Monday 24 May 2010

Software protection drives me mad!

Software companies deserve to get paid, those who tirelessly create code need paying, etc etc etc... But nothing makes me want to turn to software hacks and cracks quicker than copy protection systems.

I've recently spent a lot of money on a piece of video editing software (Avid Media Composer). Tonight it crashed and then wouldn't run any more. So I removed it, reinstalled it and then couldn't get the software to activate.

Trawling through the Avid support site reveals nothing of any help, and the forum isn't offering much either.

It's a maddening situation because the copy protection that's designed to stop people sharing the install CD with their friends has actually stopped me, a perfectly legitimate user, from using the product for which I've paid.

This is nothing new either. I once turned to an illegal download of a product because even though I'd bought a valid copy, the copy protection dongle broke and my only option was to find a crack on some nasty warez site.

This annoys me. Software companies, yes you need to protect your interests and I understand why this is a problem for you. But if you make it difficult for me to use your software legitimately I'll find another way, or ultimately choose a different product.

Sunday 2 May 2010

The evangelical right

Just as 'evangelical' Christians and the republican party seem inextricably linked in the US, it seems prominent 'evangelicals' are now increasingly involved with the Conservative party.

Now I don't have a problem with people of faith being involved in politics, in fact I welcome it. We should have more. Those who argue someone's faith is a personal matter and has no place in public life, let alone in government, are missing the point of what it is to be a Christian.