CompuServe Messages

Nick, <<Does shareware really make sense?>> From my perspective, no. For the following reasons. 1. Shareware has no value of itself. I can get it for free and am still obligated to pay for it. If you instead bundle a commercial application then it is already paid for. 2. Commercial software is a known quantity. I know what Commercial Program A is because I've read about, seen it at stores, and have experience with the company. On the other hand, I know nothing about Shareware Product B. Yes, it may be technically superior, but probably lacks printed documentation and I just don't know about it. Why would I prefer B to A, then? 3. So, I get a disk with 200-400 shareware products on it. Like I'm going to sit down and run each one, culling the 90% bad ones from the 10% keepers? Not likely. Give me one known good product that I want and save me the trouble. 4. I am not trashing shareware products here (I've written a few myself). Just making the point that it has no perceived value, especially to mass market. I'd stick with current versions of commercial products — the higher the retail price the better, as it makes it seem like a *really* good deal to get the bundle. 5. Finally, you've gotta figure out some way to avoid the DAKiness of offering amazing bundles at such a low price which might make us think that we're getting ripped off. Jeff