Guy Asks For Software Crack, Creator Provides Free App Instead

from the how-to-react-to-piracy dept

Thu, May 19th 2011 1:17pm — Timothy Geigner

I'm a big fan of two things: vulgarity and people who treat others well. If you share similar passions, then this story is for you. While it's understandable for content creators to react negatively to those that "pirate" their work, Techdirt has highlighted instance after instance showing those that have chosen to react in a way that is more beneficial to everyone. It's kind of sad that, when people behaving kindly to one another (even after someone has tried to infringe on their copyright), it becomes something we have to point to, but consider the reaction of Chris Baker, creator of the F***ing Word Of The Day iPhone application, as shown on the The Next Web blog.

Basically, the story boils down to this. A person on the Xsellize iPhone app message board put out a thread request for someone to crack Chris' app, without further explanation. Chris showed up immediately and responded to the poster:

Hello! I'm the creator of the ******* Word of the Day website and more particularly the F-ing Word of the Day App. First of all, this is a huge compliment! As a person who pirates content, I've always placed the moment people are pirating MY goods as the exact time of my arrival, as it were. So congratu-*******-lations to me. With that said, I'd like to just offer that while I'm employed with a decent salary in the city of New York, I am by no means rich...I write all the sentences myself and find the words to use myself and I do this in my own personal time and essentially for free. Sure, I learn a few words too, but I was already a pretty well-read guy, and could have done without the site.

What's my point in all this? Go ahead and pirate the app. It cost me 1500 bucks to have programmed. It's not even a month's rent for me. But if you think the site is cool, and you want to pay for one eighth of a Stella Artois for me, hook me up with 99 cents. The rapture will be here soon, I could use the drink.

It's just... perfect. Communicate with the potential customer, let them know you'd appreciate their actual patronage, mention that pirating isn't a big deal but it'd be cool to purchase in an agreeable way, and wrap it up with a joke. About the only thing off here is a willingness to drink Stella Artois, a name which translates to english as "sewer water".

And the reaction from the original poster? He thanked Chris for responding and then clarified why he was looking for a crack. It turns out that he has no credit cards or banking cards with which he could make the purchase from the app store. But he said he was so enamored with Chris' response that he rescinded his request for the crack and promised to figure out how to purchase the app, even if his situation meant it would cost him a few extra bucks to do so. But Chris wasn't done:

Sir, you've warmed the cockles of my heart. I believe Apple allows you to gift apps to people, and I'm feeling charitable so if you want to email me your address or whatever in the hell they require to complete such a transaction, I will buy the app for you. I only ask that you give the ******* thing a good rating. I hope this comment thread goes down as one of the more unexpected things that happens to you online. I like the unexpected. And I like making people happy, even when something stupid like learning vocabulary is involved.

Sigh, bliss! And take a look at some of the reaction further down in the thread. It looks like Chris' acting like a human being has garnered him a few more fans and paying customers:

-This thread makes me want to buy the app just to honor such an awesome attitude. If only more developers would have this positive and constructive humbleness towards the consumer, things would go better.
-Chris, I just bought your app for the support!
-I am not a fan of vulgarity, and I would not normally buy or use your app, clever as it is. But your mission is admirable and your heart is gold and I just bought a copy of your app simply to reward you. I'll now delete it, because my kids use my phone and wow, but you know, you're awesome.
-Chris, as a result of this thread I want to offer my body to you. You make me feel like more of a woman than I have ever felt before. I have toys and dirty videos. Please contact me.

Okay, okay, I made that last one up. But the point is, if you treat people like they're people and not the $.99 they might otherwise represent, you will reap the benefits. Bravo, Chris.

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Filed Under: chris baker, connecting with fans, cracks

52 Comments

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ChurchHatesTucker (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 1:22pm

Huh
Never heard of this app, not sure if I want it, but I'm going to approach it feeling much more generous than I otherwise would.

