Virus Scan for StoryO

_*_ The upgrade policy is not very clear.

What is the upgrade policy exactly (updates within same version, 12 months, etc.)?
Also, the Bits Fine Print states,
"Upgrades to future versions of the software will require additional payment. Installing a new version may overwrite the existing version and invalidate your license key."

Is this really true for a purchased legal license? The user by updating the software may or may not invalidate a legally purchased license?

I am confused, and would not seriously consider the software until this is cleared up.

Oct 3 2015 at 9:31am Copy Link

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Constantin Florea @_*_, It is possible for vendors to have a Paid Upgrades policy when selling their products. I have just contacted the vendor to clear the upgrades policy in this case.

BitsDuJour Admin - Oct 3 2015 at 10:19am Copy Link

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Constantin Florea @_*_, The vendor replied and confirmed there is a cost for an upgrade when they release a new version, but there are no new versions on the immediate horizon. Also, the upgrade price will always be a fraction of the cost paid to buy the original license.

BitsDuJour Admin - Oct 3 2015 at 11:15am Copy Link

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_*_ @Constantin Florea, thank you for the leg work. I just wonder what the policy is regarding updates for the software.

Are they for 12 months then paid?
Are they for minor versions only?

Just wondering what their policy is in this area.

Oct 3 2015 at 6:37pm Copy Link

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Jungle Software Any interative updates (different from upgrades) are provided for free.

Jungle Software - Oct 3 2015 at 7:09pm Copy Link

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_*_ Missed the sale. I am unsure what "interactive" means regarding updates. I think it means all minor updates are free within the same purchased version (i.e. 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, but not 4.0).

I would recommend two things for any future sales here.
1. Update all Fine Print so users have accurate information.
2. Be available during the sale itself to answer questions.

Oct 4 2015 at 5:06am Copy Link

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_*_ @Bits Staff...

The search cannot find StoryO as a "0" Zero was used in place of an O.

I believe it would be O rather than zero since the pitch line listed here is...

"Write More Effective Stories Using Organization" O for Organization, and a Zero.

Oct 4 2015 at 1:46pm Copy Link

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Constantin Florea @_*_, Thanks! I am clearing this out with the vendor.

BitsDuJour Admin - Oct 5 2015 at 1:43am Copy Link

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Joseph Dager A couple of questions.

Is there a 64bit version in the works?

When reviewing the other products is Story0 included in Gorilla6 Scheduling or the same features embedded?

Can the discount be used for Gorilla6 Scheduling the product, if it is?

Apr 6 2016 at 6:46am Copy Link

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Jungle Software Yes, StoryO is compatible with 64 bit CPUs. No, StoryO is not included with Gorilla 6. We do offer "bundle packs" on our website, but not with the BitsduJour discount.

Jungle Software - Apr 6 2016 at 10:57am Copy Link

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bvssunnydale The inability of the video to even use language explain why the user needs this software makes me hate the company and want to avoid their products entirely. Why are videos like this allowed? They only drive potential buyers (I was interested, at least) away by providing no explanation or description (a simple declarative sentence would be nice) and replacing it with elevator music. Ironically they're trying to sell software used to create/organize narratives. I don't like being negative but Bitsdujour often links to videos like this and I can't figure out what they're thinking. Jeeze..

Oct 1 2016 at 3:04pm Copy Link

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Shazza Hi - Is this a native Windows EXE (written in C++ or Delphi for example) or does it require the use of Java Runtime Libraries?

Sep 12 2018 at 2:57am Copy Link

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Jungle Software You do not need Java to run StoryO.

Jungle Software - Sep 12 2018 at 8:55am Copy Link

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bsr007 Hi, Do many people use StoryO software for academic writing (e.g. essays and reports)? The index card feature seems very useful.

Sep 12 2018 at 5:16pm Copy Link

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Jungle Software StoryO is designed to have multiple uses and one of them is for reports -- any kind of writing that can benefit from the use of an outline and index cards.

Jungle Software - Sep 12 2018 at 10:02pm Copy Link

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bsr007 Hi Jungle Software, Thank you very much for your response. One of the videos on your Website shows the Index Card module of the StoyO software. Can unlimited material be placed on the front and back of index cards, or does information flow from the front to the back of the card until full? Thanks for your help.

