This is the kind of business practice that drives me crazy. I purchase a copy of software (MacFlux from Smith Micro). It was a good price and I sometimes explore options to the more expensive products I use (Dreamweaver). Today, I have a task I think would give me a chance to try MacFlux so I launch the product. I am told there is an update so I install the update. Now I am told I owe more money for the update. I have a valid serial key for a product I never used and this product has been deleted and replaced with a product I must now pay for again.
I had a discussion with a rep from Smith Micro (the company I bought the software from, but not the company responsible for the upgrade) and we agreed on the difference between an update and an upgrade. Note the terms as used here – my system check for an automatic update and I was given an upgrade (requiring a new license).
You would think the ethical thing would be to warn the user that the update would cost them some money OR to install a second version of the product allowing the user to retain the copy that was functional and already paid for.
P.S. – Beware. I purchased MacFlux from Smith Micro for $19. The upgrade comes from MacWare without notice of cost and the working version now costs $130. You will not receive an email – the opportunity to update resulting in an upgrade is initiated when you use the software.
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