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#1
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
It really irritates me to see that "not-commercial use" line on the Home and
Student version title bar -- it almost says "you'll never sell this, you fool!" This restriction was not mentioned on the product information when I was selecting this software. I certainly didn't need the 'Enterprise" edition. I suppose that since a novel or even a screenplay manuscript has nothing that can't be done in .rtf that one could save as .rtf , open in Wordpad and then save again and/or print from a program that, as far as I know, does NOT prohibit 'comercial use'. This really irritates me. The license mentions 'business' use, and if I were writing a screenplay on a movie studio's machine, that would be clear, but what about freelancers? --RBlan |
#2
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
Hi RBlan,
I am not sure but i think YOU CAN'T See this knowledge based article from Microsoft: The title bar displays "non-commercial use" when you start an Office Home and Student 2007 program http://support.microsoft.com/kb/937676 Again, I am not fully aware about this Microsoft policy. Better, you can call on 1-800-936-5700 (toll free) i.e. Microsoft Word Support number and get confirmation from Microsoft regarding the same. -- Regards, Anup "RBlan" wrote: It really irritates me to see that "not-commercial use" line on the Home and Student version title bar -- it almost says "you'll never sell this, you fool!" This restriction was not mentioned on the product information when I was selecting this software. I certainly didn't need the 'Enterprise" edition. I suppose that since a novel or even a screenplay manuscript has nothing that can't be done in .rtf that one could save as .rtf , open in Wordpad and then save again and/or print from a program that, as far as I know, does NOT prohibit 'comercial use'. This really irritates me. The license mentions 'business' use, and if I were writing a screenplay on a movie studio's machine, that would be clear, but what about freelancers? --RBlan |
#3
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
When you installed the Home and Student version, *you agreed* that it would
not be used for commercial endeavors. Doesn't matter if you're freelance or not. You can't even use it to do volunteer work for a non-profit oprganization. -- JoAnn Paules MVP Microsoft [Publisher] Tech Editor for "Microsoft Publisher 2007 For Dummies" "RBlan" wrote in message ... It really irritates me to see that "not-commercial use" line on the Home and Student version title bar -- it almost says "you'll never sell this, you fool!" This restriction was not mentioned on the product information when I was selecting this software. I certainly didn't need the 'Enterprise" edition. I suppose that since a novel or even a screenplay manuscript has nothing that can't be done in .rtf that one could save as .rtf , open in Wordpad and then save again and/or print from a program that, as far as I know, does NOT prohibit 'comercial use'. This really irritates me. The license mentions 'business' use, and if I were writing a screenplay on a movie studio's machine, that would be clear, but what about freelancers? --RBlan |
#4
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
Hmmm. On that basis, it is difficult to see what legal use you could put the
program to. The application is, for example, widely sold to educationalists. It could be argued that education is a 'commercial' endeavour. I wonder too to what extent purchasers of the software are aware of the limitations imposed when they pay their money for the product i.e. before they get as far as being able to read the EULA? And if they did not agree, could they then get their money back on the basis that it cannot be used for a legitimate home user task, that may later have a commercial application e.g. writing a novel? -- Graham Mayor - Word MVP My web site www.gmayor.com Word MVP web site http://word.mvps.org JoAnn Paules wrote: When you installed the Home and Student version, *you agreed* that it would not be used for commercial endeavors. Doesn't matter if you're freelance or not. You can't even use it to do volunteer work for a non-profit oprganization. "RBlan" wrote in message ... It really irritates me to see that "not-commercial use" line on the Home and Student version title bar -- it almost says "you'll never sell this, you fool!" This restriction was not mentioned on the product information when I was selecting this software. I certainly didn't need the 'Enterprise" edition. I suppose that since a novel or even a screenplay manuscript has nothing that can't be done in .rtf that one could save as .rtf , open in Wordpad and then save again and/or print from a program that, as far as I know, does NOT prohibit 'comercial use'. This really irritates me. The license mentions 'business' use, and if I were writing a screenplay on a movie studio's machine, that would be clear, but what about freelancers? --RBlan |
#5
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
The EULA says that if you don't agree to it, stop and return the software.
"BY USING THE SOFTWARE, YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THEM, DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE. INSTEAD, RETURN IT TO THE RETAILER FOR A REFUND OR CREDIT. If you cannot obtain a refund there, contact Microsoft or the Microsoft affiliate serving your country for information about Microsoft's refund policies. See www.microsoft.com/worldwide. In the United States and Canada, call (800) MICROSOFT or see www.microsoft.com/info/nareturns.htm." -- JoAnn Paules MVP Microsoft [Publisher] Tech Editor for "Microsoft Publisher 2007 For Dummies" "Graham Mayor" wrote in message ... Hmmm. On that basis, it is difficult to see what legal use you could put the program to. The application is, for example, widely sold to educationalists. It could be argued that education is a 'commercial' endeavour. I wonder too to what extent purchasers of the software are aware of the limitations imposed when they pay their money for the product i.e. before they get as far as being able to read the EULA? And if they did not agree, could they then get their money back on the basis that it cannot be used for a legitimate home user task, that may later have a commercial application e.g. writing a novel? -- Graham Mayor - Word MVP My web site www.gmayor.com Word MVP web site http://word.mvps.org JoAnn Paules wrote: When you installed the Home and Student version, *you agreed* that it would not be used for commercial endeavors. Doesn't matter if you're freelance or not. You can't even use it to do volunteer work for a non-profit oprganization. "RBlan" wrote in message ... It really irritates me to see that "not-commercial use" line on the Home and Student version title bar -- it almost says "you'll never sell this, you fool!" This restriction was not mentioned on the product information when I was selecting this software. I certainly didn't need the 'Enterprise" edition. I suppose that since a novel or even a screenplay manuscript has nothing that can't be done in .rtf that one could save as .rtf , open in Wordpad and then save again and/or print from a program that, as far as I know, does NOT prohibit 'comercial use'. This really irritates me. The license mentions 'business' use, and if I were writing a screenplay on a movie studio's machine, that would be clear, but what about freelancers? --RBlan |
#6
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
And, yet, I've yet to see a retailer who will accept return of opened
software ;-) Tom "JoAnn Paules" wrote in message ... : The EULA says that if you don't agree to it, stop and return the software. : : "BY USING THE SOFTWARE, YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THEM, : DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE. INSTEAD, RETURN IT TO THE RETAILER FOR A REFUND OR : CREDIT. : If you cannot obtain a refund there, contact Microsoft or the Microsoft : affiliate serving your country for information about Microsoft's refund : policies. : See www.microsoft.com/worldwide. In the United States and Canada, call (800) : MICROSOFT or see www.microsoft.com/info/nareturns.htm." : : : : -- : : JoAnn Paules : MVP Microsoft [Publisher] : Tech Editor for "Microsoft Publisher 2007 For Dummies" : : : "Graham Mayor" wrote in message : ... : Hmmm. On that basis, it is difficult to see what legal use you could put : the program to. The application is, for example, widely sold to : educationalists. It could be argued that education is a 'commercial' : endeavour. I wonder too to what extent purchasers of the software are : aware of the limitations imposed when they pay their money for the product : i.e. before they get as far as being able to read the EULA? And if they : did not agree, could they then get their money back on the basis that it : cannot be used for a legitimate home user task, that may later have a : commercial application e.g. writing a novel? : : -- : : Graham Mayor - Word MVP : : My web site www.gmayor.com : Word MVP web site http://word.mvps.org : : : : : JoAnn Paules wrote: : When you installed the Home and Student version, *you agreed* that it : would not be used for commercial endeavors. Doesn't matter if you're : freelance or not. You can't even use it to do volunteer work for a : non-profit oprganization. : : : "RBlan" wrote in message : ... : It really irritates me to see that "not-commercial use" line on the : Home and : Student version title bar -- it almost says "you'll never sell : this, you fool!" This restriction was not mentioned on the product : information when I : was selecting this software. I certainly didn't need the 'Enterprise" : edition. : : I suppose that since a novel or even a screenplay manuscript has : nothing that can't be done in .rtf that one could save as .rtf , : open in Wordpad and : then save again and/or print from a program that, as far as I know, : does NOT : prohibit 'comercial use'. This really irritates me. The license : mentions 'business' use, and if I were writing a screenplay on a : movie studio's machine, that would be clear, but what about : freelancers? --RBlan : : : : |
