Release of Update Manager 1.0

[olivierauverlot]

Hi all,

I'm very pleased to announce the immediate availability of Update Manager 1.0.

Update Manager is a stack for Runtime Revolution. It helps to warn users of your software that an update is available.

Specifications
* Configuration stored in XML file,
* Read the information update via HTTP
* Support a subset of HTML for the descriptions,
* easy integration in your application,
* Supports both English and French ("EN" or "FR"),
* Compatible with Revolution Studio, Media and Enterprise
* Requires the integration of XML and Internet libraries,
* Compatible with MacOS X, Linux and Microsoft Windows.

How this work ?
The UM_checkVersion function download and analyze an XML file from an HTTP server. This document contains:
* The name of your application,
* The version number of the latest developments,
* The link to the web site to get the latest version,
* The list of modifications.

Update Manager is a donationware
To encourage the author to improve this software that you appreciate or for simply thanking him, you can address a gift to him whose amount is free via a tool for payment made safe by PayPal. To download an update of Update Manager or to make a gift, return on the www.auverlot.fr web site.

Make a donation for Update Manager :
* To disable the nag message,
* To receive the free tool "Update Manager Editor" to easily edit your XML file.

Best regards
Olivier Auverlot
http://www.auverlot.fr

[Garrett]

I applaud your efforts with this, but have one complaint with it. The fact that you call it "donationware" but in fact it's "nagware". Or, in reality it's simply shareware since in order to use the program freely and unihibited without any restrictions, such as a nag screen, you must pay to remove the restrictions.

I really find this to be a very deceptive practice which turns me off and away from a software vendor and products.

[olivierauverlot]

Hi Garret,

There is no limited function in the product and no nag screen. It's just a message to say "I am a donationware".

This is not shareware. A price is not fixed.

Everyone can give what he wants if he wants. With or without a donation, the software works without limitation.

I don't want to create a troll If the message is inappropriate. I delete the message in a next version.

Best regard
Olivier
www.auverlot.fr

[Garrett]

Make a donation for Update Manager :
* To disable the nag message,
* To receive the free tool "Update Manager Editor" to easily edit your XML file.

You used the above in your announcement.

First one says to *disable the nag message*. Which is what made me comment on this.

Second says to get a *free* tool with the program. Which makes it sound as if your program is not in fact free and that the program costs and to get the *free* additional tool, one must pay. This may be less critical compared to the nag, but it does make it sound as if your program is not complete unless you also get this free tool, which then would make the program complete and full without limitations of some sort.

Likely I am just being far too critical and picky regarding this. I spent many years working at a large freeware listing site (was part owner of it), and would have denied your program listing at our site for one or both of those items noted above.

I'm sorry I even replied to this as I'm sure your offer is more than worthy of a donation and that the program is a great addition to any Rev developer. But even after years of leaving the freeware scene, I still seem to have it in my blood and react when I see such things.

So accept my apologies if my reply came across too harsh.