I just purchased WebStyle 4 a few weeks ago and have already been told that I have to pay $19.95 for an update. Does anyone else find this bad business?
I would have expected at least a year of free updates. So much for expectations!
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I just purchased WebStyle 4 a few weeks ago and have already been told that I have to pay $19.95 for an update. Does anyone else find this bad business?
I would have expected at least a year of free updates. So much for expectations!
I just purchased WebStyle 4 a few weeks ago and have already been told that I have to pay $19.95 for an update. Does anyone else find this bad business?
I would have expected at least a year of free updates. So much for expectations!
This is not an update to the software, just a few more templates. And yes I am upset too.
But I am more upset about not recieving the CDs, I bought this product around Feb 21. I sent an e-mail to xara asking if the CDs could be re-sent. I got a reply saying the CDs were sent when the order was placed. No answer to the question, they just told me what I already knew. (The CDs were returned undelverable according to my account info at xara, that's what prompted the email to begin with)
The templates are not worth anything IMHO. They are virtually un-editable (layout wise)in an html editor, you can edit them but don't expect to change anything on the page in xara again after that. I have stopped using xara templates all together, and just use some of the individual elements (lucky for me I know how to layout a webpage, those that don't will have to be content with what xara wants, and to hell with thier clients.) You notice xara advertising claims "Anyone" can create stunning web pages. That is true, also note there is not one word about "Anyone" modifing the layout to satisfy the customer, that would be for coders only.
There is NO support at xara as far as I can tell. A letter to support results in a relpy, that they don't have time to answer the question and list of resource, which I have already seen, that do not have the answers.
To Xara,
If I do not get answers, I am not leaving this forum, and you WILL be very tired of me before this is over. I AM the squeekiest wheel and I will be oiled. (as if xara actually reads this forum) I have been through many beta tests and the last company ended up giveing me double software if I would just "go eaiser in the support forum). After all, this is the place your email refers your customeers to when you "don't have time". The solution is simple. Someone at xara should monitor this forum. I have been here everyday for 2 weeks, it doesn't take very much time and even I have been able to help others. Just think how much more help it would be to have someone who actually knows the software and has access to the developers.
My estimate is less than 1 hour a day 5 days a week, and every question posed here would have had a resolution. There are unanswed posts dating back before the currnt version release date, shameful indeed.
My apologies to the rest of you who read these posts. I just want an answer. Until I get one you wiil continue to see my name all over this forum. Also a very loud "Thank You" to all those who have helped others here. I have learned much just reading your posts.
I'm even MORE upset now! New purchasers are now not only getting all the templates they expect me to pay twice for but they are also throwing in the FontCD +
Besides a buggy program this company has absolutely NO concern for existing clients.
This new template release came out with a month of my purchase and still they charge for it.
I hate dealing with money grubbing companies. We expect them to make a profit but this is highway robbery!
I would not recommend this company to anyone.
If they keep adding $$ templates, the choices will be overrun by those marked with $$.
At least give me the option of NOT SHOWING templates I don't have!
I would prefer the option of a full refund!
i dont think a company of any magnitude would be able to assist a customer with little or no competence.
My own experience was that I persevered over some 6-8 months i think it was now.
In the end I got the software working, though not with all the templates. They accepted there are a few bugs which in some cases, they still don't have the answer.
But in fairness, I was offered a refund, or for Free, the extra templates. I took the latter and have got some stuff working as I want it to.
Frustrated...yes...and not having more templates which I might even pay a little for, but I wish they get some developer on the case to start making more. Even open it up to some outside programmer who can do this for free. I'm sure someone would like to gain that experience and offer it to existing customers if they want.
I just bought Xara's Webstyle 4 and have never been so disappointed. I definitly would not recommend this company or it's products to anyone. I find it disgusting that they advertise having 1600 templates available and even showcase them in the trial version but once you puchase the software you only end up with about 10. The rest are titled "new" and require you to pay an additional $20 for each. That is false advertising and plain robbery.
We might as well buy a professional templates from a real designer for $5- $25. It's hassel free and it even costs us less.
I also think it's unfair that we have to have a link in our naviagtion menus back to Xara. I paid for this software in full and don't think I should be required to provide a link back to their site. That's ridiculous. Had I known this, I would have never thought twice about buying this software. It's absolutely ridiculous!