#7
Posted to microsoft.public.word.docmanagement
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
OK thanks - but I still think you might be hard pressed to find a legitimate
use for the software given the wide ranging exclusions.. -- Graham Mayor - Word MVP My web site www.gmayor.com Word MVP web site http://word.mvps.org JoAnn Paules wrote: The EULA says that if you don't agree to it, stop and return the software. "BY USING THE SOFTWARE, YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THEM, DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE. INSTEAD, RETURN IT TO THE RETAILER FOR A REFUND OR CREDIT. If you cannot obtain a refund there, contact Microsoft or the Microsoft affiliate serving your country for information about Microsoft's refund policies. See www.microsoft.com/worldwide. In the United States and Canada, call (800) MICROSOFT or see www.microsoft.com/info/nareturns.htm." "Graham Mayor" wrote in message ... Hmmm. On that basis, it is difficult to see what legal use you could put the program to. The application is, for example, widely sold to educationalists. It could be argued that education is a 'commercial' endeavour. I wonder too to what extent purchasers of the software are aware of the limitations imposed when they pay their money for the product i.e. before they get as far as being able to read the EULA? And if they did not agree, could they then get their money back on the basis that it cannot be used for a legitimate home user task, that may later have a commercial application e.g. writing a novel? -- Graham Mayor - Word MVP My web site www.gmayor.com Word MVP web site http://word.mvps.org JoAnn Paules wrote: When you installed the Home and Student version, *you agreed* that it would not be used for commercial endeavors. Doesn't matter if you're freelance or not. You can't even use it to do volunteer work for a non-profit oprganization. "RBlan" wrote in message ... It really irritates me to see that "not-commercial use" line on the Home and Student version title bar -- it almost says "you'll never sell this, you fool!" This restriction was not mentioned on the product information when I was selecting this software. I certainly didn't need the 'Enterprise" edition. I suppose that since a novel or even a screenplay manuscript has nothing that can't be done in .rtf that one could save as .rtf , open in Wordpad and then save again and/or print from a program that, as far as I know, does NOT prohibit 'comercial use'. This really irritates me. The license mentions 'business' use, and if I were writing a screenplay on a movie studio's machine, that would be clear, but what about freelancers? --RBlan |
#8
Posted to microsoft.public.word.docmanagement
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
Homework, family newsletters, family budgets, home inventories, family
medical records (Not arguing the point, just listing legitimate uses) -- JoAnn Paules MVP Microsoft [Publisher] Tech Editor for "Microsoft Publisher 2007 For Dummies" "Graham Mayor" wrote in message ... OK thanks - but I still think you might be hard pressed to find a legitimate use for the software given the wide ranging exclusions.. -- Graham Mayor - Word MVP My web site www.gmayor.com Word MVP web site http://word.mvps.org JoAnn Paules wrote: The EULA says that if you don't agree to it, stop and return the software. "BY USING THE SOFTWARE, YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THEM, DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE. INSTEAD, RETURN IT TO THE RETAILER FOR A REFUND OR CREDIT. If you cannot obtain a refund there, contact Microsoft or the Microsoft affiliate serving your country for information about Microsoft's refund policies. See www.microsoft.com/worldwide. In the United States and Canada, call (800) MICROSOFT or see www.microsoft.com/info/nareturns.htm." "Graham Mayor" wrote in message ... Hmmm. On that basis, it is difficult to see what legal use you could put the program to. The application is, for example, widely sold to educationalists. It could be argued that education is a 'commercial' endeavour. I wonder too to what extent purchasers of the software are aware of the limitations imposed when they pay their money for the product i.e. before they get as far as being able to read the EULA? And if they did not agree, could they then get their money back on the basis that it cannot be used for a legitimate home user task, that may later have a commercial application e.g. writing a novel? -- Graham Mayor - Word MVP My web site www.gmayor.com Word MVP web site http://word.mvps.org JoAnn Paules wrote: When you installed the Home and Student version, *you agreed* that it would not be used for commercial endeavors. Doesn't matter if you're freelance or not. You can't even use it to do volunteer work for a non-profit oprganization. "RBlan" wrote in message ... It really irritates me to see that "not-commercial use" line on the Home and Student version title bar -- it almost says "you'll never sell this, you fool!" This restriction was not mentioned on the product information when I was selecting this software. I certainly didn't need the 'Enterprise" edition. I suppose that since a novel or even a screenplay manuscript has nothing that can't be done in .rtf that one could save as .rtf , open in Wordpad and then save again and/or print from a program that, as far as I know, does NOT prohibit 'comercial use'. This really irritates me. The license mentions 'business' use, and if I were writing a screenplay on a movie studio's machine, that would be clear, but what about freelancers? --RBlan |
#9
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
Me either but at least Microsoft gives you an alternative.
-- JoAnn Paules MVP Microsoft [Publisher] Tech Editor for "Microsoft Publisher 2007 For Dummies" "Tom [Pepper] Willett" wrote in message ... And, yet, I've yet to see a retailer who will accept return of opened software ;-) Tom "JoAnn Paules" wrote in message ... : The EULA says that if you don't agree to it, stop and return the software. : : "BY USING THE SOFTWARE, YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THEM, : DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE. INSTEAD, RETURN IT TO THE RETAILER FOR A REFUND OR : CREDIT. : If you cannot obtain a refund there, contact Microsoft or the Microsoft : affiliate serving your country for information about Microsoft's refund : policies. : See www.microsoft.com/worldwide. In the United States and Canada, call (800) : MICROSOFT or see www.microsoft.com/info/nareturns.htm." : : : : -- : : JoAnn Paules : MVP Microsoft [Publisher] : Tech Editor for "Microsoft Publisher 2007 For Dummies" : : : "Graham Mayor" wrote in message : ... : Hmmm. On that basis, it is difficult to see what legal use you could put : the program to. The application is, for example, widely sold to : educationalists. It could be argued that education is a 'commercial' : endeavour. I wonder too to what extent purchasers of the software are : aware of the limitations imposed when they pay their money for the product : i.e. before they get as far as being able to read the EULA? And if they : did not agree, could they then get their money back on the basis that it : cannot be used for a legitimate home user task, that may later have a : commercial application e.g. writing a novel? : : -- : : Graham Mayor - Word MVP : : My web site www.gmayor.com : Word MVP web site http://word.mvps.org : : : : : JoAnn Paules wrote: : When you installed the Home and Student version, *you agreed* that it : would not be used for commercial endeavors. Doesn't matter if you're : freelance or not. You can't even use it to do volunteer work for a : non-profit oprganization. : : : "RBlan" wrote in message : ... : It really irritates me to see that "not-commercial use" line on the : Home and : Student version title bar -- it almost says "you'll never sell : this, you fool!" This restriction was not mentioned on the product : information when I : was selecting this software. I certainly didn't need the 'Enterprise" : edition. : : I suppose that since a novel or even a screenplay manuscript has : nothing that can't be done in .rtf that one could save as .rtf , : open in Wordpad and : then save again and/or print from a program that, as far as I know, : does NOT : prohibit 'comercial use'. This really irritates me. The license : mentions 'business' use, and if I were writing a screenplay on a : movie studio's machine, that would be clear, but what about : freelancers? --RBlan : : : : |
#10
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
Thanks for the input. I called MS (thanks for the number, Anup Tawde) and
