Generic crystal version
 

I would like to see a version of the crystal backdrop with Prolific Publishing's own logo on it.

I would love to have the crystal in my version but, obviously, cannot afford to get one personally made so the next best thing would be have Prolific utilise this as another form of free advertisement.

As there is a screenshot of such a crystal, it must already exist so there is no extra expense in generating it.

What about it, a version/patch to allow those who want the crystal to have it?

Please...

Thanks in advance,
Paul.

To be honest, if they would be willing to do one, then it should have Jim's signature etched into it if anything. That could replace his name down below in the pebbles and would look real stylish.

In other words, I would much prefer that I had an artist's signature on a painting than the art gallery that sold it to me. ;)

That would be preferable, yes, but my mention of the company logo was in the context of that it already exists and would require no extra work on anybody's part.

I just would really like to watch the fish blur when they swim behind it.

Paul.

Can't do it. The corporations have get a version that the general public doesn't have, or there's no point.

The fish don't blur behind the glass. They just get a faded look.

I would worry about some hacker getting in and changing the Prolific logo to something else, like the hacker's signature.

Jim:

I naively thought the point would be to have *their own* logo rather than something generic.

patscarr:
There is little difference to now; a hacker could just as simply change the existing background for their own nefarious devices.

Paul.

PS:
Oh, just saw feldon23's response; in that case the crystal feature is not as "groovy" as I orig. thought it would be, anyway...

The corporate customers do get their own logo.

That is why I figured there would be no problem making a generic variant for public consuption.

The companies pay $300 or so for a special one with their logo; they still feel special so do not mind a version floating around with a generic logo on the crystal.

Paul.

If anything, I have a feeling it's the exact opposite. It's more likley that the corporations would throw a fit if they knew that other people were able to get a crystal version (generic or not) for next to nothing when they're having to shell out $300 a pop for their customized version.

I figured the $300 was the cost of custimisation, irregardless of whether something similar was available for much less.

The solution would simply be to charge less for this service; that way everybody wins!

P.

With the notable exception of Prolific Publishing and James D. Sachs of course...

/Tiny Exception

<<>StarTrek>

The needs of the many outweight those of the few...

<<>/StarTrek>

;)

:) If I'm not mistaken, I think we have a special thread for all Star Trek related material. :)

It's called Communism. Didn't work out well.

Actually it is just socialism but, yeah, it was still an ideal that didn't pan out.

Getting a touch more serious again:

I have been tongue-in-cheek for the latter part of this discussion but my central theme still rings true - it is a shame that there is some lovely functionality that we "average" consumers are deprived of.

I find it unusual that the only way to justify the cost of $300 for the crystal version is to say that normal users do not have it (in a generic form); I would have naively thought that the fact it displays the company's own logo makes it worth that. Especially compared to other advertising costs.

Paul.

Most products have "exclusive" versions which are only available to certain groups. In this case, many companies have asked for a version which was not available to the general public, so I gave them one. The $300 is just there to separate those who are serious from those who are not. It's the purchase of a large number units that makes us happy. The $300 is more than recovered by the customer in the first 100 units.

I was just about to ask if it was possible to get a crystal version with a customization of my own choosing if I was willing to pay 300 bucks for it, but I think you may have answered my question with your last post.

I have to buy a lot of them and I can't afford that ^_^;

However... as someone who feels like a not so "average" general-public-y type person, I would like to get something special and unique even if I am not a huge corporation ^_~

(Like a special crystal version with a feather in it and Jim’s signature, or a signed version of anything Jim’s done. Just like any rabid fan would.)

I am not aware of any software product which offers extra functionality at an (approx.) 1300% mark-up or designates this extra functionality as exclusive.

It is a moot point, you decide this and in no way am I trying to insinuate that you do no have valid (economic) reasons behind it but the rationale does grate at the "completionist" bone in my body which wants the entire functionality.

Heres a question (well, actually, four):

What companies currently use the Crystal version; maybe there is one I could be become a "valued" consumer of and get a copy of theirs?

Also, is the intention for future upgrades to work on the Crystal version? If, for all intents and purposes, I "bought" this version via consuming something from one of the above-mentioned suppliers and receiving, what are my chances for upgrading with more fish, etc at a later date? Would I have to go back to the 3rd-party company and grovel for them to get the new version?

Thanks in advance,
Paul.