I think I may have one of those here

As for the current dangling dong debate...meh..I don't care..if what I need has one, so be it.

I still have one too. Together with an Atari in the attic, and a superb huge 20 Go HD ( weight about one ton, but can be usefull during winter as heater )

Depends on the product.

I'm not a big fan of dongles for a $6.99 piece of software. On the other hand, the protection schemes for many un-dongled products are so convoluted that it really is much more irritating than using a dongle.

Overall though, I find that a dongle is required for much of the expensive stuff I own. There are 3 (2 syncro, 1 ilok) currently hanging off of my PC. And, frankly, the iLok was one of the better purchases I've made. Every time an AudioMIDI special features an iLok only no-brainer, I'm in.

If I was a touring musician I would probably feel differently, but there's not a lot of wear and tear in the isolation of my studio. And, frankly, I kind of like the fact that when I'm shelling out some serious cash, I actually get something tangible in return. And, it's just that much harder for folks to get what I paid for, for free.

Cheers
-B

How can someone seriously like dongles? They're actually a waste of material only there to serve one reason, which could also be handled software wise. I mean seriously, are those votes from software developpers who use dongles to copy protect their software? I couldn't imagine any other reason to vote yes.

If it allows developers to make more money I'm all for it. More money allows them to stay open and hire more staff, produce better products.

I would like to see developers group together to sue pirate websites and the goverments back them up.

Can't you imagine another reason? Are you a professional musician? I like dongles because my needs are different from yours. Have you considered that possibility?

Well that's the big unknown. For all the assertions from developers and non-developers that it does, no one has ever produced a shred of data to back that up.

Bottom line is no one knows.

Actually there are reasons...but you seem unwilling to accept other's reasons...

Me too But it's not 20 GB, but 20 MB - 20GB would have cost a fortune in that time if it at all existed, for sure 100'000 upwards - times they are changing

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Very misleading.

It's certainly true that dongles are effective in limiting or eliminating piracy. Does that translate into more sales? Well, more people who have the program will have to have paid for it.

I believe your statement is looking at it from the perspective that 'There's no proof that this results in more sales.' Actually, the purpose is that fewer people are stealing it. From there, more sales may result, but as with any market activity, this is ultimately the result of a number of factors, not just lower piracy rates.

And please lets not go down the "but piracy STIMULATES sales" road. About as accurate as positing that higher rates of shoplifting are good for the retail trade.

Cheers
-B

If you already have a dongle, you don't need another one.


If you know what I mean....!

So where's your data to back this up? My point was that no one ever provides any and your comment is the same as all the rest - just speculation.

Of course, my apologies in advance if you have this data to hand and it's statistically relevant data.

Ok, looking at it now, it surely looks like that would be the case. Sorry, wasn't my intention.

Certainly true? I second the call for your data.

If the purpose is to prevent people from "stealing" the product without any corresponding increase in profits, then the decision is irrational.

Only one what i even now imagine which needs dongle its Vienna Symphonic Library. and currently even this software looks impossible get for me..