after bullying my way up to a supervisor (the first rep said "of course you can sell it, you own your own creations") I got the answer from the honchos at Sales and Licensing who confirmed Joanne Paules first judgment: PROHIBBITED. Naturally, this irritates me. For the sake of the argument, let's say I write a novel (for my own amusement) in Word Home and Student. I finish it and, just to be safe from future software incompatibilities (such as going from .doc to .docx), I decide to save my work as an .rtf file. A year later, after I've scrapped my Vista Ultimate machine for a Mac, I open the old .rtf file and say to myself, "Hey, this is pretty good -- I think I'll try to sell it." No way, right? Microsoft owns me. If I'm honest about it the courts will grant Microsoft at least half the revenue from this sale, for I shamefully breeched a contract that couldn't be clearer: "The software is not licensed for use in any commercial, non-profit, or revenue-generating business activities." Trying to sell a novel is clearly a "business activity" so even if it doesn't sell, or if I self-publish and it bombs, i.e. it was a 'non-profit' venture after all, I'm in violation of the license, and I owe MS whatever the lawyers can squeeze out of me. Of course if I'm dishonest about it, whoTF is going to know about it? Honesty is the best policy, of course. I called Hewlett Packard, from whom I bought the software along with a $3000 state of the art computer to replace my Win98SE system and said, "I want to return this software -- the license terms are unacceptable to me." Sargi consulted with her supervisors and reported that they could not accept returns of software sold with a computer system. Blessedly, HP has a 30-day system return policy. "Okay, I said, if you won't take the software back, I'm returning the whole system." More consultation: "We can't take the software back but we'll refund you $80." "How much did I pay for this software?" "$149" ($.99 short, but close enough.) "That's not acceptable -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. "$100." "Not acceptable, -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. (You know, I miss my Firefox spell checker -- I think I'll switch back after I finish writing this.) They fold. I'm getting the $149 and they can keep the change. And I still own (I mean, license) this crippleware, but soon it will be in the trash. No part of my novel will be written in Home and Student. However I did irresponsibly open my primary file of notes for my novel in this software (though I only read, did not write), so technically, I have used Home and Student for commercial purposes, and I was in violaton of the license terms. I admit this freely and I invite Microsoft to send me the bill for damages -- no need to get into messy legal proceedings. I almost paid HP $399 for Office 2007 Standard but at the last minute I said "I changed my mind, I'll buy it from a software discounter. I didn't. To make a long story short(er), I found out that my old Word 2000 from the Win98 machine was elegible to upgrade to Word (not Office, mercifully) 2007 for $109.00 list (See e.g. http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Word...dp/B000HCVR5S). Don't you just love a happy ending? By the way, MS wanted to charge me $79? (I forget the exact amount) to answer my question as to whether Word 2007 Standard would run on my 64-bit system since the system requirements say "32 bit browser only". They said to ask HP since I bought the OEM Vista Ultimate. Of course the crack staff at HP didn't really know either but suggested that since Home & Student ran on my machine, I should have no problem. Wouldn't it be funny if it didn't work after all? --Ralph "RBlan" wrote: It really irritates me to see that "not-commercial use" line on the Home and Student version title bar -- it almost says "you'll never sell this, you fool!" This restriction was not mentioned on the product information when I was selecting this software. I certainly didn't need the 'Enterprise" edition. I suppose that since a novel or even a screenplay manuscript has nothing that can't be done in .rtf that one could save as .rtf , open in Wordpad and then save again and/or print from a program that, as far as I know, does NOT prohibit 'comercial use'. This really irritates me. The license mentions 'business' use, and if I were writing a screenplay on a movie studio's machine, that would be clear, but what about freelancers? --RBlan |
#11
Posted to microsoft.public.word.docmanagement
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
Congratulations on your success. If you can show as much initiative and
determination in writing and selling your novel, you may not have a bestseller, but I'm sure you'll get into print! (You've already demonstrated that you know how to tell a good story. g) -- Suzanne S. Barnhill Microsoft MVP (Word) Words into Type Fairhope, Alabama USA "RBlan" wrote in message news Thanks for the input. I called MS (thanks for the number, Anup Tawde) and after bullying my way up to a supervisor (the first rep said "of course you can sell it, you own your own creations") I got the answer from the honchos at Sales and Licensing who confirmed Joanne Paules first judgment: PROHIBBITED. Naturally, this irritates me. For the sake of the argument, let's say I write a novel (for my own amusement) in Word Home and Student. I finish it and, just to be safe from future software incompatibilities (such as going from .doc to .docx), I decide to save my work as an .rtf file. A year later, after I've scrapped my Vista Ultimate machine for a Mac, I open the old .rtf file and say to myself, "Hey, this is pretty good -- I think I'll try to sell it." No way, right? Microsoft owns me. If I'm honest about it the courts will grant Microsoft at least half the revenue from this sale, for I shamefully breeched a contract that couldn't be clearer: "The software is not licensed for use in any commercial, non-profit, or revenue-generating business activities." Trying to sell a novel is clearly a "business activity" so even if it doesn't sell, or if I self-publish and it bombs, i.e. it was a 'non-profit' venture after all, I'm in violation of the license, and I owe MS whatever the lawyers can squeeze out of me. Of course if I'm dishonest about it, whoTF is going to know about it? Honesty is the best policy, of course. I called Hewlett Packard, from whom I bought the software along with a $3000 state of the art computer to replace my Win98SE system and said, "I want to return this software -- the license terms are unacceptable to me." Sargi consulted with her supervisors and reported that they could not accept returns of software sold with a computer system. Blessedly, HP has a 30-day system return policy. "Okay, I said, if you won't take the software back, I'm returning the whole system." More consultation: "We can't take the software back but we'll refund you $80." "How much did I pay for this software?" "$149" ($.99 short, but close enough.) "That's not acceptable -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. "$100." "Not acceptable, -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. (You know, I miss my Firefox spell checker -- I think I'll switch back after I finish writing this.) They fold. I'm getting the $149 and they can keep the change. And I still own (I mean, license) this crippleware, but soon it will be in the trash. No part of my novel will be written in Home and Student. However I did irresponsibly open my primary file of notes for my novel in this software (though I only read, did not write), so technically, I have used Home and Student for commercial purposes, and I was in violaton of the license terms. I admit this freely and I invite Microsoft to send me the bill for damages -- no need to get into messy legal proceedings. I almost paid HP $399 for Office 2007 Standard but at the last minute I said "I changed my mind, I'll buy it from a software discounter. I didn't. To make a long story short(er), I found out that my old Word 2000 from the Win98 machine was elegible to upgrade to Word (not Office, mercifully) 2007 for $109.00 list (See e.g. http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Word...dp/B000HCVR5S). Don't you just love a happy ending? By the way, MS wanted to charge me $79? (I forget the exact amount) to answer my question as to whether Word 2007 Standard would run on my 64-bit system since the system requirements say "32 bit browser only". They said to ask HP since I bought the OEM Vista Ultimate. Of course the crack staff at HP didn't really know either but suggested that since Home & Student ran on my machine, I should have no problem. Wouldn't it be funny if it didn't work after all? --Ralph "RBlan" wrote: It really irritates me to see that "not-commercial use" line on the Home and Student version title bar -- it almost says "you'll never sell this, you fool!" This restriction was not mentioned on the product information when I was selecting this software. I certainly didn't need the 'Enterprise" edition. I suppose that since a novel or even a screenplay manuscript has nothing that can't be done in .rtf that one could save as .rtf , open in Wordpad and then save again and/or print from a program that, as far as I know, does NOT prohibit 'comercial use'. This really irritates me. The license mentions 'business' use, and if I were writing a screenplay on a movie studio's machine, that would be clear, but what about freelancers? --RBlan |
#12
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
On Jul 12, 12:59*am, RBlan wrote:
