Can You Guilt Someone Into Not Pirating Software?

from the probably-worth-a-shot dept

A bunch of folks have been submitting this story about USB Overdrive X's response to anyone who uses a pirated key to use their software. Basically, the company allows you to go ahead, but tells you (in a very human voice) that it knows it's a pirated code, and you should be ashamed of yourself:
usb-overdrive-x
It's definitely a much better strategy than annoying plenty of users (even legit ones) or threatening to sue or anything. And, I have no doubt that it's probably even effective on the margins among a few folks who appreciate being treated at least somewhat as a human, rather than a criminal. But, the company is still going to face this issue long term, and it seems like a better solution is to figure out business models that don't view such sharing as piracy, but a way to further extend a business.
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Filed Under: guilty, piracy, shame, software


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  • icon
    Skeptical Cynic (profile), 18 Dec 2008 @ 9:51am

    Will work some, but most people that pirate know what they are doing.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Spectere, 18 Dec 2008 @ 9:59am

    I like it.

    Definitely better than using online activation, DRM, or other forms of protection. Plus, it does sort of make one think a little about what they're doing. After all, if a program is useful and is set at a reasonable price one would be hard pressed to come up with an excuse for pirating it.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Tim, 18 Dec 2008 @ 10:13am

    Just buy it.

    Just buy the freakin' program people. It's how the economy works. If you are too cheap to buy something, then get a j.o.b.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Urban, 18 Dec 2008 @ 11:36am

      Re: Just buy it.

      I have no doubt you are baiting people with that comment, so here is my response.
      I pay for what I need in life. I am an engineer with a good income who can afford software, music etc. Not an issue.

      I usually don't play PC games, but I do buy them when I want to.
      Just here a few hours ago, I was at Best Buy to pick up GTA4. I knew about the DRM but thought I would support a good cause. The good cause being to support the makers of good games.
      But Standing there holding the game box in my hand and seeing the Securom disclaimer made me change my mind.
      To me, it is no different that having unprotected sex with a person known to have the AIDS virus.
      It will be fun for 6 minutes (average duration of having sex for humans). And then what? Now you have this unwanted software on YOUR property that you will have a really tough time getting rid of.
      So I didn't buy it.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Sean, 19 Dec 2008 @ 11:20am

      Re: Just buy it.

      Now you know that's just stupid - there are plenty of things one cannot afford even with a job. Only in America could someone so proud of merely being 'employed.'

      Why should I have to buy the program to learn how to use it? Maybe I won't like it. Allowing free downloads is a great tool.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Twinrova, 18 Dec 2008 @ 10:15am

    HAHAHA! :D :D :D

    Sweet! Not new, but definitely good stuff nonetheless.

    Another tactic is being used by companies like Ipswitch (makers of WS FTP) who offer a demo version, but you can't unlock it with a crack code.

    I'm wondering why companies can verify the hacked code don't just instantly disable the software? A legitimate user shouldn't have any problems as it's DRM free.

    I'll tell you, though. After my issues with Adobe concerning upgrading Fireworks, I was SO tempted to just get a crack for CS3 and tell them to go "fuck themselves" because their "support" was so terrible, I'd rather omit them altogether from the picture.

    Yes, I did the right thing by purchasing the software, although now I regret it.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Killer_Tofu (profile), 18 Dec 2008 @ 10:31am

      Re: HAHAHA! :D :D :D

      I'm wondering why companies can verify the hacked code don't just instantly disable the software? A legitimate user shouldn't have any problems as it's DRM free.

      That is the kind of reasoning that the big execs generally like to use. Except its wrong. There are always innocents caught in the crossfire. At least with this method, the legit users who get caught in the crossfire are still able to use their software. I commend this company for not taking a more short-sighted approach like many people in similar industries tend to. It will also save them time supporting people over the phone who did buy the software, but their systems mistake it for pirated.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      DanC, 18 Dec 2008 @ 11:35am

      Re: HAHAHA! :D :D :D

      I'm wondering why companies can verify the hacked code don't just instantly disable the software?

      Because, as their message indicates, it's a cat and mouse game that they've grown tired of playing. If they remotely disable the software, someone will crack that check, etc...

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 18 Dec 2008 @ 10:17am

    I think it is a courtesy to your customers not to require them to go to a cracks site or risk getting trojaned files in order to get your software. Just give it to them for free, and invite them to TIP you if they feel so moved.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Michial, 18 Dec 2008 @ 10:20am

    Why pay for IP, it should be free to everyone

    or so this site and most of it's followers would have the world believe...

