You wasted your time and theres. Adobe is more concerned with the person that bought the program legally but then made a copy to give to a friend or installed it on a second machine or a third machine. That is why they spend all of this money on activation. It is the end users they want to stop, not the large pirate outfits.
Robert
I hear what you mean Robert. But, I am dropping the issue. I was able to finally get a ‘answer’. After about an hour on wait at Adobe toll free, I spoke with a fellow who listened well and then transfered me to a ‘manager’. She was considerate, understanding, sounded genuine, and heard me out. Since that ‘site’ that claimed to sell legit software is down now (Gee – I wonder why), and as she explained that Adobe can’t say whether they were or not legit (liability I gather), and since she directed me to a list, which may be incomplete, of authorized resellers, the issue is now mute. I will shop through the list of resellers for a better price.
Before Adobe there was PhotoStyler. Adobe came on to the PC scene and bought PhotoStyler and shut it down – shoot the competition – that works too. 🙂
I started with Adobe LE – about 15 years ago(?) because it was the next thing to walking on water when it came to PC graphics. It’s up to PS9 now and not much has really changed. I guess when it comes to buying software – it’s Caveat emptor – especially if Adobe sells it for $650 USD and on a possibly nefarious site at 600 dollars less! Was it legit? I’ll never know.
Issue solved – sort of.
A few years back I tried to upgrade several licenses to newer versions and I was told that the licenses were not in my name. Though they would not tell me the name the licenses were now under, they allowed me to narrow it down by asking questions as to general address.
Come to find out that a previous crook of an employer, had gotten Adobe to transfer all my licenses of my software over to him without my signature (or with a forged one by him).
What happened is that this bastard had one license of Photoshop running on several machines. This was not even his legal license. Anyway we could not run the program on more than one machine at a time so I told him that since I had an extra Photoshop license, I would install it on his machine, (the one used) but he would have to sign a release saying that yes the license was mine and I would remove it from the machine at the time I depart from the company. He said fine and would sign it as soon as he got back from being out of town for a few days. Stupidly I installed the software and waited for his signature. He came back the following Monday, I walked into work and was immediately fired becasue He said I tampered with his software. He refused to let me get the software off the machine, and even called the police on me since I refused to leave until it was removed.
Anyway the police forced me to leave, so I called Adobe right away and told them what happened and reported his use of other unlicensed software. They told me they would take care of it and thanks for the info.
Several years pass and then I find out what happened, that ALL my Adobe software licenses were transferred over to this asshole. Finally after proving to them I still had all the original disks, they provided me with new serial numbers.
So, they way they took care of it was allowed him to steal my licenses and then offer me new serial numbers instead of going back and prosecuting this guy. Yes this guy is still in business and apparently Adobe never followed through on any charges, or it would have shut him down, as he was so small scale it was laughable.
Bob Noyes
Robert B.,
I have to respectfully disagree with you on this. I would imagine that all types of piracy are of concern to Adobe. Personally, I feel they have tried very hard to make activation unobtrusive for the user. I’d much rather have the present activation scheme than to have to deal with a hardware dongle that plugged into the computer.
As for the OP’s experience with Adobe Support, perhaps the support tech could have explained the situation better, but I seriously doubt that support techs have access to either a list of known pirate sites or a list of authorized resellers. And, for legal reasons, they probably have no choice but to respond by sending that standardized response. If the OP had read the anti-piracy policy on the Adobe web site, he would have learned that the only way to purchase downloadable Adobe software legally is through the Adobe Store. He would have also learned that there is an online form to report suspected piracy. I would hope that the pdf they sent contained the same information.
EDIT: I just saw that the issue is largely resolved for the OP. I’m glad that he was able to talk to a supervisor that did a better job of explaining things. It’s too bad the original tech contact couldn’t have done that.
Was it legit? A $650 product for $50? The answer is too obvious to merit further comment!
