Posted
Please consider an alternative copy protection mechanism, the dongle is extremely frustrating as in so many cases where I'd like to continue with some pieces I can't because the dongle is not at hand. (I have no good feeling taking the dongle with me everywhere just because I might eventually need it, it's too easy to loose it that way).
This is by far the most inconvenient showstopper "bug" of the software. If you absolutely need to, then use some challenge response system - as long as it works hazzle-free I have no problem with that. It's really unfair that paying costumers have to jump through so many hoops while the crack downloaders can use the software as it's intended to be.
Thanks,
NaN
(Sorry for the rant, it's just another weekend where I'm yet again reminded to all the similar situations where I was prevented from using Synfire again and again because of the iLok usage prevention system.)
Tue, 2009-11-10 - 16:51 Permalink
I agree that hardware keys are inconvenient, and for many years have hesitated to use any software that used them, but...
As both a programmer and a musician, I see both sides of this issue.
As a musician, I am bothered by the fact that the music software industry has a reputation of treating its customers like thieves.
On the other hand, as a programmer, I know that there is no software solution that cannot be broken, rather easily. Challenge/response, or any other software protection, only works until some ingenious programmer decides they want to defeat it.
I had the same knee-jerk reaction when I learned that Synfire used iLok, but in reality, if a developer wants to protect their intellectual property and still offer the customer the convenience to use the software anywhere they need, there is no other choice.
We always have the option to vote with our pocket books and not purchase the product, but Synfire is one case where you will not find a viable alternative.
Just my 2 cents.