MnGCA

LucidOndine · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 12:29 pm Post subject: GSAK Version 6 vs. 7

As many of you GSAK subscribers know, GSAK version 7 has been released. The version is not available as a free upgrade to version 6.X, which means that if you enjoy the features enough you'll have to shell out once again for the slick new features.

If any of you have any experience with both of these, post your insight here and let us know if you think the upgrade is worthwhile.
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The Lucid Network (tm)-- More Bars in More Places!

Marsha and Silent Bob · Past MnGCA President Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 6261

I don't use GSAK because of the pay-to-use features which exploit a freely distributable program, but from what I understand from some other users our there, they are disgusted with the fact that the previous license terms said "free upgrades".

To go and change the license terms after the fact is pretty lame. Just because the "big boys" go and do it all the time doesn't mean that everyone should.
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Sad state of affairs.

sir_zman · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 1:19 pm Post subject:

What the license agreement said was "GSAK updates are currently free and I plan to keep this policy for the foreseeable future"

He never said that he wouldn't charge for furuter updates, just that he hadn't done so already.

As for the "pay-to-use features which exploit a freely distributable program" comment, I think (and that is why I did pay for it) that they took GPSBabel and wrapped an amazing bit of UI around it, and added a bunch of functionality into it.

I purchased my copy a few months ago and so qualify for a reduced upgrade fee; and I have upgraded my copy to 7, for no other reason that to improve the ability to work with Child Waypoints. I have cursed the system on a few occasions because a cache had a child waypoint and I would have liked to edit it, or even just see what it was named.

You don't have to upgrade, you can keep running 6.x for free for the remainder of time.

Marsha and Silent Bob · Past MnGCA President Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 6261

LucidOndine · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 1:47 pm Post subject:

I really enjoy the UI of GSAK. Its a pretty intuitive program to use, however I am a bit bummed that I have to pay for new features.

So, Zman... just how AMAZING is GSAK 7?
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The Lucid Network (tm)-- More Bars in More Places!

pfalstad · Geocacher Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 962 Location: Edina

pfalstad · Geocacher Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 962 Location: Edina

Marsha and Silent Bob · Past MnGCA President Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 6261

sir_zman · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 1:58 pm Post subject:

the UI is pretty much the same as 6.x. It's more of a bunch of feature improvements. Like I said, my fav is the child waypoint screen.

All improvements: http://gsak.net/help/hs1060.htm

CamoCacher · Geocacher Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Posts: 1391

I also got the notice and while I have not decided yet if I will upgrade or not I certainly understand and figured that at some point this would happen. It takes time and resources to manage a program like this and time is money for most of us.

The only reason I might not upgrade is because the program works well for me right now as I use it. I know however that I am not using it to its fullest capability and that is only because I haven't learned to (yet). Right now learning CS2, NN, and a few other photography programs is all I can handle.

RubberToes · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:04 pm Post subject:

I got the notice and paid for the upgrade right away.

I love the program and I have been most appreciative over the years at how well and thoughtfully the program has been maintained.

When I think of all the hours I've used the program and how much I've enjoyed all its capabilities, I have no problem spending $15 to keep Clyde in the Fosters.

bflentje · Geocacher Joined: 29 May 2006 Posts: 3649

As a software developer myself, I completely understand the change in licensing terms. I've written several freeware and shareware programs where I wished I had either charged a fee or a higher fee because it turned out to be wildly popular. After spending hundreds, even thousands of hours, writing and maintaining code, I can sympathize for wanting to make a buck. Afterall, time isn't free.

http://www.bitdebris.com

Moe the Sleaze · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 4:08 pm Post subject:

Marsha and Silent Bob · Past MnGCA President Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 6261

EskoClimber · Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 1:49 pm Post subject:

I have no problem kicking out a few bucks for the upgrade. I agree with the sentiment of the time involved with writing the program and then having to deal with all the "could you just..." suggestions from subscribers.
THe other point is that we're not talking alot of money here. I could understand the gripe if it were the usual MS thing of charging lots of money for upgrading each machine, but that isn't the case here.
I like the fact that someone else has taken the time to write a program that does what I want so I don't have to.