Free versions of Serif software

  • Thread starter Thread starter Patrick Connor
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Patrick Connor

Dear All,

Please can you tell me if register-ware counts as freeware, and if so if I am allowed to
post here the URL of our website that offers register-ware versions of our older products
Thanks

Patrick Connor
Software Product Manager
Serif Europe Ltd
 
Thanks,

We have put a new version of our DTP application PagePlus (called PagePlus SE) on the site
yesterday.
PagePlus SE which is based on our second latest version PagePlus 9, so the UI and
functionality have a more modern feel than the previously free version PagePlus 5.0

PhotoPlus 6 on this site (previously 5.5) used to be the most popular download., now we
will have to see.
 
....just so y'all know, I would stay away from registering at Serif like
the plague. I did it, and they have been heavily spamming me ever
since, despite my clicking on their "unsubscribe" link.

Of course, this was before I knew about disposable address sites like
Mailinator, so if you want to use those, go ahead, I guess. But still,
their emailing practices are less than savory.

Clint Olson
co-n-co at mochamail dot com
 
...just so y'all know, I would stay away from registering at Serif like
the plague. I did it, and they have been heavily spamming me ever
since, despite my clicking on their "unsubscribe" link.

Of course, this was before I knew about disposable address sites like
Mailinator, so if you want to use those, go ahead, I guess. But still,
their emailing practices are less than savory.

Clint Olson
co-n-co at mochamail dot com
Click to expand...

YMMV. I get maybe 6 e-mails a year from them. So far, I'm very
pleased with their draw and photo packages. Glad to hear they're
changing the free DTP application; I did not like the interface on the
one they've been giving away.

I appreciate them ASKING before posting their link. It shows some
sensitivity to the NG readers.

Eric
 
Thanks,

We have put a new version of our DTP application PagePlus (called PagePlus SE) on the site
yesterday.
PagePlus SE which is based on our second latest version PagePlus 9, so the UI and
functionality have a more modern feel than the previously free version PagePlus 5.0
Click to expand...

I predict that a cut-down version of a new product, will get a rougher
ride here (crippleware) than a full older version.
PhotoPlus 6 on this site (previously 5.5) used to be the most popular download., now we
will have to see.
Click to expand...

The "download manager" is also a source of irritation, most people in
this newsgroup probably have a perfectly good download manager.

And of course, the "Webcheck" making unrequested and uncontrolled
connections gets it another share of abuse.

I know coverdisks are NOT freeware, but I'll just point out for anyone
that likes Photoplus, that Version 7 is doing the UK coverCd rounds at
the moment - if it's only one publisher, then it's all their titles.

If the website is as it used to be, you may also be offered a "version
plus one" to the free one, at a low price.
 
What features are not available with the SE, compared to the commercial
v 9/10.0 editions?
 
Thanks,

We have put a new version of our DTP application PagePlus (called
PagePlus SE) on the site yesterday.
PagePlus SE which is based on our second latest version PagePlus 9, so
the UI and functionality have a more modern feel than the previously
free version PagePlus 5.0

PhotoPlus 6 on this site (previously 5.5) used to be the most popular
download., now we will have to see.
Click to expand...

Thank you, and your company Patrick. It's great that you guys can give
this stuff away for free. It's just a pity that a lot of other companies
don't do the same.

Cheers

JB
 
I would like thank you and your companuy, for offering a more up to
date free vision of PP and for the other downloads.
 
Cousin said:
Dear All,

Please can you tell me if register-ware counts as freeware, and if so
if I am allowed to post here the URL of our website that offers
register-ware versions of our older products Thanks

Patrick Connor
Software Product Manager
Serif Europe Ltd
Click to expand...

Well, seeing as your registration is demanding everything except dick/pussy
particulars, I wouldn't call it freeware.

What's the point in collecting all this detailed info? Do you sell it to
spammers and postal junkmail companies? Most of the info you receive is
bogus anyway.

Seeing as how privacy policies can change from day-to-day and that sites
are under no obligation to honor them, privacy policies mean nothing.

