#DOpus4.0 update
50 messages in this thread
I just saw in AmigaWorld an advertisement for DOpus version 4.0. Are not
the registered users supposed to be notified of any updates? In any case,
as a registered user of version 3.41, How may I obtain version 4.0?
RJ……….on AutoPilot
Don't you know that registered users are the last to know about any
updates? I think it is the policy of most software companies.
I just found out that it will cost registered users of DOpus 40 bucks plus
5 bucks shipping and handling to update to version 4.0.
RJ……….on AutoPilot
$40????? For an update? If I didn't love and actually use DOpus so much
I wouldn't upgrade. Alas, I love and actually use DOpus so I will.
This better be one heck of an upgrade!!! $40 for a disk utility, Give me a
break! I'm about done with this make a living of the upgrades garbage. Why
not just give it a new name and sell it as something new! I'm not sure I
paid that much for the original program.
This is what leads to piracy…..
I guess thats true, when you think about it. I really hate to think that
upgrade pricing would add to the justification of piracy. But then again I
can almost understand the people who just borrow the upgrade from a friend.
I guess I'm just upgraded out. It seems like I get something in the mail
everyday lately with the good old "now you can get version 3.000ee111 for
only $25, and thats only $5 more than you paid last week for version
3.000ee101".
No, people thinking that there is no such thing as intellectual property
rights is what leads to piracy. If a price for a product is too high that
should lead to decreased sales, not increased theft.
Martin
– via Whap!
High prices are the center of the cycle of piracy on other platforms. Joe
can't spend $600 for a word processor so he steals it. Big Bad Company
knows this so they charge a lot extra to cover the theft caused by Joe who
says such a high price is ridiculous.
Charging high prices is done to offset the expected theft of the product.
On some platforms $600 for a spread sheet is considered silly. On this
platform $100 for a file utility is absurd.
–Paul
Paul,
then DON'T buy it.
Expecting low-priced software in a small market leads to other troubles:
the market can't grow, because the products can't deliver professional
manuals, support, quality, etc. at those low prices. On some platforms,
$600 products are cheap. In the Mac and PC market, only recently have
cash-strapped companies resorted to "competitive upgrades" that have lead
to $150 top-of-the-line products. Before that, retail prices of $295, $395
and $495 were not uncommon.
A $100 retail price in the Amiga market is fairly meaningless. Who sells at
full retail? Dealers buy that $100 product for $60 or so, distributors buy
it for $40 or so, meaning the makers might see $40 minus their cost as
"profit". Assuming at least $5 raw cost of goods (the flashy box people
demand, a manual, the disk) plus any overhead of the company itself (phone
support, shipping, accounting, etc.) not even considering salary for the
people who had to work for how many months to make that souped-up "dir
util"… How do you expect anyone to make a decent living with those
numbers?
John,
Any news on the direct-to-disk recording front?
Happy New Year!
Dom Fontana
<– Sent from New York via AutoPilot –>
Paul,
Hi. For what it's worth, I don't think $100 for DirOPus 4.0 is absurd,
since it's really much more than a file utility. 😎 I can spend $100 on
2-3 games, and they won't give me the value or the longevity of DirOpus.
Happy New Year!
Dom Fontana
<– Sent from New York via AutoPilot –>
We are certainly not trying to make our entire living off of selling
upgrades for DirOpus, but it is part of our income, of course. Why
shouldn't we make money from upgrades? We have been working on this one
for 9 months, and an incredible amount of effort and attention has gone
into its production. It is worth every penny of the new $99 price tag, and
certainly the $40 upgrade fee. Making money from software sales, both new
and upgrade sales, is how we stay in business.
I don't understand how calling it something new and selling it as new would
in any way benefit registered users of the product. They would simply have
to buy it over again as new. Even the very lowest-of-the-low mail order
prices for Opus 4.0 will be more than our upgrade fee.
Just because you might not have paid $40 for the original purchase does not
mean that the new version is not worth everything we are asking for it. I
really hope you give it a chance. We have a money-back guarantee, as
always.
– via Whap!
Martin,
The way I see it, what I paid originally for DirOpus plus the $40.00
upgrade is about the same as what the first time buyer would pay for 4.0
except that I have had the use of the older version for the last year. I
don't see any problem with that.
Dennis ….on AutoPilot
Thanks Dennis. I don't see any problem with that either. I hope you enjoy
the new version!
Martin
– via Whap!
Martin,
I use and enjoy DirOpus, but I have to say that I'll think twice about
upgrading what I already consider a fine utility at $45. Will the mailing
give specifics about what has improved? You could probably put a lot of
recent criticism to rest if you could detail some of the improvements
here. I'm wondering if the picture viewer will support AGA, if the sound
player supports stereo, and if I can open more than two windows.
And the IBM'ers wonder why I scream at Norton Commander, yuk! "But it
makes it so easy!" yeah, right.
