And here is why:
Quote:
Originally posted by MacTerminator
PART I
=====
THE BASICS:
[...]
2) They charge for a Spam/Spyware-free version of the software.
|
But you get the source code for free.
Quote:
|
3) There are many clean Gnutella clients downloadable free of charge with no spam or spyware:
|
Including the LimeWire source code.
Quote:
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
a) That they have a lot of competition and any disappointed users can simply switch client in a few minutes at no personal cost.
|
I wish they'd do that instead of flooding this forum.
Quote:
|
b) The fact that they have chosen a commercial model gives the paying users a right to be demanding and [constructively] critical with bug reports and update requests during the six-month period of subscription.
|
No, it doesn't. It gives you the right to download a pre-compiled version of LimeWire without ads and bundled software and receive updates for six months.
Quote:
|
This is, in effect, a contract where Limewire , on receiving payment, agrees to provide a service to the customer during this period.
|
Hey, receiving updates and eMail support is a service.
Quote:
PART II
=====
IS LIMEWIRE A WORTHY PRODUCT?
[...]I am a bit suspicious about very frequent 'third number' updates with only cosmetic changes, though.
|
Bug fixes.
Quote:
The main downside seems to be lack of quality information:
1) There is no version history on the update page, with the installer or on this forum (see this thread).
|
Yes, actually there is. For each major releasy every new feature is posted in the LimeWire Beta Forum. The thread is sticky so you shouldn't have problems finding it.
Quote:
|
2) There doesn't seem to be a clear development plan (to do list). They vaguely mention some plans in posts on the 'What feature would YOU like?' thread
|
Join the mailing lists at
www.limewire.org. Most of the users don't really care about fancy unreleased features that might come some time in the future. For the next version LW is working on initial HTTP11 downloading support, browsing hosts, hashing, URIs and alternate location support.
Quote:
|
but only in answer to specific questions and, since there is no update log, we often don't know which of these ideas are being implemented.
|
You will be informed in the LimeWire Beta Forum.
Quote:
|
Other repeated requests they don't even respond to like the version history thread mentioned above (a week to date).
|
They probably didn't even read your postings. As you might imagine they are quite busy and they stated more than once (in this forums) that they can't communicate with their users as frequently as they would like to.
Quote:
|
3) The influence of Java implementation and how it limits Limewire are not made clear (Windows/Linux has JRE 1.4, Mac OSX has 1.3.1, Mac OS9 has 1.1.8). This is a common source of confusion.
|
No it's not. If you are interested in learning something about the different JREs go to
http://java.sun.com but don't expect the developers to explain you the differences between the JREs.
Quote:
|
4) Similarly the progression of the Gnutella protocol and its relationship to the development of Limewire should be explained (in an FAQ).
|
Why? I don't remember reading questions on this topic being asked frequently.
Quote:
|
5) The FAQ's are not very helpful and are not updated to deal with recent issues.
|
That's why this forum exists. The people here will help you if they can.
Quote:
|
[...]Perhaps the common commercial syndrome of rolling out loads of minor updates to make users think they're getting their money's worth could be an influence.
|
I can assure you, LW updates are not about creating that impression with the users.
Quote:
|
I've also read X-files-esque conspiracy theories by Moak and others about Spyware, the LW/BS Masterplan etc.
|
Moak suffers from a serious mental handicap, he's paranoid.
Quote:
|
[...]Do they want to rule Gnutella or are they working for the good of the Gnutella Community?
|
I don't know a single programmer that doesn't aim to reach world domination by writing software. If LimeWire wanted to "rule" gnutella, they'd do so by writing the best client available.
I can understand you would like more communication with the developers but I hope you can understand, that they don't have time two answer postings in this forum frequently. However after a major release they tend to visit this forum more often, so if you have questions about new features / development plans, ask them in the sticky threads for the latest release in the LimeWire beta forum.
And stop bitching.