Poll: Opinion on plugin activation requirement
Added 2023-05-19 09:50:23 +0000 UTCHi. I would like to ask your opinion on whether I should add this layer of security to future versions of Naturalis and possibly other releases as well.
The issue of piracy bothers me enough that I want to try to do something about it. Full disclosure: I've already spent significant time researching this, and a lot of technical work has already gone into Naturalis v1.1 (even during the development of v1.0).
Now, with the development of v1.1 features in full swing, I'm at the point where I need to decide if I'm actually going to go ahead and implement the plugin activation requirement. The next release will only have it if I get enough support from all of you.
Here's how it would affect you:
- You would get a personal subscriber key (a text file)
- You would put the file in your VAM installation folder
- When you load up a Patreon-released plugin in VAM, your key would be validated. The plugin would not connect to the internet.
That's it. A bit like the code required to activate VAM itself. The same key would work over multiple releases (possibly indefinitely), and you would most likely not need a new subscriber key if you decided to leave and come back later.
For me, this would bring some peace of mind. But as someone who prioritizes user experience above all, I want any anti-piracy solution to be as hassle free for users as possible. The download of a key file once or at some long intervals should fulfill that requirement in my estimation.
What do you think?
N.B: While your answer to the poll is anonymous to other users, I am able to download the results and identify which user selected which option.
Comments
The negative effect (of anti-piracy) on visibility could be counteracted with a trial version of the plugin that is free to use for a limited time. It's just not clear how to properly enforce a trial period in a software that doesn't connect to the internet and runs in an environment with all kinds of security restrictions. But there's maybe some solution out there.
everlaster
2023-05-22 17:28:51 +0000 UTCI'll state that if there is a way to introduce a system that's safe and non-intrusivie, go for it. I support your decision either way but find that while piracy is a negative in aspects it does allow visibility and in many cases creates more customers.
BadNormals
2023-05-22 17:19:37 +0000 UTCThe way I see it, developing plugins for fun doesn't exclude other reasons for doing it. Of course, it's a lot of fun, but if I didn't run a Patreon, I wouldn't have spent anywhere near the amount of effort on plugins that I've done. The support of a few hundred people is very motivating and makes the effort feel much more worthwhile! I don't see anything wrong with trying to make money from a Patreon either, that's a good goal to have and can help focus the effort into where it really counts in a more organized way, instead of treating it only as a fun hobby. Thanks for the kind words :)
everlaster
2023-05-22 05:50:43 +0000 UTCI don't like it. I think VAM has an outstanding community and everyone is contributing to his capabilities. I'm also developing plugins but I would never open a patreon to make money out of it. I do it because I have fun doing it! Regardless, I respect the work you put into this great plugin and that you want something back. But honestly, I didn't sub for the plugin, I subbed because you are the most helpful person I have seen in a long time. If I ever have a question on discord, you are the one answering. Most of the time I can sit and wait staring at the discord window, because your answer usually comes within a cupple of minutes! :)
CheesyFX
2023-05-21 23:54:48 +0000 UTC
