Guys, I suspect Earth911 is only trolling for an argument.
What he says is indeed correct. Most of the downloads are trial versions.
But GOTD also provides the means to register or license the downloads converting the trial download into a fully functional and non-expiring license - usually by running "Activate.exe"
Not suprisingly each day there are always some newcomers who do not read the instructions and "jump in" claiming the program is "unregistered".
As there is not yet a single giveaway that has reverted to unregistered status or stopped working for everyone, clearly the lone voice of protest, who claims to know the "real story", is obviously wrong.
Same as when one person screams "Todays giveaway is broken" - yet everyone else says "works fine for me", it doesn't take a rocket surgeon to work out who "stuffed up".
Before making crazy generalizations and thinking you know a secret everyone else has overlooked - ask yourself, "Before I blame or accuse GOTD or the developer for something - is my discovery unique to me... is it possible I have done something wrong or missed a step".
If indeed you do hit a snag, or cannot get the giveaway to work - come in an ask for some help - chances are very good that others in the forums might be able to help you get it working. We are nice people. :)
From all the good I have seen of the many giveaways, a couple have been absolute gems, several have been ok, and the rest I have little or no use for. But I feel that by visiting GOTD and downloading these (at no cost to myself) I have:
- Learned a lot about software & companies I would otherwise never have known about.
- Had a lot of fun.
- Found out about other freeware programs and special offers.
- NOT got a single virus.
- NOT downloaded any Spyware or Adware.
- Become more intelligent and better looking (YMMV).
Now, the first bug (in I-Sound Recorder Pro) which resulted in a giveaway timing out is fixed immediately by the developer, and an update made available at the official site. That's great support for you!
GOTD and the giveaway companies are not trying to rip off anyone or trick you into installing a trial. Sadly some people seem to think that everything on the internet has to have a catch or a cost.
If at the end of the day you really cannot accept that something can be given away for free - another option is always available to you... if you like the program enough and don't trust the giveaway - don't complain, just purchase a registration from the developer (then you can both sleep happy at night).