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GOTD should offer programs forever?

(20 posts) (13 voices)

Started 14 years ago by GEMWare
Latest reply from Inas

GEMWare
Member

Hi,

Just to let you know that I have notice a flaw within your Setup Installation Software. Yes, I will admit that I am new to using this site. And that I know this site is mainly designed to promote Software for that I like to see. Of course, it is a good idea for giving people one day to download the software to tryout and recommend to other people.

I had just recently that I ended up replacing a failed Hard-Drive in my system that had prevented me from installing and trying out any type of software that this site had been promoting until now. And the flaw that I had found is not only that a person has one day to download the promoted software, but also it has to be installed that same day. Otherwise the software that this site is promoting is nothing more then a waste of time to download for the simple reason that it doesn’t give people much of a chance to install the software nor re-install in case of Hard-Drive replacement with there own licence key.

I would strongly suggest that this site developer(s) creates a “User Login” interface to download the software and add an “Installation Database” that is interfaced with the “Setup” install program(s) and linked to that person(s) “User” account. That way,

- Keep track of Install(s) instead of just Download(s)
- Give(s) a person the chance it Install and Re-Install if needed with there own “User” account
- Prevent(s) Duplicated Software (i.e. One person downloads and give everyone else the same copy.)

And so on...

Posted 14 years ago #
Delilah
Member

This is not a flaw; it's the way the site/service is set up. It's meant to be that way. You have 24 hours to download, install and activate the software, as is stated with each giveaway. For more details:

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5151#post-55260

See the last question in the FAQs.

Posted 14 years ago #
wizzard_of_ozz2004
Games Master

The whole reason for GOTD's method is for you to sample a product. If you like the product and something should happen to your computer, you will support the developer and purchase a copy for yourself. GOTD is not a company who puts themselves out there and offers everyone a bunch of free software for no real reason. There is a reason why this software is free for one day only.

Posted 14 years ago #
GEMWare
Member

Don’t get me wrong here because the download idea itself is good, but the way that I look at it is the user should have the right to install any given software at any given time. In other words, if a person finds something of interest and yet uncertain if it will ever be used until that he/she dose end up finding the use for the software after all and/or even willing to compare it with the same type of software to pick out the one that is the best.

I personally believe that it should be up to the user them-selves to pick the time to install any given type of software even if it is just to try the software out. Otherwise for who really loses out in the end in this case is the software developer(s) them selves, because people will normally end up finding something else that is equivalent (i.e. Shareware, Freeware) program(s) from some ware else just to try out. And even recommend those types of software instead of the software that is been promoted by software vender(s) “kind if like how this site is set up” just because that a person was unable to test and try the software out for when a person did find the need for it.

Posted 14 years ago #
wizzard_of_ozz2004
Games Master

That would be nice to just download and use any old software you wanted anytime you wanted, but that would be going against Giveaway of the Day. It makes no sense at all (from a business standpoint) to set up the site to work that way. Besides, imagine all the rampant piracy that would follow. All you would need is the registration details that could be entered at anytime using your method. That would make the developer the real losers.

Posted 14 years ago #
aRenegade
Member

Hello GEMWare,

Here’s some information I’ve taken from the ‘About’ on the GOTD Homepage that might help to smooth out some of your wrinkles. ;)

“We (as in the website owners) pay the software publisher for the Giveaway license, and our visitors will only receive those after downloading a special verification program and Agreeing to the Terms and Conditions, thus protecting software publishers’ interests and making our initiative beneficial for both clients and publishing companies."

GEMWare when you pay for an item, whatever that item might be, don’t you feel that gives you certain inalienable rights? In a perfect world shoulda, woulda, and coulda wouldn’t have much meaning (see what I mean)...

Posted 14 years ago #
Lester (Chip)
English Mod

Yes this site is called Giveaway of the DAY for a reason lol. GOTD and the developers would never make any money if they offered free programs for life to anyone. This is just a service to sample software and allows developers to spread the word of their product. Why would a company offer their product here if anyone could just sign-up at any point to download it for free? This would be awesome don't get me wrong but no money would be made in the process and that's kind of what this is all about. Now perhaps your suggesting a site where a user pays a monthly fee to test random softwares? Ok perhaps that could work but that isn't what this site is and it never will be that. Giveaway of the Day is only for testing various softwares and you can keep them for life as long as you don't upgrade or replace your hard-drive. Either way though welcome to the forums and thanks for sharing your input.