I previously purchased Xara 3D and have found it useless which is why this time I actually blame myself! I should have known better. Screw me once, shame on you. Screw me twice, shame on me!!!
Sincerely,
An unsatisfied Customer!!
Besides, nothing in this software works properly!! That's the absolute worst part.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DollFace:
I just bought Xara's Webstyle 4 and have never been so disappointed.
I definitly would not recommend this company or it's products to anyone.
I find it disgusting that they advertise having 1600 templates available and even showcase them in the trial version but once you puchase the software you only end up with about 10.
The rest are titled "new" and require you to pay an additional $20 for each. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I didnt have to pay $20 for each template. Try clicking on update webstyle causing your templates to be retrieved and installed.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>That is false advertising and plain robbery.
We might as well buy a professional templates from a real designer for $5- $25. It's hassel free and it even costs us less.
I also think it's unfair that we have to have a link in our naviagtion menus back to Xara.
I paid for this software in full and don't think I should be required to provide a link back to their site. That's ridiculous.
Had I known this, I would have never thought twice about buying this software. It's absolutely ridiculous! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
This implies that the menus you are creating have been created with a trial version of webstyle and not the purchased version. Its fair to have a moan but lets try helping ourselves before we do! try downloading your templates by clicking on update webstyle and entering the details of the account from which the product was purchased
[post edited by AF to sort formatting problems]
B]Bb2: [/B] What is the truth about the templates?
How many templates did you get with the product?
How many templates work?
How many more templates do you get for 19.95?
Thanks for the tip but I already updated webstyle and received all the templates available. What I'm talking about is the others that say "new" and require you to puchase them. I don't remember reading anywhere that after purchasing the software I would still have to pay extra to get all the templates. It was very disappointing to me because I was not expecting it to be this way. From my experience, when you buy a software you get everything that comes with it and most of the time you even get free updates (not upgrades).
As for the Xara link in the menu, I made that navigation/menu right after I paid for the full version using the download they provide us with (while we are waiting for the C.D. to arrive.) I am assuming that was not the trial version but I'm not sure!! I will try to make another one using the actual webstyle C.D. If you are right I will be much more happy then I was yesterday!!
DF
Perhaps the problem is that people are confused about what constitutes a 'template'. Each individual graphic in Webstyle is a template - every banner ad, every 3D heading, every NavBar etc. When you purchase Webstyle 4 you get about 1600 templates. I'm wondering whether some people only consider page designs to be 'templates' and forget about all the other types of graphic in all the other categories?
If that's not the issue, and you still think you're missing templates then try a) hitting the Update Webstyle button to download the complete set or b) installing from the CD which has the complete set.
Template Pack 1 for Webstyle 4 is an optional extra template pack that was launched after Webstyle 4. It offers 23 new banner ad templates, and 5 complete page designs. A small number relative to the total.
There is a reason why we offer this as an optional extra. It was a very frequent user request from Webstyle 1 and 2 owners that we refreshed the template sets between our product updates (which normally fall every 12-14 months for Webstyle). This seemed like a reasonable request and a good idea and we released our first template pack in the last few months of Webstyle 3. However, if we are to put extra manpower into template design then that has to be paid for - designers are no different to programmers, sad but true they have to be paid! So if we are to do more design work, we can put the initial price up, we can put the upgrade price up, or we can charge for extra releases. Pros and cons, but to my mind the latter seems best - you look at the new designs, buy them if you like them and think they're worth it. We could always revert to the old policy, not do the extra templates between product updates, but on the whole I have to tell you that the vast majority of feedback on the new template packs has been positive. I know they'd be even more popular if they were free, but hey, even designers have to live on something!
I agree with you completely, I was not trying to say that the web designers should not get paid for their work. I am a web design student and obviously would want to get paid for the work I do.
I also think it's a good idea to allow people to puchase additional "templates" especially for those who have been users for a while and would like to have some fresh themes. I on the other hand have just bought the software a couple of days ago and was surprised to see all these "new" templates that weren't included. Perhaps you can't understand that considering your position. I guess I just was not expecting it to be this way. Had you guys mentioned something about the way it works I would have been a lot less surprised and ultimately not as angry as I was.
I am also not trying to ruin it for the people who are happy with the way Xara works.
"We could always revert to the old policy"
There's no need for that, I was merely expressing the way I felt, I was not speaking for the entire community!!
