I am currently long RNWK.
I am curious what other people's feeling are relative to the following:
Some time ago, I decided to purchase a copy of the Realplayer G2 (version 6.0). Now, whenever I launch Realplayer, I get the following message:
"Realplayer 7 Plus is now available for download! Experience over 150 live stations, a new interactive programming showcase and SmartEQ that adjusts your EQ levels automatically. Click below for more information!"
Then there are 2 buttons: Learn more and Remind me later.
Well, in an attempt to clear this message from appearing every time I load RP, I decided to "learn more". Unless I am mistaken, the only way to upgrade my Realplayer is to pay for the upgrade. Well, I already paid once. Why should I have to pay again? Then the next time they come up with an upgrade, pay again? Also, at work I had decided a while ago to download the beta version of Realplayer and Realjukebox. Well, now they are no longer usable because the beta period has expired.
Now I don't mind paying for products on occaision, as I did originally with Realplayer. But for beta software to become expired and for constant upgrades to require new purchases, I am not too happy about this. This is getting to the point where it is affecting my opinion about holding RNWK long term. It doesn't seem like an effective approach for holding on to that 85% market share which is the most important aspect of RNWK's long term survival.
I would really like to hear from other people on this topic. Have you run into the same thing that I am describing? What is your opinion on this? |
