Restricted Features, Activation Code, Buy Plans

[HelKod]

Hello,

I recently discovered this software and it seems like the best of its kind from what I have tried so far, so I appreciate you making this tool “free”.

However, the thing that troubles me is that on the forum there are posts describing that eventually certain features become restricted unless you have an activation code.
There is also mention in the “.ini” language files for “Buy” and “Plan List”, and also that you can receive an activation code by posting about the program on social media (for users like me who don’t use social media, you should make donating send an activation code to their email).

However, there is no mention of these things on the website, nor when the software is run for the first time.
It’s misleading and disruptive to say the program is entirely free and then, without prior warning, to restrict features.

Both the website and program should list which features are trial only, and describe how to unlock them permanently. Also you should be notified about the trial the first time you run the program and the remaining time/uses of the trial should be able to be viewed in the software.

I don’t appreciate that you are not transparent about the restricted features and plans, but I will gladly donate/purchase and personally recommend the program to friends/colleagues when this is addressed.

Lastly, can you explain what the “Plan List” entails?
If you intend to no longer keep this 100% freeware, I advise against making various purchasable plans and keep it simple and accessible: Notify the user of the trial and restricted features and make it pay-what-you-want pricing to unlock all features.

[Abbie]

Hello.

We are honored that the software is helpful to you.

You can continue to use it for free after social media sharing, and no need to pay.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to share.

[HelKod]

Questions:

1. I don’t use social media at all, I’d rather make a donation to receive an activation code. Can that be arranged?
2. How many devices does a single activation code support? I work between a desktop and laptop.
3. What causes the software trial to expire? Is it usage based (e.g. after X number of searches) or time based (e.g. after 60 days)?

Suggestions:

It’s misleading and disruptive that the software begins fully featured and then, without prior mention or warning, the features become restricted. The user should be notified about the trial when opening the software along with the remaining time/uses of the trial.

[Abbie]

Hello.

We have recorded your suggestions.

Please contact technical support email support@cbewin.com to provide you with more help.

Thank you very much.

[Steve]

Gotta agree with the original post.

I don’t use social media either.

And you haven’t answered the question “What causes the software trial to expire? Is it usage based (e.g. after X number of searches) or time based (e.g. after 60 days)?”

This should be public knowledge.

 

[Abbie]

Hello.

It is decided with a special algorithm based on the usage habits, I don’t know much about the details, I’m just a volunteer.

Thank you for your suggestion, we will try to optimize the user experience.

[Author]

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