Some possible alternative names for "registerware":
snoopware
spamware
buggerware
stick-it-up-yer-arse-ware

But not freeware.
 
Thanks,

We have put a new version of our DTP application PagePlus (called PagePlus SE) on the site
yesterday.
PagePlus SE which is based on our second latest version PagePlus 9, so the UI and
functionality have a more modern feel than the previously free version PagePlus 5.0
Click to expand...


Damn! that's a slap in the face for those of us who actually purchased
version 9/10. Next time Serif mail me with an upgrade offer I think I'll
wait until a free version is up on their site.
 
Well, seeing as your registration is demanding everything except dick/pussy
particulars, I wouldn't call it freeware.

What's the point in collecting all this detailed info? Do you sell it to
spammers and postal junkmail companies? Most of the info you receive is
bogus anyway.

Seeing as how privacy policies can change from day-to-day and that sites
are under no obligation to honor them, privacy policies mean nothing.

Some possible alternative names for "registerware":
snoopware
spamware
buggerware
stick-it-up-yer-arse-ware

But not freeware.
Click to expand...


No one is making you download or use it are they so what is you problem ?!?!?!?!




*****************************************************
E-mail address altered to foil spam.
Remove spam and junk to reply via e-mail.

*****************************************************
 
Matt,

Thank you for your comments and consideration. You clearly know all about the old
FreeSerifSoftware site and methods.

Answers inline

Matt said:
I predict that a cut-down version of a new product, will get a rougher
ride here (crippleware) than a full older version.
Click to expand...

Fair point, we had to decide between a horrible old interface with full functionality or
the new interface, and we have gone with the new. Currently PagePlus 5 is still the
coverdisk version, with full functionality.
The "download manager" is also a source of irritation, most people in
this newsgroup probably have a perfectly good download manager.
Click to expand...

The download manager has GONE. It is not used on the new site at all.
And of course, the "Webcheck" making unrequested and uncontrolled
connections gets it another share of abuse.
Click to expand...

Agreed, horrid thing. Not used on the new site or programs at all. Gone Gone Gone... Too
much bad press and not helpful to us anyway.
I know coverdisks are NOT freeware, but I'll just point out for anyone
that likes Photoplus, that Version 7 is doing the UK coverCd rounds at
the moment - if it's only one publisher, then it's all their titles.
Click to expand...

Yes a few titles (Future Publications) have PhotoPlus 7 as a cover disk, but not many. Get
it if you can it is worth it!!
If the website is as it used to be, you may also be offered a "version
plus one" to the free one, at a low price.
Click to expand...

No the offers pages have all been ripped out. Please visit the site and take a new look.
We heve looked long and hard at the old site and thrown away all those things which put
people off downloading the software. ( we hope) that is one of the reasone I put my head
above the parapet, so you experienced guys could be critical again.
--
I may be dozzzy, but take the ZZZ's out to mail me
http://www.junkroom.freeserve.co.uk/jvc2080.htm - 2x2x24 CD-RW troubles

If you drop a cactus, don't try to catch it!
Click to expand...


Thanks

Patrick Connor
Software Product Manager
Serif Europe Ltd
 
Thank you, and your company Patrick. It's great that you guys can give
this stuff away for free. It's just a pity that a lot of other companies
don't do the same.

Cheers

JB
Click to expand...

JB,

At the end of the day we (Serif) are looking for leads and hope that users will like our
software and upgrade. But if you are happy with free, then so be it.
 
I would like thank you and your companuy, for offering a more up to
date free vision of PP and for the other downloads.
Click to expand...
aafuss,

You are welcome. I am really pleased that the old site has gone. Perhaps more people will
download now.
 
Norbert The Nark said:
Damn! that's a slap in the face for those of us who actually purchased
version 9/10. Next time Serif mail me with an upgrade offer I think I'll
wait until a free version is up on their site.
Click to expand...

