn 1.9) If you don't well then GO AWAY. The Aston team needs food and money. Like everyone here so stop complaing and think.
And i don't remember who sugested it but maybe The aston team should change the code name to something like "maverick"
Any way back to what this thread was about: -So would it be possible that you decide to make a linux destribution? -And what i meant about windows was so that they were implemented into the desktop, aybe whole new, separate system of windows?
p.s. oh yeah If any of you are preparing to use legal action against aston, Thats just pathetic. If you want aston so bad that your prepared to spend $1000's on lawyers, why don't you just buy aston and give the money to someone who actually needs it?
Date:06.06.2004 Name:theflinger Rate:
sadly, because that's the way our society works. The whole legal thing has gone spiraling out of control. People are stupid, get used to it.
Date:06.06.2004 Name:theflinger Rate:
by the way, the current price for aston is 28 bucks. Forget the cost of hosting this graphically intensive webpage WITHOUT ADS and you have 28/9 developers = 3.111... dollars per developer. If they were to somehow scrape by on 20,000 a year, that means 6,428 users EVERY YEAR would have to buy Aston. To get a decent salary you would need twice that.
Think about that.
Date:06.07.2004 Name:OLM Rate:
I'll sure pay whatever money they want... but i also hope they will not lie to us again. Just dont become like MS.
Date:06.07.2004 Name:Pavel Kraynyukhov Rate:
I'd better pay for 2.0 as I lost support, because the developers team has no money to survive.
Date:06.07.2004 Name: Pavel Kraynyukhov Rate:
oops mistake: "than" instead of "as" .
Date:06.08.2004 Name:Cabaret2 Rate:
Maybe a simple solution here. If you have paid for Aston 1.9 just use it. Most of the users simply rave about how wonderful it is, and how they simply couldn't survive without it. If it's that good, what more do you need? If it's that good, you got your money's worth. If the programmers can actually produce a useable product called Aston 2, and you're hot to have it, buy it. If not, use what you have or use another shell. There are many out there. Bottom line? Love 'em or leave 'em ;) eh?
Date:06.09.2004 Name:Merwin Rate:
I'm not saying that the creators of aston don't deserve money and support... they definately do because they have created a spectacular product.
But as people have mentioned before, they still have the "misleading" text on their registration page saying all releases will be for free.
About the salary comment, they should have thought about their business model before they made that statement. Just because you suddenly decide that it's not cost effective to stay with the current business model doesn't mean you get to stick it to the users who paid for it expecting free new releases.
The simplest solution would be to remove the misleading text from the registration page, and give the next release of aston (under whatever name) be free for people who registered before that text was removed, and people who registered after that will have to pay to upgrade.
I have been using aston for a long time now and personally would pay for the next release. I will, however, lose respect and trust in the team, and will advise anyone thinking about purchasing it to wait until A2 comes out.
Date:06.09.2004 Name:PeteB Rate:
So this release of "software" may be next month, may be next year, may be never. There is no Gold. There is no RC. There is no Beta. There is no Alpha. There is a concept. A concept and a little bit of code. Considering all the trouble this has caused you, not to mention the bad PR, I have only one question.
Why did you bother announcing anything at all?
Date:06.10.2004 Name: Rate:
QUOTE:Why did you bother announcing anything at all?
Well, figure it out. The chance to see if it would deem profitable to betray the general aston public.
If so, then we move along with the coding and just become a shell replacement and let users choose their graphical environment whether it be WB, NextStart...etc..
Sounds to me that they're slimming this thing down to act entirely as a shell replacement with absolutely no eye candy (which I might add is usually what attracts new users) other than those found through third party add-ons but yet find that their motives for charging for the new release are indeed valid.
if indeed that a whole new(and larger) audience is the goal then I really don't think current registered users are really an issue so giving them a free release would not be detrimental to the goals set forth.
Now if your expected audience is going to be those that have loyally supported the product up to now then I think they're just trying to get more money from those that were indeed promised life-time updates/releases.
As far as Lexa's remark goes, S/He must be not considered as S/He is not solid enough to stay in the same contextual mood during S/He's remarks therefore losing all credibility in S/He's statements.
As far as eating/surviving goes...I'll bet all members of the Aston team have jobs that are far more prevelant than coding this shell replacement....Being Russian has absolutely nothing to with anything. I do believe if you check it out that you will find that "Russia" is not the "Russia" it was ..lets say.. 20 years ago....
Date:06.11.2004 Name: Rate:
Why should I register? You will get all new releases for free. never see the "nag" screen. receive full technical support. receive e-mail notifications about product's news and updates.
Date:06.12.2004 Name: Rate:
I can't wait to see what Aston 2 will be capable of, but I also hope it will be more stable and less dangerous to computers than the previous. Making discounts for students is very smart : most crackers and warez downloaders are young and, not having enough money to afford spending it on expensive programs, use illegal copies. Therefore, paying less will insure a clean community as well as many future customers. Can't wait for its release, and I hope Dmitry Prosvirnin will continue making all his wonderful themes.
Date:06.14.2004 Name: Rate:9
As a UN*X-like user since many years I was happy to find that Aston made my windows desktop usable, and look very nice too. In my opinion Aston is close to perfect except for one issue; the panels on top thing. Lightning fast, rock solid and fully themable. I haven't managed to get it to crash despite my near desperate attempts for two whole weeks. Unfortunatley alternatives like Style-XP makes the desktop as responsive as if you we're using Windows XP on a P133 with 32mb of ram. I can't wait for the "on top"-features supposed to arrive with A2. Keep up the good work, you rock my world.
Date:06.20.2004 Name:merwin Rate:
In response to having been told I will have to pay for new versions of aston, I decided to check out: http://beyondconvention.net/ohussain/lsinstaller/
Litestep, with a simple to use installer. Maybe it requires a few more brain cells to configure, but at least with litestep, I can be guaranteed to not be charged for it :P
