🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <BZFewMF9BIWd085yn@netcom.com>, rtm@netcom.com says...
>
>I believe Starlite Software Corp, of Port Hadlock, Washington,
>U.S.A, has dealt with me in a completely unreasonable and unethical
>manner.  I would be most grateful for any thoughts or comments on
>the situation outlined below.
>
>I obtained a shareware copy of Starlite's "PC-Write Advanced" word
>processor.
>
>I decided to register it, and called and ordered it using my charge
>card.  After receiving my bought and paid for, registered copy, and
>getting around to installing it, I found that when exiting the program
>a "beg" or "nag" screen popped up.  This screen was much like, if not
>exactly like, the "beg-nag" screen on the shareware copy.  This full
>screen extolled the virtues of the PC-Write Advance program and advised
>me of how much it cost and how I could go about getting it.
>
>
>I already had bought and paid for it, and I did not wish to see, or
>have anyone looking over my shoulder see, this insulting message which
>insinuated, gave the impression, that I had not paid for it, that the
>program was being used illegally.
>
>After spending time, when I had it, over several day, reading through
>the manual and the program's on line help, I was unable to find any
>way to delete this screen.  Finally, I gave up and called Starlite
>Software on their 800 number.  They said that this number could not be
>used for "TROUBLE SOLVING", and that I must call using their toll
>line, or write them.  I am on the East Coast, they are on the West
>Coast, I WAS EXPECTED TO PAY out of my pocket to correct something that
>was THEIR PROBLEM.
>
>I told them THIS IS NOT A TROUBLE, it is about the "nag-beg" screen
>that SHOULD NOT BE PRESENT AT ALL on a registered, paid for copy of
>software.
>
>I subsequently returned the software to them, and they acknowledged the
>receipt of it.  However, they refuse to cancel my credit card charge
>because I DIDN'T SEND THE SOFTWARE WITHIN THE TEN DAYS.....no I didn't,
>because I did not get around to installing it forthwith, and because
>I WASTED SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE CALLING THEM TRYING TO FIGURE OUT ON MY OWN
>HOW TO GET RID OF SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THERE IN THE FIRST
>PLACE, PERIOD, AND EVENTUALLY TO REALIZE THE INFORMATION WAS NOT TO BE
>FOUND IN THE MANUAL OR ON DISK.
>
>Starlite Software distributes:
>        Galaxy Lite
>        Galaxy 2.50
>        Galaxy Pro 2.50
>        PC-Write Advanced
>        Pc-Write Standard Level
>Hearing my horror story, would you be willing to take a chance on the
>integrity, on the software, of Starlite Software Corp.?  I would be most
>interested to hear of any other horror stories in dealings with Starlite
>Software.
>
>Thank you for your time.
>
>
>--
>AhTeeEm        Brilliant, unforgettable words of wisdom were right
>               here, but, unfortunately they were lost.  Sigh.             
> Starlite Software Corp.                     
                           PO Box 370                            
                   Port Hadlock, WA 98339-0370                   

                                Michael Butler (tech. support) 
                                (360) 379-9472 
                                (360) 385-7136 (fax) 
                     starlite@mail.daka.com (internet) 
                     CompuServe ID: (72662,3571) 
        World Wide Web: http://www.daka.com/starlite/starlite.htm 


I regret having to write this letter but recent letters posted in 
numerous Newsgroups makes this necessary. Frankly, this is a 
trivial disagreement that shouldn't be conducted in a public 
forum. I'll try to keep this short. I'm referring to "complaint" 
letters posted by a Mr. "AhTeeEm". We know who this is and we 
know his real name. We are not posting it here as we are not 
vindictive and do not wish to directly embarrass this individual. 
I wish I could say the same for his unfair treatment of Starlite 
Software.  

This disagreement arises from a call made to our toll free 800 
order number. He was seeking technical support on a recently 
purchased software product. He wished to have the advertisement 
closing screen not play upon closing the program. He has posted, 
ad nauseam, that he feels this is an error in our distributed 
copy. He is incorrect. What Mr. "AhTeeEm" must fail to understand 
is that PC-Write is distributed as shareware. We have a tradition 
of allowing registered users to distribute copies of our program 
to other users. Therefore, the registered copies must come with 
the advertisement screen so that new users of these copies will 
know that our product is shareware and how to register. Even 
without the code to eliminate the advertisement screen, a 
modestly skilled computer user could write a batch file to start 
the program and clear the screen upon closing. 

Mr. "AhTeeEm" must also fail to understand that technical support 
cannot be provided at our phone expense on a very modestly priced 
program. We would have to charge all users a great deal more to 
provide this free phone service. He is creating this public 
fiasco over his refusal to call Starlite technical support or use 
a 32 cent stamp to write us. He could have contacted us through 
compuserve. Unlike he claims, he was sent our compuserve address 
with the program. To date, we have never had another user fail to 
understand this reality. 

He used abusive language with me over our toll free number when I 
suggested he call our technical number. He refused. He went on to 
say he would withhold his credit card payment, which he did. We 
had to write to Mr. AhTeeEm's credit company to defend our 
actions. As you might have guessed, his credit company sided with 
us. Perhaps you have seen Mr. AhTeeEm's response to a previous 
letter from Mr. Gordon Wanner, Starlite's President. If you have, 
I believe you'll agree, Mr. AhTeeEm's juvenile quips speak for 
his character.   

Mr. "AhTeeEm" is obviously a bitter individual who is desperately 
trying to hurt Starlite Software and defend his petty actions. We 
trust you have met this type of individual before. We are 
confident you are wise enough to "consider the source". 

Regards, 

Michael Butler
Customer Representative, Starlite Software Corp.