I didn't fill out a survey or participate in this promotion. They're calling me, because my paid subscription ran out on 6/3.
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- Thread starter batteriesnotincluded
- Start date
I didn't fill out a survey or participate in this promotion. They're calling me, because my paid subscription ran out on 6/3.
See, I think that's wrong, too. Perhaps not in legal terms (since we seem to be in a VERY gray area here). Ethically, though, Microsoft dropped the ball on everyone's foot.
I know Dan_D has illustrated his point via the "fluid" nature of EULAs and TOUAs, but to me, that's a red herring. Let's say I purchase Vista Retail Ultimate from Newegg, install and activate it, and am on my merry way. But, oh, wait - two months later, Vista shuts down with a bizarre, "You have violated the EULA for this product. As such, you will have to purchase a new retail key. If you would like to do so, please follow this <link>. The cost will be $350. The key you were using will be blacklisted."
I'd be WTF???!!! All I was using the machine for was Office work and a few legally purchased games. Oh, I did install a hack for one of the games so that it wouldn't require me to always have the DVD in the drive, but seriously?
The point is, Microsoft can't just revoke your license simply because it's their time of the month and they want to be bitchy to everyone under the sun. Pretty firm and sophisticated laws now exist which cover the rights-relationship between companies providing software and the end-user. Long story short, the company can't simply revoke your legally obtained key without just cause through due course of action. They can't. Or, they can, but run the very real risk of looking like fools in court and having to pay hefty fines to both the legal system and to appropriate plaintiffs.
God forbid they try something like that with a multi-billionaire who just bought his 13 year-old beatiful daughter the newest laptop under the sun with Vista Ultimate loaded.
Anyone who tells you Microsoft can do whatever they damn well please with their stuff, particularly when it comes to licenses, is way, way off the mark. I even recall a case in England where Microsoft was trying to play these sorts of games with someone who had the funds and resources to fight the case. As I recall, he won, got his keys reinstated, and Microsoft had to crawl back into whatever cave they had slithered out of that day. No matter how much legalese they try to write into their EULAs and TOUs, they aren't gods and have to respect the reasonable laws which govern everyday society.
I can sympathize with Microsoft in that they made an error by making this offer as open-ended, even though, supposedly, that wasn't the intent (contention on this point). Everyone makes mistakes, including the biggest corporations in the world.
However, the offer WAS made and people WERE accepted, whether it be from the US or UK. What's boggling my mind is how Microsoft is now damage-controlling the whole thing by simply cutting almost everyone off. It's like they think we're a snake writhing on the floor, so it's slice and dice time.
NO NO NO, we're not snakes, we're people who were wanting to use Microsoft products using legal means via a fantastic, time-limited program. In my case, I just wanted one lousy ISO. I didn't even need additional keys, I just wanted the ISO. In hindsight, I should've just downloaded it at work and risked getting into trouble with the IT guys.
I FIRMLY believe that, if Microsoft is not at least going to reinstate those of us who didn't abuse the system, then we should be given a chance to buy a paid sub at a greatly reduced price. Not some paltry 15% off code, but more like 60% off. That's actually going much more than halfway that I think end-users should have to in this situation, but I'm not a multi-millionaire and am not able to fight city hall over this.
And there, I've now written yet another post. I'm sure the Joe Averages, Stanley Pains, and leezards are calling me every disparaging remark they can think up, but this is my stance and I'm sticking to it.
Technically Fleggett, if you get this deal, you can only use it to test the software. you can't use it for your daughters PC or your gaming rig. You can't install it for work (unless your job is testing software).
But all of that aside, I think MS should honor the deal for anyone that followed the rules, took the survey. Was in the right country and so on (and sorry, but even if the survey had a drop down that allowed you to select the U.S., if the deal wasn't offered in the U.S., then you're SOL), then you deserve the free Technet subscription.
Otherwise, you deserve nothing other than an offer to join up at the normal price minus the best coupon you can find.
Technet is designed for IT pros. The EULA for Technet is for IT Pros. I'm not saying that people don't use the software in ways that violate that EULA (it seems clear that most of here probably have), but that doesn't change the fact that Technet was not created for people to get cheap software for their home/work computers).
batteriesnotincluded
[H]ard|Gawd
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2007
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- 1,195
I just thought I'd mention that a Vista Home Premium 64 bit install I did with a Pilot Plus downloaded key just worked fine...they haven't blacklisted yet.
I've called Microsoft, as I actually did buy a TechNet subscription last Thursday (Today, it finally activated...odds are the Pilot Plus subscription and the Retail subscription going to the same email account was not a smart move on my end, as they showed the revoked account but not the new one as of yesterday). They acknowledged the Pilot Plus program was being revoked (no surprise). I didn't think to ask them what they're going to do about the keys given out.
Has anyone seen an official, finalized word on these keys? I'm already in the process of generating new ones to replace what I had before, and I'm not making any judgment calls on those that continue to use the keys, I'd just like to see what, if anything, Microsoft has said now that they've cleaned up on their end.
