License Expiration

[Guest]

Earlier today my IPB license expired. Now, don't get me wrong, I intend to renew it once I have more money, but right now, I'm just unable to do so. Anyhow, I realized that upon its expiry (and had this confirmed by IPS,) I'm no longer able to download the most recent version while my license was still active (in this case, 2.3.5.)

According to the license,

Unless renewed under the terms of the license purchased at the end of six months' date=' IPS will not provide technical support or upgrades to the software.[/quote']

Now, that makes perfect sense, and is of course what I agreed to. However, I find it quite disappointing that I'm not allowed to download what the license says I'm still allowed to use. If something were to happen to my hard drive, then I'm expected to pay $25 to be able to use the software again?

Really, I don't think it's fair at all.

[Charles]

The sentence before the one you quoted:

At the end of this term, the current installed copy of the software may continue to be used under the terms of this Agreement.

"Current installed copy" is the key part here.

We don't really track what the version was when your license expired - that would get rather complicated.

[^^MeX^^]

Earlier today my IPB license expired. Now, don't get me wrong, I intend to renew it once I have more money, but right now, I'm just unable to do so. Anyhow, I realized that upon its expiry (and had this confirmed by IPS,) I'm no longer able to download the most recent version while my license was still active (in this case, 2.3.5.)

According to the license,

Now, that makes perfect sense, and is of course what I agreed to. However, I find it quite disappointing that I'm not allowed to download what the license says I'm still allowed to use. If something were to happen to my hard drive, then I'm expected to pay $25 to be able to use the software again?

Really, I don't think it's fair at all.

Hmm, i think thats also quite unfair..


But, if you dont track the current version, how does someone get the IPB again? Since they cant submit tickets or have any support or have the DL link, then they have to pay 25 $ just to get it?

[sunrisecc]

When did the definition of 'use' also include the right to download again? It is no different if I buy software assurance for downloading and I need a copy one day after the term. It also would be prudent to save a copy of the software to a CD or other device.
Since you admit you were aware of the situation, I see no unfairness at all.

[Guest]

How so? It's one extra field in a database. When a new version is released into Nexus, just check if a customer's license is current, and if it is, update said field.

As for the current installed part, does this mean if I were to uninstall IPB from my site, I wouldn't be able to upload the copy I have on my computer to use elsewhere?

[^^MeX^^]

How so? It's one extra field in a database. When a new version is released into Nexus, just check if a customer's license is current, and if it is, update said field.

As for the current installed part, does this mean if I were to uninstall IPB from my site, I wouldn't be able to upload the copy I have on my computer to use elsewhere?

I think you would, since you did pay for it after all..

[Charles]

I was not aware you had access to our database structure for tracking licenses :)

This is one of those classic "well what if I ...." cases :lol:

Just keep yourself an archive copy and you will be fine. If all else fails, pay $25 and you will not only get your software back but the latest version too.

It's like buying a physical piece of software and losing the CD it came on - it's an unfortunate fact you have to spend more to get it back.

[^^MeX^^]

I was not aware you had access to our database structure for tracking licenses :)

This is one of those classic "well what if I ...." cases :lol:

Just keep yourself an archive copy and you will be fine. If all else fails, pay $25 and you will not only get your software back but the latest version too.

It's like buying a physical piece of software and losing the CD it came on - it's an unfortunate fact you have to spend more to get it back.

By the way, i have a question on this, does the 25 $ go for a year? Or for a month?

[Charles]

By the way, i have a question on this, does the 25 $ go for a year? Or for a month?

Renewals are 6 months as per the license terms and as quoted many times in this topic :)

[^^MeX^^]

Renewals are 6 months as per the license terms and as quoted many times in this topic :)

Yea... I gotta learn to read better... :whistle:

[Guest]

I was not aware you had access to our database structure for tracking licenses :)

This is one of those classic "well what if I ...." cases :lol:

Just keep yourself an archive copy and you will be fine. If all else fails, pay $25 and you will not only get your software back but the latest version too.

It's like buying a physical piece of software and losing the CD it came on - it's an unfortunate fact you have to spend more to get it back.

