On Aug 24, 2010, at 4:51 PM, Joseph McAllister wrote: > Carefully reading their FAQs should let you know that even though they say it > can be upgraded, they infer you can upgrade it by browsing their site for the > newer version. Not Adobe's site. > > There are dozens of sites like this that do a real good job of graphic design > and word-smithing to appear legitimate. It's unlikely they are, however, if > they are purchasing educational or OEM masters, and selling copies via the > internet, they are likely breaking the license agreements for those copies > they sell. Copies are not to be sold. You pay for a master copy and get a > list of serial numbers when you acquire a master copy. The serial numbers > (clients) might cost as much as they are selling copies for. Don't see a > profit in it for them, unless they are selling the same serial numbers over > and over and over. > > My conclusion is that they are running an
An earlier response to my own message, in which I included the items from their terms and conditions about not being able to register or get technical support or upgrades, seems not to have gotten through to the list for some reason. Anyway, I've checked other sites selling OEM versions of the software. My sense from that is pretty much what everyone else has said, i.e., "avoid it" or at least "proceed with caution." Some of the sites seem a little more legit, at least if their word is to be believed, e.g., claiming that there is no difference between the software they're selling and that sold at full retail. However, I decided to take Bob's advice and check with Adobe. I couldn't find anywhere on the website to send an email, so I called. Eventually, I was referred to a guy in sales. I explained what I'd found, asked about legality, registration, technical support and upgrades, and made it clear I wanted to remain in Adobe's good graces. I was shocked, and I'm even wondering if the guy knew what he was talking about -- or more likely, what I was talking about, or if I'd made myself clear. In any case, he said it's legal, that upgrades would be available for a small fee [$20], that that would be handled through "volume licensing," and that the fact that I would be the sole purchaser/user wouldn't matter. At one point I thought he was saying I could purchase an OEM package directly from Adobe, but that turned out not to be the case. I don't recall what he said, if anything, about technical support. I'm still inclined to proceed cautiously. Perhaps someone with a clearer and more certain understanding of Adobe's policy will chime in here soon. If I do decide to give a try, I will at the very least try to be as certain as possible that what I'm getting is exactly the same product that's sold at the full retail price. For what it's worth, ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Eric Weir Decatur, GA USA [email protected] -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