I've called Microsoft, as I actually did buy a TechNet subscription last Thursday (Today, it finally activated...odds are the Pilot Plus subscription and the Retail subscription going to the same email account was not a smart move on my end, as they showed the revoked account but not the new one as of yesterday). They acknowledged the Pilot Plus program was being revoked (no surprise). I didn't think to ask them what they're going to do about the keys given out.
Has anyone seen an official, finalized word on these keys? I'm already in the process of generating new ones to replace what I had before, and I'm not making any judgment calls on those that continue to use the keys, I'd just like to see what, if anything, Microsoft has said now that they've cleaned up on their end.
spacetrader
2[H]4U
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2008
- Messages
- 2,681
my quarrels in the os section have needed me to install both vista and win7 on same machine. i didnt need to activate them, but for kicks i tried the keys i had from my dead sub. they both activated fine... i left feedback reporting on in both instances, to show appreciation... that should keep me out of hell.
^^^. Many of the people demanding cheaper technet are the same people that do not work in the IT Field and/or do not use it for the intended purpose.
Probably. I work in the IT field and I need much of that software to keep me on top of my game and keep my skills fresh. For me the cost of TechNet is the same as costs for continuing education.
Manaknight
Supreme [H]ardness
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2005
- Messages
- 5,446
same here. I know that the money spent makes me more competent at what I do and more valuable when moving jobs...which is coming soon.
Yep, I need to brush up on my Windows 2008 Server, Exchange 2008 and start getting used to Exchange 2010.
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2006
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- 6,408
So jealous of you guys with Windows 7 about to go RTM. Guess I'm just gonna have to be happy with a 32GB iPhone for my birthday.
Whats to be jealous about, we all lost our subs?
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- Apr 16, 2006
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All, I thought a handful of you guys from the UK got to keep yours. US I know were shafted.
You need to stop calling it Exchange 2008, you'll have everyone thinking Microsoft finally lost it and released a OS X Server version
Nope, they're gone, I just get emails from Microsoft wanting me to do a satisfaction survey from my Technet support call...
You need to stop calling it Exchange 2008, you'll have everyone thinking Microsoft finally lost it and released a OS X Server version
Nope, they're gone, I just get emails from Microsoft wanting me to do a satisfaction survey from my Technet support call...
Damnit, I really need to stop that.
D
Deleted member 12106
Guest
Is there an official word yet on if the "pilot program" keys are blacklisted? I ca't seem to find anything other then the subscriptions where revoked.
Hehehe
I'm not sure where I picked that habbit up. Exchange 2007 has been around for some time now. You'd think I'd have learned its correct name by now.
spacetrader
2[H]4U
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- Dec 12, 2008
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- 2,681
i think its unspoken word that the keys are invalid, but in reality if you try to use them they work just fine. you really shouldn't use them, so if you do its at your own risk.
Knuckle-Head
Limp Gawd
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2004
- Messages
- 510
Just received->
Intrepid.bmp
Dear Knuckle-Head,
Microsoft contracted with us, Intrepid Consultants, Inc, to conduct the TechNet Plus Pilot Study program research and manage the activities of the pilot study. Our records show that you have recently signed up for a free TechNet Plus subscription through a registration link that was made available without authorization on a public blog.
The registration link is part of a proprietary study and the party that shared the information was in violation of the terms and conditions to which they agreed to participate in the study. Membership to the Pilot study is limited and all members of the program are required to first meet survey requirements and then complete tasks and assignments over a two month period in order to qualify for and have access to the free TechNet Plus subscription. Since this was a privately conducted pilot study, at no time was it ever intended that a free TechNet Plus registration link would appear on a public internet site, which was done in violation of the terms to which participants agreed upon registering to participate in the pilot study.
We are very sorry for the inconvenience, but for this reason, we have deactivated your subscription, as well as all other subscriptions resulting from the unauthorized publication of the TechNet Plus Pilot Study program registration link on a public blog. Again, we apologize for any inconvenience.
Kind regards,
The Intrepid Consultants Team
If you are interested in a TechNet Plus subscription, please follow the link to purchase: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/renew.aspx
This e-mail and all files transmitted within are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. Please do not reproduce, print or forward any material received unless granted express permission by the sender. Thank you, Intrepid Consultants, Inc.
The research and communications administered by Intrepid Consultants, Inc is conducted according to the highest standards of the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Your information will not be shared with any third party for any reason.
Microsoft is committed to protecting your privacy and has commissioned Intrepid and its partners (click here to read Intrepid's privacy statement) to oversee the Survey and collect survey responses and communicate with interested respondents and individuals. Should you wish to no longer receive e-mails from Intrepid Consultants, please send an e-mail to technetpilot@thinkintrepid.com with the word "remove" in the subject line.
Please notify us if you are receiving this message in error at ITAdvisoryCouncil@thinkintrepid.com and delete all contents of this email.
