free mapping programs

[ewilen]

While reading a bit about Hexographer, I stumbled upon a review with pretty strong negative points about the program. Now, it turns out that Hexographer's programmer, Joe, has since addressed some of those issues. See the first comment here for Joe's response to the criticisms

Comments

[anonymous]

Sorry I don't have a LJ account, but I'm Joe, Hexographer's developer.

I've been occasionally trying to better inform people about the misunderstandings in the linked blog about Hexographer's licenses. I summarize the points in this post, just above where the reviewer asked his first question: http://inkwellideas.com/hexographer_forum/index.php?topic=38.0

But let me try to simplify it even further:

Criticism #1: The free version may go down if it is no longer supported by the developer.
I've pledged and made arrangements already to have someone else at least maintain the free version if something happens to me or the company.

Criticism #2: The one-year license causes the software to stop working after one year unless the license is renewed.
This is how a lot of commercial software is going. The reviewer doesn't agree, but if you've ever played World of Warcraft or its competitors you know when you stop renewing for a new term it stops working. D&D Insider is similar, as is ESPN Insider, Dungeon a Day and a number of other software programs and websites. The reviewer seems to be thinking of open source licenses that mostly only attempt to recoup the costs of maintenance, not development. Also, the one-year price is about 1/3 the full price, so it would be kinda weird for that license to give very similar rights as the full license does. In any case, if you disagree with the 1-year license terms, there is no reason to not use the free version or buy a full license if that license matches what your needs and price. I did however add more detail in the ordering section so no one is confused.

Criticism #3: The full license is accomplished through a renewing series of 1-year licenses.
To be honest, I never liked the renewing 1-year license idea either. I didn't want to have to spend time sending out new licenses every year. So because of that and the reviewer's concerns I changed it. Since I've made the change (a few months ago) new full licenses work indefinitely.

Sorry if this is too detailed, but I'm really proud of Hexographer and it pains me that the reviewer has barely acknowledged (if at all) the ways I've addressed his concerns. (Although others who've read through the link I provided have stated that they had similar concerns and are happy with my answers.) While this is your Livejournal site to moderate as you feel appropriate, I hope you'll agree I've substantively addressed the issues and consider removing the misleading/out-of-date link so that others don't become misinformed.

[ewilen]

Actually I'd prefer to keep the link AND your response to it. (For one thing, the blog entry's pointers to other programs are still valid & useful.)

But I'll edit the post so that people are directed to your comment.

So thanks for responding.

[anonymous]

Thank you for hearing my concern and updating your post. And if other people find other tools more useful, easier, produce a better map, a style they like better, etc., then I'm happy they found something they like and I hope they have great results.

I was in a bit of a hurry when I was wrapping up, so one thing I neglected to ask is: if you had similar concerns, did I accurately summarize and address them?

I really do think I went more addressed the issues raised and I truly try to look at any criticism as constructive. Here are just a few threads where I do so:
http://www.freeyabb.com/trolllordgames/viewtopic.php?mforum=trolllordgames&t=8296&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0&sid=3035ed5ce062c6d2862c408570884ab1&mforum=trolllordgames
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=36992
http://dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=35154
http://odd74.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=links&action=display&thread=1962&page=2
http://www.welshpiper.com/inkwell-ideas-hexographer/

Thanks again.

[ewilen]

Well, I wasn't even aware of any concerns until I came across that blog post, which came up as a Google search when I was trying to find out more about Hexographer. (I first across the name here.)

Anyway, of the concerns voiced, I think you've addressed them adequately. I do think the one year license is an odd choice; I realize there are professional applications and suites which work like that, requiring annual renewals, but for most consumer products, especially something hobby-related, I think it's more normal to sell just a perpetual license, with free point-release updates and discounted major upgrades.

Still, as long as the terms are clear enough to avoid misunderstanding, I suppose there are people who would appreciate the option not to commit to the full price if they want to try out the Pro version for a while. What I might suggest is a discount for 1-year licensees who later decide to go perpetual. Say, if a 1-year license is $9, give people $3 off the perpetual if they've ever purchased a 1-year license. This would certainly make me feel more comfortable with that option, and it might get me more inclined to try the Pro version.

[anonymous]

The intent of the 1-year is to give people a cheap way to support the project. Especially if they have concerns if the program will continue to be supported by the developer. I do plan to give people who did a 1-year license a couple of nice options for upgrading to the full license. But we're still a few months away from the first renewals.

[anonymous]

I always find myself thinking of something to add after I've posted. :)

Yes, it seems many people wouldn't be used to the one-year license approach, and I considered dropping it for that and other reasons. But between 40-60% of the orders are 1-year licenses. I haven't totaled it up to know exactly, but one way or the other it is relatively close to 1/2 one way or the other.