Regards, Chip
P.S Yes I changed the title of this thread as the term "software flaw" may confuse people into thinking there was a problem with a giveaway.

Posted 14 years ago #
2-SHEDS
Member

Good thinking Chip. The question mark at the end of his subject would have cued me on to a discussion taking place on that particular question here in the forum, its clear others who are easily confused here may have actually stopped on the subject line and thought something was indeed wrong with the giveaway, this site, or the gotd wrapper; and simply threw a hizzy.

It's good to see moderators who aren't afraid to step in and clear up a post or edit someone's own thoughts so everyone's on the same thought process and minimize confusion for all. It's also good to see a moderator fess up this time. 'Course there are always those that already were part of a discussion (including the author), and will likely come back looking to be part of that discussion, and then have to search for it because the title's changed, but as long as the greater good is realized, we should be alright. Thanks again Chip and your quest for harmony through moderator powers.

On Topic to the Author: Giveaways have a habit of coming around again once in a while. Stick around and you may see something you like swing around again.

Posted 14 years ago #
Archangel
Member

LOL I thought it was a new Thread. Site traffic is the name of the game.

Posted 14 years ago #
goodgotd
Member

I agree that there are too many sites giving away 'free' software with strings far more negative than only installing once, on a given day.

ads, spyware, toolbars you can't remove, having to create and maintain accounts (not for subscription updates, for tracking purposes), getting yanked to the publisher's site every time the software is used- all are hidden costs that generally don't apply to the GAOTD offerings.

GAOTD's business model would not be at all practical if the software could be re-installed multiple times. I think the system is a reasonably fair one and if the software offered is often little-known, well, that's the price and reward for a publisher to give away job-lots (ranging to tens of thousands or more) of non-trial software for little (effectively, if averaged, nada) monetary return up-front.

Exposure, word of mouth advertising, and feedback on what's good and bad to a wide spectrum of users installing *on a time limited basis* is the immediate reason publishers participate. And if the exposure brings in paid licenses that's the long-term benefit.

the relatively few people who know how to bypass the locks and *don't* pass the details around because that *would* destroy the site's practicality are not a threat to the model- they're way outnumbered by those who simply don't have the detailed knowledge of how things work that allows for mass re-release.

if it ain't broke, don't 'fix' it.

Bad enough some people are unprincipled enough to post giveaways (generally the simple-to-fake ones, and not often, thank goodness) to warez sites; it would be a complete farce if the software given away could be updated just like a regular release and had all the details up front and in the open so every not-even-wannabe script kiddie could post a release a day... that would be real bad. better to at least have a bunch of the warez downloaders get smacked when they try to treat the software like any other warez.

'buying giving rights', though- tell that to M$. Please. I wanna watch.

Posted 14 years ago #
SeniorCitizen
Member

This is giveaway of the DAY, as written above. I've recommended this site to many, many people over the past year plus. What I say is this "A website I visit daily gives away FREE software. A different program every day. No adware, no spyware, completely clean. Only drawback is you must download the software the day it's being given away AND install it the SAME day. Can not wait until the next day. I urge you to visit the site!"

This site delivers, they're above-board, and have rules. It works for me just fine. Have a good DAY.

Posted 14 years ago #
wwcanoer
Member

One objective of GOTD is to bring traffic and maximize the number of registrations. If the offer is too restrictive, many people (like me) will pass on most offers. I will simply watch for software that I already know.

The big advantage of the GOTD system is that they will almost certainly have a high percentage of installs vs do wnloads and therefore likely a lot of people who try the program, since it is installed. (Compared to a download now/install anytime offer where many people - like me - will download and register "just in case I need in the future".)

I suspect that it also means that people spend less time comparing the product, make a quick decision to simply try it, then they get to know it simply stick with it.

However, the risk is that GOTD loses a lot of people who are not comfortable installing unknown software on their machine because the time involved in repairing the damage of a mis-step is greater than the immediate savings/benefit of a nice-to-have program that comes along.

GOTD may be able to improve their model by allowing more time for installation. Ex. Require me to check daily (to stay involved) but give me 8 days to install it so that I can wait until I have time to install and try the software.

