Not really a donation

[realyst]

I would like to start by saying that I am in no way putting down the Gamex software or its developer. I also would like to say that I am just a week or so away from purchasing a license for Gamex if all things go as planned.

I also am in no way opposed to the developer of Gamex to make money on what is obviously a difficult to pull off piece of software with good demand and little competition and do not believe 25$ is too much to buy Gamex.

I just wish to give my personal opinion that I do not feel the word "donation" is best applied here. Gamex appears to share all things in common with the age old Shareware software model. Donationware would be something along the lines of Mediaportal, where the software is given, but donations appreciated. Gamex is free with limits, and fully functional for a cost on a per license basis.

That is not a donation, that is a cost or purchase. By asking for donations without the extras does still not donationware make.

To be truthful, it was this perceived somewhat dishonest approach to marketing the software that led to by initial reluctance to buy the program. It seemed a bit shady to me. It is for this reason that I am bringing it forward. This could potentially be felt by others. And again, I don't think "freeware version, commercial version" sounds that bad.

Again, I don't wish to insult the program nor Tom. The program is awesome and totally worth the money. It's more the wording around the purchasing that irks me.

Maybe I'm just too uptight.

[jthompson]

I would like to start by saying that I am in no way putting down the Gamex software or its developer. I also would like to say that I am just a week or so away from purchasing a license for Gamex if all things go as planned.

I also am in no way opposed to the developer of Gamex to make money on what is obviously a difficult to pull off piece of software with good demand and little competition and do not believe 25$ is too much to buy Gamex.

I just wish to give my personal opinion that I do not feel the word "donation" is best applied here. Gamex appears to share all things in common with the age old Shareware software model. Donationware would be something along the lines of Mediaportal, where the software is given, but donations appreciated. Gamex is free with limits, and fully functional for a cost on a per license basis.

That is not a donation, that is a cost or purchase. By asking for donations without the extras does still not donationware make.

To be truthful, it was this perceived somewhat dishonest approach to marketing the software that led to by initial reluctance to buy the program. It seemed a bit shady to me. It is for this reason that I am bringing it forward. This could potentially be felt by others. And again, I don't think "freeware version, commercial version" sounds that bad.

Again, I don't wish to insult the program nor Tom. The program is awesome and totally worth the money. It's more the wording around the purchasing that irks me.

Maybe I'm just too uptight.

Well, after you've donated and used the nag free version for a while and get updates almost weekly, sometimes daily, you still have the option to donate as you see fit. Some of us on this forum have donated more than a few times just because we know how much time and effort go into this product, not to mention the great support that Tom gives. Or if you like, you can just use the free version and be happy with it and still get great support. In my opinion the donation wording gives Tom an incentive to keep improving his product. The more he improves on it, the more likely I am to donate more. Let your conscience be your guide.

Jay T

[Brian Hoffman]

Well, after you've donated and used the nag free version for a while and get updates almost weekly, sometimes daily, you still have the option to donate as you see fit. Some of us on this forum have donated more than a few times just because we know how much time and effort go into this product, not to mention the great support that Tom gives. Or if you like, you can just use the free version and be happy with it and still get great support. In my opinion the donation wording gives Tom an incentive to keep improving his product. The more he improves on it, the more likely I am to donate more. Let your conscience be your guide.

Jay T

Agreed,

I too have donated. I have been using this product for a long while... Through many revisons. I remember a time when there were no features that were unlocked upon donating. (except for improving load times ) .

Some of the newer features like MOUSE/JoyPAD EMULATION and DVD video software probably took alot of effot on toms part to add cause you have to get permission from the develors to redistribute and add their software. Maybe even some of the funds go to them aswell ? That would also explain why they unlock during REG.

Tom deserves every penny.

I'am really not to sure what this Realyst is getting at.

Brian Hoffman

[realyst]

After having it explained by jthompson, I can see the sense of it. Though perhaps that blip(heck, even quote it) in the FAQ may put some people at ease. I was concerned because I have seen many software producers using tricks based on exploiting free software tactics to do all sorts of nasties to people. And though I'll admit to being somewhat odd, I was afraid more people would feel likewise and cause more people to seek alternatives.

I admit I am quite new here. And I appreciate jthompson for answering me honestly.

I'am really not to sure what this user is trying to accomplish. And is no way benefiting this community.

I was sharing a concern I had on a public forum. Your points make sense to me. I also went through great pains to make my wording as such as to convey that I am not trying to be a troll or insult anyone-anything.

This was feedback as a new user and I carefully used the word 'perceived' in my message.

Mr. Hoffman, I apologize if I've 'offended' you in any way. I figured this was the place to leave such feedback and get some in return. Apparently you feel otherwise so strong as to both refer to me in the third person and claim I'm here to harm you all.

If such is the way everyone feels, I'll refrain from posting again. I wouldn't want to offend anyone else and such was never my intent.

However, in my experience, each forum has at least one person like you[Hoffman] who, though loyal and probably very helpful, are quick to judge and touchy to discuss with. So I won't base my judgment on your post alone.