Out of curiosity, I went to PriceGrabber.com and searched for Photoshop CS2. Most prices range from $513 to $849 (yes, $849! – go figure). However, one source, InnoTech, stood out, offering CS2 for $375 + $7.81 shipping. I checked the site to see what they were selling, and they have a unique approach. They send an older retail version of Photoshop plus an upgrade version of CS2. The biggest customer complaint was slow shipping, likely because they are scrounging surplus and overstock markets for older retail copies of Photoshop. Appears to be legitimate.
I am not endorsing InnoTech, but they guarantee the software can be registered and activated. This could be worth checking out.
Mr Jones,
I concede that finding and reading Adobe policy and procedural materials such as the anti-priacy notice may have sped things up but I think you should check. The ‘notice’ may state what you claim, but elsewhere, is a list of where one can buy from resellers – and, as pointed out, that list may be incomplete. Ergo, my original query.
The problem with tech support, almost everywhere these days, is that the sender, so-called tech, can’t or isn’t allowed to think outside of the box, does a search through the company FAQ for techs, and cut & pastes an answer – and in many cases, only one. It seems Mr. Jones that they cannot answer more than one question per request anothing, nadda, is allowed outside of the box – so to speak.
Back to your comment/s sir. Buying online is supposed to be an easier and friendlier process than driving from retailer to retailer pricing out goods. Mr. Zydeco thinks the price difference tells all, but necessarily so.
I read your "edit". I’m still disappointed. Adobe may not be interested in one sale lost – they’ll make it up no matterwhere I buy it – if it’s a legit version – but I do so rather grudgingly.
Mr. Zydeco,
Perhaps the price difference tells something. But consider too, that it was PS7 they were selling, not 9. And, as they pointed out, it may be cheaper because if it is a product Adobe no longer supports or sells, and there are other upgrades, then yes – it just may be that cheap. Adobe LE – still rocks 🙂
I should steress that I have the utmost confidence and respect in Adobe. Problem is, these upgrades and advances over the years makes it so difficult to sort out what products one needs. But hey – it’s Christmas so I’ll ask Santa for one of each 🙂
What I meant is that most everybody knows better than to buy a $50 Rolex, so everybody should know better than to buy a $50 Photoshop!
But consider too, that it was PS7 they were selling, not 9.
I don’t know where you got "PS7" from. Read what InnoTech wants to sell you at: <
http://tinyurl.com/y2khq6>.
Mr. Zydeco,
As stated, I got it (the price that is) from the site that is now down. Once more, the price was cheap, because, as they said, no manual, one downloads it, no support, no box nadda and, it was 7 not 8, not 9. But all accounts, an oldie but goodie.
The whole issue is really mute as the site is down, Adobe provided a reference to their site where one can find and buy from _authorized_ sellers. That said, I assume from their comment then that the site, since I didn’t see it listed, wasn’t legit – neither were their products. Now I know – almost 🙂 It’s over.
Poom, you did not mention PS7 until post #9, so don’t try to correct me for failing to read your mind.
If your school has a dictionary, please look up "moot," which is likely the word you meant to use in a couple of instances.
I think Santa will indeed be your best bet for getting whatever it is that you want. Give the list of authorized sellers to your daddy and have a nice Christmas!
Joe,
I’m sorry you felt challenged. More sorry you have a anger problem. Please avoid communicating any further with me. Thanks
So let me get this right. You’re pissed because Adobe didn’t take a piracy concern seriously enough for you? Is that it?
Hello YrbkMgr
No. It is as I wrote it. That is, I asked Support if a specitic URL was a legit dealer of Adobe products and got a definition of what a pirate is. The actual feedback was distant to any answer. But, as pointed out later in the post, a phone call to Adobe and the matter was resolved by the Adobe folk.
Thanks for caring and taking to time to ask.
"More sorry you have a anger problem."
Your English teacher would give you no more than a C on that. Oh, and it’s not anger at all. You came here with an attitude, I threw it right back in your face, and you’re not mature enough to handle it or see the error of your ways. Drop the attitude and learn to express yourself clearly if you want people to help you.
"Please avoid communicating any further with me."
You’re no fun, so I’ll be mute! 🙂
IF you have case numbers from support, we can try to figure out what happened.
wrote:
If your school has a dictionary, please look up "moot," which is likely the word you meant to use in a couple of instances.
