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Experience of a Shareware Author
The following is a message from Frank Bell, author of NEWKEY,
a shareware keyboard macro program that was awarded "Editor's
Choice" in a comparative review in PC Magazine against more
expensive commercial programs.
Over the years I have tried several different methods to
encourage user registration and none of them have made any
substantial difference, so I must admit to feeling that these
methods probably do not increase sales too much.
However, I have been using the 5-second delay screen [when
the user first loads the program] for over a year and have
received several orders with comments such as "ok, ok, I'll
register. Send me the version without the delay screen." so I
do feel that I am getting registrations that I would not have
gotten otherwise. I have never received any negative feedback
from someone who has not purchased, but I might have lost
some sales as a result of the delay too.
The purpose of the evaluation screen is to make integration
into daily computer operations annoying, but not so annoying
as to discourage evaluation. I also feel that it is a strong
incentive for business and consultants to purchase. I have
received many next day air orders from consultants and
businesses who have integrated Newkey into a system they are
delivering or demoing the next day and don't want the
evaluation screen coming up. Would these have been purchased
without the evaluation screen? Some perhaps, but not all.
I disagree with the statement that "if they're going to steal
your program, they're going to steal it, and if they're going
to pay for it, they're going to pay for it." There are lots
of people who want to do the right thing, but need a little
encouragement. Since I furnish the full manual and my product
requires little support, removing the evaluation screen is
the best practical benefit I can offer. This way the user can
feel virtuous and still get a practical benefit by
registering.