Karl
Karl, good idea. I have a very long fact sheet on the new Opus that I will
upload here after Christmas, this weekend in other words. Yes, it does
support AGA and stereo, but more than two windows did not get implemented.
Anyway, I will send the fact sheet up this weekend and I think you will be
able to see from that why we are asking $40 for it. Really, it is a very
SMALL fee relative to the quality of the new software.
As you say, Opus is a fine utility and the new version is even better.
Much better.
Martin
– via Whap!
Hmm, the lack of more windows may keep me from upgrading; I really wanted
that feature. I'll be looking forward to seeing the feature list, though.
Karl
MArtin,
Did you fix the problem with unarcing into the same directoryas the arc
file is located (sent you examples of this problem on two occasions). Are
all the enforcer hits elimintated?
wmc – via Autopilot!
Wayne,
Yes the problem of de-arcing a file to its own directory is fixed (I asked
and tested it myself with an .lha file). Also, of course, the Enforcer
hits are all gone.
Martin
– via Whap!
Martin,
Thanks for the Reply.
Another question – in 3.4.1, when I do a hex read, then search for a
string it seems unable to locate the string even when present. Example:
I was searching for the string "VER" (w/o quotes of course) in a
Soft-Logik import module. If you look at the ASCII on the right of the
page, the string "$VER:" appears in the file, but the search cannot find
it. Is there a reason for this? Is it a bug or an error on my part?
wmc – via Autopilot!
Hello Karl, I thought I'd jump in and answer this one in case Martin
doesn't get a chance over Christmas. Yes, the picture viewer fully supports
AGA (also the new in-built animation player supports AGA as well). The
sound player supports stereo, including playing FD compressed sounds. We
have stuck with the old two-window format, but the buffering system has
been enhanced greatly to make it as functional (we think more functional)
than a multi-window system.
Don't forget also INOVAtronics' money-back guarantee; if you upgrade and
then feel that it wasn't worth it, you can return it.
Jon
p.s. Merry Christmas!
Jon,
Thanks for jumping in!
Ooh, AGA support, including animation, eh? That, indeed, is very
tempting. Better sound support as well, though I'm unsure what FD
compressed sounds are. I must be blunt, though, and state that I was
disappointed that both the picture viewer and sound players integrated
into Opus were not as good as PD stuff like Superview and Sound. It sounds
like this may have been rectified and definitely worth a look (especially
with the guarantee you mentioned).
It's certainly possible that I haven't used the buffers to fullest
advantage. With a high-res screen (something that I haven't had till the
4000 arrived), I'd still prefer to have more than two windows open, but
the buffered contents would be a close second, if that bug that made very
obsolete (and incorrect) directory contents suddenly appear has been
squashed. I'll spend more time with buffers. Thanks.
Yes, I guess I would pay something not to have to leave Opus to show
AGA pics and anims, and get better sound support. Thanks for the update!
Karl
Jonathan,
I just wanted to congratulate you on a truly fine product. I have and
use DirOpus on a steady basis. It might very well be the most
indispensible piece of Amiga software that I own. Keep up the great work!
Happy New Year!
Dom Fontana
<– Sent from New York via AutoPilot –>
That's the way I feel, so I already put my order in.
RJ……….on AutoPilot
I love and actually use DOpus, too.
Unfortunately, considering the way CanDo got upgraded ($) and how I
couldn't pry an upgrade for DOpus out of InovaTronics, I think this is
where I draw the line. I'll stick with what I have. $40 doesn't come that
easily anymore for a DU upgrade. It's starting to look like a Gold Disk
product 🙁
-Dave- …via AutoPilot
Have you considered shareware? I used DiskMaster for years, and bought
the upgrade, but when I tried Directory Work, I changed – and haven't
looked back. I don't remember what the shareware fee is, but it was
reasonable, and when I got my registered copy, the author threw in a few
extra things for free.
…..Nancy
Limping along on AP –
One engine in flames –
Hoping for a gentle touchdown.
Nancy,
Well, I am a registered owner of DOpus and the version I have s just fine
for me. I can't see what improvements would be worth nearly what I
originally paid for it. I understand the work and investment involved, but
it IS just a DU.
-Dave- …via AutoPilot
Nancy,
What do you like about Directory Work? Does it support multiple windows
like DiskMaster?
Karl
Actually, no, it doesn't. What I like about it is that it's a lot easier
to program than DM (I think) and a lot more flexible. I seldom need more
than two windows, anyway, and the program is always being upgraded, so we
may see that feature soon. After I left this message, I d/l'd a new
version from a local board. I'm not as happy with this one as with the
previous one, but I still think I'll stick with it…..Nancy
Seems like some people are out to make a buck but then end up trying to
make a killing.
RJ……….on AutoPilot
No offense intended to Gold Disk, but you should really give the new
version of DOpus a chance before deciding it couldn't possibly be worth the
upgrade fee.