[Brian Hoffman]

After having it explained by jthompson, I can see the sense of it. Though perhaps that blip(heck, even quote it) in the FAQ may put some people at ease. I was concerned because I have seen many software producers using tricks based on exploiting free software tactics to do all sorts of nasties to people. And though I'll admit to being somewhat odd, I was afraid more people would feel likewise and cause more people to seek alternatives.

I admit I am quite new here. And I appreciate jthompson for answering me honestly.

I was sharing a concern I had on a public forum. Your points make sense to me. I also went through great pains to make my wording as such as to convey that I am not trying to be a troll or insult anyone-anything.

This was feedback as a new user and I carefully used the word 'perceived' in my message.

Mr. Hoffman, I apologize if I've 'offended' you in any way. I figured this was the place to leave such feedback and get some in return. Apparently you feel otherwise so strong as to both refer to me in the third person and claim I'm here to harm you all.

If such is the way everyone feels, I'll refrain from posting again. I wouldn't want to offend anyone else and such was never my intent.

However, in my experience, each forum has at least one person like you[Hoffman] who, though loyal and probably very helpful, are quick to judge and touchy to discuss with. So I won't base my judgment on your post alone.

Yes I see.... I'am not helping either.

I am not really offended by your post. However I'am sorry for making you feel bad about your post as it was not really my intention.

As I was writing this I forgot your username and was not trying to be insulting by refering to you in the third person. I should edit my post.

I really dont mean to be an asshole

Enjoy the app

Brian Hoffman

[realyst]

Yes I see.... I'am not helping either.

Enjoy the app

Brian Hoffman

I already am

[headkaze]

I don't think Tom actually calls it freeware or donationware. The payment for the registered version is called a donation because it is optional, it removes the nagscreen. I guess you could call it nagware if you wanted to. The features that are disabled for unregistered users are features that have been added to reward people who have donated; they have not been removed to cripple the unregistered version. While that may seem like a fine line to some people it boils down to this; GameEx is free software that encourages donations by having a nagscreen and rewards registered users by giving them extra features. GameEx as unregistered software is still fully functional for it's intended purpose. The bonus features like Karaoke, 7Zip support etc. are not required to run it as an HTPC software or Arcade Front End. I can see your points as being valid though, it could be considered shareware, nagware, crippleware to some people it all depends on the way you look at it. But I don't think Tom actually calls it anythingware on the website so I don't see the false advertising. By calling it free, is not necessarily calling it freeware and calling the optional payment a donation is not necessarily calling it donationware. But what do I know?

[realyst]

...But what do I know?

Probably more then I.

Perhaps I was just too caught up in the informality of the options as they were. And though it makes perfect sense in retrospect, at first go it appeared shifty. I truly think it would be more proper to put a paragraph akin to what you've posted on the main page somewhere near the donation button.

Again, it was more of a pet peeve I was concerned(probably illogically) could turn a very few viewers away to other places.

[Tom Speirs]

I think it comes down to the fact initally GameEx was donationware, now yes it has evolved is technically more commercial, but I have strong reluctance to cash in on it and try and make a killing. Headkaze sums it up best and if youd been here a while you would have actually seen all that happen.

I think its more like communityware or cooperativeware if there is such a thing or if I just invented it!!

[realyst]

I think it comes down to the fact initally GameEx was donationware, now yes it has evolved is technically more commercial, but I have strong reluctance to cash in on it and try and make a killing. Headkaze sums it up best and if youd been here a while you would have actually seen all that happen.

I think its more like communityware or cooperativeware if there is such a thing or if I just invented it!!

Communoopercialationware

[Ricci]

Not to mention, it is almost the most fun you can have for such a cheap price!

[Will]

Wow. some folks sure are picky about words. Seems like wars are fought over definitions. Donation means money freely given. Any money you give Toms is just that. If you do so, he gives you a nag-free version. Doesn't sound underhanded to me. All that is even in the FAQ. I think it works well since the infrequent users won't care much about the nag screen, but those of us that routinely use it and recognize its value think it is the best money ever spent. Honestly, if all versions were free, it wouldn't be as good as it is.

Sorry, just seems like there are too many emotions and apologies for such a silly thing. This MUST be the most politically correct thread ever!

[Ricci]

Logically speaking...where the hell else are you going to find a product that does so much, and is continually supported, where you can talk to the creator, for such a cheap price?? Think about all the time that was/is required to keep this project up and running. Tom is vastly undercharging for what this experience is. Think about what was around 10 years ago as far as frontends and where we are at now...talk about leaps and bounds! And to those of us who lived through the glory times of arcades, to be able to access the games we loved in the comforts of our own homes, we are forever indebted to this man...with that being said, think about all the quarters you have dropped in machines in the past..this beast is CHEEP!!

Tom is the MAN!

[fattmarrell]

I hope this topic is concluded.

Can we go back to enjoying gameex now please?

[enoch]

Well, I just noticed this topic and thought I'd chime in, briefly. It is free. Actually, it's freer than most trial-period-free gigs. This is a weird topic, really...sorta below bitching that something free doesn't work. (hahahah.)

[Tom Speirs]

I know most of us here live in a free world, but hey Im the boss, and Im closing this thread now!!

Cheers!