Big FF3 Trial Version Launch

Paul Squires · November 06, 2009, 02:57:13 PM

Hi Everyone,

I would like to ask for your help. The countdown is on to release the FF3 Trial Version for download this Sunday. When I do that, I will be making a post in the PowerBASIC forums to announce it.

I really want the trial version launch to be successful so if you notice a post in the PB forums regarding the trial then please feel free to post an answer to it (using your honest, unbiased, opinions of course).

Naturally, people expect that I will respond to the posts but I imagine that answers will carry more weight coming from exisiting users of the product. I am proud of FF3 but I don't want to come off as too aggressive or trying to overhype FF3 during the launch.

I expect there will be three main issues reported regarding the trial version:

(1) Compiled EXE's are limited to 5 minutes of run time execution. This is compiled into the code generated files for the application. As such, the code generation is immediately deleted for the trial version so as to prevent the user from removing this limitation. The idea is to give the user the ability to evaluate FF3 and to be able to create meaningful applications (that is why I never put any limit on the number of forms or controls that could be created). If someone has an application that runs for more than 5 minutes then they should realize that they have a need to buy the registered version.

(2) Access to this forum, tutorials, screencasts, training, videos, etc... are only accessible as a "members only" user. Some people may want to see how active the forums are or what material is available. You are certainly free to voice your opinion on the benefits of this private members area. By the way, having everything accessible only to registered FF3 users certainly makes me feel better - In the previous forum I imagine that we were all providing support to some people who were using illegal versions of FF2. That really bugged me for a long time.

(3) Lack of access to the new custom controls such as FireLines, FireImage, FireTextBox, etc... Probably not a deal breaker but some people may have concerns that they can not "fully test" the product with those controls missing.

That's it. Hopefully it will all proceed smoothly.

Haakon Birkeland · November 06, 2009, 03:44:20 PM

We got your back Paul!

Rolf Brandt · November 06, 2009, 06:43:30 PM

I think FF3 is certainly worth to be supported by its users!

Rolf

Paul Squires · November 08, 2009, 08:51:16 AM

The trial version was just uploaded. My fingers are crossed that everything works as it should when people download and install it.

Rolf Brandt · November 08, 2009, 08:55:04 AM

If things work as well as with the full version then there really should not be any problem. I wish you a lot of success with it. I really learned to appreciate the FF3 during the last couple of days.

Rolf

Haakon Birkeland · November 08, 2009, 09:07:51 AM

We're now at version 3.02 which is 3.02 MB (meg) according to the (trial) download page ... 8o)

Paul Squires · November 08, 2009, 09:09:09 AM

Kind of a freaky coincidence! I didn't do that on purpose, I swear!

Haakon Birkeland · November 08, 2009, 09:48:15 AM

Right ...

I bet when version 6 is landed, the whole christian community will eventually get upset. 8o)

Paul Squires · November 09, 2009, 02:26:19 PM

I am about to pour out my heart and soul in the PowerBASIC forums with the big FireFly3 announcement. It should be there in the next few minutes...

Edit: Here is the link: http://www.powerbasic.com/support/pbforums/showthread.php?t=41926

Haakon Birkeland · November 09, 2009, 03:10:08 PM

Got it. Loved your approach!

David Warner · November 09, 2009, 04:36:01 PM

Quotethe big FireFly3 announcement

Good luck Paul! Hopefully this will prompt many well deserved sales to roll in.

Cheers,

David

Rolf Brandt · November 10, 2009, 03:33:00 AM

Hey, where is your help Paul asked for?

QuoteI really want the trial version launch to be successful so if you notice a post in the PB forums regarding the trial then please feel free to post an answer to it (using your honest, unbiased, opinions of course).

You'll find Paul's announcement of FireFly 3 here:
http://www.powerbasic.com/support/pbforums/showthread.php?t=41926

Rolf

Haakon Birkeland · November 10, 2009, 03:55:43 AM

I'm saving myself for fighting off any (we all know they will come) ezAttacksâ,,¢ on FF.

Haakon Birkeland · November 10, 2009, 04:06:40 AM

BTW; Anyone having some experience with the competition â€" more than just "messing about and checking it out"?

I was thinking we could help Paul a little to gather a "list" of FF's strong(est) features compared to the competition. Not knowing so much about the other designers, there might be some specific treats in FF that would make the whole difference for choosing FF over any other alternative.

That's how things normally works or me. Some things/features I fall in love with and others are complete showstoppers. As for Phoenix for instance, I found it quite visually messy and unappealing when I checked it out a few years a go â€" thus I never bothered with it.

Besides the excellent service we're provided by Paul in the forums and his willingness to adapt to our needs and desires, we all probably have at least one part of FF that we love above all ...

Rolf Brandt · November 10, 2009, 04:11:50 AM

Right your are - especially Paul's forum support is one big reason for FireFly!