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]

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.