At this point in the game, I imagine that You at stardock must be finding our concerns tedious, as your position and policy of "wait and see" is fully stated regarding Windows 8. It is backed by sound reasoning and I concur.

If you can not commit on your plans for the new OS, please let me state my concerns and fears for your development and licensing considerations. I am aware that I am a unique individual and by no means represent your customer base.

I renewed my subscription to Object Desktop less than a week ago. I also have licenses for CursersFX and ObjectDock. I understand that these purchases were made for products developed for OSes preceding Win8.

Object desktop is a rather big suite. I'm worried that it will for the most part be rendered useless in Windows 8. Whether support problems are a result of Stardock or Microsoft will matter little, the result will be the same for myself as an end user. As a new purchase, this point is of major importance to me.

I'm already behind the times as I currently run Vista Home Premium x64. I have started to experience limitations in what can be expected to run with other software companies, and I expect that this will only increase as Windows 8 launches.

Microsoft's upgrade package is so appealing that it's hard to imagine it not becoming the most commonly used windows variant very quickly ($40 upgrade to PRO from any previous version of Windows - XP to current)

Am I going to find myself in a position of needing to make a choice between using an antiquated OS and currently licensed Object Desktop products?

Further, Although OD is a subscription, it is based in the current OSes. I worry about this. It would not be unlikely in my viewpoint to see Stardock abandon software development for current applications within Win8, in response to the different needs within the new OS. It would make better sense to develop a completely new suite of software to better address the radically new environment.

This would mean a new License.

This direction would be a fair decision on your part.

Now let me tell you how individual I am...

I am inflicted with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The World Health Association lists it as one of the top ten most debilitating diseases. One who has it must expect to spend the majority of life unemployed, save in rare cases.

One of the main features of the disease is a driving need to control environment. This is what has made Stardock such an important part of my life. You have done much to help me cope with the day-to-day stress of my condition. Manufacturing controlled environments within my OS makes it possible for me to sit at at my computer and do constructive work under conditions which are stress free. This is a rare boon for me.

My budget is so close however, that even $10-$15 upgrades will often force me to choose between addressing these needs and having to down-grade my diet. There really is no additional room for what the majority of the world would consider as the purchasing of luxuries.

These are my concerns and fears: That I will not be able to keep up with the trends and technology of all software developers and the public in general, further isolating me from general population. That Win 8 will not be customizable in appearance and use to an extent that would satisfy the conditions of my disease. That I will not be able to afford any solutions that are presented.

Again, I understand that my concerns and needs are unique in their nature - That it is not Stardock's problem to "fix" my problems for me.

I simply ask that you consider these points, even briefly, when deciding on the direction you will take your software and the licensing practices you will employ.

And although it was likely unintentional on your part, I'd like to thank you on behalf of everyone with OCD for providing the perfect tools for addressing a disease at it's most needful level.