I don't see anyone jumping to answer this for you MuckyMan so I'll put two cents worth in the pot.  Some people think it invades their privacy and aren't willing to register to get a piece of freeware while others will register for anything.  I would say if you have an image posted on a site that allows it to be downloaded by anyone without regard to registration and you don't like it, then move the image to a site that requires registrations.  Problem fixed.

Yeah, but that takes too much time. Just hitting the download button is just soooooo much easier. *Total sarcasm*

many websites make you register before being able to download content, i don't see why wincustomize should be any different.

screw the invasion of piracy, only about 5% of people actually use their real name and other details. only providing an anonymous webmail email address for the account activation. I dont think it's too much to ask people to register before downloading the stuff that people have spent many hours in making.

I think after eons in business they probably have it about how they figure it works out best for everyone.

Pretty much, though there's always room for revision/tweaking/improvement.....as with anything...

I'm not disagreeing with you, I'm just saying if a site doesn't require registration to download a persons items and he doesn't like it then don't put items on that site.

I'd rather more people regesitered and I'd be thrilled if more people subscribed.  I hope that the unregistered masses are just at "stage 1" and that they will see the value we offer and step up on thier own.

I sense your sarcasm...

If I understood your comment correctly, Zubaz (  ) I believe in your approach to this. Whispers are heard better than shouts. I feel this is a friendly community and it's approach towards newcomers should reflect that. It should be reflected by the "Welcome" on the "doormat".

Together with that there's a limit on the amount that can be downloaded without registration. WC is not selling the artists' products or any intellectual property. It's a "see if you like it" approach with a limit and a notification to that effect.

The artists/creators are fully cognizant  of this as well....they post and with the exception of "My Colors" and "Masterskins" everything is free.

Also, the artists work is reviewed, and as their skills are honed, recognition of this and their "Community" behavior is given, to wit rank. They progress to the point where the process of quality control says "Your work is recognized as of sufficient quality to be sold here."

As I see it, the system in place is win-win, and no one is being forced to participate. Other ideas and suggestions are encouraged and implemented.

So, muckyman....I don't see how you're being injured. I love your work and many others do as well.

I say if the consumer is happy, he/she will become a subscriber. If not, why do you want their name and email address anyway? I seriously doubt Brad Wardell sits around peddling name/email lists to spammers for any reason.

Just my 2 cents, mate. Hope you stay!

People that aren't registered nor memebers, have such a limited download that it would be in their best interest to register.  However, having thousands and thousands of people register because they download one cursor might not be the greatest idea either. 

And thanks for noticing the featured .dream.  I will look into that now.