I wonder what the conversion rate is from installed GOTD to purchased a later version? Could they get a better return by enticing a quick upgrade? As long as I register that day, how about:

2 - 30 days: charge me 20% to install a restricted version or 40% to buy full version.
30 - 180 days: charge me 30% to install a restricted version or 60% to buy full version.

But the the maintenance would be a headache...

What do you think? Does the GOTD model work for you?

I only learned of it 3 days ago.

Posted 14 years ago #
goodgotd
Member

sorry, but as a long time user (2 years or so) I cannot agree with the proposed ideas for extending the registration period.

It would add overhead in terms of labor keeping the site updated *and* complexity to negotiations for software releases, add an additional layer of complexity to the activation protocol and bandwidth (and plenty of people have problems with the one-day activation and *really* bitch about it), most likely remove a layer of currently optional anonymity and privacy- if you don't log in, you can download, activate, and comment without specifying anything about yourself now, but any kind of multiday registration would probably *need* a personal identifier.

As logic suggests anonymous access with a wider window would give the inimical freetards more time (and chances) to work on getting the software cracked and released to spam/scam/warez sites.

And graduated registration fees would add more headaches for both GAOTD *and* the software suppliers- reducing the pool of publishers that are willing to participate even farther. I can't see that any of the above would be of benefit, and can easily see plenty of negatives.

all those would involve introducing new procedures, a longer span of "I don't understand, walk me through it", changes in the software wrapper that would probably add bugs to be stomped, and drive away traffic that currently is willing to drop by *because* it's anonymous.

I registered for conversations in the forums, not for the giveaway, and often check and either try the software or go away without logging in. less compulsion to try *every* offering whether experience says it's not worth it at first glance or not.

conversion rate may in fact be of lesser value in some cases as feedback on what needs improved through the comment system (sometimes abused, but more often revealing overlooked errors in installers and the software itself) including what pricing is likely to *sell* software that would otherwise get a really bad rep if released commercially without some form of testing.

As it is the model is nicely darwinian, exposing weaknesses in the software, and weaknesses in users alike.

(as in, probably qualified to use some software, but *not* to install it- wisely or not. I've been there myself. One oh, ****! can sure wipe out a whole *bunch* of attaboy's.)

Posted 14 years ago #
wizzard_of_ozz2004
Games Master

I honestly don't understand what all the complaining is about. How many other websites give away a free program everyday? People aren't satisfied with daily, they want a whole buffet. Even if GOTD were to extend the time, I have a feeling we would still have this post going with people complaining that it should be longer.

Posted 14 years ago #
RosnSC
Member

I think the current 24-hour giveaway system is fine. The only thing I would like to be able to after a particular giveaway period has elapsed, is to post comments - constructive ones, mine you - about the offering. One may not have been able to evaluate the software, the day it was given away, but sometime afterwards, has had time to give it a try. 'Course then I'd have to remember to post it, and I haven't, yet...(chuckle).

Posted 14 years ago #
wizzard_of_ozz2004
Games Master

+1 for sue's suggestion. I think the developers would agree to that arrangement as well.

Posted 14 years ago #
SeniorCitizen
Member

The original member who started this thread is "new to using this site". I think he/she was suggesting, not complaining. When I download/install something obtained from GOTD it is impossible for me to comment on the software because it takes a few times to use before I get a feel for it. Just like it took me a long time after joining GOTD to post on this forum.

Posted 14 years ago #
Inas
Member

I am sure that GEMWare meant well - as all of us do, and I'm also sure GEMWare now knows what the official GOTD policy is, and that's the beauty of forums such as this, is that we can all express our own, unique opinions and perspectives - and, hopefully, we are willing and able to learn from one another.

That said, every website has its own policies and rules - and it so happens that GOTD's policies and rules allow for a 24-hour timeframe to download, install, and activate the software programs. I agree with Sue that 24 hours is sufficient time for us to do so.

Well, anyway, that's my two-cents worth. Cheers, all.

Happy Person (Inas)

Posted 14 years ago #
Anonymous
Unregistered

I read it as suggest like it be good it was like that one time on some all good thinks come to the end, post on the front page some time a go how to refit I not say.

Posted 13 years ago #
Inas
Member

Hi Hotdoge3, I don't understand what you mean or are trying to say, but it is very interesting to read your posts, for sure. Hope you have a wonderful day.
Inas

Posted 13 years ago #

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