Sep 13 2018 at 2:38pm Copy Link

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Jungle Software The video shows StoryO 2, which should not be on there anymore, and I should notify Bits Du Jour to remove it, as StoryO 3 has been completely redesigned. But, yes, unlimited material can be placed on the front and back of the card. You can print reports that "look" like Index Cards (limited amount of room) or in a "report" format, that prints ALL the text entered.

Jungle Software - Sep 13 2018 at 2:43pm Copy Link

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Robert User When I saw your software listed coming up on BitsDuJour, I was interested, and generally purchase software similar to your offer. You want me to invest in your company. I am willing, as long as you are willing to invest in me and my company or my projects by showing that you are glad that I made a purchase from you.

I have purchased over 200 programs on BitsDuJour offers such as yours and other offerings. I am almost a sure bet for a sale of this type of software, but then I checked on the other details, your website, requirements, and the Fine print on BitsDuJour.

On your website, I looked through all the technical details of what the software does, and that part looks good. But when I looked at the business side of things, that is when it started falling apart. I discovered on the History page what could be the explanation. It starts out "We didn't set out to be a software company..." and that could be the root of the problem.

Like a lot of smart computer programmers, they can produce great software, but when it comes time to selling it, they fall way short. You might be much better off having a business manager handle the business side of things. Let that team work to make sales, find new customers, and make an effort to ensure they are appreciated. After all, you are asking them to invest in your future. I can assure you they will be, if you are willing to invest in them.

I looked for a Changelog but only found a statement that updates come out every few months, and upgrades come out every 18 months to 2 years of so. I hoped to see a Changelog to see what type of things caused a major version number jump. Is it time alone, end of a series of minor version numbers, or a major change in how the software works? A Changelog can help answer some of those questions, and often is necessary for me to present suggestions to corporations.

Before I completed my overview of everything, here are some things that instantly turned me off, in spite of what looks like great software.

For browsers on Windows OS, you list Internet Explorer 9 or higher must be installed on machine. No mention of Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, Brave, or many other alternatives. It is not clear if Internet Explorer must be installed to use as a browser or because of other features present when Internet Explorer 9 (or higher) is installed. Regardless, you are not going to make a lot of people very happy if you join forces with Microsoft in forcing users to have Internet Explorer. In the news this week is that Microsoft will suggest that Windows 10 users not install Firefox or Google Chrome. I am sure that made you happy, but for most of the rest of us, we see that a little differently.

The Fine Print states that "Upgrades to future versions of the software will require additional payment"

It does not state whether there will be a discount or not on the upgrade. Developers that do offer a discount will state that the upgrade is discounted by a specific percent. Without that part of the statement, we can only take it that there is no discount at all. No discount offered to your previous customers that invested in your company can affect whether there will be an initial purchase decision. On your website, you do state that there is a discount for upgrades, so are BitsDuJour purchasers excluded from this discount? And how much of a discount are we taking about anyway?

If in the future, if I wish to upgrade, I hoped that at least I could look forward to another BitsDuJour offer, but you also state in the Fine Print:
"This promotion cannot be used to upgrade or extend an existing license"

You already do not offer a discount for upgrades, and now you are not willing to give any incentive for users to update their software through BitsDuJour. I can assure you that BitsDuJour users are as loyal as it gets, and they love knowing their previous purchases were appreciated.

Of all the offers on BitsDuJour, most do not have an entry regarding whether the purchase can be used to upgrade a previous version. Of those that do, only 17% use this statement. Don't you like BitsDuJour and the many users that could invest their dollars into your future?

So basically, you have no respect for your previous customers at all so far. When I come to you in the future, and tell you I am a previous customer, you are saying, "So what? You start at the bottom again."

Your operating system requirements are Windows 10 or Windows 8/8.1, nothing less.

I am somewhat surprised (but after studying your offer, not so surprised) to see that Windows 7 is not listed as a supported Operating System in light of the numbers still using that operating system. Many of those Windows 7 users reject totally the idea of Windows 8, leaving them only the option to migrate to Windows 10, which is even more concerning to many users due to the nature of how the Operating System forces control over the user, so much that some simply refuse to accept. Regardless, if it is privacy concerns, or simply that they feel something is being forced on them, many Windows 7 users will be holding on to their operating system for years to come.

You may say that Microsoft will not be offering Security Updates for Windows 7 beyond January 14, 2020, but that just got modified this week too with an announcement that Security Updates will be available, but users will have to pay. Of course, no one wants to pay, but on the other side, it also means that Windows 7 will now be around for way longer than was originally thought.

