Stardock's relationship with Neowin and its criticizers

[Disavowed]

The staff may never straightforwardly admit that, but it's very true. People have a problem with Frogboy not because Stardock owns Neowin, but because of his attitude.

Frogboy, pointing out the fact that you get more attention than others because you are a CEO of a company doesn't justify your attitudes towards members here.

Correct. That's just an egotistical excuse.

What many people don't realize is that Stardock has the singular MAJORITY share in Neowin. Steve has 30%, Redmak has 30%, and Stardock has 40%. Steve and Redmak may both together have 60%, but in essence, they are two shareholders...not one.

As much spin as has been put on this, that's the fact. Steve and Redmak sold off their control, and one of these days, it will bite them back.

[DreadBoat89]

Correct. That's just an egotistical excuse.

What many people don't realize is that Stardock has the singular MAJORITY share in Neowin. Steve has 30%, Redmak has 30%, and Stardock has 40%. Steve and Redmak may both together have 60%, but in essence, they are two shareholders...not one.

As much spin as has been put on this, that's the fact. Steve and Redmak sold off their control, and one of these days, it will bite them back.

dude, as long as both neobond and redmak agree to the same things, they will still have majority control.

its not the end of the world if stardock has a 40% stake in neowin

[+shift. MVC]

dude, as long as both neobond and redmak agree to the same things, they will still have majority control.

Yes, but the fact is that they actually own a minority of Neowin.

[Nashy]

Exactly the same as the Vista forums. Hate for no reason.

People bagging them for no reason is nothing new in the world, just take a look at the Vista forums all over the place.

Although, if Stardock's worry is Internet warriors having a go, it should prove just how on track you are if that's all you have to worry about.

I read your history, you guys are what it means to work and wade through the **** to get something done. Keep doing that and I have no doubt you'll turn these people around.

[Frogboy Administrators]

Yes, but the fact is that they actually own a minority of Neowin.

Shift, this is something that was done over three years ago. Moreover, Steve, Marcel and I are good friends on and off the site.

I think one of the problems is that people don't realize the massive differences between a publicly traded company and a privately traded company. For instance, as was pointed out, Stardock hosts Samurize.com and has for many years now - for free. Samurize competes directly with Stardock DesktopX. But it's a great program and they're great guys and that was enough for us. Privately held companies can do things simply because the owners want to and think it's cool.

[Matrix XII]

If Stardock is helping Neowin evolve, then I have no problem with it whatsoever.

..and I love Sins of A Solar Empire :heart:

[+Mirumir Subscriber¹]

Shift, this is something that was done over three years ago. Moreover, Steve, Marcel and I are good friends on and off the site.

I think one of the problems is that people don't realize the massive differences between a publicly traded company and a privately traded company. For instance, as was pointed out, Stardock hosts Samurize.com and has for many years now - for free. Samurize competes directly with Stardock DesktopX. But it's a great program and they're great guys and that was enough for us. Privately held companies can do things simply because the owners want to and think it's cool.

Exactly! With private companies the owners are the managers - CEO and a board member in one person. There's no conflict of interest like with public companies where managers want one thing ... and no body cares what shareholders want.

[kawai]

Can't say I like stardock product much but let's try to be neutral

<-- one of the earliest member on this board

[Draconian Guppy]

Nice insight...

IMO frogboy has no way out... By this I mean:

Imagine instead of frogboy it where: "GatesBoy" "JobsBoy" "LinusBoy" ( whatever tickles your fancy), anyone with a public role in a public forum has no where to go. There's gonna be hatred, there's gonna be flaiming JUST because of "YOUR COMPANY SUXX0RS OMG OMG BLABLA IS better". And whether or not it is related to the post, it's still gonna happen.

In the mean time, This thread is well meant, BUT it's still going to cause comments like "Oh no wonder neowin teh suxx0rs now because it is owned by stardock$$ because they pay neobond and now they all suxx0rs" In the words of a famous philosopher... It's inevitable.

I for one, have never seen frogboys posts Biased with anything related/regarding stardock.

All in all, if it's kept neowin loading in less then 3 seconds, then keep it coming :p Cause DAMN I don't want to go back to those pre-2003 days... I lurked neowin for several years, but never registered because I always though "Hmm this site is always down, why bother".

Anyway, keep up the good work and long live StarWin, neoDOCK or Frogwin :p oh and I hate teh fr0glo0ser and stardock sux I prfer that chinize dude Y'z Dock becuase he pwnzers your socx0rs

J/k

Seriously, After having read the whole thread, one can clearly say at least from a user point of view, it's been all good :)

***goes back to his regular porn browsing***

Edit:

Hey frogboy, would you mind hosting a couple of files for me I mean, in all that company love and whatnot it's just 2 files:

1.ALL.IN.ONE.VERSIONS.OF.WINDOWS95.WINDOWS98.WINDOWS2000.WINDOWS.20003.WINDOWS.2005.WINDOWSVISTAOEMULTIMATEOMGVERSION.

2. UNDERAGE.UNBORN.PORN.

J/k

I didn't know you guys hosted samurize, that's what big companies should do with small ones, help out !

Edited May 15, 2008 by maudit

[+shift. MVC]

...

Yes I understand that, but the reality of it is that you own more of the site than Steve and Marcel individually.

I'm not against this whatsoever, but is this a POTENTIAL weakness despite all the good that Stardock has done for Neowin?

