Tony Gale, with due respect, this is not a gift horse, but a loaned horse. If I interpret the phrase "the offer includes a one year license!" correctly, after one year the horse will refuse to pull the plow or the cart, and will gallop off.

I intended to comment constructively, as witness the link I provide for downloading a missing DLL.

As regards the different ways of offering software:
Some frequently encountered methods are the following:
A) A program is offered for indefinite use (i.e. unlimited in time), and lifetime upgrades/updates; such offers generally demand a payment.
B) A program if offered for indefinite use, with free minor updates. The offer may, or may not, require payment.
C) A program is offered for indefinite use, but a major upgrade entails additional payment. The offer may, or may not, require payment.
D) A program is offered for temporary use (e.g. one year), and will cease to function after that, unless a new license is purchased. If the first period also requires payment, this is the full subscription model.

(Needless to say, there are other important aspects of software offers (per user or per machine, how many machines, concurrent use, ability to reinstall, etc.), but they are not relevant to the present discussion.)

Many users (me included) have a strong preference for method A.
Of course, as prospective buyer you want to be confident that the developer is not fly-by-night, AND that he intends to update/upgrade his software. Whether or not the software has been marketed for some time already, and has a documented history of improvements, is a good indication.

Giveaway of the Day offers generally follow method C, without initial payment, but with additional payment for later versions.
BitsDuJour offers generally adhere to any one of the four described methods, in almost all cases with initial payment.

I purchase software frequently (generally several programs each month).
If I trust the program and the developer, and if an option of lifetime updates is offered, I generally go for that option (unless prohibitively costly).

I fail to see why expressing a preference for indefinite use, and even for lifetime updates, shows a lack of gratitude toward developers.
I share your opinion that free offers by Giveaway of the Day are valuable, and developers deserve credit for making them possible.

William W. Geertsema

William W. Geertsema  –  7 years ago  –  Vond je deze reactie nuttig? ja | nee (+14)

Vertalen