DF
Mine was a recent purchase too..4 weeks...
I do suggest you change your policy...MOST good sofware vendors provide updates for a year after the purchase anyway...
If nothing else, find a way that we can hide the Non-Purchased templates...forget the $$ sign, just omit them form the listings.
We could always revert to the old policy, I think this veiled threat is bad business, especially when your frequently asked question page said the following just 2 days ago.
Here is what is in your, FAQ email, which I received May 3, 2004.
Can I download Webstyle and the templates as soon as I purchase?
Yes. Whether you order the CD or retail box version, you will be able to immediately unlock the Webstyle trial and download all of the templates.
I noticed Xara has since removed this FAQ, when I checked back today. This and Kates visit may be a result of my sending a note to Xara support to try to find out what the real story is on these template. It is this FAQ that people had read that made them so angry.
Kate I think it is very important that Xara be upfront with the customers. I appreciate your setting the record straight on the contents of the template pack. It's prudent that the erroneous FAQ has been removed. The point people are trying to make is that other companies somehow manage to pay their designers and include all their templates with the original product. On my part I don't have an example of this that I can point to. I have found the product to be a great timesaver and a great value, and I haven't even gotten into the templates.
Kate my suggestion for good business, would be like this. I understand that many people think that we should include the template pack for free. Our management had considered that option. Perhaps it would be a good idea for us to revisit that, since people in this forum have mentioned that other companies are doing things better than XARA is, regarding templates. I personally haven't experienced this. If you can help me get started by provide me specific details including those companies websites, I will investigate this issue further and present my finding to management again.
DollFace: Your concerns are real and I get the impression that most users feel the same way, whether correctly or misguided. I think is is eqaully important for Xara as a business entity to manage customer expectations, as it is for them to provide the best product. One mismanaged client can lead to 10 missed sales.
New Users: In my opinion everything you see in the demo with $$ attached to it is included with the product when you pay. Nothing from the additional template pack appears in the demo in any way. Can someone who knows if I'm correct for sure about the items with $$ on them please respond.
"The point people are trying to make is that other companies somehow manage to pay their designers and include all their templates with the original product."
Yes, I would be very interested to know of any similar editable-template based products and investigate them further - whether they continue to offer new templates for free or not! But I cannot/will not pretend that we are reconsidering the chargeable template packs when we're not, that would simply not be true. If customers had voted against the template pack by not buying it, or if negative feedback had exceeded positive, we would not have done another one. But Pack 1 has been very popular, take-up has exceeded our expectations, the feedback has been largely positive and I feel sure we will do more. As an aside, we have been asked for more themed ones in future packs (sporting themes, weddings that sort of thing) and that does seem like a good suggestion and we'll likely try that going forward. Suggestions welcome.
" New Users: In my opinion everything you see in the demo with $$ attached to it is included with the product when you pay. Nothing from the additional template pack appears in the demo in any way. Can someone who knows if I'm correct for sure about the items with $$ on them please respond."
Now this is something we are indeed reconsidering. The answer is actually yes and no. The standard trial shows only the templates that you get when you purchase Webstyle 4, all with a $ beside them. Most users will never see any others and that's why some people are genuinely puzzled about this issue. However, if you hit the Update Webstyle button while you still have the trial, it will detect that there are some templates available that are not showing in your version, and it will download the previews with a NEW$ next to them.
This was not completely intentional - the purpose of the Update button was to devise a really slick method of informing existing owners when optional new templates were made available, to let them download previews straight into the program so they could decide whether they wanted them or not. What we might do if we feel the balance of opinion is for it, is prevent trial users from using the Update Webstyle feature. It seems a shame not to let trial users see the full potential range of designs, but I can also see that it might be confusing.
http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/smile.gif Thanks for clearing up those misconceptions for me Kate. So many people have been thinking that when they bought the product they weren't getting everything they had seen, it was confusing me, as I'm just finishing my trial period.
I'm not asking you to pretend, but if you did find actual situations that indicate that it would make sense for business practices to change, you would surely tell your manager.
If you have time Kate, there is a dotted line issue that's concerning me with regards to my potential purchase.
http://talkgraphics.com/groupee/foru...86&m=548108006
Strangely enough, I can't see the dotted lines on either site, in any state. Can you tell me which browser incl. version you are using.
http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/smile.gif Hi and thanks, I'm gonig to answer in the other topic where the guy who found it is looking at it now as well. OK
Regarding the $$ templates..