Thanks for the input. I called MS (thanks for the number, Anup Tawde) and after bullying *my way up to a supervisor (the first rep said "of course you can sell it, you own your own creations") I got the answer from the honchos at Sales and Licensing who confirmed Joanne Paules first judgment: PROHIBBITED. Naturally, this irritates me. For the sake of the argument, let's say I write a novel (for my own amusement) in Word Home and Student. *I finish it and, just to be safe from future software incompatibilities (such as going from .doc to .docx), I decide to save my work as an .rtf file. *A year later, after I've scrapped my Vista Ultimate machine for a Mac, I open the old .rtf file and say to myself, "Hey, this is pretty good -- I think I'll try to sell it." No way, right? Microsoft owns me. If I'm honest about it the courts will grant Microsoft at least half the revenue from this sale, for I shamefully breeched a contract that couldn't be clearer: "The software is not licensed for use in any commercial, non-profit, or revenue-generating business activities." *Trying to sell a novel is clearly a "business activity" so even if it doesn't sell, or if I self-publish and it bombs, *i.e. it was a 'non-profit' venture after all, I'm in violation of the license, and I owe MS whatever the lawyers can squeeze out of me. Of course if I'm dishonest about it, whoTF is going to know about it? Honesty is the best policy, of course. I called Hewlett Packard, from whom I bought the software along with a $3000 state of the art computer to replace my Win98SE system and said, "I want to return this software -- the license terms are unacceptable to me." Sargi consulted with her supervisors and reported that they could not accept returns of software sold with a computer system. *Blessedly, HP has a 30-day system return policy. "Okay, I said, if you won't take the software back, I'm returning the whole system." More consultation: "We can't take the software back but we'll refund you $80." "How much did I pay for this software?" "$149" ($.99 short, but close enough.) "That's not acceptable -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. "$100." "Not acceptable, *-- I'm returning everything." More consultation. (You know, I miss my Firefox spell checker -- I think I'll switch back after I finish writing this.) *They fold. I'm getting the $149 and they can keep the change. And I still own (I mean, license) this crippleware, but soon it will be in the trash. No part of my novel will be written in Home and Student. However I did irresponsibly open my primary file of notes for my novel in this software (though I only read, did not write), so technically, I have used Home and Student for commercial purposes, and I was in violaton of the license terms. I admit this freely and I invite Microsoft to send me the bill for damages -- no need to get into messy legal proceedings. I *almost paid HP $399 for Office 2007 Standard but at the last minute I said "I changed my mind, I'll buy it from a software discounter. *I didn't. To make a long story short(er), I found out that my old Word 2000 from the Win98 machine was elegible to upgrade to Word (not Office, mercifully) 2007 for $109.00 *list (See e.g.http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Word...dp/B000HCVR5S). Don't you just love a happy ending? By the way, MS wanted to charge me $79? (I forget the exact amount) to answer my question as to whether Word 2007 Standard would run on my 64-bit system since the system requirements say "32 bit browser only". *They said to ask HP since I bought the OEM Vista Ultimate. Of course the crack staff at HP didn't really know either but suggested that since Home & Student ran on my machine, I should have no problem. *Wouldn't it be funny if it didn't work after all? I don't think you're going to have any trouble selling that novel. But it looks like you could start taking advantage of your license to do commercial use by selling short stories! BTW the one time I tried dealing with HP customer "service," all those Indian software geeks claimed to have American names like any other company's. Congratulations on finding Sargi! |
#13
Posted to microsoft.public.word.docmanagement
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
It is amazing to me how many Indians name their children "Steve" or "Ken" or
whatever. g But I admit that the one time I was dealing with an Indian who actually gave her true name, I had to ask her three times how to spell it. I'm sure they feel they are making things easier for us by using "familiar" names (and of course it also provides a certain measure of privacy and perhaps even plausible deniability). -- Suzanne S. Barnhill Microsoft MVP (Word) Words into Type Fairhope, Alabama USA "grammatim" wrote in message ... On Jul 12, 12:59 am, RBlan wrote: Thanks for the input. I called MS (thanks for the number, Anup Tawde) and after bullying my way up to a supervisor (the first rep said "of course you can sell it, you own your own creations") I got the answer from the honchos at Sales and Licensing who confirmed Joanne Paules first judgment: PROHIBBITED. Naturally, this irritates me. For the sake of the argument, let's say I write a novel (for my own amusement) in Word Home and Student. I finish it and, just to be safe from future software incompatibilities (such as going from .doc to .docx), I decide to save my work as an .rtf file. A year later, after I've scrapped my Vista Ultimate machine for a Mac, I open the old .rtf file and say to myself, "Hey, this is pretty good -- I think I'll try to sell it." No way, right? Microsoft owns me. If I'm honest about it the courts will grant Microsoft at least half the revenue from this sale, for I shamefully breeched a contract that couldn't be clearer: "The software is not licensed for use in any commercial, non-profit, or revenue-generating business activities." Trying to sell a novel is clearly a "business activity" so even if it doesn't sell, or if I self-publish and it bombs, i.e. it was a 'non-profit' venture after all, I'm in violation of the license, and I owe MS whatever the lawyers can squeeze out of me. Of course if I'm dishonest about it, whoTF is going to know about it? Honesty is the best policy, of course. I called Hewlett Packard, from whom I bought the software along with a $3000 state of the art computer to replace my Win98SE system and said, "I want to return this software -- the license terms are unacceptable to me." Sargi consulted with her supervisors and reported that they could not accept returns of software sold with a computer system. Blessedly, HP has a 30-day system return policy. "Okay, I said, if you won't take the software back, I'm returning the whole system." More consultation: "We can't take the software back but we'll refund you $80." "How much did I pay for this software?" "$149" ($.99 short, but close enough.) "That's not acceptable -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. "$100." "Not acceptable, -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. (You know, I miss my Firefox spell checker -- I think I'll switch back after I finish writing this.) They fold. I'm getting the $149 and they can keep the change. And I still own (I mean, license) this crippleware, but soon it will be in the trash. No part of my novel will be written in Home and Student. However I did irresponsibly open my primary file of notes for my novel in this software (though I only read, did not write), so technically, I have used Home and Student for commercial purposes, and I was in violaton of the license terms. I admit this freely and I invite Microsoft to send me the bill for damages -- no need to get into messy legal proceedings. I almost paid HP $399 for Office 2007 Standard but at the last minute I said "I changed my mind, I'll buy it from a software discounter. I didn't. To make a long story short(er), I found out that my old Word 2000 from the Win98 machine was elegible to upgrade to Word (not Office, mercifully) 2007 for $109.00 list (See e.g.http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Word...dp/B000HCVR5S). Don't you just love a happy ending? By the way, MS wanted to charge me $79? (I forget the exact amount) to answer my question as to whether Word 2007 Standard would run on my 64-bit system since the system requirements say "32 bit browser only". They said to ask HP since I bought the OEM Vista Ultimate. Of course the crack staff at HP didn't really know either but suggested that since Home & Student ran on my machine, I should have no problem. Wouldn't it be funny if it didn't work after all? I don't think you're going to have any trouble selling that novel. But it looks like you could start taking advantage of your license to do commercial use by selling short stories! BTW the one time I tried dealing with HP customer "service," all those Indian software geeks claimed to have American names like any other company's. Congratulations on finding Sargi! |
#14
Posted to microsoft.public.word.docmanagement
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
When I worked for a comouter manufacturer, all of the tech people, located
