Registration Codes may not be Shared

[Ken Susnjara]

Through some posts we realize that, in an effort to help their fellow cabinetmakers on weekends, some Members have been supplying others with registration codes generated through our automatic code generator. This can cause serious problems and is not permitted under the program.

First, although the software is free there is a qualifying process to actually become a Member. We get a lot of requests from people that just plain don’t qualify. Just because someone tells you they are a Member, you have no way of knowing if they are actually qualified.

If they actually are a Member, it is possible that they have been specifically blocked from using the code generator for legitimate reason. You supplying them with a code simply adds to whatever problems we might be having with this Member.

We must pay a number of license fees for each Member even though you aren’t paying anything for the software. In a series of formal legal agreements, we are required to maintain an accurate membership list and pay fees based on that list. If we do not, we can be barred from using software products that are vital to the program. In the worst case, the software could cease to exist for everyone. While this is not likely, if the practice of sharing codes became common, it could happen.

The real problem here is that we agreed to pay these fees and we intend to abide by these agreements to the letter. Sharing codes make this impossible and we can’t permit it.

Finally, you are placing yourself at substantial risk by sharing a code. We use the registration code to identify you. Each time you communicate with us through the software we get the registration code. For all purposes under the program the person using a code issued to you is YOU. If they do anything wrong, YOU did it. For example, should they purchase a design library and then freely distribute the code, you, not them, will be banned from the program and if the losses to the library developer are high enough you are the one we will take legal action against. Giving someone your access code is like giving them a signed blank check, all your credit cards or you bank account number and access code. Don’t do it…period.

We have become a community and we try to keep things as simple and uncomplicated as possible. Unfortunately, in this world of unscrupulous people that will lie directly to your face, there are a few hard and fast rules we must follow and keeping you authorization code to yourself is one of them. We have tried to make this as easy as possible by allowing each Member to generate up to five codes automatically. If someone can’t plan well enough for a weekend with that level of freedom, they just need to wait until Monday.

[Mike Bowers]

Thank you for the clarification Ken.
Mike

[Rick Palechuk]

Yes, thank you Ken. I would also like to apologize to any member or team personnel this issue has effected. Rick

[Paul Ellis]

Ken,
I just want clarity for myself...the license fees that Thermwood pays for :
Is that per individual (or company) and only a flat rate for that individual or company? Or for each 'installation' of the software? If it is for each installation, is there a way that the registration code(s) not in use anymore (due to whatever reason) can be made null and void?
Thank you (Thermwood) again for the best piece of software and service !
Paul Ellis

[DanEpps]

That is a good point Paul. Many of us, myself included have multiple codes assigned but do not use all of them.

If Thermwood is required to pay license fees based on codes assigned we need to report the actual codes in use to Thermwood.

[Ken Susnjara]

We have a lot of different arrangement with a lot of different software suppliers. In general they are based on the number of shops using the software although some are based on the number of registrations. In general, a code that is not used is not registered so does not cost us anything. We know every code sent out and every code registered. Our concern in sending codes to someone posting on the forum is that they may not be a valid customer and their new code is assigned to you. They are using the software but are not in the system, their software is not legally licensed which violates virtually every agreement we have.

[David Norton]

Sometimes we forget what the Thermwood Corp. does in providing these services to us. I for one am truly grateful for Ecabs.

Thanks to the entire Thermwood team!

[Ioanna Farmaki]

A question please. May I install the program in my laptop too, using the same code I used for
installing it into our pc??
Thank you

[DanEpps]

You can install on your laptop but you will need a separate registration code. See this thread for getting additional codes.