I am a paid user with registered software. Until you released the new templates, 4 weeks after I purchased your software, I had no $$ marked templates.
Now there are numerous $$ marked templates.
I want the ability to hide those $$ templates.
Let's look at the future..let's say for example that I continue to use your product but NEVER purchase your new templates. Four years go by and you have released 10 new sets of templates. Can you imagine what the template lists would look like?
I would want to see what is available in each potentially purchased set at any time but I don't want to have to pick thru them each time I use the system!
Now to try and explain why I am upset about the update fees...:
1) My purchase was within 4 weeks of the release. I am assuming new purchasers get ALL available templates PLUS they are getting another free add on package "fonts+" I think.
Please consider adding a 90 day or six month new owner grace period.
Have you ever heard of Sears? They are a rather major department store in the US. If I go there and purchase an item and find that same item on sale there within a period of time, I go into the store and they gladly refund the difference. Most major sofware vendors provide free updates for a year on their products.
2) I did actually consider purchasing the new templates but then realized that it was way overpriced. What percentage of the original purchase price is $19.95? Too High!
You are like the proverbial company that sells new cars for $500.00 each. There is a catch, the cars have been modified to only run on a special fuel which is only available from them and they are charging $100 a gallon for it now.
A real example was a printer company that sells good printer dirt cheap with special ink cartridges that are really expensive and unique.
If your company focuses on after market sales rather than improving the primary products you will end up with whole bunch of add ons with no one to sell them too.
If you should care to communicate with me directly please respond to
webmaster@host-biz.com
Joe Brouillard
Ive posted an explanation at http://talkgraphics.com/groupee/foru...86&m=548108006 for FP-User.
In my opinion this is not a bug within webstyle/menu maker
Ta
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> You are like the proverbial company that sells new cars for $500.00 each. There is a catch, the cars have been modified to only run on a special fuel which is only available from them and they are charging $100 a gallon for it now <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I see it the exact same way. Good analogy!
For FP User: Thank you for understanding my point and taking my concerns seriously. From your post, I am assuming you work for Xara and I would just like to say that I think they should hire more people like you. Customers don't like to feel like they don't matter. When we have a concern or an issue we like to be heard and understood. Threatening and ignoring a client is not the way to do business and that has been the response I've been getting from everyone else here. I appreciate you taking the time to truely listen to what we're saying!!
As for example s of other software companies, I have a few. All of them!! Web design software companies like MS Frontpage, Macromedia Dreamweaver, IBM home page builder all provide free updates and patches for as long as you use the software. Whenever their is an update available the customer is invited to use it for free, they even have special places on their website reserved for downloading updates and that's if it's not done automatically. Most of the companies (big or small) work that way. I have been a long time customer of Macromedia and Microsoft and throughout the years that I've used their softwares I never once had to pay to get an update on my version... ever!! Not one single brown penny. As for other companies, I would have to look but I am almost certain they work the same way.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Yes, I would be very interested to know of any similar editable-template based products and investigate them further - whether they continue to offer new templates for free or not! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Kate, Considering you work for Xara, I would assume that would be part of your job. You should already be well aware of what your competitors are offering, it's business 101. It is not our job to research this and supply you with the information, it should already be done!! I'm sorry if I am being rude but I think you have a really bad attitiude towards the customers and our complaints. What exactly is your job? are you a moderator or do you work in the customer service department?? I find it hard to believe that they would hire someone with your attitude to represent them to their customers.
~The customer is always right!~ Remember that when dealing with customers. It's the building block of any and all successful companies!!
DF
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> So if we are to do more design work, we can put the initial price up, we can put the upgrade price up, or we can charge for extra releases. Pros and cons, but to my mind the latter seems best <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
AND
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> As an aside, we have been asked for more themed ones in future packs (sporting themes, weddings that sort of thing) and that does seem like a good suggestion and we'll likely try that going forward. Suggestions welcome. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
You might like to look at the Designs that are Very Cheaply Available from wwwDesignload
The design work is all done, so you needn't charge all the monies you've justified. If these can be made available to Webstyle, then we're really cookin. There's 100's on here and at $49.95 per year, its excellent value. This could be a model you could use. i.e. Charge an annual fee for access, with guarantees that there will be new ones available. I do know of other sites as well that give you excellent designs, which with careful negotiation will produce a Win Win situation for all concerned.
