ADM -- Just What Is Going On?

Posted by Stephen Zeoli
Mar 5, 2007 at 09:40 PM

I don’t think there is any defense for Eric Somer’s actions.

First, charging for a beta is unethical in my opinion, even if you finally do come out with a stable version. The whole point of having a beta release is to get your loyal users to provide feedback and to create buzz about the new version. Some developers actually give free licenses to their beta testers… which is nice, but not necessary. Charging for a beta is just not right (even though Micro Logic also did this with InfoSelect, but I wouldn’t hold them up as a model for commitment to their customers).

Second, releasing a beta is a promise that a stable version will be released, and when you fail to follow through on that promise, it is only natural for your customers to question your ethics.

Finally, if he’s accepting payment for his product and then not delivering the code to unlock it (which, according to one report here is what is now happening), that’s fraud.

At best Eric Somer is incompetent, and at worst he’s a crook.

I’ve never bought ADM, so why am I even commenting? Because I think it is a black eye on all small software developers. It may make people think twice about investing in a license for UltraRecall, or Whizfolders, or Zoot… and that’s why it pisses me off.

Steve Z.