Poppycock! I've NEVER had any problems with Serif Products!
I'm delighted to hear that. When did you use them?
The post I cited above was written by a Serif representative and speaks
to the situation as it was in March 2003. Here's the full text:
<q>
Hi all,
These issues may affect Serif's PL2003 listings; let's see
what y'all think. But these issues are also of broader
concern -- this is not just about Serif's PL2003 listings.
I ask that readers read all of this email before replying.
Serif "freeware" is only borderline freeware, because it
requires registration. I am working with Serif on that
topic and have gotten tentative agreement to remove that
requirement in versions that would come out later this
year.
However, during discussions of this I have become aware
that there are other issues to worry about. They appear
ready to fix these too; I've known the decision maker for
nearly 20 years, and he's a good guy, and I feel confident
they are acting in good faith, even if they have been a
little ignorant. Bottom line is, I need to bring these
issues up here, and to do so now rather than wait, and I
can only hope people's reactions will be constructive.
So, two things -- first, an announcment, second a request
for comments, both about Serif "freeware".
The announcement: depending on your definition of freeware,
and feelings about commercial intent, you may wish to
uninstall Serif freewares, because, not only do they
require registration, but also, AIUI:
o Serif freeware will periodically "ping" a Serif server
for messages to display to the user. If there's a special
offer in the queue, it will display that offer. It pings
about once every 30 days and in practice will currently
display up to two ads a year.
o Serif freeware does not upload any personal information,
or track anything you do, with the single exception that
it does the ping described above (which means, depending
on one's definition of 'tracking', that Serif tracks if
you have run one of their freewares in the last month or
so) and the ping uploads the ID that they provided to
the user when that user registered the program (so that
they can work out what to offer you based on your past
registration and purchase history).
So, as a practical summary, Serif freewares may display up
to 2 ads a year, and Serif knows in general whether you've
run their software at least once in the last month or so.
I've further noticed that some of the freewares appear to
ping a Serif server when you run a Create New Page Wizard,
apparently looking for downloadable Wizards, clipart, etc.
I only just noticed this so haven't had time to investigate
further. Again, I have no reason to suspect anything bad
is going on, but it's still raises legitimate concerns.
Anyhow, that's the announcement.
The comments I'm looking for are about the above. Feelings,
facts, thoughts, other reactions. I've donned flame-resistant
clothing. I'll probably stay quiet on this topic for a few days.
In particular, I think that Serif's intent is not the problem;
it's just that such functions need to be optional and under
user control. I'd like to hear comments about what they could
do that would be best all round, bearing in mind that they
can build better freeware if they can also make sales through
the sort of efficient marketing they are attempting.
TIA
--
ralph
</q>
Susan