So, that's a win right there.
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Dark Helmet (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 1:34pm

Re: Huh
That was my response, too. Even if people weren't sure what this app was or if they wanted something like it, at the very least his attitude is getting people to look at what he's put together, and that in itself is a win....
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Chris Rhodes (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 1:48pm

Re: Huh
Exactly my feelings.
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AJ, 19 May 2011 @ 1:54pm

Sounds good...
Solved problem while gaining street cred, instead of freaking out ... made additional sales as a result...

So simple, yet for some, so elusive....
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Anonymous Coward, 19 May 2011 @ 1:56pm

Excellent Writing
Great article, Tim. I didn't have to scroll back up to see who'd written it. Your signature is everywhere on this one.
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MrWilson, 19 May 2011 @ 1:57pm

::grumble grumble:: doesn't work for my business model... this guy is an exception... how am I supposed to rip people off if I give my app away for free?!?... oh, and get off my lawn!
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Mike Masnick (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 1:58pm

Re: Excellent Writing
Great article, Tim. I didn't have to scroll back up to see who'd written it. Your signature is everywhere on this one.

Agreed. Tim actually has writing skills, which is why I'm always happy when he's got some posts...
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drewmerc (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 2:00pm

About the only thing off here is a willingness to drink Stella Artois, a name which translates to American english as "sewer water"

fixed that for you, stella is a fine drink(euro version), better than any american beer i have tried (whats with all the lite crap never understood that)
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Dark Helmet (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 2:01pm

Re: Re: Excellent Writing
Well thanks for the compliments, both.

I'm particularly pleased that no one has defended Stella Artois, which makes my already high opinion of the Techdirt community rise even higher....
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Rabbit80, 19 May 2011 @ 2:07pm

Re:
Agreed - I only drink premium lagers or real ales. Stella, Kronenburg or Grolsch are my usual lagers. If you want "sewer water" try Carling or Fosters or if you are a lightweight AND lost all your tastebuds try Skol!
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Huph, 19 May 2011 @ 2:09pm

Re:
Lite stuff is crap. True Americans drink the same beer our founding fathers did: India Pale Ales. Delicious, plus you can actually feel the enamel being stripped from your teeth.

Stella Artois is painfully terrible. I refuse to drink it, and when I was a bartender I didn't recommend it.
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Dark Helmet (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 2:37pm

Re: Re:
"India Pale Ales. Delicious, plus you can actually feel the enamel being stripped from your teeth."

Ugh, are IPAs really that bad on your teeth? I've REALLY taken to them lately, and I already have the teeth of a much more British man than I actually am....
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Rich, 19 May 2011 @ 2:39pm

Re: Re:
I like Yuengling Black & Tan. Don't hate me. :)
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Jon B. (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 2:46pm

Re: Re: Re: Excellent Writing
I think the set of people who know what the tell Stella Artois is and the set of people who like something called Stella Artois may not overlap much.
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Bruce Ediger (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 2:51pm

Re: Re: Re: Excellent Writing
I've used it to boil brats, but for nothing else: somebody left a 12-pack in my fridge after a party.

Just FYI, it's pretty good for boiling brats.
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Dark Helmet (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 2:53pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: Excellent Writing
It also serves as an excellent subsitute to castor oil....
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Hautedawg, 19 May 2011 @ 3:10pm

Off subject, but only a little
So, can you kind folks get Boulevard Ales where you reside? It is made in Kansas City, from teh sparkling waters of the Missouri River (/sarcasm).

The wheat is delicious, and it is fresh! If not, I reccomend highly.

Does anyone reccomend anything for a young (50's) lady to drink. She likes Heiniken, but I'd like her to drink local or at least American.

PS: Great article. Being nice pays
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Anonymous Coward, 19 May 2011 @ 3:20pm

Re: Stella Artois
"Sewer water"? Nope.