here in the states, used pseudonyms. (Our company had a directory of their real names and aliases.) One of the reasons is security. People don't always like the answer they're given and there are a few nut cases out there who will seek revenge. We didn't use pseudonyms (we were local sales reps) and one of my coworkers was getting harassing phone calls at home. -- JoAnn Paules MVP Microsoft [Publisher] Tech Editor for "Microsoft Publisher 2007 For Dummies" "Suzanne S. Barnhill" wrote in message ... It is amazing to me how many Indians name their children "Steve" or "Ken" or whatever. g But I admit that the one time I was dealing with an Indian who actually gave her true name, I had to ask her three times how to spell it. I'm sure they feel they are making things easier for us by using "familiar" names (and of course it also provides a certain measure of privacy and perhaps even plausible deniability). -- Suzanne S. Barnhill Microsoft MVP (Word) Words into Type Fairhope, Alabama USA "grammatim" wrote in message ... On Jul 12, 12:59 am, RBlan wrote: Thanks for the input. I called MS (thanks for the number, Anup Tawde) and after bullying my way up to a supervisor (the first rep said "of course you can sell it, you own your own creations") I got the answer from the honchos at Sales and Licensing who confirmed Joanne Paules first judgment: PROHIBBITED. Naturally, this irritates me. For the sake of the argument, let's say I write a novel (for my own amusement) in Word Home and Student. I finish it and, just to be safe from future software incompatibilities (such as going from .doc to .docx), I decide to save my work as an .rtf file. A year later, after I've scrapped my Vista Ultimate machine for a Mac, I open the old .rtf file and say to myself, "Hey, this is pretty good -- I think I'll try to sell it." No way, right? Microsoft owns me. If I'm honest about it the courts will grant Microsoft at least half the revenue from this sale, for I shamefully breeched a contract that couldn't be clearer: "The software is not licensed for use in any commercial, non-profit, or revenue-generating business activities." Trying to sell a novel is clearly a "business activity" so even if it doesn't sell, or if I self-publish and it bombs, i.e. it was a 'non-profit' venture after all, I'm in violation of the license, and I owe MS whatever the lawyers can squeeze out of me. Of course if I'm dishonest about it, whoTF is going to know about it? Honesty is the best policy, of course. I called Hewlett Packard, from whom I bought the software along with a $3000 state of the art computer to replace my Win98SE system and said, "I want to return this software -- the license terms are unacceptable to me." Sargi consulted with her supervisors and reported that they could not accept returns of software sold with a computer system. Blessedly, HP has a 30-day system return policy. "Okay, I said, if you won't take the software back, I'm returning the whole system." More consultation: "We can't take the software back but we'll refund you $80." "How much did I pay for this software?" "$149" ($.99 short, but close enough.) "That's not acceptable -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. "$100." "Not acceptable, -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. (You know, I miss my Firefox spell checker -- I think I'll switch back after I finish writing this.) They fold. I'm getting the $149 and they can keep the change. And I still own (I mean, license) this crippleware, but soon it will be in the trash. No part of my novel will be written in Home and Student. However I did irresponsibly open my primary file of notes for my novel in this software (though I only read, did not write), so technically, I have used Home and Student for commercial purposes, and I was in violaton of the license terms. I admit this freely and I invite Microsoft to send me the bill for damages -- no need to get into messy legal proceedings. I almost paid HP $399 for Office 2007 Standard but at the last minute I said "I changed my mind, I'll buy it from a software discounter. I didn't. To make a long story short(er), I found out that my old Word 2000 from the Win98 machine was elegible to upgrade to Word (not Office, mercifully) 2007 for $109.00 list (See e.g.http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Word...dp/B000HCVR5S). Don't you just love a happy ending? By the way, MS wanted to charge me $79? (I forget the exact amount) to answer my question as to whether Word 2007 Standard would run on my 64-bit system since the system requirements say "32 bit browser only". They said to ask HP since I bought the OEM Vista Ultimate. Of course the crack staff at HP didn't really know either but suggested that since Home & Student ran on my machine, I should have no problem. Wouldn't it be funny if it didn't work after all? I don't think you're going to have any trouble selling that novel. But it looks like you could start taking advantage of your license to do commercial use by selling short stories! BTW the one time I tried dealing with HP customer "service," all those Indian software geeks claimed to have American names like any other company's. Congratulations on finding Sargi! |
#15
Posted to microsoft.public.word.docmanagement
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
I'm sorry you had to go thru all of that but I am glad that you're getting
what you need for less money. And I'm especially pleased that you prefer to do things the legal way. Most people would not have bothered. You give me reason to think that mankind has some decency left! Good luck with the novel. And if you need an idea for a black comedy, let me know. ;-) -- JoAnn Paules MVP Microsoft [Publisher] Tech Editor for "Microsoft Publisher 2007 For Dummies" "RBlan" wrote in message news Thanks for the input. I called MS (thanks for the number, Anup Tawde) and after bullying my way up to a supervisor (the first rep said "of course you can sell it, you own your own creations") I got the answer from the honchos at Sales and Licensing who confirmed Joanne Paules first judgment: PROHIBBITED. Naturally, this irritates me. For the sake of the argument, let's say I write a novel (for my own amusement) in Word Home and Student. I finish it and, just to be safe from future software incompatibilities (such as going from .doc to .docx), I decide to save my work as an .rtf file. A year later, after I've scrapped my Vista Ultimate machine for a Mac, I open the old .rtf file and say to myself, "Hey, this is pretty good -- I think I'll try to sell it." No way, right? Microsoft owns me. If I'm honest about it the courts will grant Microsoft at least half the revenue from this sale, for I shamefully breeched a contract that couldn't be clearer: "The software is not licensed for use in any commercial, non-profit, or revenue-generating business activities." Trying to sell a novel is clearly a "business activity" so even if it doesn't sell, or if I self-publish and it bombs, i.e. it was a 'non-profit' venture after all, I'm in violation of the license, and I owe MS whatever the lawyers can squeeze out of me. Of course if I'm dishonest about it, whoTF is going to know about it? Honesty is the best policy, of course. I called Hewlett Packard, from whom I bought the software along with a $3000 state of the art computer to replace my Win98SE system and said, "I want to return this software -- the license terms are unacceptable to me." Sargi consulted with her supervisors and reported that they could not accept returns of software sold with a computer system. Blessedly, HP has a 30-day system return policy. "Okay, I said, if you won't take the software back, I'm returning the whole system." More consultation: "We can't take the software back but we'll refund you $80." "How much did I pay for this software?" "$149" ($.99 short, but close enough.) "That's not acceptable -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. "$100." "Not acceptable, -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. (You know, I miss my Firefox spell checker -- I think I'll switch back after I finish writing this.) They fold. I'm getting the $149 and they can keep the change. And I still own (I mean, license) this crippleware, but soon it will be in the trash. No part of my novel will be written in Home and Student. However I did irresponsibly open my primary file of notes for my novel in this software (though I only read, did not write), so technically, I have used Home and Student for commercial purposes, and I was in violaton of the license terms. I admit this freely and I invite Microsoft to send me the bill for damages -- no need to get into messy legal proceedings. I almost paid HP $399 for Office 2007 Standard but at the last minute I said "I changed my mind, I'll buy it from a software discounter. I didn't. To make a long story short(er), I found out that my old Word 2000 from the Win98 machine was elegible to upgrade to Word (not Office, mercifully) 2007 for $109.00 list (See e.g. http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Word...dp/B000HCVR5S). Don't you just love a happy ending? By the way, MS wanted to charge me $79? (I forget the exact amount) to answer my question as to whether Word 2007 Standard would run on my 64-bit system since the system requirements say "32 bit browser only". They said to ask HP since I bought the OEM Vista Ultimate. Of course the crack staff at HP didn't really know either but suggested that since Home & Student ran on my machine, I should have no problem. Wouldn't it be funny if it didn't work after all? --Ralph "RBlan" wrote: It really irritates me to see that "not-commercial use" line on the Home and Student version title bar -- it almost says "you'll never sell this, you fool!" This restriction was not mentioned on the product information when I was selecting this software. I certainly didn't need the 'Enterprise" edition. I suppose that since a novel or even a screenplay manuscript has nothing that can't be done in .rtf that one could save as .rtf , open in Wordpad and then save again and/or print from a program that, as far as I know, does NOT prohibit 'comercial use'. This really irritates me. The license mentions 'business' use, and if I were writing a screenplay on a movie studio's machine, that would be clear, but what about freelancers? --RBlan |
#16
Posted to microsoft.public.word.docmanagement
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
Hey, what's a "comouter"?
