On Licensing and Trial periods
January 21st, 2007
When the first beta’s of e was released, it had a 30 day trial period, after which you had to buy a license to keep using the program. This was primarily based on experiences with other projects, where the transition from free to for-pay had resulted in a backslash from the user community.
This was a fine strategy when e was supposed to be simple editor, tightly focused on collaboration, which would be quickly out of beta. But the introduction of TextMate bundle support largely increased the scope and ability of the program, and greatly extended the beta period.
Based on thoughtful feedback from many users (many of whom had bought their own licenses), I have decided to make it possible to keep using the program beyond the trial period. This will stay possible for as long as the program is in beta state.
When you register e, the license is bound to you, and not to one specific computer. This means that you can use you license on as many computers as you like. There is also no limit on platforms, so it will also be valid on future versions for Linux or any other OS.
The license is valid for one year (time in beta does not count). After that minor updates are free but there will be an upgrade fee for major updates (2.0).
There is no greater encouragement than when users show that they like the program enough to buy it. So to show how much I appreciate those who do register while it is still in beta, all licenses being bought during the beta period will be extended to include the next major update + one more year of free updates.
January 22nd, 2007 at 3:19 am
A smart move. It’s about time, honestly.
January 22nd, 2007 at 9:56 am
Thank you very much, Alexander. e is a great piece of software.
February 1st, 2007 at 9:16 am
Thank you!
February 24th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
“…I have decided to make it possible to keep using the program beyond the trial period. This will stay possible for as long as the program is in beta state.”
Why does the front page of the web site still list a 30 day trial period?
February 26th, 2007 at 2:38 am
“The license is valid for one year (time in beta does not count).”
so does that mean we are licensing/leasing this software and not buying, and I would need to renew it every year.
could you elaborate/ confirm
February 26th, 2007 at 6:56 am
> “Why does the front page of the web site still list a 30 day trial period?”
There is still a 30 day trial period, but after it expires, it will just show a small reminder. You will still be able to use the program.
> “… does that mean we are licensing/leasing this software and not buying, and I would need to renew it every year.”
No, it means that all update within a year of your purchase is free. After that you might have to pay a small fee for major upgrades. The versions you have bought are yours, and you will never have to pay for renewal or anything like that.
March 3rd, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Seems fair to me.
I purchased it a few days ago. So far I am happy with it and do realize there are features that remain to be ported/added.
April 2nd, 2007 at 10:10 am
Thank you!
April 11th, 2007 at 10:36 am
I was wondering…because this work is being done in cooperation with Macromates, are you (or would you) consider the possibility of a cross OS bundle? I use a PC at work and a Mac at home. I love the apps and would like to use it on both platforms.
May 2nd, 2007 at 2:15 pm
“Second” on C Bobbett’s comment. A cross OS bundle for us multifaceted designers is most welcome! I am in the same predicament…
May 17th, 2007 at 8:58 am
“The license is valid for one year (time in beta does not count).”
Does that mean that if we purchase now it will be valid for one year from now or one year from the release of the first non-beta version?
August 23rd, 2007 at 1:28 am
Finally, beta period is over. I’ve been waiting for long time.
I bought the license. I hope this software would be a long-run product of your company.