I am sorry, but I thought you confirmed that you did finally get the
upgrade for Opus 3.41 from us. Due to an error on our part, your order was
not filled on time, it is true. However, if you give me your order for
Opus 4.0, I will personally ensure that it is filled with dispatch. That
is the least I can do for the previous delay.
Martin
– via Whap!
Martin,
I just got my credit card bill and I was charged $30 from INOVAtronics.
I'm in the DirOpus auto upgrade program, so I assume that 4.0 is on its
way to me. I was charged that amount on 12/16. That's one week ago. I
imagine I'll receive it any day, but could you please check the status of
my order? I'm anxiously awaiting it. I forgot the fringe benefit of the
upgrade club. I save $15 on the upgrade. DirOpus is one of the best and
often-used programs I own. I would have ordered the upgrade even if I
wasn't in the club.
Why don't you post the new list of features and bug fixes, so the other
users might understand why the upgrade costs $40 + S&H.
Thanks.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dom Fontana
<– Sent from New York via AutoPilot –>
I have ordered the 4.0 OPus upgrade by phone. But, I think I already was
signed up to automatically receive any upgrade. (and at the 30 dollar
price.) I ordered it as soon as I saw the advertisement in the January
issue of AmigaWorld. I've yet to receive it. Could you check it out for
me? My Visa statement this month has a 45 dollar Inovatronics charge on it
dated Dec 14, 1992. Shouldn't it have been the 30 dollars?
Robert J. Fleig
7923 Bridge Ave.
Balto. Md. 21237-2702
RJ……….on AutoPilot
Robert, I will check with the office. I checked the database myself and
found your record but no information about Auto Upgrade Club membership.
Anyway, I am sure that your Opus is on its way now, or by early this coming
week.
Martin
– via Whap!
Martin,
Would you please reply to my message number 48911? Especially since you
already responded to Robert J. Fleig, and he left you a message AFTER I
did.
I'm getting a bit frustrated. Over a month ago, you said I was sent the
small DirOpus upgrade, but I never received it. Now my credit card was
charged $30 on 12/16/92 for the 4.0 upgrade and I haven't received it. You
are NOT supposed to charge the card UNTIL the product ships. If the
product shipped on the 16th, I should have had it by now. I just want you
to check for me, please. You received my prior request to check, yet you
haven't responded to me, while at the same time responding to others who
came AFTER my request. Please follow up on this.
Thank you. Happy New Year!
Dom Fontana
<– Sent from New York via AutoPilot –>
Dominick, I have asked Dallas and your order is definitely already on its
way to you. It was shipped by UPS. I didn't get the date, sorry.
Martin
– via Whap!
Thanks, Martin.
Dom Fontana
<– Sent from New York via AutoPilot –>
Robert, I am still awaiting word about the status of your order for Opus
4.0. They have a little confusion over it. Did you make it by CC or by
check?
Maybe you have already gotten it?
Martin
– via Whap!
Your message states that it is From: Martin Murray To: Martin Murray. I
happened to see that is starts out with "Robert". I don't know if that's
me or not, but I ordered the Opus 4.0 update by credit card via the phone.
After thinking awhile, I was sure that I had notified Inovatronics along
with my registration to automatically send me any updates and charge it to
my credit card. It's been awhile now, and I still haven't received 4.0
although my credit card was charged for it (at the 40 dollar plus 5 dollar
postage rate) back on December 14th.
Robert J. Fleig
7923 Bridge Ave.
Baltimore, Md. 21237-2702
RJ……….on AutoPilot
Right you are Robert. I expect to have an answer back today about your
update order status. I will let you know.
Martin
– via Whap!
Yes, you love and use Opus. I think that is true for most owners of this
product. We have spent a lot of time listening to the faults that people
found in earlier versions and we have applied most of that, I think, into
this new version.
The new Opus is completely re-documented, made much simpler to configure
and to use, and significant new features have been added. I really think
you will like it and consider it money well spent.
Martin
– via Whap!
OK. I'll bite.
Don't everyone flog me at once! Consider me one of the guinea pigs who
will see if the upgrade really is worth my hard earned money.
Thanks for responding Martin.
Hey, no problem Donovan. That is what I am here for, when I am here, that
is.
Please let us know what you think about the new version when you receive
it.
Martin
– via Whap!
That means it should retail for $299. They call it Dope Us.
You got that right.
They told me it would sell for 99 dollars.
RJ……….on AutoPilot
Well now Donovan, due to Christmas time and advertising schedules and all
that sort of thing, registered users are not always the first to know about
upgrades. Of course, it is not our policy to notify them last. That would
be silly. We make money by selling software, so we do the best we can to
get the word out in the most effective ways that we can.
Besides which, we have gotten into too much trouble too many times in the
past by announcing products (and product upgrades) before they were ready
for release. As it is, this ad still beat us to the punch by two weeks!
Anyway, a mail notification is planned for sometime this month for anyone
who has not already ordered an upgrade. You don't have to wait for the
mail, though. You can order right away.
Martin
– via Whap!