    Even this article slants towards telling everyone it's okay to pirate....

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Killer_Tofu (profile), 18 Dec 2008 @ 10:27am

      Re: Why pay for IP, it should be free to everyone

      The article's suggestions were for the makers of the software, not for the pirates. I am surprised you missed that. Then again, most of 'you' who bash the pirates generally do.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      Mike (profile), 18 Dec 2008 @ 11:01am

      Re: Why pay for IP, it should be free to everyone

      Why pay for IP, it should be free to everyone

      Not "should". Should is making a moral statement. We're explaining the economics of why it *will* eventually be free, due to economic forces.

      The post is directed at the producer, not the consumer.

      Even this article slants towards telling everyone it's okay to pirate....

      No, not at all. It's directed entirely at the content creator, not the consumer. I'm sorry if that wasn't clear.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Anonymous Coward, 18 Dec 2008 @ 11:28am

        Re: Re: Why pay for IP, it should be free to everyone

        And you are telling the content creator to ditch IP. You just said,

        "Not "should". Should is making a moral statement. We're explaining the economics of why it *will* eventually be free, due to economic forces.

        Sounds like that is a slanted opinion against IP.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

        • identicon
          Xiera, 18 Dec 2008 @ 11:34am

          Re: Re: Re: Why pay for IP, it should be free to everyone

          Read it again. He's commending the content creator for their recognition that there's really no combating piracy with laws that will just be ignored. Instead, they're taking an "outside-the-box" approach by targeting an individual's sense of morality, not their sense of legality.

          He also analyses the decision and suggests that happy customers that can freely use your products are better in the long run than annoyed customers who are frustrated with using your products.

          link to this | view in chronology ]

        • identicon
          OneDisciple, 18 Dec 2008 @ 11:47am

          Re: Re: Re: Why pay for IP, it should be free to everyone

          "Sounds like that is a slanted opinion against IP."
          The point is that IP is not real property. It is property that you think you own. It is only real in your head.

          link to this | view in chronology ]

          • identicon
            Anonymous Coward, 18 Dec 2008 @ 6:06pm

            Re: Re: Re: Re: Why pay for IP, it should be free to everyone

            Therefore we must steal it, because it doesn't exist.

            link to this | view in chronology ]

            • identicon
              DanC, 18 Dec 2008 @ 8:40pm

              Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Why pay for IP, it should be free to everyone

              Therefore we must steal it, because it doesn't exist.

              Nice try. He said it wasn't property, not that it didn't exist. And unless you've figured out a way to remove ideas from someone's head, you can't steal it. But keep trying - someday you'll get it right.

              link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 18 Dec 2008 @ 10:23am

    This is a great strategy, If i were stupid enough to buy an apple PC or laptop and used this software id feel pretty bad and buy this.

    It would have worked on me.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 18 Dec 2008 @ 10:29am

    Great idea

    This give me more respect for their product as they reacted in a mature way about the issue.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    PC User, 18 Dec 2008 @ 10:34am

    USB Overdrive X

    So I wasn't familiar with this piece of software so I looked it up to see what it does. It makes your non-apple branded mouse or other USB and bluetooth devices work on a Mac. WTF?!?! Seriously, you need this on a Mac? I thought they "just work" without this kind of BS. I haven't ever had to install drivers or a special program for a USB device on my PC in either Linux or Windows.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Xiera, 18 Dec 2008 @ 10:40am

      Re: USB Overdrive X

      Yes you have, you just didn't realise you were doing it.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Xanius, 18 Dec 2008 @ 11:04am

      Re: USB Overdrive X

      I have plenty of USB devices that require me to go to the web to download the drivers, windows just tends to do it on it's own first then ask if MS doesn't have the device in it's repository.

      All devices need drivers, some can use a generic driver like your flash drive, which both Mac and windows have. Other require specific drivers and those aren't always able to be installed automatically.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • icon
      bjc (profile), 18 Dec 2008 @ 2:51pm

      Re: USB Overdrive X

      USB Overdrive is actually a fantastic little app that lets you assign mouse buttons to do different things in different programs.

      For example Button 5 on my MS Bluetooth mouse opens a link in a new window in Safari and Opera, but changes to the Select tool in Photoshop.

