(Back to Basics)

SURFING IN THE DARK ...A Beginner's Odyssey
	1. INTRO, RESOURCES, TOOLS	2. HTML BASICS	5. TABLES	8. JAVA SCRIPT
		3. APPLYING HYPERTEXT	6. GRAPHICS	9. MIDI MUSIC
		4. COLOR	7.COUNTERS	.

SOFTWARE:
CAVEAT EMPTOR

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In several locations throughout the Tutorial, we make mention of certain "favorite" software editions, and may even recommend purchase. However, software providers all come with differing stripes, and we are obliged to warn you and strongly suggest that you investigate the potential provider's practices before you commit to purchase.

We recently have been disappointed with both Ulead PhotoImpact and Luckman's WebEdit Pro, both of which offer markedly superior performance, but at a price. There are undoubtedly many others whose practices meet with our disapproval. (We have no interest in maligning or promoting any company, and in these comments offer only verifiable experiences and our opinions thereon.)

The crux of the potential problem lies in the provider's concern for its customer base. We've had wonderful experience with a few such as Web Automata with their easy-to-use Web Hotspots image mapper - these folks have continually contacted us with advisories of new free upgrades. We didn't even have to revisit their site - they conscientiously contact us via e-mail! Others worthy of note have been Xara Ltd., with Xara 3D and Xara Webster, Mijenix with Power Desk, JASC with Paint Shop Pro, Qualcomm with all Eudora products, and PowerQuest Corp.

There are many other highly conscientious and reliable providers "out there", and we suggest that you shop with an eye to continuing service as well as overall performance.

The Problem
With high-quality software, the sole practice with which we take issue is that of upgrade pricing. Some providers have a healthy and friendly view of their customer base, and are quick to share upgrades at modest cost, sometimes even free. Others seem to feel compelled to "milk it for all it's worth", and price upgrades offensively. For example, we recently purchased HTML software at $49.95, and then were offered an upgrade for $59.95. The revised product standard price had risen to $89.95, still a good bargain. But - an upgrade at $59.95 compared to base price of $89.95 suggests future upgrades in the range of 2/3 the original cost! In our opinion, any upgrade offered at beyond 25-30% of original cost amounts to gouging, unless there have been so many advances that the new version is virtually a totally new product.

We abhor consumer abuse at any level and by any merchant. The fact of internet growth and popularity may tempt some to take undue advantage of a public thirsty for new technology and anxious to participate with the latest tools. Please treat yourself with respect, and choose vendors not only for the apparent workings of their software, but consider also their ongoing relationships with, and treatment of, their past customers. Responses to e-mailed questions can often provide insight as to a company's attitude toward its customers. Unless upgrades have resulted in a signficantly different product, they should be free or involve only token cost. Be highly aware of the differences between genuine upgrades, tinkering, fixes, and inclusion of features that should have been there in the first place. Pay if it's worth it, but don't hesitate to switch suppliers if your favorite becomes offensive. Ask around, shop around, and prepare for both today and tomorrow.