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A bug saved the company

(weblog.rogueamoeba.com)
379 points ingve | 2 comments | 24 Aug 25 09:55 UTC | HN request time: 0.001s | source
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MarkusWandel ◴[26 Aug 25 13:21 UTC] No.45026174[source]▶
Might it simply be that people find the app for a use they have, right now? When it works great and solves your immediate problem, what's a few bucks?

Whereas if you have a full function trial period, it solves your immediate need for free and then you already have this mentality "this functionality should be free". Maybe even uninstall the app, erase all its data, and then register for a new trial period next time you need it etc.

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1. draw_down ◴[26 Aug 25 13:37 UTC] No.45026381[source]▶
Not only that, but if the trial works that way, you can repeat it any time you need to record something. The app probably dropped a prefs file somewhere (the old-style Mac XML preferences files), delete that and go again.

This would actually be easier than just paying.

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2. teiferer ◴[26 Aug 25 21:15 UTC] No.45032430[source]▶
Easier, yes. But it's cheating.

I'm often saddened by all the normalization of all the things people do to cheat their way through life. Why does everything need to be physically prevented just so people don't find a loophole to exploit? And then just act like it's nothing or are even proud of it? There is a trial period + you are asked to pay if you keep using it after? Well, pay up if you do. You also (hopefully) don't steal candy from the supermarket, even though it's "actually easier than just paying". Why would it be any different for software?

replies(1): >>45033761 #