home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Share Gallery 1
/
share_gal_1.zip
/
share_gal_1
/
UT
/
UT121.ZIP
/
SHARE.FRM
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1992-03-17
|
5KB
|
98 lines
How Shareware Works
~Help
==========================================
CATALOG-ON-A-DISK, and How Shareware Works
==========================================
Shareware isn't a type of software: it's simply a form of marketing that
allows the customer to try software before buying it. This insures the
customer is buying what he or she wants, and won't be stuck with a package
that can't be returned once the shrink wrap has been opened.
Most shareware is freely distributed with a limited trial period. If the
program is right for you you register with the author or publisher. If not,
simply erase it from your disk. This way you get a fair trial to see
exactly what you are buying before you spend a nickle.
Q: How do I know how to make a catalog?
A: The trial version of CATALOG-ON-A-DISK comes fully documented. A
copy of the manual is in ascii format, and you can print it out on your
printer. This gives you a chance to truly try the program before buying
it.
Q: Is shareware free?
A: No it isn't. Programs marketed through shareware are copyrighted and
protected by US Copyright law. Unregistered users who use shareware
beyond a shareware author or publisher's stated trial period are in
violation of US federal law.
Q: What about the money I paid to a disk vendor? Didn't I pay for the
program when I bought that disk?
A: No. What you paid was a disk copying and distribution fee. That's
why the disk cost so little. Most shareware vendors charge less than ten
dollars for a shareware disk. This covers their costs in making the disk
for you and sending it to you. Even so, you'll find that most shareware
programs cost less than their conventionally marketed counterparts. You'll
also find that many shareware programs are equal or better in quality.
Q: How does the trial period work?
A: You can use the shareware version of CATALOG-ON-A-DISK to make your
own catalog, to see how you like the program and how well it will work
for your business. EmmaSoft's trial period is 30 days. This will give
you ample time to build a catalog, "First" screens, and your own header
and other screens. The only restriction is that unless you have bought
the program from EmmaSoft you may NOT send out your catalog using
CATALOG-ON-A-DISK. And, of course, after thirty days you must either
buy a copy from EmmaSoft, or erase your trial copy.
Q: Does this really work? Do people ever pay?
A: Yes, there are many successful companies that use shareware marketing.
Shareware is based on trust. The authors/publishers trust the public to
be honest and buy software they use. In return, users develop trust for
the authors who write this useful software.
Q: How do I change the "Trial Copy" message at the top of the screen?
A: EmmaSoft must change the message for you. Registered users specify
a message of thier choice.
Q: OK, so what do I get when I register?
A: When you buy CATALOG-ON-A-DISK you get the latest version of the
software on disk, with a printed manual, and a serial number that gives
you the right to distribute your catalog (using the program) and to
receive free technical support. Registered users are offered discounted
upgrades and other offers as made available from various sources.
Q: What about technical support?
A: Like most software companies EmmaSoft provides technical support to
registered users. The best way to get support is by electronic mail on
our BBS or CompuServe, or by US Mail. This way we can provide fast,
reasoned answers to your questions. Phone support is available to
registered users during EmmaSoft's regular business hours for a minimum
of six months.
Q: Where can I get a recent copy of CATALOG-ON-A-DISK to try?
A: The most up to date copies of EmmaSoft's shareware offerings are on
our support BBS. You can call (607) 533-7072 24 hours a day. After a
brief sign-on you are automatically allowed 45 minutes per day on the
board. (2400bps N,8,1)
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
EmmaSoft ┌─────────┐
PO Box 238 ┌─────┴───┐ │ (R) ███ E ███ M ███
Lansing, NY 14882-9009 ──│ │o │───────────────── ███ M ███ A
│ ┌─────┴╨──┐ │ Association of ███ S ███ O ███
Voice:607-533-4685 │ │ │─┘ Shareware ███ F ███ T
BBS: 607-533-7072 └───│ o │ Professionals
CompuServe: 71460,2644 ──────│ ║ │────────────────────────────────────
└────╨────┘ MEMBER
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────