If you’re in school, why not just pay half for the academic version of CS2?
Mr. Cox,
Thank you. The matter was resolved. I called Adobe, they explained that there is a link on their site to authorized sellers and that, is where one can shop for prices.
I appreciate the offer and especially that you went direct to the issue, and didn’t rave about grammar, typo’s or imagine things crawling between the lines – as Trolls often do.
If I could, I would delete all the content in this thread as some who have clearly been waiting under a rock, used it to satisfy their drive to be rude and obnoxious – a problem no doubt needing some professional attention.
The matter, as I said is resolved, and I thank you.
Most of the posters that you are insulting actually help a lot of people by giving good advice.
Do you?
I asked Support if a specific URL was a legit dealer of Adobe products
I don’t know if Adobe can answer that type of question. They sell to wholesalers (I think) who then sell to retailers. Adobe would not necessarily know the names of all the retailers.
The proper route you could have taken is to ask the person selling the software if they can guarantee that you will be able to register the software with Adobe. If the price was $50, then you would get one of many answers, none of which is "yes".
If they’re selling the software for $50 then I highly doubt that they’d think twice about a) saying yes and b) stealing your credit card information.
Bob
On Wed, 29 Nov 2006 10:57:23 -0800,
thought it was important to mention:
I can’t believe Adobe support. 5 Weeks ago I provided them with a link to a web site that claims to sell all Adobe products cheaper because one downloads the software, instead of buying it in a box wqith a manual. I asked support, quite clearly, "Are they legitimate and once downloaded, can they be legally activated? Their web site is at <http://xxxxxxx.yyy>"
Adobe couldn’t even respond normally – they had to file-attach their answer in PDF – another step which included a cut&paste definition of a Pirate. OK – I know what a priate is – that’s not what I asked. So I replied, and asked the Adobe support sender of the definition of a pirate point blank if I could LEGALLY buy and download Adobe products from the ‘other’site and if I did, would Adobe activate them!
Adobe’s response, TWO identical emails that claimed to have answered the question and they closed the ticket. The ticket BTW – is non-readable now – empty.
So I do the right thing and ask, and, by asking, provide them with a link to the MAYBE pirate site and Adobe gets in a big snit and ignores the question.
If that is the kind of support Adobe gives, it’s probably not worth the money Adobe charges – when their products are dirt cheap elsewhere, and support is probably just as bad.
I won’t post the URL to the site that claims it’s all legal and much cheaper because Adobe would prbably ban my IP – for helping them. Sheesh! But if Adobe, would like to revisit the question, I’d be willing to hear a decent answer – and not a brush-off.
And Adobe’s toll free number? _I’ve ben listening to thheir elevator music now for 38 minutes, as the music (poor quality Jazz) cuts in and out every 3 to 4 seconds. Most annoying, like their so-called customer support.
So, my question to the elite here, are there such LEGIT offers out and about where Adobe Photoshop sells for less than the boxed versions?
Oh yes – that site? It’s down now. If it was a pirate site and my pointing Adobe to it brought it down – why does Adobe have a problem saying ‘thanks’?
Just sign me ‘Disgruntled customer’
Hmm, it seems the IMPORTANT point that everyone seems to have missed here (while castigating this guy for doing the right thing BTW) is the question that he poses in the beginning of the post, namely, given the abysmal state of Adobe support IS IT WORTH BUYING LEGIT?
And let’s face it – people here are HELPING EACH OTHER, *NOT* Adobe support reps. They connect their forums to USENET (which is where I am responding from BTW) so they can get MORE people to do their work for them.
One of the reasons I joined NAPP was because if I have an issue I can get a REAL answer and a REAL solution (not the standard "It must be YOUR computer, no one else has this problem…) and often from someone who speaks the same language as me and who doesn’t follow a script of the same stupid questions ("Is your PC plugged in? Is your monitor on?").
This is one of the main reasons why piracy becomes an option for many otherwise honest customers. The ONLY reason I buy the software is because I can write it off in my business and I don’t have to worry about any legal issues. The value of what I get in return is low and getting lower.