I understand how Neowin is a private company and is different from Stardock in that sense. But the notion that the two original Administrators are now minority shareholders is slightly troublesome, although it has worked out so far.

[Frogboy Administrators]

Yes I understand that, but the reality of it is that you own more of the site than Steve and Marcel individually.

I'm not against this whatsoever, but is this a POTENTIAL weakness despite all the good that Stardock has done for Neowin?

I understand how Neowin is a private company and is different from Stardock in that sense. But the notion that the two original Administrators are now minority shareholders is slightly troublesome, although it has worked out so far.

Stardock is a private company too.

The founders own 60%. Stardock 40%. They have a majority. So even if Darth Vader conquered and enslaved Stardock and began issuing edicts that the unworthy on Neowin be "dealt with" Steve and Marcel could just say "talk to the hand."

[+shift. MVC]

Thank you for clarifying Brad. :)

[+Mirumir Subscriber¹]

/laugh :D

[-Nic-]

My only complaint against FrogBoy is killing off the first podcast I actually enjoyed listening to.

His rants were always funny, especially if they were Vista related. I even posted on their final podcast in the comments.

http://poweruser.tv/ Bring it back! :D

[Eric Veteran]

The only time you will see Brad ever get upset at a member on neowin is when said member attacks stardock products with nothing to back up there bitching or they set out to bash stardock at every chance they get. This would **** you off as well if you took something you made at home back in the day and turned it into something that it is today. The guy is talented business man as well as developer. The bitchers only wish they were even 1% as good at business as this man is. He has helped neowin in more ways then any of you know and I am thankful for his support.

The problem is that this is intimidating coming from an admin. I've had him jump down my throat before when I mentioned that Stardock didn't offer me a discount for resubscribing.

[Toxicfume Veteran]

^ That's exactly the kind of thing I was referring to in my earlier post. And it has happened more than a few occasions.

[lykwid]

I've been on Neowin for a while (mostly as a reader than poster) and I really had no clue about the Neowin acquisition by Stardock -- but in my opinion, that is exactly how it should have been. If I started to read articles and sensed a bias towards Stardock, only then would I really be concerned. The fact that some members (including me) had no clue about a deal that occurred 3 years ago, is exactly how a acquisition should be done.

Things really have changed since I joined, mostly for the good. I still remember when there used to be a babes forum (which was entertaining while it lasted), and of course I remember the "Server is busy" phase Neowin had. All in all, Stardock has really upped it's corporate image (at least in my books) for supporting smaller ventures and helping them improve with their own resources. Neowin has always been a great source of information even if by "unprofessional journalist" ;)

Now, please bring back the podcasts, as my train rides to work have become much less entertaining.

[Antaris Veteran]

I still remember when there used to be a babes forum (which was entertaining while it lasted)

There is a Babes section, just its become Subscriber-only ;)

I like the recent changes, and the server problems (as random as they are), haven't really impeded my viewing and enjoymanship (is that a word? it shold be :p) of the site.

Amen to the Podcast returns!

[TheDogsBed]

I only seem like I have an attitude because I'm very arrogant. When someone argues I'm "having a bad day" it's not that. It's just that when I'm very busy, I don't have time to pretend that I'm not arrogant and so my comments come out as being arrogant.

See, nothing wrong with that. People who know they are arrogant (I too am blessed with the same quality) are far more pleasant to know than those who are arrogant but are too stupid to see or admit to it.

As for whether Frogboy is the spawn of Satan himself - who cares. I'm too arrogant to give him the seconds of thought needed to figure it out. I'm sure he will understand that. :) His company makes good products, and that is all I care about.

Edited May 15, 2008 by SniperX

[the-Jafo]

Correct. That's just an egotistical excuse.

What many people don't realize is that Stardock has the singular MAJORITY share in Neowin. Steve has 30%, Redmak has 30%, and Stardock has 40%. Steve and Redmak may both together have 60%

Only those who cannot get their heads around simple mathematics.

However...if not one person has 50% or greater then none has a controlling share.

Since the split is 30/30/40 it takes two to tango ....;)

[Steven P. Administrators]

Only those who cannot get their heads around simple mathematics.

However...if not one person has 50% or greater then none has a controlling share.

Since the split is 30/30/40 it takes two to tango ....;)

3 posts in 5 years? Your opinion doesn't count!!!!

:p j/k Thanks for setting the record straight, sometimes I really wonder about some of the responses I see here lol

[Island Dog]

3 posts in 5 years? Your opinion doesn't count!!!!

:p j/k Thanks for setting the record straight, sometimes I really wonder about some of the responses I see here lol

:laugh:

[LOC Veteran]

Can't say I like stardock product much but let's try to be neutral

<-- one of the earliest member on this board

<----Hahahahha, I'm earlier than thou.

I've been here a long time, and I was on staff when Stardock got involved (I think) and I had no problem with it then, and no problem with it now. Brad is a cool guy, he makes awesome games, and runs a great company. Plus Neowin is supported, which is a plus since I love Neowin like all of you do (cept I love it more).

Though maybe Brad should consider changing his nick to FrogMAN...just a thought :D

[Rob Veteran]

On the subject of the podcasts, guys... they will return. No more info available at this point for NDA reasons ;)

[Rappy Veteran]

On the subject of the podcasts, guys... they will return. No more info available at this point for NDA reasons ;)

Take your time guys :)