Do you avoid buying plugins with copy protection?

[fese]

For me it is more important what kind of copy protection a software uses than whether it is NFR or not...
Generally, I prefer serials or key files, but I also have an elicenser (just for Cubase) and C/R from NI and IKM, though I decided I won't buy any more C/R plugins.
If a copy protection is deemed necessary, the Tonebooster's is the best - a key file you put in the plugin directory, makes backup and restore a breeze!

[ghettosynth]

For me it is more important what kind of copy protection a software uses than whether it is NFR or not...
Generally, I prefer serials or key files, but I also have an elicenser (just for Cubase) and C/R from NI and IKM, though I decided I won't buy any more C/R plugins.
If a copy protection is deemed necessary, the Tonebooster's is the best - a key file you put in the plugin directory, makes backup and restore a breeze!

This is my policy as well. I have similar stuff. I needed an iLok of Max because I hate C/R with strong limits and I'm quite happy with it. So, of course, I prefer serial, but if you aren't going that direction, then it needs to be dongle based or I'm not considering it any more.

[RunBeerRun]

It needs to work, always. So no hardware appendages, online trickery downloads needed....

[foosnark]

Sometimes the NI license stuff is a hassle, but it's worth it.

I have so far avoided iLok and PACE and the like, and prefer to continue avoiding them. That hasn't been the deciding factor on any purchases yet, but it could be a tiebreaker.

[pljones]

Oops, something went wrong with my vote . +1 to the first two scores, -1 for the third. But I avoid all copy protection. If I'm straight enough to buy a licence, I refuse to be penalised for doing so. I don't see key files as an issue, however, assuming the software will "fail gracefully" without one -- i.e. work in demo mode or for a limited time.

[BERFAB]

I really don't care. However:

1) I recognize that my painless use of iLOK and other dongles is due to my 100% studio use. None of my equipment ever travels anywhere. If I were a touring musician, it would be a different story, and I could see how breakage, theft and general "lost in the shuffle" issues would drive me around the bend.

2) I admit that I'm not 100% comfortable with some of the technologies that, as I understand it, require my computer to call back to the developer for authorization. I'm not completely clear on how these actually work, but the idea that there's a path directly from my machine to some dev is troubling.

3) I actually like and applaud the fact that devs make an effort to protect products that I've paid good money for. I'm sure it will evolve into something better in the future, (unique, outside the box innovations like U-He's pirating solution come to mind), but for me, it's a small inconvenience.

4) Most of the stuff that I use and have paid for is real wizardry in my book. Again, protection is a small price to pay for access.

Cheers
-B

[CableChannel]

Why was there no "I avoid crappy iLok" answer? That's the only copy protection I avoid.

[V0RT3X]

I avoid dongles because i only have two slots on my laptop. (I imagine this will end up in the "taken out of context" thread)

[Gone soft]

I hesitate if there's Challenge/Response involved though I've bought a few and avoid dongles.

Due to the Challenge/Response software I now have I don't dare get another computer or changing the hard drive for something that's faster than this old 5400 rpm antique for fear of loosing access to said software, and it seems so much hassle as each company has a different way of dealing with such situations. If only they could all go the AAS route and offer a new code automatically if requested by simply clicking a button somewhere every x times a year, twice a year would be fine for most cases as I imagine it would cover needed reinstalls and all.

[Rah]

Yeah, if it's a pain in the arse I do. And I have a low pain in the arse threshold

[Robmobius]

Really narrowing down your choice if you don't accept some form of copy protection. A slightly odd thread this.

[V0RT3X]

I don't mind license centers and have had good experiences with both Native Instruments & Fxpansion. As for Izotope I've had a decent C/R experience with them. U-he and a few others with their Serials are definitely the easiest to deal with.

I

[Robmobius]

I don't mind license centers and have had good experiences with both Native Instruments & Fxpansion. As for Izotope I've had a decent C/R experience with them. U-he and a few others with their Serials are definitely the easiest to deal with.

I

Never had any hassles with Tone2, Uhe or even my iLok (I had one odd 'quirk' but tech fixed it pretty fast).

I'd prefer no dongles but some of my favorite companies use them. So, I've not choice really.

Serials are the easiest as you say man.

[Iris. A]

I hesitate if there's Challenge/Response involved though I've bought a few and avoid dongles.

Due to the Challenge/Response software I now have I don't dare get another computer or changing the hard drive for something that's faster than this old 5400 rpm antique for fear of loosing access to said software, and it seems so much hassle as each company has a different way of dealing with such situations. If only they could all go the AAS route and offer a new code automatically if requested by simply clicking a button somewhere every x times a year, twice a year would be fine for most cases as I imagine it would cover needed reinstalls and all.

Yep, thats my fear with challange response too.

I don't like dongle either, but I have eliscener due to VSL.

[Compyfox]

I couldn't care less.

Though I hate C/R especially with companies that drop off the planet and don't offer you a continuation of your software


However, since this is already turning into an anti-USB key war... IBTL!