For corporate users, many are still on XP, and for those that feel like they were forced off of XP to Windows 7, are not so excited when they see software advertised that excludes even Windows 7. I know you may not be worried about corporate users as much, but it does make a good point on the negative connotations of excluding Windows 7.

Sure, if a person uses their computer for checking e-mail, doing a little browsing, and not much more, then they may not have as much to tie them to their Windows 7 operating system. For me and many others, I have lots of software that I cannot legally transfer to another computer, and I will certainly will not be replacing my Windows 7 with Windows 10 on the same computer. Even for software that can be re-installed on a different comp0uter, do you think I have any interest in doing that just to run your software? Sorry, but I do not.

One other major concern for many Windows 7 users is compatibility issues with their software running on Windows 10, but Microsoft says they are working on a solution to resolve that issue. What Microsoft cannot do is dictate to all the 3rd-party software companies to change their license terms to allow me to re-install the software, and even if they could, is your software that important for me to do so?

No! Because here is another concern. What happens a few years down the road when Windows 12 is out, and you would like to drop support for Windows 10? I cannot tell what you will do down the road, but you are setting a precedent already that shows you do not really care about my concerns of which operating system I prefer to use. Instead, you are making it worse. I cannot gamble on investing in your company when you care so little about mine.

With over 40 years in this business, I have seen a lot of software companies and products come and go, and it was never whether the software was any good or not. From what I see, I am more than worried about your business model. I hope you will adapt and keep your good product successful.

Sep 15 2018 at 3:03am Copy Link

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bvssunnydale Dear Robert User - Like you, I buy a lot of software and that's the most through forensic analysis of the 'business' side of software I've ever seen. You might be missing the forest (utility) for the trees (every possible use-case/eventuality) though. [The assumption-of-continuity is quaint, considering the political situation.] Frequently, if software does one or two things that I need - well - that justifies its price (particularly if it's not expensive). Everyone has different Goldilocks standards (because we all start from different places). Free trials are always good. The readiness is all (ask Hamlet). If this solves a users problem today then it's good. Free trail guys! I do think the market leader in this category is Scrivener but I could find no comparisons to Scrivener online so I'm hoping Jungle Software can provide a link or comparison info between Scrivener and StoryO. Thanks.

Sep 15 2018 at 8:19am Copy Link

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Jungle Software Jungle Software has ben in the software business for over 16 years and the principals in the company have been in the software business for over 30 years. If you have a question about our company or business model, please e-mail us.

In regards to Windows 7, we do not support that operating system anymore.

Any purchase of StoryO on Bits Du Jour will be eligible for upgrade pricing.

In regards to the second comment about Scrivener, we do not have a comparison page, but you are welcome to download a FREE TRIAL of our software and test it for 15 days.

Hope this answers your questions.

- The Jungle Software Team

Jungle Software - Sep 15 2018 at 8:45am Copy Link

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bvssunnydale Question for Jungle Software - Are there any videos available for THIS version (3) of StoryO? on your website or elsewhere?

Sep 15 2018 at 9:07am Copy Link

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Jungle Software We are working on videos for StoryO 3 and they should be up in a couple of weeks. We do have a free PDF guide that is downloaded with the software (and the free trial, plus it is available on our Training Videos page).

Jungle Software - Sep 15 2018 at 9:18am Copy Link

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No Name How does your licensing scheme work?

Sep 15 2018 at 10:24am Copy Link

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bvssunnydale I attempted to download the software several times before I realized that you guys would be emailing me a link to accomplish the download (you should indicate that and not just keep asking me to join the mailing list) and then, upon attempting install, Windows Defender said software not recognized. This shows very poor prep for BitsDuJour sale: no PDF readily available, no videos of current version, and not properly registered with Microsoft. It's a bit underwhelming as these are all things you can control before listing with BitsDuJour - so I'm passing for now. Thanks anyway.

Sep 15 2018 at 11:35am Copy Link

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Jungle Software With the purchase of StoryO you get 2 installs, either Mac or Windows.

Jungle Software - Sep 15 2018 at 11:46am Copy Link

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No Name But how is that managed? That's what I was asking.

Sep 15 2018 at 11:48am Copy Link

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Jerry S I already own the iOS version. Thank you for making this true bargain available on BDJ.

Jerry

Sep 15 2018 at 12:22pm Copy Link

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Jungle Software Authorizations can be managed from the software itself, or if the computer you have is stolen or damaged, you can contact us and we can manage your authorizations.