I did have access to the IP.Nexus BETAs when they were out, as well as IPB...I cant imagine there being very many differences.

Keeping an archive is not the point...Nor is paying the $25. Like I said, I have no problem doing so, and will when I can afford it. It's the principle of the thing.

Edit: Oh, missed this, but as far as the software on CD, not true. I actually broke a MS Office CD, and they happily replaced it.

By the way, i have a question on this, does the 25 $ go for a year? Or for a month?

6 months. (And I'm a little slow, but hey, I was typing.)

[Morrigan]

I was not aware you had access to our database structure for tracking licenses :)

This is one of those classic "well what if I ...." cases :lol:

Just keep yourself an archive copy and you will be fine. If all else fails, pay $25 and you will not only get your software back but the latest version too.

It's like buying a physical piece of software and losing the CD it came on - it's an unfortunate fact you have to spend more to get it back.

WoW lets you download the software right from their site, No CD required. ;) A lot of companies provide replacement CDs or software just not a new CD-Key. ;)

[Charles]

Yes but they won't provide you a new version nor will they provide you with support or anything else without that CD key and the $25 renewal is pretty much the key in this case.

Regardless, it's not like we are being unfair. We let you know that upfront and you know way in advance. Besides, everyone will want to renew when 3.0 comes out :)

[Guest]

Yes, and I definitely will renew, as I've said before, simply because I love the software and believe it's worth it. I'm not asking for a new version, nor support - I'm asking for insurance that I can continue to use my current version.

I've tried my best to avoid making the comparison, but off the record, I think it's inevitable that it will be mentioned that active or not, vBulletin allows downloads of any version released during or before the customer's licensed period. And to be honest, I had no idea that it would disappear until yesterday when I read this topic and put two and two together. I actually sent a ticket about my blog license - I had no idea that it would happen to board, and certainly didn't expect it. If I didn't have a backup copy zipped up on my iPod right now, I wouldn't have any copy whatsoever except the heavily modified active one I have online right now.

[Morrigan]

Yes but they won't provide you a new version nor will they provide you with support or anything else without that CD key and the $25 renewal is pretty much the key in this case.

Regardless, it's not like we are being unfair. We let you know that upfront and you know way in advance. Besides, everyone will want to renew when 3.0 comes out :)

Well comparatively the purchase of the software for a license is the CD-Key and the 25 dollar renewal is updates. ;) But not trying to argue just saying. :)

[Energizer]

There is nothing to me, when I look at the software after the license may continue to use, but no longer can download? Why then a Permanent license? The last version before my license expires, I should always download and use. I also think it is not fair!

[Lindy]

There is nothing to me, when I look at the software after the license may continue to use, but no longer can download? Why then a Permanent license? The last version before my license expires, I should always download and use. I also think it is not fair!

We allow continued use of the version, not continued downloads. Much like when you download a song from iTunes, you're permitted to listen to that song indefinitely, however, you cannot download it again from iTunes for free.

I'm afraid that it's ultimately your responsibility to protect and backup your downloads. It's a perfectly logical and reasonable expectation.

[Guest]

It's also perfectly logical and reasonable to continue to offer the download - more reasonable, I believe, than placing that responsibility on the customer.

On a side note, I don't see why there would be so much trouble to do something to improve customer satisfaction...unless there's a specific reason you can't do such a thing - is there?

[Energizer]

We allow continued use of the version, not continued downloads. Much like when you download a song from iTunes, you're permitted to listen to that song indefinitely, however, you cannot download it again from iTunes for free.

I'm afraid that it's ultimately your responsibility to protect and backup your downloads. It's a perfectly logical and reasonable expectation.

Why are holders of lifetime licenses at any time and as often download? You can also say that a download for each version is enough?

[Rikki]

Why are holders of lifetime licenses at any time and as often download? You can also say that a download for each version is enough?

Because their license lasts a lifetime and does not expire.

[Guest]

Well, it's quite apparent I'm not going to get what I want, but anyways, please take this topic as a suggestion to consider the next time you revise the Board license.