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Could You Please Advise

(13 posts) (6 voices)

Started 16 years ago by nick49
Latest reply from garyvdh

nick49
Member

I wonder if someone could possibly advise me of the policy of GOTD and GGOTD regarding software that has been previously downloaded but the need for reinstallation occurs due for example to a major system crash. Is it just tough luck because the deadline for the download has been exceeded, thus I can no longer use the software, or is there some kind of criteria in place that allows for these occurrences? I appreciate the fact that a system crash may be difficult to prove in such circumstances but then again, it seems a little unfair that through no fault of one's own, the download is no longer available free of charge because the time period has expired. Could some kind person clarify this for me please?

Thank you very much.

Posted 16 years ago #
clobermier
Member

The software is time limited to be downloaded and installed on the one day it's offered. If you should happen to lose a program and you liked it a lot, you'll end up buying it, and that way you'll be eligible for upgrades. Look at it this way, it may not be your fault that you had a system crash, but GOTD isn't responsible for it, either. You can either buy the programs you liked a lot, or wait and see if they're offered again on the site.

Posted 16 years ago #
nick49
Member

Fair comment about GOTD not being responsible for the system crash clobermier, I just wanted to know what GOTD's angle was on this. I perhaps should have mentioned, (although based on your response it seems inapplicable now), that I had actually saved the downloaded executable file to a 2nd drive so although I would have been unable to download it again from GOTD I still had the file. Nevertheless, naturally, on reinstallation the result would have been the same, I wouldn't have been able to activate it.

Thank you for your response. :)

Posted 16 years ago #
nick49
Member

Well so far, nothing has been said that I didn't already expect but thanks for your input anyway Theleecher.

Posted 16 years ago #
BuBBy
Teh adnim

As I see it, to allow GOTD to offer the giveaway software - they reach an agreement with the software developer to ensure that the software is only installed during a 24 hour window.

Without this condition - if GOTD was to allow unrestricted installs and reinstalls outside of the 24 hour giveaway period - the software developers would possibly not agree to participate, as their software has ceased to be a commercial product and could be treated like freeware. (There would be less need to register also).

If users decide to install (or reinstall) the software outside of the 24 hour giveaway period, this is outside the agreement with the developer and the terms of download/use.

While it is technically possible (through whatever means), GOTD does not condone or support the install of any giveaway software after the giveaway period has expired.

If you are in doubt as to whether your actions (of reinstalling the software) are right or wrong, you could contact the original software developer beforehand to check if they are ok with your plans.

It's not up to GOTD to give you permission to reinstall the software, because according to the terms when downloading, the software has to be installed prior to the end of the giveaway. If there is ever going to be an extension to this limit, I'm sure they will say so.

Posted 16 years ago #
nick49
Member

Thank you BuBBy for clarifying that for me. I appreciate you taking the time and trouble to respond. I just wanted to establish what GOTD's standpoint was on the issue, but it doesn't come as any great surprise and of course I quite understand the reasoning behind it.

Thanks again.

Posted 16 years ago #
garyvdh
Member

As I see it, the term "Give away" implies a transfer of ownership. The software was transferred to you along with all rights and responsibilities. The site however only makes that offer for 24 hours and after that period, the "give away" ends. The software and license keys that are then on your computer are yours to keep. I see no prohibition on re-installing that software at a later date, but how you do that is up to you.

The onus is on you to make backups and proper storage of any associated keys and registration paraphernalia, should you want to keep the software.

Posted 16 years ago #
BuBBy
Teh adnim

Firstly - I disagree that "ownership" of the software is transferred to yourself. If you read the license agreements - most/all will say they are granting you a limited license to use the software. The software itself is always owned by the developer or the company.

Important difference between "license to use" and "ownership of the program or property".

In the case of GiveAwayoftheday, think of it as "permission to install a specified piece of software" for a 24 hour period. There is nothing implied in this - while there is no prohibition on re-installing - I do not see permission to do so either. In fact GOTD have taken obvious measures to prevent reinstallation, so it would be safe to say that doing so is against the wishes of the GOTD Team, and the software developers.

If there was (as you claim) no prohibition on re-installing the software at a later date, can you explain why activate.exe functions only for 24 hours, then is disabled. If what you said had any element of truth, surely you could run setup or activate at any future date without having to resort to "how you do that is up to you".