Wikipedia says: Stella Artois (play /ˈstɛlə ɑrˈtwɑː/) is a 5% ABV lager originating from Leuven, Belgium, predominantly brewed in the United Kingdom.[1] It is named Stella after the Latin word for "star" whereas Artois is a traditional area in France that was once part of the Low Countries.
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rooben (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 3:20pm

Already Doing the Job
Looks like his attitude is turning into sales - looking at the App Store, there's about 20 comments now from people saying that they are buying the app due to his comments on the site (or via Reddit).

Hm...having dialog with your customers...discussing their issue...leading to others appreciation and more sales...maybe this guy is on to something!
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Khstapp, 19 May 2011 @ 3:21pm

Buy it
Hell, I'm tossing him the buck just for a piece of the good karma. Here's your 1/8 Stella on me. Cheers!
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ChurchHatesTucker (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 3:33pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: Excellent Writing
Just FYI, it's pretty good for boiling brats.

The trick is to turn the heat up slowly...
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Capitalist Lion Tamer (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 3:55pm

Be honest, Tim.
You posted that last one to the message board and are now covering your tracks.
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Nate, 19 May 2011 @ 3:55pm

Re:
I'll step up to defend American beer here in the face of drewmerc's slander! Russian River? Allagash? Dogfish Head? Lost Abbey?
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Dark Helmet (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 4:06pm

Re: Be honest, Tim.
........busted.
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Alex, 19 May 2011 @ 4:33pm

if you liked this
you will like this also:

http://torrentfreak.com/pirate-bay-users-blown-away-by-hobo-with-a-shotgun-110406/
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slander (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 4:48pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Excellent Writing

The trick is to turn the heat up slowly...

I don't know whether to rate that funny or insightful... regardless, an upvote for you, sir.
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slander (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 4:50pm

Re: Re:
Moose Drool is the only real beer.
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anon, 19 May 2011 @ 4:54pm

Re: Off subject, but only a little
Well, there are many. If she likes sweeter citrus type stuff, Michelob's shock top is awsome. Blue moon is, decent, but IMO not as good as shock top.

Widmer Hef is good. All depends if she want's a lager, or something a bit more filling.

Just remember, beer doesn't make someone gain weight... it's the food people eat while drinking the beer that does. The "carb thing" is a hoax put on by the big beer companies in order to push cheaper made light beers. PHD & Ivy League college busted myth.

:)

Stella sucks btw. Another sweet lager, right up there with the crappy piss made mexican beers.
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Anonymous Coward, 19 May 2011 @ 5:19pm

"I've used it to boil brat"

Not a bad idea, but here in the states, that would be considered child abuse.

Course, might just have to threaten my kids with this when they are acting up.
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The Original Anonymous Coward (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 6:41pm

Stella sucks in the US
The beer, not the actress.

It's great on the continent. I've never had it in the UK since I'm normally too busy trying all the other bizarre brews.

For US beer try Schell's from Minnesota. Lots of gold and silver prizes at various competitions. Last I checked it was the second oldest US brewery still owned by the same family, after #1 Yuengling.
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harbingerofdoom (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 8:38pm

id have bought his app except for two problems
1. i dont have an iphone
2. i refuse to support anyone who admits to a habit of drinking bottled pig sweat.
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The eejit (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 11:37pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Excellent Writing
I use it in my ritual castings, in the place of Eye of Newt. MAkes the spells more effective...
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The eejit (profile), 19 May 2011 @ 11:39pm

Re: Re:
Screw that, get some Kirin Iuchiban or Tsingtao.
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G Thompson (profile), 20 May 2011 @ 12:22am

To succeed you have to stop being ordinary and be Legen-Wait For It-Dary! - Barney Stinson

It seems Chris Baker is both Legendary and F**** AWESOME too.

