Question for developers
I was just wondering what you guys do with commercial scripts? Right now, I simply process all payments manually and send the .zip file to the e-mail address associated with PayPal.
Some things I would be interested in knowing
-Do you use serial numbers? (I've thought about this, but what is to stop someone from simply bypassing this step, by simply removing that part of the code?)
-Do you jumble the code or anything like that
-What do you do about upgrades (Free for x months/free forever/flat fee/etc)
-What do you do about support?
-Do you use a forum or anything like that so that customers could contact each other?
-Anything else you think would be interesting/useful
Thanks!
SonicMailer Pro
The best mailing list manager has just gotten better!
Click here for a full list of features!
dk01 posted this at 13:00 — 5th April 2003.
He has: 516 posts
Joined: Mar 2002
I don't do commercial scripts but frankly it seems that most scripts are becoming open source and are growing and improving much quicker that way. If you are referring to like a php script where it is custom made then usually I just send it on payment. I don't think upgrades would be given unless there was further payment. As far as support goes you need to provide some support if the script is not functioning but there is a limit. If the script is working but they was you to change something after the product has been paid for then they should be paying you for the extra job. I would think email would be sufficient for dealing with customers. Forums are useful on Open Source products because they are "open" forums. Usually you want to deal with you clients individually and not as a group. It seems more focused.
-dk
KandieMan101 posted this at 21:51 — 5th April 2003.
They have: 140 posts
Joined: Jan 2003
...anyone else?
Wil posted this at 11:41 — 7th April 2003.
They have: 601 posts
Joined: Nov 2001
Write in code to the script that makes you enter a licence number to use it. The script verifies this with my database online.
If you do not enter a serial number the script will cease to function in 30 days, again with a built-in routine that renders the script unusable.
I give users free upgrades within that version cycle. That is, if it's version 1.1 they get free upgrades throughout to 1.9 then an upgrade fee for version 2. and beyond.
- wil
Mark Hensler posted this at 17:30 — 7th April 2003.
He has: 4,048 posts
Joined: Aug 2000
For compiled programs, I can understand a 'call home' routine. But for scripting languages, I can't see that as practical.
Wil posted this at 21:41 — 7th April 2003.
They have: 601 posts
Joined: Nov 2001
Well, I guess people go to great lengths to keep making sure they generate legal revenue. I don't think it's that bad an idea, but it can be very complex to do properly.
- wil
KandieMan101 posted this at 23:31 — 7th April 2003.
They have: 140 posts
Joined: Jan 2003
It certainly is time-consuming to make "good security"...but I really don't want my products distributed for free.
Want to join the discussion? Create an account or log in if you already have one. Joining is fast, free and painless! We’ll even whisk you back here when you’ve finished.