      It works better for assigning mouse functions than MS or Logitech's drivers. This adding value. Thus being worthy of paying for.

      Since they are so cool about registering, I just might pay for my copy now!

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 18 Dec 2008 @ 8:31pm

      Re: USB Overdrive X

      IF that is what this software does, it is unnecessary. Everything I have used on my mac has been plug and play.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    OC, 18 Dec 2008 @ 10:34am

    On TV there is a commercial for helping abandoned pets. You send money and you get a picture of a pet that has been helped.

    They could use the same thing here. Buy the product and you get a picture of a developer who has been helped to survive the harsh conditions of IT. (Pay extra and he'll put clothes on)

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Matt, 18 Dec 2008 @ 11:22am

      Re:

      I have to say, as a software developer, this is one of the best ideas I've ever read! :)

      link to this | view in chronology ]

      • identicon
        Anonymous Coward, 18 Dec 2008 @ 12:03pm

        Re: Re:

        How about you get fired if you miss a code error more than once? Why am I required to pay too much for something you make once and then copy endlessly. Your one original is riddled with errors and you think it is OK/acceptable? At least I can install as an example a free operating system with errors and not feel like they owe me my soul back for letting them bend me over and have their way.

        History is full of examples where makers of quality become rich beyond their dreams. Unfortunately quality is the first thing to go out the window these days. And my support for your products with it.

        link to this | view in chronology ]

        • identicon
          Michial, 18 Dec 2008 @ 12:17pm

          Re: Re: Re:

          If the first person to BUY a piece of IP was to ever pay anything close to the cost to produce that IP then you might have a remote arguement for making IP free to all...

          If I invest 10k hours into producing a program that I then sell for $1000 per copy each buyer benefits by not having to pay me for the full 10k hours worked. Just because the first person bought the IP doesn't mean that I have earned a return on my investment.

          I own anything I CREATE I don't care if it's a chair or a computer program, not one other person has a right to anything I create without compensating me for my work. ONLY I make the choice of giving my work away for free...

          THANK GOD most civilized people understand this and people that believe as this site tries to preach are in the minority!

          link to this | view in chronology ]

          • identicon
            Anonymous Coward, 18 Dec 2008 @ 12:46pm

            Re: Re: Re: Re:

            If (by magic) a machine comes into existence tomorrow that will allow car manufacturers to copy a vehicle without any added resources than a bit of electricity.
            Do you then think the cost of the car should be unadjusted?

            link to this | view in chronology ]

          • identicon
            DanC, 18 Dec 2008 @ 1:36pm

            Re: Re: Re: Re:

            If the first person to BUY a piece of IP was to ever pay anything close to the cost to produce that IP then you might have a remote arguement for making IP free to all...

            You still seem to be under the impression that IP is a natural occurrence - it isn't. The works that are classified as IP would naturally be free to all without the legal structure enforcing artificial scarcity. The argument is why "intellectual property" should not be free, not the other way around.

            The authors of the Constitution understood this - their reason was to "promote the progress", not to ensure that you receive an adequate return on investment.

            I own anything I CREATE I don't care if it's a chair or a computer program

            In terms of the computer program, not really. What you actually own is the copyright or patent, not the work itself. Citing Locke's property theory is all well and good, but there are certainly problems in attempting to apply it to "intellectual property". It doesn't really matter if you care or not.

            ONLY I make the choice of giving my work away for free...

            Due to your constant repetition of this statement in various posts, I can only assume you're exhibiting willful ignorance of the fact that NO ONE has contradicted it.

            THANK GOD most civilized people understand this and people that believe as this site tries to preach are in the minority!

            There's a difference between understanding a position and agreeing with it. I understand your position, but due to the fact that it's based on excessive use of the "because" defense and faulty logic, I disagree with it.

            link to this | view in chronology ]

          • identicon
            Twinrova, 19 Dec 2008 @ 4:15am

            Re: Re: Re: Re:

            "I own anything I CREATE I don't care if it's a chair or a computer program, not one other person has a right to anything I create without compensating me for my work. ONLY I make the choice of giving my work away for free..."
            First, and foremost, if you believe YOU own it, then you're part of the problem. If I download your software, it's mine. NOT yours. You can argue this all you want, but your statement clearly shows you don't understand your true business, which isn't the product you've created.