Photoshop is becoming less and less "the only game in town" and if they want to stay competitive they had better become cognizant of the fact that support – SUPERIOR SUPPORT – is one of the remaining competitive edges that a traditional for profit publisher has against their competition – both for profit as well as free and open source alternatives.
If you’re going to make me pay higher prices, make me jump through installation and activation hoops and make me wade through long phone queues….you better make it WELL worth my effort, or lose my business to your competitors.
:subdude
Mr. Joslin,
"Most of the posters…."??? One does not equate to "most". I suggest that before you don your judges robe, you read the thread first.
CASE CLOSED! Bye.
Snip>
And let’s face it – people here are HELPING EACH OTHER, *NOT* Adobe support reps. They connect their forums to USENET (which is where I am responding from BTW) so they can get MORE people to do their work for them.
The Adobeforum do not see USENET posts, USENET sees Adobeforum posts though.
MH
One of the reasons I joined NAPP was because if I have an issue I can get a REAL answer and a REAL solution (not the standard "It must be YOUR computer, no one else has this problem…) and often from someone who speaks the same language as me and who doesn’t follow a script of the same stupid questions ("Is your PC plugged in? Is your monitor on?").
This is one of the main reasons why piracy becomes an option for many otherwise honest customers. The ONLY reason I buy the software is because I can write it off in my business and I don’t have to worry about any legal issues. The value of what I get in return is low and getting lower.
Photoshop is becoming less and less "the only game in town" and if they want to stay competitive they had better become cognizant of the fact that support – SUPERIOR SUPPORT – is one of the remaining competitive edges that a traditional for profit publisher has against their competition – both for profit as well as free and open source alternatives.
If you’re going to make me pay higher prices, make me jump through installation and activation hoops and make me wade through long phone queues….you better make it WELL worth my effort, or lose my business to your competitors.
:subdude
"Most of the posters…."??? One does not equate to "most".
No, most of the posters were giving you good advice. It just wasn’t the advice you wanted to hear.
I’d still like to know…Is the cost of legitimage old PS version plus an update cheaper than a legitimate full current version? (Too lazy to look and add.)
Yes…if you can find a legitimate old copy. It’s risky business especially if that old version is earlier than 5.5.
With that you have to call Adobe to install the upgrade and you have to have proof of that prior license.
Bob
The InnoTech site Joe Zydeco linked in #8 claims that for $375 they will sell you:
* Qty. 1 – Adobe Photoshop CS2 upgrade for Windows.
o Contains the following: ImageReady, stock photos, sample actions, sample art, Printed user guide, Total Video Training Workshop
* Qty. 1 – Previous Version of Photoshop with retail license. * Qty. 1 – Written Instructions to Avoid Installation Confusion.
It also claims "ALL ITEMS ARE NEW, FACTORY SEALED, NEVER BEEN REGISTERED and FULLY ABLE TO BE REGISTERED and ACTIVATED WITH ADOBE" and indicates that it has 5 units in stock for purchase via PayPal only.
This seems quite a bit less risky that the $50 downloads, which typically claim they are selling only OEM backup copies. Paypal offers some protection in the event the software turns out to be pirated. On the other hand, I couldn’t find any info about who or where the seller, InnoTech is, which would cause me to tread carefully.
Less risky indeed. Without risk? I don’t think so.
Bob
typically claim they are selling only OEM backup copies.
And that is an outright lie, as Adobe have not sold OEM of Photoshop for the last few versions.
On Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:54:44 -0000, "Mike Hyndman" <tell me yours and I’ll send > thought it was important to
mention:
Snip>
And let’s face it – people here are HELPING EACH OTHER, *NOT* Adobe support reps. They connect their forums to USENET (which is where I am responding from BTW) so they can get MORE people to do their work for them.
The Adobeforum do not see USENET posts, USENET sees Adobeforum posts though.
MH
Further proof that Adobe just doesn’t GET IT.
:subdude
I purchased an OEM Adobe Photoshop CS Windows last year. With the program I got a phone number for activation but the number is no longer in service. Help……….
I purchased an OEM Adobe Photoshop CS
Can’t you read?
I may be mistaken but while a copyright holder has rights in most countries it is the duty of duly appointed police forces to track, trace and identify criminals.
