Hey how's it going. I'm still new around here, so show me the ropes heh.
I like the idea of GOG, and even more so because for just that low low price of $5.99 or $9.99, you get loads of stuff. Fallout, for example, includes the FO bible, hi res wallpapers etc. It's not a necessary addition, but GOG does it, and it feels good to have these to make up a low-price, high quality package
Do you guys over at GOG have any intention to create a digital platform in the form of a program like Steam for users? It's just an idea right now, but GOG looks like it can benefit from a central hub program, similar to Steam or Impulse - an easy place to access your games (which is one thing I like about Steam compared to buying from BMT Micro and other online transaction sites), the community, a friends list etc
But, like I said, it's just something that popped into my head at the mo :)

I don't really see the need for it. Once you buy the game, you can either store it (burn it to disc/usb drive, etc) or just DL it again from here.

I agree with Coelocanth. I really prefer just an easy-to-use website than something like steam. Steam is really just DRM in disguise as a social hub anyway :)

You guys are absolutely right, Steam is a form of DRM and there is absolutely no need for a digital distribution platform.
But how about one for funsies?
I mean, if it was optional, I'd probably use it.. but then again, you can use Steam with ANY game to notify people on your steam users list what game you're playing, when you're playing it.
and there is already a steam group
http://steamcommunity.com/groups/goodoldgames
So I don't foresee a digital distribution platform anytime soon (other than the downloader which really.. is just a downloader). Things are pretty good right now.

Heh yeah. I like Steam for some of its features, like those mentioned in OP, but at the end of the day, it still forces you to authenticate a singleplayer game with an online connection

I'd just like the GOG Downloader to list all my games, rather than having to go to the website and click on the "Add to Downloader" option.

I just found out about the GOG Downloader! I think this is an equally great tool to help easily access games that people have bought
Awesome stuff. Now my (online) life is almost complete.

From what I've gathered from the team posting here, it seems they'll be leaving it as a place you can just download good old games from. I don't suppose you'd really need to force a client on people, either - simply advertising and/or boosting the community aspects more should be enough. Basically, if whatever browser you use can do all the stuff the Steam client can, why bother with a separate program?
And there is an update in the works that's suppose to improve the forums, a fancy way to show off your games are a certainty, private messages are likely, friend lists are possible.
I installed Steam to check out the Left 4 Dead demo, stuck around thanks to its weekend deals. I'd say it offers enough value to compensate for its online-only nature - in case of the massive weekly price-slashings, anyway.