-- Hope this helps. Please reply to the newsgroup unless you wish to avail yourself of my services on a paid consulting basis. Doug Robbins - Word MVP "JoAnn Paules" wrote in message ... When I worked for a comouter manufacturer, all of the tech people, located here in the states, used pseudonyms. (Our company had a directory of their real names and aliases.) One of the reasons is security. People don't always like the answer they're given and there are a few nut cases out there who will seek revenge. We didn't use pseudonyms (we were local sales reps) and one of my coworkers was getting harassing phone calls at home. -- JoAnn Paules MVP Microsoft [Publisher] Tech Editor for "Microsoft Publisher 2007 For Dummies" "Suzanne S. Barnhill" wrote in message ... It is amazing to me how many Indians name their children "Steve" or "Ken" or whatever. g But I admit that the one time I was dealing with an Indian who actually gave her true name, I had to ask her three times how to spell it. I'm sure they feel they are making things easier for us by using "familiar" names (and of course it also provides a certain measure of privacy and perhaps even plausible deniability). -- Suzanne S. Barnhill Microsoft MVP (Word) Words into Type Fairhope, Alabama USA "grammatim" wrote in message ... On Jul 12, 12:59 am, RBlan wrote: Thanks for the input. I called MS (thanks for the number, Anup Tawde) and after bullying my way up to a supervisor (the first rep said "of course you can sell it, you own your own creations") I got the answer from the honchos at Sales and Licensing who confirmed Joanne Paules first judgment: PROHIBBITED. Naturally, this irritates me. For the sake of the argument, let's say I write a novel (for my own amusement) in Word Home and Student. I finish it and, just to be safe from future software incompatibilities (such as going from .doc to .docx), I decide to save my work as an .rtf file. A year later, after I've scrapped my Vista Ultimate machine for a Mac, I open the old .rtf file and say to myself, "Hey, this is pretty good -- I think I'll try to sell it." No way, right? Microsoft owns me. If I'm honest about it the courts will grant Microsoft at least half the revenue from this sale, for I shamefully breeched a contract that couldn't be clearer: "The software is not licensed for use in any commercial, non-profit, or revenue-generating business activities." Trying to sell a novel is clearly a "business activity" so even if it doesn't sell, or if I self-publish and it bombs, i.e. it was a 'non-profit' venture after all, I'm in violation of the license, and I owe MS whatever the lawyers can squeeze out of me. Of course if I'm dishonest about it, whoTF is going to know about it? Honesty is the best policy, of course. I called Hewlett Packard, from whom I bought the software along with a $3000 state of the art computer to replace my Win98SE system and said, "I want to return this software -- the license terms are unacceptable to me." Sargi consulted with her supervisors and reported that they could not accept returns of software sold with a computer system. Blessedly, HP has a 30-day system return policy. "Okay, I said, if you won't take the software back, I'm returning the whole system." More consultation: "We can't take the software back but we'll refund you $80." "How much did I pay for this software?" "$149" ($.99 short, but close enough.) "That's not acceptable -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. "$100." "Not acceptable, -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. (You know, I miss my Firefox spell checker -- I think I'll switch back after I finish writing this.) They fold. I'm getting the $149 and they can keep the change. And I still own (I mean, license) this crippleware, but soon it will be in the trash. No part of my novel will be written in Home and Student. However I did irresponsibly open my primary file of notes for my novel in this software (though I only read, did not write), so technically, I have used Home and Student for commercial purposes, and I was in violaton of the license terms. I admit this freely and I invite Microsoft to send me the bill for damages -- no need to get into messy legal proceedings. I almost paid HP $399 for Office 2007 Standard but at the last minute I said "I changed my mind, I'll buy it from a software discounter. I didn't. To make a long story short(er), I found out that my old Word 2000 from the Win98 machine was elegible to upgrade to Word (not Office, mercifully) 2007 for $109.00 list (See e.g.http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Word...dp/B000HCVR5S). Don't you just love a happy ending? By the way, MS wanted to charge me $79? (I forget the exact amount) to answer my question as to whether Word 2007 Standard would run on my 64-bit system since the system requirements say "32 bit browser only". They said to ask HP since I bought the OEM Vista Ultimate. Of course the crack staff at HP didn't really know either but suggested that since Home & Student ran on my machine, I should have no problem. Wouldn't it be funny if it didn't work after all? I don't think you're going to have any trouble selling that novel. But it looks like you could start taking advantage of your license to do commercial use by selling short stories! BTW the one time I tried dealing with HP customer "service," all those Indian software geeks claimed to have American names like any other company's. Congratulations on finding Sargi! |
#17
Posted to microsoft.public.word.docmanagement
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
Someone who is coming out.
-- Suzanne S. Barnhill Microsoft MVP (Word) Words into Type Fairhope, Alabama USA "Doug Robbins - Word MVP" wrote in message ... Hey, what's a "comouter"? -- Hope this helps. Please reply to the newsgroup unless you wish to avail yourself of my services on a paid consulting basis. Doug Robbins - Word MVP "JoAnn Paules" wrote in message ... When I worked for a comouter manufacturer, all of the tech people, located here in the states, used pseudonyms. (Our company had a directory of their real names and aliases.) One of the reasons is security. People don't always like the answer they're given and there are a few nut cases out there who will seek revenge. We didn't use pseudonyms (we were local sales reps) and one of my coworkers was getting harassing phone calls at home. -- JoAnn Paules MVP Microsoft [Publisher] Tech Editor for "Microsoft Publisher 2007 For Dummies" "Suzanne S. Barnhill" wrote in message ... It is amazing to me how many Indians name their children "Steve" or "Ken" or whatever. g But I admit that the one time I was dealing with an Indian who actually gave her true name, I had to ask her three times how to spell it. I'm sure they feel they are making things easier for us by using "familiar" names (and of course it also provides a certain measure of privacy and perhaps even plausible deniability). -- Suzanne S. Barnhill Microsoft MVP (Word) Words into Type Fairhope, Alabama USA "grammatim" wrote in message ... On Jul 12, 12:59 am, RBlan wrote: Thanks for the input. I called MS (thanks for the number, Anup Tawde) and after bullying my way up to a supervisor (the first rep said "of course you can sell it, you own your own creations") I got the answer from the honchos at Sales and Licensing who confirmed Joanne Paules first judgment: PROHIBBITED. Naturally, this irritates me. For the sake of the argument, let's say I write a novel (for my own amusement) in Word Home and Student. I finish it and, just to be safe from future software incompatibilities (such as going from .doc to .docx), I decide to save my work as an .rtf file. A year later, after I've scrapped my Vista Ultimate machine for a Mac, I open the old .rtf file and say to myself, "Hey, this is pretty good -- I think I'll try to sell it." No way, right? Microsoft owns me. If I'm honest about it the courts will grant Microsoft at least half the revenue from this sale, for I shamefully breeched a contract that couldn't be clearer: "The software is not licensed for use in any commercial, non-profit, or revenue-generating business activities." Trying to sell a novel is clearly a "business activity" so even if it doesn't sell, or if I self-publish and it bombs, i.e. it was a 'non-profit' venture after all, I'm in violation of the license, and I owe MS whatever the lawyers can squeeze out of me. Of course if I'm dishonest about it, whoTF is going to know about it? Honesty is the best policy, of course. I called Hewlett Packard, from whom I bought the software along with a $3000 state of the art computer to replace my Win98SE system and said, "I want to return this software -- the license terms are unacceptable to me." Sargi consulted with her supervisors and reported that they could not accept returns of software sold with a computer system. Blessedly, HP has a 30-day system return policy. "Okay, I said, if you won't take the software back, I'm returning the whole system." More consultation: "We can't take the software back but we'll refund you $80." "How much did I pay for this software?" "$149" ($.99 short, but close enough.) "That's not acceptable -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. "$100." "Not acceptable, -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. (You know, I miss my Firefox spell checker -- I think I'll switch back after I finish writing this.) They fold. I'm getting the $149 and they can keep the change. And I still own (I mean, license) this crippleware, but soon it will be in the trash. No part of my novel will be written in Home and Student. However I did irresponsibly open my primary file of notes for my novel in this software (though I only read, did not write), so technically, I have used Home and Student for commercial purposes, and I was in violaton of the license terms. I admit this freely and I invite Microsoft to send me the bill for damages -- no need to get into messy legal proceedings. I almost paid HP $399 for Office 2007 Standard but at the last minute I said "I changed my mind, I'll buy it from a software discounter. I didn't. To make a long story short(er), I found out that my old Word 2000 from the Win98 machine was elegible to upgrade to Word (not Office, mercifully) 2007 for $109.00 list (See e.g.http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Word...dp/B000HCVR5S). Don't you just love a happy ending? By the way, MS wanted to charge me $79? (I forget the exact amount) to answer my question as to whether Word 2007 Standard would run on my 64-bit system since the system requirements say "32 bit browser only". They said to ask HP since I bought the OEM Vista Ultimate. Of course the crack staff at HP didn't really know either but suggested that since Home & Student ran on my machine, I should have no problem. Wouldn't it be funny if it didn't work after all? I don't think you're going to have any trouble selling that novel. But it looks like you could start taking advantage of your license to do commercial use by selling short stories! BTW the one time I tried dealing with HP customer "service," all those Indian software geeks claimed to have American names like any other company's. Congratulations on finding Sargi! |