Posted 16 years ago #
Archangel
Member

BuBBy in reading the agreement though you are only limited to No updates or tech support. Other than that its like any other software.

hehehe You ask about activate.exe,,,,,,,,,Thats this sites policy along with an agreement with the developer. GOTD wants to get all the possible traffic they can on this site in 24 hours. LOL

Read back thru this forum and you'll see that a couple developers have reactivated software previously posted here. (and a few even granted license keys to upgrades they posted on there own sites for GOTD downloaders).

In my opinion, the "Fully Licensed Software" that I download from here is no less than what I purchase except for the exclusions that are posted (no tech assistance or upgrades/updates). Let me state again, the 24 hour activation (activate.exe) is simply a tactic (and a good one too) for traffic to this website. They (the developers) don't demand that it only be given away for 24 hours. GOTD tells them there policy. (Well at least thats what David C. stated and thats why he reran things here to get more traffic to his site for more possible sales).

Posted 16 years ago #
BuBBy
Teh adnim

Rather than assuming it's either the sites or the developers policy - I would say if the developer is fine with reinstalling the software after the giveaway they would probably say so (if they don't actually announce this - it can't hurt to just ask them. At the worst they will say "no").

You might be suprised that a developer might even consider a significant price reduction - the choice between getting some money or nothing at all can sometimes mean getting a pretty cool discount. In my experience I have even been pleasantly suprised with a price reduction to "free". I might return the favor with testing new releases or making suggestions - I guess then it's not really free, I purchase the software in exchange for my time, experience and future assistance to the developer. But I don't mind.

I'm sorry if people disagree with me - but as I am a software developer myself, I can see both sides and think that if a developer really only wanted to restrict installs to that 24 hour period then basically saying "stuff you, I've got it now" and going against the spirit of the giveaway really isn't fair.

Still regardless of what people say or want, some people will do what they like without any thought for whether it is "the right thing" or not. Most people probably don't give it much thought.

The whole concept of this site really does work a lot better (and is more fun) when you honestly approach it as a "give and take" instead of "just take".

Instead of just complaining on the comments page, people could try writing an email to the developer and just saying "thank you" or telling them what you like (or not) about their program. It doesn't cost you a cent. Trust me, you will feel good about it - and it will mean a lot to the developer.

At the end of the day it's up to the character of the individual. I'm sure nobody is lying awake at night worrying about a pack of lawyers knocking on their front door - because they reinstalled a giveaway. Try not to focus so much on "How can I get away without paying anything. What's in this for me?"

Remember it is still it is worth trying the alternative of genuinely giving something back each day (GiveBackOfTheDay?). You might be amazed at the results.

Posted 16 years ago #
Archangel
Member

Its not that I disagree with you, we just look at things differently. I see nothing wrong with that.

I'm all for the little guy doing all the software writing. They need every dollar they get and actually deserve alot more! But since this site doesn't do the writing of the software offered or pay for all the licenses or have this site for all the cyber people to get free software because of there good will,,,,,,,,,,,,,there is a bottom line the 24 hour activation isn't on the developer. That policy is set by this site and for good reason (I wouldn't do it any different either).

I also know that most come here for free software (and gripe when something doesn't go smoothly even though it is free stuff,,,,(btw I've never griped about the 10 bucks not being 20 so please send it as soon as possible LOL) but I see alot of others like me that don't download much of anything but like to help and communicate with others that come here (the GOTD Forum).

Sorry for being so blunt members, visitors and owners of GOTD but straight shooting is all I know. I don't share the same views as others and others don't share mine either but thats what makes this world so interesting. If everyone agreed it sure would be a boring place.

Posted 16 years ago #
maz
Member

As far as I'm concerned, I see the GOTD like a loss leader for a supermarket--it encourages traffic and it encourages customers to try something which they might not otherwise have considered.

But loss leaders are limited offers, as GOTD offers are. I can't see any problem with that. You install and activate a program in the 24 hour period and as long as it's in place on your computer, you can use it. But if you lose it for some reason, and you really
want it back, then support the company that produced it by purchasing a replacement copy.

If all these developers wanted to extend the 'giveaway' indefinitely, they'd make their programs freeware, wouldn't they? But the programs offered here are commercial programs
given away--with certain restrictions on the nature of the gift. That's why the site doesn't call them freeware programs--they are programs with free installation FOR ONE DAY only.

Posted 16 years ago #
garyvdh
Member

Once again, the onus is on your to make proper backups of ALL the software you have on your computer. How you acquired the software and how you make the backups is your own business. ;) I do agree with supporting the developers for the software you want to keep and use on a REGULAR basis. And I am thankful to GOTD for their doing this for us!

Posted 16 years ago #

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