IT Employment

Ask something
Discussion Locked

TrialWare software...Make them Pay no matter what>?

0 helpful
2 replies

by radiic 1 view

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

Hey all. I think that I have come up with a way to make people pay for your software no matter what. Not that I need to, but in my research for preventing Spyware, Spyads,Popups, and RATS on my network, I came up with the idea. I think its pretty devious, what do you think>?

What if say I download a program, for some trialware and install it. Lets say a popup blocker for arguments sake. Most of these software producers "thank you" for trying there software and would like you to donate or purchase the full rights to their software. You go about your 30-day trial, and then wham it doesnt work anymore.

What if they included a port blocker in there software that shut down all outbound connections except to the web page that forced you to pay them x$ to uninstall their product. Or y$ to license it.

1. Would it work
2. Leagality of the issue
a. What if they said all of that in legal jumbo in the EULA that most people dont read while installing software on their pc.
3. Have i opened a can of worms here>?
4. Wouldnt this be like hijacking>?

Looking forward to your thoughts>!

Rad

2 replies

by hal 9000

The whole idea of demo versions is to get people to buy your product not hold them to ransom so that they can use their computer this only pisses them off and gives you bad publicity.

How many copies do you think you would sell of a product if every first time demo user was bad mouthing you for what you're software had done to their computer? I would much prefer to have 10,000 people saying I had some great software that they couldn't afford rather than the same 10,000 theeling everyone that they run across what a mongeral I am.

Anyway these things are nearly all Registery issues and most of the people here could over come them if they really wanted to and had a bit of time to waste.

by djent

I relegate trial software to drink coasters or the waste basket because of the problems it creates. I suspect that many do likewise. My reaction to your idea would be to first hire the best civil lawyer available, second file a complaint with FBI for wire fraud/terrorism, EULA not withstanding. You might consider applying for a position with UCITA.

This discussion is closed to new replies.