True Story
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Mark Essel, 20 May 2011 @ 5:30am

Bonus points for that last comment
Besides cracking up madly at work the find was excellent. Love to see stellar (pre)customer service. No doubt this will turn into a bunch more sales for Chris. In fact, he just got another out of me.
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Anonymous Coward, 20 May 2011 @ 7:19am

Stella Artois is a magnificent beer! Not many people appreciate it the first time they have one, but it's worth getting a taste for.

As for Americans criticizing beer from anywhere else, well....you should all be ashamed! ;) Off the top of my head I can't think of a country that makes worse beer than the USA.
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The eejit (profile), 20 May 2011 @ 7:32am

Re:
Ireland, although they make decent ciders and fantastic stouts!
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Dark Helmet (profile), 20 May 2011 @ 7:39am

Re: Re:
"Ireland, although they make decent ciders and fantastic stouts!"

Yeah, Guiness is alright, but there's a reason every Irish person in Ireland drinks Bud Light....
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David Bishop, 20 May 2011 @ 7:44am

Awesome
Well done, Chris. I want to buy the app as well.
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Anonymous Coward, 20 May 2011 @ 8:09am

Sewer Water?
The real translation is "Wife Beater".
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Silent Bob, 20 May 2011 @ 8:13am

a new approach for RIAA?
has anyone besides me noticed that Chris managed to trick an anonymous pirate into divulging physically identifying information in order to get his "free" app. Perhaps RIAA should give this approach a try!
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Chris Baker, 20 May 2011 @ 9:30am

Hello
I'm the "developer" in this story. If you have any questions, or just want to insult my taste in beer, well, I'd love to offer my insight. Thanks!
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Dark Helmet (profile), 20 May 2011 @ 9:59am

Re: Hello
Thanks Chris!

And Stella sucks :)

I don't expect you to get into minute particulars, but has there been a demonstrable increase in app sales since this whole thing went down?
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Chris Baker, 20 May 2011 @ 10:36am

Re: Re: Hello
hahaha. Stella. What's funny is that my go-to, just a wednesday night on the couch beer is Amstel. I'm not even sure why I put Stella.

App sales were at about 5-10 a day. Yesterday I sold almost 700. Definite increase. People loved the story so much they downloaded the app just to give me sale, not because they like the idea of the app. Which is cool, but obviously I like when people get into it because of the idea. :)
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Dark Helmet (profile), 20 May 2011 @ 10:51am

Re: Re: Re: Hello
Well, I think the lesson is clear. Mother Theresa should have released an app....
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Khory (profile), 20 May 2011 @ 11:31am

Re: Re: Re:
Mmmm.. I love Moose Drool when I can find it.
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Khory (profile), 20 May 2011 @ 11:34am

Re: Re:
Mac & Jacks African Amber is the stuff!
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Khory (profile), 20 May 2011 @ 11:39am

Re: a new approach for RIAA?
That's exactly what Google does with most of their products.

It's not like that model has worked well for them or anything....
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Anonymous Coward, 20 May 2011 @ 1:15pm

Re: Re: Re: Hello
Amstel's great, you typically can't get it in England :( Stella's still lovely though.
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chuck, 23 May 2011 @ 7:26am

Bear Whizz Beer.
Like my daddy says, its in the water, that's why its yellow.
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Alima, 23 May 2011 @ 1:24pm

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(mbaye_alima@yahoo.co.uk) I believe we can move from here! Am waiting for your mail to my email address above because i have a lot to tell you, Lot�s of love,
email me on my mail box not in site
have a great day and God bless you.
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Malek Alahmar, 3 Apr 2016 @ 6:44pm

Remove license verification from this app ?
hello how are you please bro ? ,I have a metal detector device they have an android app and when I am trying install it on new device it asks me for license code and I don't know what should I do. This is bothersome for me every time I need to ask the company to provide me the license code after giving them my Mac address of my phone. Can you help me on that I would really appreciate it so much I need to bypass the license code checking and keep using it for free.
http://ziifile.com/y929v9bphcx9/GroundExper_Setup.apk.html
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