#18
Posted to microsoft.public.word.docmanagement
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
It's what you get when the keys on your keyboard trade places. ;-)
-- JoAnn Paules MVP Microsoft [Publisher] Tech Editor for "Microsoft Publisher 2007 For Dummies" "Doug Robbins - Word MVP" wrote in message ... Hey, what's a "comouter"? -- Hope this helps. Please reply to the newsgroup unless you wish to avail yourself of my services on a paid consulting basis. Doug Robbins - Word MVP "JoAnn Paules" wrote in message ... When I worked for a comouter manufacturer, all of the tech people, located here in the states, used pseudonyms. (Our company had a directory of their real names and aliases.) One of the reasons is security. People don't always like the answer they're given and there are a few nut cases out there who will seek revenge. We didn't use pseudonyms (we were local sales reps) and one of my coworkers was getting harassing phone calls at home. -- JoAnn Paules MVP Microsoft [Publisher] Tech Editor for "Microsoft Publisher 2007 For Dummies" "Suzanne S. Barnhill" wrote in message ... It is amazing to me how many Indians name their children "Steve" or "Ken" or whatever. g But I admit that the one time I was dealing with an Indian who actually gave her true name, I had to ask her three times how to spell it. I'm sure they feel they are making things easier for us by using "familiar" names (and of course it also provides a certain measure of privacy and perhaps even plausible deniability). -- Suzanne S. Barnhill Microsoft MVP (Word) Words into Type Fairhope, Alabama USA "grammatim" wrote in message ... On Jul 12, 12:59 am, RBlan wrote: Thanks for the input. I called MS (thanks for the number, Anup Tawde) and after bullying my way up to a supervisor (the first rep said "of course you can sell it, you own your own creations") I got the answer from the honchos at Sales and Licensing who confirmed Joanne Paules first judgment: PROHIBBITED. Naturally, this irritates me. For the sake of the argument, let's say I write a novel (for my own amusement) in Word Home and Student. I finish it and, just to be safe from future software incompatibilities (such as going from .doc to .docx), I decide to save my work as an .rtf file. A year later, after I've scrapped my Vista Ultimate machine for a Mac, I open the old .rtf file and say to myself, "Hey, this is pretty good -- I think I'll try to sell it." No way, right? Microsoft owns me. If I'm honest about it the courts will grant Microsoft at least half the revenue from this sale, for I shamefully breeched a contract that couldn't be clearer: "The software is not licensed for use in any commercial, non-profit, or revenue-generating business activities." Trying to sell a novel is clearly a "business activity" so even if it doesn't sell, or if I self-publish and it bombs, i.e. it was a 'non-profit' venture after all, I'm in violation of the license, and I owe MS whatever the lawyers can squeeze out of me. Of course if I'm dishonest about it, whoTF is going to know about it? Honesty is the best policy, of course. I called Hewlett Packard, from whom I bought the software along with a $3000 state of the art computer to replace my Win98SE system and said, "I want to return this software -- the license terms are unacceptable to me." Sargi consulted with her supervisors and reported that they could not accept returns of software sold with a computer system. Blessedly, HP has a 30-day system return policy. "Okay, I said, if you won't take the software back, I'm returning the whole system." More consultation: "We can't take the software back but we'll refund you $80." "How much did I pay for this software?" "$149" ($.99 short, but close enough.) "That's not acceptable -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. "$100." "Not acceptable, -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. (You know, I miss my Firefox spell checker -- I think I'll switch back after I finish writing this.) They fold. I'm getting the $149 and they can keep the change. And I still own (I mean, license) this crippleware, but soon it will be in the trash. No part of my novel will be written in Home and Student. However I did irresponsibly open my primary file of notes for my novel in this software (though I only read, did not write), so technically, I have used Home and Student for commercial purposes, and I was in violaton of the license terms. I admit this freely and I invite Microsoft to send me the bill for damages -- no need to get into messy legal proceedings. I almost paid HP $399 for Office 2007 Standard but at the last minute I said "I changed my mind, I'll buy it from a software discounter. I didn't. To make a long story short(er), I found out that my old Word 2000 from the Win98 machine was elegible to upgrade to Word (not Office, mercifully) 2007 for $109.00 list (See e.g.http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Word...dp/B000HCVR5S). Don't you just love a happy ending? By the way, MS wanted to charge me $79? (I forget the exact amount) to answer my question as to whether Word 2007 Standard would run on my 64-bit system since the system requirements say "32 bit browser only". They said to ask HP since I bought the OEM Vista Ultimate. Of course the crack staff at HP didn't really know either but suggested that since Home & Student ran on my machine, I should have no problem. Wouldn't it be funny if it didn't work after all? I don't think you're going to have any trouble selling that novel. But it looks like you could start taking advantage of your license to do commercial use by selling short stories! BTW the one time I tried dealing with HP customer "service," all those Indian software geeks claimed to have American names like any other company's. Congratulations on finding Sargi! |
#19
Posted to microsoft.public.word.docmanagement
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
I am sorry if I misunderstood, but I didnt get the intention of saying
BTW the one time I tried dealing with HP customer "service," all those Indian software geeks claimed to have American names If you observe, many US companies including Microsoft, HP, Dell, etc have their Software Support centers in India. Infact, Microsoft has their Office applications support, OS support, Server support in India. You might wonder but Microsoft Word Support Center is ONLY IN INDIA. I know because I am from Mumbai(Bombay), India and was working with one of the US giant as Tech Lead. These Techs belongs to different religions. Many of them are christians as well. So, no wonder if you find any Sam, Peter, Tom, Jimmy, Jenny, Joice, Christine..! Apart from this, there are other techs who use American names JUST BECAUSE Americans can understand their names quickly and correctly. So that, we save time in understanding names of Techs and utilize the same time in providing TOP quality service....!!! Not arguing, but just a piece of information...! -- Regards, Anup Tawde Mumbai, India "grammatim" wrote: On Jul 12, 12:59 am, RBlan wrote: Thanks for the input. I called MS (thanks for the number, Anup Tawde) and after bullying my way up to a supervisor (the first rep said "of course you can sell it, you own your own creations") I got the answer from the honchos at Sales and Licensing who confirmed Joanne Paules first judgment: PROHIBBITED. Naturally, this irritates me. For the sake of the argument, let's say I write a novel (for my own amusement) in Word Home and Student. I finish it and, just to be safe from future software incompatibilities (such as going from .doc to .docx), I decide to save my work as an .rtf file. A year later, after I've scrapped my Vista Ultimate machine for a Mac, I open the old .rtf file and say to myself, "Hey, this is pretty good -- I think I'll try to sell it." No way, right? Microsoft owns me. If I'm honest about it the courts will grant Microsoft at least half the revenue from this sale, for I shamefully breeched a contract that couldn't be clearer: "The software is not licensed for use in any commercial, non-profit, or revenue-generating business activities." Trying to sell a novel is clearly a "business activity" so even if it doesn't sell, or if I self-publish and it bombs, i.e. it was a 'non-profit' venture after all, I'm in violation of the license, and I owe MS whatever the lawyers can squeeze out of me. Of course if I'm dishonest about it, whoTF is going to know about it? Honesty is the best policy, of course. I called Hewlett Packard, from whom I bought the software along with a $3000 state of the art computer to replace my Win98SE system and said, "I want to return this software -- the license terms are unacceptable to me." Sargi consulted with her supervisors and reported that they could not accept returns of software sold with a computer system. Blessedly, HP has a 30-day system return policy. "Okay, I said, if you won't take the software back, I'm returning the whole system." More consultation: "We can't take the software back but we'll refund you $80." "How much did I pay for this software?" "$149" ($.99 short, but close enough.) "That's not acceptable -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. "$100." "Not acceptable, -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. (You know, I miss my Firefox spell checker -- I think I'll switch back after I finish writing this.) They fold. I'm getting the $149 and they can keep the change. And I still own (I mean, license) this crippleware, but soon it will be in the trash. No part of my novel will be written in Home and Student. However I did irresponsibly open my primary file of notes for my novel in this software (though I only read, did not write), so technically, I have used Home and Student for commercial purposes, and I was in violaton of the license terms. I admit this freely and I invite Microsoft to send me the bill for damages -- no need to get into messy legal proceedings. I almost paid HP $399 for Office 2007 Standard but at the last minute I said "I changed my mind, I'll buy it from a software discounter. I didn't. To make a long story short(er), I found out that my old Word 2000 from the Win98 machine was elegible to upgrade to Word (not Office, mercifully) 2007 for $109.00 list (See e.g.http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Word...dp/B000HCVR5S). Don't you just love a happy ending? By the way, MS wanted to charge me $79? (I forget the exact amount) to answer my question as to whether Word 2007 Standard would run on my 64-bit system since the system requirements say "32 bit browser only". They said to ask HP since I bought the OEM Vista Ultimate. Of course the crack staff at HP didn't really know either but suggested that since Home & Student ran on my machine, I should have no problem. Wouldn't it be funny if it didn't work after all? I don't think you're going to have any trouble selling that novel. But it looks like you could start taking advantage of your license to do commercial use by selling short stories! BTW the one time I tried dealing with HP customer "service," all those Indian software geeks claimed to have American names like any other company's. Congratulations on finding Sargi! |
