Hi Kerry, If I recall correctly the use of stub projectors was allowed some time ago by Macromedia. Off course for any serious cross-platform programming having both versions is highly recommended, but I guess that for a one time project having to pay for a full version is quite expensive.
I wouldn't dream of doing what I suggested (actually I didn't even plan to do it to start with) because if I get into Mac programming I'd really like to be able to program, debug, test on authoring, etc... My comment was more geared at the fact that I disagree with Macromedia stand on this point. Probably my main concern is that (with totally valid reasons) a copy of Director is extremely cheaper to any US or UK based programmer than it is to some of us working on less economically developed countries. For instance (not a real world situation) if an average lingo programmer in the US makes $4000 in the US, the same programmer, with the same set of skills, would earn $1500 where I live. If Macromedia's objective was to be fair, a copy of Director here would cost $400 which IMO is much more reasonable. In reality a copy of Director, through the authorized Macromedia dealer here is a bit more than what it costs in the US. I know this is very difficult to accomplish because then all American programmers would purchase the program where it is cheaper unbalancing the market once again. Having a bundle with both platform versions is a reasonable suggestion and I think it would benefit Macromedia. But if you are already paying a hefty lump of money for one platform, would it be too much to ask that included in that price would be a set of standard projectors for the other platform? The last thing I want is to be perceived as a cheap guy that's willing to make all twists and turns to avoid a legal sanction by Macromedia to save some bucks. What really makes me mad is Macromedia way of handling their PR with their own customers regarding this issue. That's all :) I am still wondering if what I suggested (putting aside all moral concerns) is still doable. From previous discussions I have concluded that the line is very fine on this subject and Macromedia says that their interpretation is that the use of stub projectors if you don't own a license for that platform is illegal. Still if what I think could be a work around, is actually legal, I guess Macromedia should revaluate their stance on this point. Cordially, Jorge -----Original Message----- > it seems pretty stupid to me to spend $1200 to be able to make a > projector. > Why does that seem stupid? You're not paying $1200 to make a projector--you're paying $1200 to create a product for a new platform. I think you would find the same thing with other cross-platform environments. You would have to buy separate copies of Code Warrior, for example, for Windows and Mac. IMHO, it's reasonable for Macromedia to charge for a program that will allow you to increase your sales. > So what would happen if I "buy" a copy of Dir8.5 for Mac from a > friend, make the stub > projector and then sell it back to him? > > Have I lost it completely? Am I going to jail if I do that? > I doubt you're going to jail, but it sounds an awful lot like a lawyer looking for a technicality to get the client off. It is as much an ethical and moral question as a legal one, IMHO. To me, it smells like piracy, however it's dressed up. (I'm not accusing you of being a pirate, Jorge--just commenting on the larger issue). I've posted rants about this before, so I won't repeat myself too much. I just think that if you're going to make money off of a tool, you should pay for it. Having said that, it would be really nice if Macromedia were to bundle the PC and Mac versions for a discounted price. I wonder if it would increase their sales? I bet there are a lot of people out there who develop cross-platform who don't own legal versions of both, simply because it costs too much. Cordially, Kerry Thompson [To remove yourself from this list, or to change to digest mode, go to http://www.penworks.com/lingo-l.cgi To post messages to the list, email [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Problems, email [EMAIL PROTECTED]). Lingo-L is for learning and helping with programming Lingo. Thanks!]