The injured party may well have been truly injured but is constrained to act within the law and cannot act above it.
Perhaps you should raise observations with the local police force that pirates are operating?
The police force isn’t going to take action without a complaint by the copyright holder. For the most part, copyright is enforcible only by the holder, not by the police. Infringement is a civil wrong, not a crime, and it is up to the copyright holder to bring a lawsuit. Under some very specific circumstances it has been criminalized (in the US by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, in other countries by their own laws implementing the WIPO convention).
I’ve reported something similar several times (Photoshop CS-2 for under $100) with the last being the middle of last week. Most have been through e-mail "offers". The most recent was through a link to plug-ins on a site that is supposed to provide information on graphics art software, hardware, and occasionally a few tips. For that, I included the URL of where I found the link in the e-mail.
Haven’t heard anything from Adobe any time.
Have to sort of wonder if the non-bounced mail to is a black hole.
Bill, glad customer service & sales are a LOT better than the "Abuse Dept."
I purchased an OEM Adobe Photoshop CS Windows last year.
No, you didn’t. You bought an illegally pirated piece of software.
With the program I got a phone number for activation but the number is no longer in service.
This is no surprise. If it’s been a year then simply be thankful that they didn’t steal your credit card info, too.
Bob
Illegal copy Photoshop – call police.
I’m a small business photographer. Paid for my legal Photoshop and all upgrades. There is a photo lab in our city that uses Photoshop a lot. Their copy is illegal. They got it from a local police officer.
Q
Have to sort of wonder if the non-bounced mail to is a
black hole.
Adobe folk have said that it is not. Of course, they will have to pick and choose who they chase down, considering resources and cost-benefits.
The guys that posted said the user postings are used, although the poster never knows if anything happens as a result.
It should be
abuse@ addresses are for abuse of email etc. from the domain
Len,
Thank you. I will see it the link is there & report it to the right place.
Hopefully it was passed on.
What makes the offer, initially, eye catching is that I upgraded two months ago by adding a Photoshop & small video ONLY computer. Nothing fancy, but the best I can afford (AMD 64 X2 Dual core 2.01 GHZ-actual speed) and have NO desire (or the money) to upgrade it AND add Windows Vista (I haven’t seen anything in the releases about THAT which are more than fluff add-ons requiring more computer power).
I’m caught between the possibilities of not moving to a higher Photoshop (stupidly didn’t read about HDR earlier) as Vista will be required/recommended) and CS-2 isn’t available and finding that XP-SP2 is fine with CS-3 AND finding CS-3 has something/things I certainly can use after I just miss the free upgrade time slot.
Current plans are to install the already downloaded CS-2 trial, with updates to it and ACR when I have a couple more picture sets for HDR. Then get some of the learning curve work done during the trial, and hope I can get it direct on CD, with manual, from Adobe inside the free upgrade period.
That, hopefully, will give me the fall back of going ahead and buying the downloaded one if I get word that it is too late to get a physical delivery AND CS-3 both has enough that I can use and will be 100% compatable with my hardware.
I suspect there are others in a similar situation who may be tempted to try a "too good to be true" offer & get burnt.
Bill, checking every few days to see if the preorder CS-3 announcement is up at Adobe. (probably too long and 75% off topic – <says I’m sorry>
Bob, if i was you, i would send this guy a virus he wouldn’t forget…LOL.
It’s quite easy to make a guy ‘have to’ re-install ALL data on his hard drive…
🙂
wrote in
news::
Bob, if i was you, i would send this guy a virus he wouldn’t forget…LOL.
It’s quite easy to make a guy ‘have to’ re-install ALL data on his hard drive…
🙂
Oh thats sweet, encourage the spread viruses – looser
It’s quite easy to make a guy ‘have to’ re-install ALL data on his hard drive
The least thing a well thinking person should do is to join the enemy by starting to act exactly like them.
Rob
The least thing a well thinking person should do is to join the enemy by starting to act exactly like them.
<nodding>
use your powers for good, not evil. well, you CAN use them for evil, but it voids the warrenty! 😉