Review Microsoft’s Privacy Statement here.
For information, please call 1-866-625-1409
Intrepid Consultants, Inc
124 NW Canal St, 2nd Fl
Seattle WA 98107
Intrepid.bmp
Dear Knuckle-Head,
Microsoft contracted with us, Intrepid Consultants, Inc, to conduct the TechNet Plus Pilot Study program research and manage the activities of the pilot study. Our records show that you have recently signed up for a free TechNet Plus subscription through a registration link that was made available without authorization on a public blog.
The registration link is part of a proprietary study and the party that shared the information was in violation of the terms and conditions to which they agreed to participate in the study. Membership to the Pilot study is limited and all members of the program are required to first meet survey requirements and then complete tasks and assignments over a two month period in order to qualify for and have access to the free TechNet Plus subscription. Since this was a privately conducted pilot study, at no time was it ever intended that a free TechNet Plus registration link would appear on a public internet site, which was done in violation of the terms to which participants agreed upon registering to participate in the pilot study.
We are very sorry for the inconvenience, but for this reason, we have deactivated your subscription, as well as all other subscriptions resulting from the unauthorized publication of the TechNet Plus Pilot Study program registration link on a public blog. Again, we apologize for any inconvenience.
Kind regards,
The Intrepid Consultants Team
If you are interested in a TechNet Plus subscription, please follow the link to purchase: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/renew.aspx
This e-mail and all files transmitted within are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. Please do not reproduce, print or forward any material received unless granted express permission by the sender. Thank you, Intrepid Consultants, Inc.
The research and communications administered by Intrepid Consultants, Inc is conducted according to the highest standards of the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Your information will not be shared with any third party for any reason.
Microsoft is committed to protecting your privacy and has commissioned Intrepid and its partners (click here to read Intrepid's privacy statement) to oversee the Survey and collect survey responses and communicate with interested respondents and individuals. Should you wish to no longer receive e-mails from Intrepid Consultants, please send an e-mail to technetpilot@thinkintrepid.com with the word "remove" in the subject line.
Please notify us if you are receiving this message in error at ITAdvisoryCouncil@thinkintrepid.com and delete all contents of this email.
Review Microsoft’s Privacy Statement here.
For information, please call 1-866-625-1409
Intrepid Consultants, Inc
124 NW Canal St, 2nd Fl
Seattle WA 98107
Rydawg5143
Supreme [H]ardness
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- Apr 22, 2008
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fbi coming 4 ur anus
D
Deleted member 12106
Guest
I got that email today.
spacetrader
2[H]4U
- Joined
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- 2,681
sounds like nobody really screwed up, it was somebody trying to distribute something illegally. i wonder if microsoft tracked that person down... and now suddenly missing?
D
Deleted member 12106
Guest
sounds like nobody really screwed up, it was somebody trying to distribute something illegally. i wonder if microsoft tracked that person down... and now suddenly missing?
Doubtful.
I also doubt that MS is going to wait for people to activate the products, then, unleash the hounds.
If they do anything, I think they will re-vamp the links for "free" technet subscriptions in the future, and, may blacklist the keys from this episode.
I'm just wondering if they are going to blacklist the keys or not.
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2006
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- 6,408
Got the email
LurkerLito
2[H]4U
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Hmm no email yet for me. I hope I get it. It looks like you might be able to get the upgrade price and I might just have to buy a subscription if that's the case + that coupon mention earlier that expires at the end of the month .
Edit: Got the email this morning. Too bad it doesn't let me just renew, I'd have to buy a new full sub so no extra discount. I might still do it as it is very useful for me.
Edit 2: Another coupon I read about from Ars:
.Edit: Got the email this morning. Too bad it doesn't let me just renew, I'd have to buy a new full sub so no extra discount
. I might still do it as it is very useful for me.Edit 2: Another coupon I read about from Ars:
Last edited:
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2003
- Messages
- 5,141
Well check my thread here:
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1428521
It comes out as $297.............not $249
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1428521
It comes out as $297.............not $249
stainremover
2[H]4U
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2008
- Messages
- 2,840
i love how they've deactivated my technet subscription, but i still get the damn technet emails. way to rub it in my face, microsoft. see if i ever buy another copy of vista!
unfortunately i plan on getting the windows 7 upgrade for $50 this weekend at bestbuy. gogo huge companies
unfortunately i plan on getting the windows 7 upgrade for $50 this weekend at bestbuy. gogo huge companies
unfortunately i plan on getting the windows 7 upgrade for $50 this weekend at bestbuy. gogo huge companies
What Best Buy do you go to that has Windows 7, and can you get me one?
stainremover
2[H]4U
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2008
- Messages
- 2,840
im not going to post any links, but there is a current way to get MSDN 2 years for free
Right...
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2004
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- 4,953
im not going to post any links, but there is a current way to get MSDN 2 years for free
if you are reffering to the BizSpark program, its not that easy