            "THANK GOD most civilized people understand this and people that believe as this site tries to preach are in the minority!"
            I'm a software developer/web designer. My works are, and always have been, offered with no cost (money, ads, etc.) to the user. I used to port many of my creations to Winsite to help "publish" my creations.

            Why at no cost? Because I used it as my portfolio for consultant jobs. Winsite was great because it showed the number of downloads and how the software was rated. Back in the day, my consulting jobs were easier to obtain due to my portfolio.

            You should note your business is writing code, not your creation. You SHOULD get paid for your writing, but not through your creations. In essence, you should have someone pay you to write code.

            The problem now (and the reason I left consulting) is that the web makes software easily available. Try to charge for it, and people will simply crack it. But you can't simply post a message stating "I'm willing to write this code. Pay me now, and I'll do it." because that plan simply won't work.

            So how do you get people to pay for your creations online? You don't. Use the internet as a tool, not a business, because it's impossible to make money solely on the web, especially without another source.

            Read the poster who cracked CS4 for further proof. This software hasn't even been out for 3 months yet, and voila... it's now available for "free" to anyone who doesn't want to pay.

            Also, expecting people to pay for software has always been a stupid concept from the beginning, but like every other ignorant "business", profits are more important than consumers.

            link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Michael Long, 18 Dec 2008 @ 10:37am

    Just sell...

    Just sell the software wrapped in a USB Overdrive X T-shirt. I'm sure everyone will want one...

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Pilotman28, 18 Dec 2008 @ 10:38am

    It'll work

    By taking the challenge out of it hacking groups will quit making keygens and the like for the software and it'll end up making people pay again.

    VERY smart.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    walking to the recession, 18 Dec 2008 @ 10:48am

    Killin me

    can't we all share and get along

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    gimpydwarf, 18 Dec 2008 @ 11:11am

    Pay? Of course!

    Hey this is Mac software. If you own a Mac, you should have the money to pay these guys.Having to pay extra for drivers that should come with the OS is normal for Mac computers. It cost allot of money to get into the "Walled Garden" of Appleland. So be nice, and pay up.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    MmmMmmCracks, 18 Dec 2008 @ 11:15am

    This looks like the user is trying to register the cracked product which gives them access to support. Most people who use cracked software do NOT register the product. As a matter of fact, one would usually block the program with a firewall from phoning home at all.

    These guys do seem awfully nice though to offer support to people with pirated copies though. I know I'm not alone in this, but things I pirate I would have never purchased in the first place--so the company isn't losing any money.

    I subscribe to every cable channel but still grab a pirated blockbuster now and again since I stopped going to theaters long ago. But when it hits DVD I'll buy it. Piracy also helps with some games. I actually purchased a copy of Bioshock which was riddled with DRM and 3rd party software that messed with my system and also did not allow me to uninstall it. It also ran like garbage with constant checks to make sure the disc was in my drive. I succumbed to piracy and grabbed the cracked version which ran flawlessly. Piracy has its good and bad sides.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 18 Dec 2008 @ 11:27am

    Mybe the BEST IDEA ive seen yet

    I read that message and as someone who has made a living in the software business for the last decade, there is no way I could use that software long term without paying. I dont like the idea of having to do this, its a little too much like begging, but I think it will likely get an extra payment or two.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    urgen, 18 Dec 2008 @ 11:39am

    Modify "copy" right

    Please modify the option to distribute so the chain of revenue always comes back to source while also being distributed to the people that actually extend the range of delivery. The added number of legitimate transfers will outweigh any reduction in original pricing models. If someone had the option to share legally they would in a heart-beat.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Ryan, 18 Dec 2008 @ 11:59am

    hmm

    when did the idea of selling software become a bad thing?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Urban, 18 Dec 2008 @ 12:08pm

      Re: hmm

      When they stopped selling it and began leasing it.
      When they start selling it again (if ever), I will be the first in line to hand over my paycheck.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    TPBer, 18 Dec 2008 @ 12:17pm

    Crapware

    This stuff is crapware anyway, not worth DL even if it is free. Now the CS4 crack for Mac and PC works just fine especially when you use LittleSnitch to stop it from calling home (Mac only).

    I am now holding my head down in shame for this and I guess I should keep it there for the thousands upon thousands of DLs to include every new movie, popular software titles, and any music I want. ALL THINGS DIGITAL ARE FREE!!!

    ***SHARING IS CARING***

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    usmcdvldg, 18 Dec 2008 @ 2:52pm

    Re: Re: Pay? Of course!