Comments Please
Robert
That is a Fantastic Suggestion!!!
DF
DollFace: http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif Thank You very much for the compliment. I don't work for Xara, although I did send them a note offering to work for them from here in Canada, monitoring the board on a regular basis, and providing input to the next releases by getting a customer consensus here. I view support in a radical way as a marketing function. Support can become a strategic and essential partner at the design and business development table, but many companies want to pay peanuts for support, treat the people like dirt, and not listen to them. It's easier to keep a customer and get them to recommend you to a friend than it is to find a new one. Marketing people get paid in big fat coconuts, instead of peanuts. Coconut Grove: that's for me. http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/cool.gif
And Dollface Your candor is essential. A complaining customer is a good thing; better than one who's given up and gone away.
toprobroy: I will certainly check out the other site you mentioned for themes, I appreciate the headsup.
Finally, it's a good value for the money.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>was within 4 weeks of the release. I am assuming new purchasers get ALL available templates PLUS they are getting another free add on package "fonts+" I think. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
They won't get all templates, no. The add-on pack will still need to be purchased. But you are correct that there is currently a special offer on for a Fonts CD....
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Please consider adding a 90 day or six month new owner grace period.
Have you ever heard of Sears? They are a rather major department store in the US. If I go there and purchase an item and find that same item on sale there within a period of time, I go into the store and they gladly refund the difference. Most major sofware vendors provide free updates for a year on their products. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I think you need to have distinction between the two issues. Firstly, that sales or offers can go on after you've purchased the software. This can be frustratingly admittedly, but this is pretty much standard with every shop on the planet. Sears may be different, but Xara isn't Sears. Most of the time if prices go down, or special offers happen, then it's just the way it is. I've spent £360 ($650 on some DVDs). I could have bought them from the US for around £40 ($72). They're even half the original price here in the UK now. But there's no way I could go back to Amazon and demand refunds or whatever... it wouldn't happen. I just had to settle with the fact that I bought those products at that time.
In terms of software updates, yes many companies do offer free updates for a certain period. As do Xara. But you need to distinguish between software updates, and additional add-ons. When you buy Webstyle on the web it says how many templates you get, and you get them all. In no way do you not get what is sold on the Xara website.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>You are like the proverbial company that sells new cars for $500.00 each. There is a catch, the cars have been modified to only run on a special fuel which is only available from them and they are charging $100 a gallon for it now. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Actually, a car analogy is a very good one. To use your example, Xara sells a car that has all the features listed for the price listed. There's no hidden secrets. You'll also get a warranty, which covers the car itself (which is like software updates and support). However, if you then want to add a DVD player for example, you'll need to pay extra. It's not listed as part of the original car, it doesn't affect the usage of the car if you don't buy it -- but if you do want that DVD player, the option is there for you if you wish.
Way to go Antony..I think you missed ALL the points...lol
Don't worry about it..they are spending time creating additional templates they can charge for instead of updating the program with bug fixes..etc..
My kind of Company...<grin>
Are you an employee?
You sound like it!
JoeWebb, obviously I've not been reading the same messages as you if I supposedly missed points. To further clarify some information...
There have been many bug fix releases for Webstyle which have been released. And, for that matter, there was some extra templates released for free (which I don't think has been mentioned once in this thread, incidentally).
The thing is, most of these changes are seamless... so you may not be even aware of a lot of this, and that's a good thing. Smooth operation is important.
If we bug fix Webstyle, we immediately put the new file up for download. That way if you install from the web, you have the latest version. If you installed the latest version of Windows, you'd probably spend all day patching it.
We could release ten patches for everyone to apply, but why would that be good for a customer?
Most changes to Xara products, bugs in particular, are driven from customer feedback. If serious bugs turn up then I'm sure Webstyle will get another update. But these updates are done as required. Various factors have to be taken into account when decisions are made... i.e. what the problems is, what caused it, how it can be fixed effectively, and most importantly how to ensure that they change affect users adversley. Quite often people report a "bug" which is often just a problem with their system or just something they can't use.
So to claim that nothing the programme has not been updated with bug fixes is just plain wrong.
And yes, I am an employee for your information. But I've not been told to write any of this, just as a TalkGraphics users I feel I need to give my view on this.
