Thoughts on Ilok?

[zerocrossing]

I’m not a fan, but it’s something that I have to deal with. I generally have no issues with it, but it is annoying.

[goettel]

I'm just really impressed that goettel waited 15 years until he finally had something important to say. And that was it.

Pretty sad response, but you do you.

[goettel]

I think the only case scenario where iLok is a valid tool is for those who travel around and go to different studios.

However, that does not justify, in my opinion, the abusive and intensive system of detecting legitimate licenses on your PC. For me, this system is not fair when pirated versions consume less resources and allow more freedom for the user. That is called punishing the legitimate user and for that reason I will never buy anything with iLok.
BTW, I DON'T use any pirated software for ethical and security reasons!!!

Exactly.

[plexuss]

I like iLok. Been using it for maybe 8 years now, with a dongle. >500 auths. I had an issue earlier on where my macbook died due to apple's poor quality and bad design. I had no problems getting Pace and the plugin companies to restore my licenses that needed. Sure it was some effort to do but it wasnt that bad, juts some some emailing.

I'd prefer that software didnt use DRM but apparently there is a need for it from the business side since it's so ubiquitous. Assuming that, iLok is not a bad DRM platform IMHO. A poor DRM for example is the old system Vengeance used with Avenger, that sucked.

If you dont like iLok don't use it. I think we'd all prefer that you make your decision and keep it to yourself. We all know the pitfalls of DRM and don't need to be constantly reminded there are people that don't like it. we know you don't like it. move on.

[BONES]

Based on personal recent experience there are severe consequences for genuine paying customers when inevitably the licensing software does not work as intended. At the best this for me has included loss of licenses due to trivial changes in hardware/component failure, at the worst it has necessitated purchasing entire replacement system drives to rebuild an ILOK corrupted primary partition.

My personal experience is the opposite - when my SSD got wiped by an overzealous tech, iLok contacted all the devs I had licenses with and arranged to free them all up so I could re-authorise all my plugins. They took care of everything and got it all done in a few days. I had my iLok stuff up and running before I could get everything else working again, as some devs were really slow to release activations for me.

For me, this system is not fair when pirated versions consume less resources and allow more freedom for the user. That is called punishing the legitimate user

No, it's called protecting your serious investment in time and money from fucktards who don't give a f**k and will destroy your business if you let them. Of course, it only works because the world is full of self-centred scumbags who think they are owed a living.

[ramseysounds]

Never had a problem with it and I have no understanding of why people say they have issues with it

[oneway]

iLok is my favorite of the licensing schemes, second only to no licensing scheme. I've got products on my iLok where the companies are out of business and their servers are down, and I can still use the products I purchased. That is not the case with some of my products owned by developers with (as far as I can tell) basic text keys who folded.

I've had to use ZDT and Theft/Loss Coverage twice in the past and both times it was simple, easy, and affordable to get back up and running ASAP.

[Echoes in the Attic]

Used to be very much against it, now I don't mind it for a few things. Still not my favorite since transfer fees are high, but for things I don't want to sell, its fine.

[simmo75]

Super convenient, $25 transfer fee sucks though!

[plexuss]

Super convenient, $25 transfer fee sucks though!

True. But its better than NFR. or stupid transfer polices like Acustica Audio. All things considered I'll take the $25.

[jamcat]

Super convenient, $25 transfer fee sucks though!

The developer has to get paid for a new user somehow.

[vanerio]

Based on personal recent experience there are severe consequences for genuine paying customers when inevitably the licensing software does not work as intended. At the best this for me has included loss of licenses due to trivial changes in hardware/component failure, at the worst it has necessitated purchasing entire replacement system drives to rebuild an ILOK corrupted primary partition.

My personal experience is the opposite - when my SSD got wiped by an overzealous tech, iLok contacted all the devs I had licenses with and arranged to free them all up so I could re-authorise all my plugins. They took care of everything and got it all done in a few days. I had my iLok stuff up and running before I could get everything else working again, as some devs were really slow to release activations for me.

For me, this system is not fair when pirated versions consume less resources and allow more freedom for the user. That is called punishing the legitimate user

No, it's called protecting your serious investment in time and money from fucktards who don't give a f**k and will destroy your business if you let them. Of course, it only works because the world is full of self-centred scumbags who think they are owed a living.

Your reasoning is incorrect for several reasons:
1. Multiple iLok plugins have been hacked and therefore the investment has not been protected.
2. That means that other companies that do not protect with iLok are either not protecting their investments or are dumb.
3. There is a reason why many people don't like iLok. Just because a lot of people think something doesn't make it true, but it doesn't invalidate it either.

[wvshpr]

Super convenient, $25 transfer fee sucks though!

The developer has to get paid for a new user somehow.

How much actually goes to the developer and how much goes to Pace, though? If I sell any physical item, the manufacturer doesn't get anything either.

I bought something that I should also be allowed to sell if I don't need it any longer. Simple.

It's funny how people seem to love to jump through hoops and to the defense of these ultra-capitalistic, anti-consumer tactics.

[jamcat]

What could be more “ultra-capitalistic” than believing you are entitled to sell whatever you want completely unregulated while keeping 100% of your profits?

Laissez-faire For me, but not for thee. Typical hypocrite.

[chk071]

Super convenient, $25 transfer fee sucks though!

The developer has to get paid for a new user somehow.

How much actually goes to the developer and how much goes to Pace, though? If I sell any physical item, the manufacturer doesn't get anything either.

The manufacturer doesn't have any work with you selling it in that case. With plugins/software, the ownership has to be transferred, which possible includes creating a new license key, or maintenance work, possible support if the new owners has problems with the software etc. All not happening with physical goods.