#20
Posted to microsoft.public.word.docmanagement
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
I think you'll find that your points were made somewhere in the thread, but
thanks for repeating them--and for your assistance in this forum. -- Suzanne S. Barnhill Microsoft MVP (Word) Words into Type Fairhope, Alabama USA "Anup Tawde" wrote in message ... I am sorry if I misunderstood, but I didnt get the intention of saying BTW the one time I tried dealing with HP customer "service," all those Indian software geeks claimed to have American names If you observe, many US companies including Microsoft, HP, Dell, etc have their Software Support centers in India. Infact, Microsoft has their Office applications support, OS support, Server support in India. You might wonder but Microsoft Word Support Center is ONLY IN INDIA. I know because I am from Mumbai(Bombay), India and was working with one of the US giant as Tech Lead. These Techs belongs to different religions. Many of them are christians as well. So, no wonder if you find any Sam, Peter, Tom, Jimmy, Jenny, Joice, Christine..! Apart from this, there are other techs who use American names JUST BECAUSE Americans can understand their names quickly and correctly. So that, we save time in understanding names of Techs and utilize the same time in providing TOP quality service....!!! Not arguing, but just a piece of information...! -- Regards, Anup Tawde Mumbai, India "grammatim" wrote: On Jul 12, 12:59 am, RBlan wrote: Thanks for the input. I called MS (thanks for the number, Anup Tawde) and after bullying my way up to a supervisor (the first rep said "of course you can sell it, you own your own creations") I got the answer from the honchos at Sales and Licensing who confirmed Joanne Paules first judgment: PROHIBBITED. Naturally, this irritates me. For the sake of the argument, let's say I write a novel (for my own amusement) in Word Home and Student. I finish it and, just to be safe from future software incompatibilities (such as going from .doc to .docx), I decide to save my work as an .rtf file. A year later, after I've scrapped my Vista Ultimate machine for a Mac, I open the old .rtf file and say to myself, "Hey, this is pretty good -- I think I'll try to sell it." No way, right? Microsoft owns me. If I'm honest about it the courts will grant Microsoft at least half the revenue from this sale, for I shamefully breeched a contract that couldn't be clearer: "The software is not licensed for use in any commercial, non-profit, or revenue-generating business activities." Trying to sell a novel is clearly a "business activity" so even if it doesn't sell, or if I self-publish and it bombs, i.e. it was a 'non-profit' venture after all, I'm in violation of the license, and I owe MS whatever the lawyers can squeeze out of me. Of course if I'm dishonest about it, whoTF is going to know about it? Honesty is the best policy, of course. I called Hewlett Packard, from whom I bought the software along with a $3000 state of the art computer to replace my Win98SE system and said, "I want to return this software -- the license terms are unacceptable to me." Sargi consulted with her supervisors and reported that they could not accept returns of software sold with a computer system. Blessedly, HP has a 30-day system return policy. "Okay, I said, if you won't take the software back, I'm returning the whole system." More consultation: "We can't take the software back but we'll refund you $80." "How much did I pay for this software?" "$149" ($.99 short, but close enough.) "That's not acceptable -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. "$100." "Not acceptable, -- I'm returning everything." More consultation. (You know, I miss my Firefox spell checker -- I think I'll switch back after I finish writing this.) They fold. I'm getting the $149 and they can keep the change. And I still own (I mean, license) this crippleware, but soon it will be in the trash. No part of my novel will be written in Home and Student. However I did irresponsibly open my primary file of notes for my novel in this software (though I only read, did not write), so technically, I have used Home and Student for commercial purposes, and I was in violaton of the license terms. I admit this freely and I invite Microsoft to send me the bill for damages -- no need to get into messy legal proceedings. I almost paid HP $399 for Office 2007 Standard but at the last minute I said "I changed my mind, I'll buy it from a software discounter. I didn't. To make a long story short(er), I found out that my old Word 2000 from the Win98 machine was elegible to upgrade to Word (not Office, mercifully) 2007 for $109.00 list (See e.g.http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Word...dp/B000HCVR5S). Don't you just love a happy ending? By the way, MS wanted to charge me $79? (I forget the exact amount) to answer my question as to whether Word 2007 Standard would run on my 64-bit system since the system requirements say "32 bit browser only". They said to ask HP since I bought the OEM Vista Ultimate. Of course the crack staff at HP didn't really know either but suggested that since Home & Student ran on my machine, I should have no problem. Wouldn't it be funny if it didn't work after all? I don't think you're going to have any trouble selling that novel. But it looks like you could start taking advantage of your license to do commercial use by selling short stories! BTW the one time I tried dealing with HP customer "service," all those Indian software geeks claimed to have American names like any other company's. Congratulations on finding Sargi! |
#21
Posted to microsoft.public.word.docmanagement
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May I sell a novel written with the 'non-commercial' Word?
Legitimate uses of MS Word Home & Student? Guess what I came across?
Microsoft's OWN description of how you may use this softwa ================================================== == Introducing Your Household Helper Microsoft Office Home & Student 2007 Such an indispensable part of home life, Office Home and Student 2007 may make family pets jealous. It's designed to help the whole family manage information for school, work, and home in one convenient place. With more reliability, security, and help than ever, it's easy to create great-looking documents, keep in touch, and stay on top of everything. Try Office Home and Student 2007 Now! ================================================== == See: http://us20.trymicrosoftoffice.com/p...&culture=en-US ....or if that changes, take your pick from: http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://...&culture=en-US You read it yourself, folks: "It's designed to help the whole family manage information for school, WORK [emphasis mine -RB], and home in one convenient place." Obviously a professional writer who works at home will be managing the information for his work when he does his word-processing on this software! Now I realize that Microsoft can claim, 'Yes it was _designed_ to help the whole family manage information for work, etc. However, it wasn't _licensed_ for that!' -- but given that this is what you see _before_ you buy, and the long, fine-print license only after you buy and open the package, how compelling do you think that argument would be to a judge or jury? Disclaimer: I am not licensed to give legal advice. Consult your own legal adviser. -RB "JoAnn Paules" wrote: Homework, family newsletters, family budgets, home inventories, family medical records (Not arguing the point, just listing legitimate uses) -- JoAnn Paules MVP Microsoft [Publisher] Tech Editor for "Microsoft Publisher 2007 For Dummies" "Graham Mayor" wrote in message ... OK thanks - but I still think you might be hard pressed to find a legitimate use for the software given the wide ranging exclusions.. -- Graham Mayor - Word MVP My web site www.gmayor.com Word MVP web site http://word.mvps.org JoAnn Paules wrote: The EULA says that if you don't agree to it, stop and return the software. "BY USING THE SOFTWARE, YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THEM, DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE. INSTEAD, RETURN IT TO THE RETAILER FOR A REFUND OR CREDIT. If you cannot obtain a refund there, contact Microsoft or the Microsoft affiliate serving your country for information about Microsoft's refund policies. See www.microsoft.com/worldwide. In the United States and Canada, call (800) MICROSOFT or see www.microsoft.com/info/nareturns.htm." "Graham Mayor" wrote in message ... Hmmm. On that basis, it is difficult to see what legal use you could put the program to. The application is, for example, widely sold to educationalists. It could be argued that education is a 'commercial' endeavour. I wonder too to what extent purchasers of the software are aware of the limitations imposed when they pay their money for the product i.e. before they get as far as being able to read the EULA? And if they did not agree, could they then get their money back on the basis that it cannot be used for a legitimate home user task, that may later have a commercial application e.g. writing a novel? -- Graham Mayor - Word MVP My web site www.gmayor.com Word MVP web site http://word.mvps.org JoAnn Paules wrote: When you installed the Home and Student version, *you agreed* that it would not be used for commercial endeavors. Doesn't matter if you're freelance or not. You can't even use it to do volunteer work for a non-profit oprganization. "RBlan" wrote in message ... It really irritates me to see that "not-commercial use" line on the Home and Student version title bar -- it almost says "you'll never sell this, you fool!" This restriction was not mentioned on the product information when I was selecting this software. I certainly didn't need the 'Enterprise" edition. I suppose that since a novel or even a screenplay manuscript has nothing that can't be done in .rtf that one could save as .rtf , open in Wordpad and then save again and/or print from a program that, as far as I know, does NOT prohibit 'comercial use'. This really irritates me. The license mentions 'business' use, and if I were writing a screenplay on a movie studio's machine, that would be clear, but what about freelancers? --RBlan |
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