Illegal Software Dangers

Chessmaster wrote on 2/26/2003, 6:33 AM
For those who do not already know, I was caught out on ebay buying what I though was an legal copy of VV3.

This has now resulted in great hassles, no discount on the upgrade to VV4, which basically means that from using this great software to having nothing at all. And no future prospects of using the software simply because the retail price is far beyond my means. So I am unable to legally or morally use VV3, and do not have the money to buy it retail. The $150 I paid for it on ebay was not US either, I am not from the US, in my country Vegas Video retails for $1200.

Now the danger is if you buy illegal software whether you know it is or not, if you use it for commercial reasons, then you can be the one in the wrong also.

If you use it for personal reasons then you are pretty much told tough luck and to go away.

I contacted the authorities in my country who handle illegal software and was told that it was simply bad luck on my part and that I still have no right to use the software.

The person on ebay I bought it from has now disappeared and his personal details on ebay are false. This was nearly 1 year ago now, and I am told no one will bother to follow it up, because Authorities only want to catch the big fish who pirate on mass. Not some one off jerk on ebay out to make a quick buck.

So the story is, if you are a victim you remain a victim.

Comments

MyST wrote on 2/26/2003, 7:21 AM
You will only remain a victim if you refuse to learn from your past experiences.
Tell me, will you buy from eBay again?
There are rating systems for vendors on eBay. I suggest you get to know how to use them if you plan on buying from there again.

As a side note: This really should be part of your other thread.

M
Chessmaster wrote on 2/26/2003, 7:56 AM
Software I will not buy on ebay, I actually have a rating of 189 on ebay, all positive. The person I bought from had 12 positives. I know about ebay and the dangers of buying certain stuff.

I give up, the software had left a sour taste in my mouth, and this forum just makes me feel crap.

I am going to bed, it's past midnight here, probably my last time here.

I have had my cry for today, time to leave all the legal software users to their forum.
Ritchie wrote on 2/26/2003, 8:13 AM
I hope this forum doesn't make you feel like crap. I think your post is a good warning to any who read it not to buy software from ebay, as you really don't know what you are going to get. I guess if you don't mind bootlegged/pirated software, have at it. But the fact that you expected the real version and feel you can't use the pirated version shows integrity, even if you did get cheated.

I had actually seen Vegas a few times on ebay, it always stated it was the academic version though (which is the same, just different purchase agreement).

I hope all works out eventually, it would be a loss to you to give up on Vegas because of this experience. I sure have enjoyed using it.
BillyBoy wrote on 2/26/2003, 10:56 AM
Shame you got ripped off. Perhaps you may want to take a look at Video Factory or any of the licensed varations that range around $75 or so US dollars. Sony has one. I forget the name.

While not as powerful as Vegas, Video Factory is Vegas' little brother. Check out their forum.
Lajko wrote on 2/26/2003, 3:41 PM
Buy the vegas book "Digital Video and Audio Production". Comes with a fully licensed Vegas Video 3.0 LE.

Once you own it, you can upgrade to a full version.

also if you know some students or have a student ID card yourself, some places like GradWare sell software at discounts - but only for students.

Do you own other Sonic Foundary products? (not to be confised with Sonic Software). I always get emails for special offers and bug discounts for buying when a product is released. These guys are really good about keeping me informed and enticing me with sepcial offers.

Of all the video companies, SF is one of the best for support and quality. Stay with them.


bcbarnes wrote on 2/26/2003, 4:28 PM
As a one of the "legal" software owners, I'd just like to say that I read and was saddend by your story, and was also a bit "put off" by what appeared to be a fairly harsh response. I admit that I did not read EVERY post word for word, and may not know the whole story, but it does seem to me that you've learned an expensive and unfortunate lesson. Normally, this is a pretty good group of guys, so feel encouraged to stick around.