    One, this review of apple products was done after significant price cuts by apple. Historiclly they do sell over priced locked down equipment. The sort that a techie mainlinesr would hate.

    two, If you failed to read the entire article, They have not as of yet cut there prices on upgrades that still fall more in line with there "traditional" pricing which is frankly ridiculaus.

    And three, the fact that they are expensive in and of itself isn't the point, Its the fact,(at least before they went completely intel) that they were god awful expensive, and tried to make you use only there parts to boot.

    Voodoo pcs are god awful expensive, but the people critizies macs for being expensive won't critisize them because there focus is on power and performs as opposed to style and proprietaritiasm.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    usmcdvldg, 18 Dec 2008 @ 2:57pm

    The plain fact

    When it comes to individuals for personel use and software, the vast majority of people who pirate it wouldn't buy it anyway, so calm down.

    Except for the technically inclined, were still at the state were if a consumer wants somthing, its not worth the trouble stealing it and working to try and make it work than just buying it.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 18 Dec 2008 @ 4:51pm

    no one really does any research, do they?

    this program is Shareware, it comes FULLY unlocked, but has a minor pause at start time. all registering does is remove the wait and registration reminder.

    pretty minor reason to pirate the key in the first place.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    usmcdvldg, 19 Dec 2008 @ 6:24am

    To Twinrova

    CS4 will make gobs of money, businesses and corporations will pay for it. Professionels who deem it neccesary, and consider it a fair price for a fair product will by it, because they need it, and the hassel of trying to crack it or get support isnt worth not having a legit copy. 90 percent of those who steal it would never have bought it regardless.

    If you produce a quality product at a good price, then add value to this product with support, updates, ect, those who would have bought it before it was cracked still will. Those who pirate it will only serve as walking talking commercials and increse YOUR market share.

    Publishers need to stop thinking that they deserve millions for distributing alone.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    reg, 19 Dec 2008 @ 1:51pm

    freetards

    how dare that company make people feel a tiny bit guilty

    they are the true monsters, they should be forced to give away the source code and then kill themselves

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      DanC, 19 Dec 2008 @ 2:29pm

      Re: freetards

      It appears your reading comprehension is perfectly in line with your maturity level, because the article actually complimented the company for attempting a solution that did not involve DRM.

      Try reading the article next time.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    reg, 20 Dec 2008 @ 3:44am

    No... the article said it was better than DRM

    then went on to say "I have a much better solution, let me tell you how to run your business" and linked to an article with a crap selling music / concert analogy that has no relation to software

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    DanC, 20 Dec 2008 @ 12:05pm

    No... the article said it was better than DRM

    Yeah that's what I said, and what you chose to ignore in your first post. There was no criticism aimed at the company for making software pirates feel guilty, and no mention of forcing the company to give away anything, and certainly none of the childish name-calling that you resorted to. It was a compliment to the company that they chose to forego the use of DRM.

    "I have a much better solution, let me tell you how to run your business"

    No, it was an opinion that relies on basic economics for support. Your little rant, however, is nothing more than a straw man, injecting a morality attack where none was presented. Why don't you try refuting what was actually said instead of what you wanted it to say?

    linked to an article with a crap selling music / concert analogy that has no relation to software

    So your assertion is that basic economics doesn't apply to the software industry? The article, which you inappropriately dismissed as only applying to the music industry, discusses the logic of selling the scarce goods attached to the infinite components. Software is a non-scarce good, therefore what is discussed in the linked article is relevant.

    That your summation of the linked article was "crap" without any support means you either glossed over the article without actually reading it, or that you're either unable or unwilling to defend your own position. Given the manner and content of your comment, I'm inclined towards "unable".

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    gene_cavanaugh, 20 Dec 2008 @ 12:45pm

    Fighting piracy with shame

    Again, you are right.
    For myself, if I were pirating, such an approach would make me stop, depend on it! At the same time, the more draconian approach usually taken makes me feel very protective of downloaders. While I don't do it myself, I would certainly never turn them in, or try to impede them in any way.
    I think I can sum it up by saying, "Let's throw some tea into the harbor!"

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    smart, 23 Jan 2009 @ 1:46pm

    piracy

    I THINK YOU ALL ARE STUPID ASSES FOR DOUNG THIS DIRTY DEED. AND LEAVE JOHNNY DEPP ALONE....HE IS MY PIRATE

    link to this | view in chronology ]


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