Anthony. I think JoeWebb meant the opposite of what he said that's why he finished with the "LOL". He was acknowledging that you actually covered all the points.
Concerning what AnthonyF wrote, personally I think you did miss the point.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> So to claim that nothing the programme has not been updated with bug fixes is just plain wrong.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Nobody said anything about bug fixes in the first place so I don't know how you got on that topic, which is why I say you missed the point!! We are not saying that Xara doesn't offer bug fixes, we are talking about being charged for the newly available templates and fonts.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>In terms of software updates, yes many companies do offer free updates for a certain period. As do Xara. But you need to distinguish between software updates, and additional add-ons. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
If Xara Webstyle was offering a shopping cart integration feature, for example, then yes that would definitly be an "add-on". But considering that Xara WS is essentially a graphics/template authoring tool for web sites, I don't see how newly available templates would be considered an add-on.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Actually, a car analogy is a very good one. To use your example, Xara sells a car that has all the features listed for the price listed. There's no hidden secrets. You'll also get a warranty, which covers the car itself (which is like software updates and support). However, if you then want to add a DVD player for example, you'll need to pay extra. It's not listed as part of the original car, it doesn't affect the usage of the car if you don't buy it -- but if you do want that DVD player, the option is there for you if you wish.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Your analogy doesn't fit this situation. A DVD is an extra, a luxury option. Templates are not especially since Webstyle basically consists of only templates. A DVD in a car is more like a shopping cart integration in websytle. It's an extra that's available if you have the money!!
My car analogy is this, Xara sells a car with all the basic features (engine, seats, steering wheel, windows etc...) but only includes one tire rim and half a paint job. If we want the rest of the car painted and the rims, we have to pay extra for them. We don't actually need a paint job or the rims because our car runs fine without them BUT the car would look alot better and we would be much happier if it was included. And while alll other car dealerships are selling the car with the paint job and the rims, our dealer is not!! That's how I see it!!
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I think you need to have distinction between the two issues. Firstly, that sales or offers can go on after you've purchased the software. This can be frustratingly admittedly, but this is pretty much standard with every shop on the planet. Sears may be different, but Xara isn't Sears. Most of the time if prices go down, or special offers happen, then it's just the way it is. I've spent £360 ($650 on some DVDs). I could have bought them from the US for around £40 ($72). They're even half the original price here in the UK now. But there's no way I could go back to Amazon and demand refunds or whatever... it wouldn't happen. I just had to settle with the fact that I bought those products at that time.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Again, you are missing the point! Your example and what we're talking about have nothing to do with each other. It's not like Xara is having a special sale on their software and we now want the difference refunded. We just didn't expect to install the software and see a whole bunch of dollar signs next to many of the templates. That's the issue here.
Concerning everything you said about bug fixes, it's seems that you are trying to say that we should be thankful for not being charged for bug fixes. If you're software has "bugs" in it and doesn't work properly, obviously you need to correct the problem. That goes without saying. If you tried to charge people for bug fixes you would get sued up the a** for selling software that doesn't work properly. Every company provides bug fixes and patches on their software, it's their responsibility to make sure their software works the way it's supposed to.
Aagin, our issue is with the templates. Most of us were just very surprised to see dollar signs next to the new templates after having just bought the latest version. We assumed that all available templates would be included in the version we just purchased. That's usually how most things work.
DF
DollFace, I was replying to JoeWebb1. By that I mean my comments were tailored to his points, and whilst you may not feel it answers your questions or reflects your views, I did feel it was an appropriate reply for his post.
I still maintain though, that what is advertised on the site is exactly what you get. Nowhere does it infer that you get more, or will get more. If you didn't know about that template pack, I'm sure you'd be happy with your current selection. You wouldn't think you were missing templates because it's totally everything you need in there. Extra templates are just for people who want more lalter on down the road.
However, I can certainly see your point about the $ signs, and I will pass this on to our technical team as a feature suggsestion.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>And Dollface Your candor is essential. A complaining customer is a good thing; better than one who's given up and gone away.
toprobroy: I will certainly check out the other site you mentioned for themes, I appreciate the headsup. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
FP User.
As the Web Designer and taking into account your support for my suggestion, can you tell us what exactly will you do about this suggestion.
Will you put a timescale on it please?