I am sorry you feel that way, but I do not think you should. PagePlus SE is based on PP9
code, but has nowhere near the functionality of PP9 (or 8 or 7 for that matter) It is
really just to give people a feel for our software if they want to try it for free, and to
get us leads. Frankly upgrading to PP8 PDF would give you loads more features, and to PP9
even more so. I do not think you should feel bad, as PagePlus 9 is a fully functioning
application, with many many features which are not in PPSE 1.0. The only reason that an
upgrade to 9 or 10 is sensible is that the files created by PPSE 1.0 can be read by PP9 or
PP10, as it is based on PP9 code.
 
..
...just so y'all know, I would stay away from registering at Serif like
the plague. I did it, and they have been heavily spamming me ever
since, despite my clicking on their "unsubscribe" link.

Of course, this was before I knew about disposable address sites like
Mailinator, so if you want to use those, go ahead, I guess. But still,
their emailing practices are less than savory.

Clint Olson
co-n-co at mochamail dot com
Click to expand...

If you visit the site, you will see that you CANNOT download the software without an
up-front message that by downloading the software you are agreeing to being sent emails.
This was not true of the old site. If you get ANY emails from us as a consequence (and you
will) they ALL have an unsubscribe link, which if you read it will only unsubscribe you
from receiving this 'sort' of email in future. On the same page is a link to your other
subscription options so you can unsubscribe from ALL the types of email that we send. To
summarize, follow the link and choose between "unsubscribe from this category" or "view
subscription options", where you can choose what to leave and what to remove. We do not
spam, and if you have had a bad experience of us I am sorry.
 
2poor said:
Well, seeing as your registration is demanding everything except dick/pussy
particulars, I wouldn't call it freeware.

What's the point in collecting all this detailed info? Do you sell it to
spammers and postal junkmail companies? Most of the info you receive is
bogus anyway.

Seeing as how privacy policies can change from day-to-day and that sites
are under no obligation to honor them, privacy policies mean nothing.

Some possible alternative names for "registerware":
snoopware
spamware
buggerware
stick-it-up-yer-arse-ware

But not freeware.
Click to expand...

2poor

The registration process for FreeSerifSoftware has been completely re-written. Previously
it did ask many many questions before it let you register (get the email to unlock the
software) The old "full" information was not that useful anyway, as you say most of it was
bogus. But NO we did not sell it to spammers and junkmail companies, we use it ourselves,
we want you to enjoy the free version and buy the latest, that is how we manage to keep
our company going for 18 years.

Now the registration process asks ONLY the following
1. Name
2. email address
3. Postcode/zipcode.

Our privacy policy is linked at the bottom of every page to the site, and is very
explicit. I understand you are wary, quite right too, but we are trying to be as up front
as possible about who we are and what we are doing. We are a commercial organisation, and
would not bother with FreeSerifSoftware if some people did not upgrade at the end of the
day. However, we are very careful about our database and it is explicit on the site about
sharing personal information and changes in our privacy policy. Have you actually read any
of the stuff on our site, or just assuming that we are as bad as could be?

I never said it was freeware, I asked if it was alright to post here for register ware,
perhaps I am in the wrong group, is there a better newsgroup for this?.
 
No one is making you download or use it are they so what is you problem ?!?!?!?!
Click to expand...

whayface

I should let him/her answer for himself/herself, I think the "problem" was our old
registration process was painful and asked for loads of info like address and so forth,
but it has been greatly streamlined, see my other post.
 
Patrick said:
JB,

At the end of the day we (Serif) are looking for leads and hope that users will like our
software and upgrade. But if you are happy with free, then so be it.

--

Patrick Connor
Software Product Manager
Serif Europe Ltd
Click to expand...

Patrick,

I applaud your honesty.

I like the new site a LOT better: much easier to use and much more
professional.

Your plan has worked with me so far. I started with your free stuff
and eventually took advantage of upgrades on PhotoPlus and DrawPlus.

I played with PagePlus SE last night. What a difference. I have to
admit I hated version 5 so much that I went back to using Microsoft
Publisher 2.0 (released back in 1993) instead. I decided to give SE a
workout by trying to do a complicated layout I couldn't do in Publisher
2 and wasn't able to figure out how to do in Publisher 2003. I was
able to do it in 10 minutes.

Thanks for the free and useful software.

Eric
 
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