Thanks
http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif toprobroy
I am not an Xara Employee.
When I said this "toprobroy: I will certainly check out the other site you mentioned for themes, I appreciate the headsup." I was meaning that I was going to look at the other site for my own benefit. At some point in the future I might want to take advantage of that website. I've scoped it out vs another similar site and the one you recommend has a lot for the money.
joewebb1:
http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif How to Get rid of $$ on Templates http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif
First: If you had installation problems you might not want to do this at all. For those brave enough, here is my suggestion. Remember you may have the same problems again.
Second: This is a concept I didn't have to do this. When I installed I did not press the button for product updates, because I read about it here. Thanks for the heads up.
1. Backup your projects folder if you want to retain your work. (Someone else can tell us how)
2. Completely remove webstyle.
3. ensure all templates/graphics are gone.
4. Reinstall the product/trial.
5. Unlock the product. Click on the arrow that is at the bottom of one of the graphics. For me this downloaded all the graphics.
6. I have the product with none of the extra $$s becauce I never pressed that button for update the product.
Now perhaps Xara can just show me all the new graphics available on a seperate webpage, because I am not going to be clicking on that button. I don't want to see those graphics that I won't order and can't get rid of over the next four years.
I feel lucky my installation went as smooth as silk.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I am not an Xara Employee.
When I said this "toprobroy: I will certainly check out the other site you mentioned for themes, I appreciate the headsup." <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Okay...but is there anyone on this thread/Forum who can comment and act upon my suggestion?
Anyone? http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/eek.gif
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I still maintain though, that what is advertised on the site is exactly what you get. Nowhere does it infer that you get more, or will get more. If you didn't know about that template pack, I'm sure you'd be happy with your current selection. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
That's just my point, we DO know about it because you've embedded it right into the software, it's hard not to know about it. But that really isn't even the issue. I'm getting the feeling that I'm going to have to uninstall my program and re-download the trial to prove my point! Yes, it's true that your "site" doesn't say we'll be getting anything more then what we got BUT in the trial version of the software all of the templates have a $$ next to them (with the exception of a few for trial purposes) and it specifically says that once we purchase the full version, all the templates will be made available. Once we bought it, yes they were all there but many had $$ next to them and are available to me only if I buy them. To me, I consider that misleading information. "All templates will be Available": to us meant they would be included in the purchase. "All templates will be available" to you guys meant they would be available at an additional price. It's misleading! Whatever way you look at it or try to justify it, the fact remains that you have many angry customers who believed they would be getting ALL TEMPLATES AVAILABLE!! Whatever you say won't change that and proves my point that you guys (not you necessarily) mislead us to believe we were getting soemthing more then what we really got. Otherwise you wouldn't have so many people complaining about the same issue. And again, it doesn't help to flash them in our face all the time. You should have a module store or something where customers can go and shop for new template packs, if they choose to do so. OR better yet, update the template selection and provide them for free. I know of over 100 designers that would probably donate at least one template each to Xara absolutly free. Just go to templatemonster.com or freewebtemplates.com, Hundreds of designers upload their work everyday and allow people to download it absolutly free. I'm sure you can find a couple of people to do the same for Xara. There's a solution to every problem, you just have to be willing to find it.
DF
DollFace - they have sloppy marketing. I agree with everything you say in principal.
If you see my post above. I just bought the software, I got every single template as marked in the demo. I don't have any with $ on them anymore. If I click on the button at the top right that says update webstyle, I'm going to get the template pack samples with $$ on them.
So you don't have to redo everythig to prove your point. But again check my point. You may want to do your install like I did to get the $$ out of your face.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>You may want to do your install like I did to get the $$ out of your face. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Thanks for the advice, I will try that out! Although seeing the $$ isn't a big deal, it get's to be annoying especially when you don't realize you are selecting a paid template and end up with the pop-up!!
Thanks again!
DF
The only problem with that is IF they update the core software you would miss out on that by never pressing the update button.
Sorry, but UPDATE to me implies somthing other than a teaser catalog built into my list of templates.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Sorry, but UPDATE to me implies somthing other than a teaser catalog built into my list of templates. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I totally get that you are more concerned with the bug fixes and all but the templates are still really important since that's essentially why we bought the software in the first place! The bug fixes and software "updates" as it means to you, should come automatically. It goes without saying or at least it should!
DF