Jungle Software - Sep 15 2018 at 12:29pm Copy Link

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Robert User @bvssunnydale,

Thanks for commenting. I always value your comments. I recall you commenting about xxcopy once; you have to be one of the very few here that know about xxcopy. I still use it. You have saved me lots of time by being active here on BdJ. You very often think to ask about things I did not. I agree with your preference for user license over per computer license, and especially portable software. I too go through a lot of computer hardware, and as licensing becomes more restrictive, it makes it harder to keep loving a software program I feel in love at the start.

I also think I am the same way as you when purchasing software. If the software solves a problem that I have no other alternatives to resolve it with, then very often a simple software purchase can be money well spent, even when it may sound expensive to someone else. It depends on how much it will make my life easier, or how much time it will save me. That time is money, so if it can be solved with a software program that I use only one out of its 100 functions, it is still a great investment for me because it can save 100 times over my investment in a short time.

You use your computers to do work, as do I. I know you have stated that you are often upgrading hardware, and the same goes for me, so we might look at an offer differently than someone that will keep the same computer for several years. Some use their computer for e-mail and browsing the web, and might not even have any significant software installed. They will surely look at an offer quite a bit different from how we might. To us, a portable solution will be much more valuable than if we didn't change computers but every 5 years or so.

I often purchase software for a computer I am building or even one I haven't even started but plan to, so when the Fine Print states that I can install at any time, I am much more receptive to the offer, but I have found that some developers want to start the countdown for their one year of updates or upgrades or whatever they offer, from the date of purchase, and yet, other developers will start when the program is activated, and can even extend an already existing license. Same Fine Print wording, but big difference in the end. Lifetime upgrades are generally a great relief from these iffy restrictions.

When I look at an offer on BitsDuJour, I do take into consideration several aspects that many others might not. I am sure your comment may have rung a bell in other readers view that I missed the forest for the trees:

>"You might be missing the forest (utility) for the trees (every possible use-case/eventuality) though."

I didn't mean for it to look that way, but I admit that I didn't go into the software (utility) very much at all because my point was more to the offer on BitsDuJour than just the software itself.

As far as the software, I think it is unique in that its purpose is to fill a niche that no other single product or package of products from one company has provided. Whether it does that without issue and without frustration, I do not know. From what I hear, it does have flaws.

You mentioned wanting to see a comparison between Scrivener and StoryO. I agree with you that would be a nice read. Depending on who does the review (meaning their experience) I can think of a couple ways that review might turn out. If the reviewer has experience working on a book project, Scrivener might win out. If their experience has been in a film project, I very easily could see StoryO coming out on top.

I think that Scrivener is a great product, especially if your desire is to create a book, but if your goal is to create a film project, whether it be a short, a documentary, or a feature film, I think it would be foolish to not take a risk and invest in StoryO, even at the full price, and with no guarantee of any future upgrades, and even if you had to upgrade to the latest Microsoft OS on an ongoing basis. I think that even if you worked the story line in Scrivener, StoryO supposedly would be important for others parts of the project.

Many smaller film projects end up failing, and for many reasons. I get asked to invest in them but rarely can they show that there is a hint of guaranteed success. Instead, it is someone's grand idea that ends up never returning any investor's money. Way more total losses compared to successes, especially with first time attempts. For those under-budgeted failures, this software may seem too expensive given that they had to upgrade their operating systems, and possibly the hardware itself.

For those that are more financially secure, the $49 would likely be a drop in the bucket for what it could return in rewards for the project, and especially if you can start recognizing the advantages at the end of the first day or week. To get it today at half price, if the need exists, or maybe even a hint of the need, and in spite of all the grievances I had over the Fine Print, and not supporting Windows 7, I would still say this may be the one chance a user could get in at the best starting price. If the project turns out to be successful, this software price will be one of the smallest of the incidentals.

If you were talking to an experienced film producer/sponsor and said, "Oh by the way, I need $50 for a software program to get started," they likely would hand you a hundred dollar bill, and say, "if you need more, don't hesitate to ask."

I know all this sounds almost contradictory to what I first posted, but my point was from the BitsDuJour offer perspective. I think BitsDuJour is a great resource, partly because of what they find and offer, and partly because of the comments by others. If there are flaws in the software, very often it will show up in comments. If there are flaws in the offer, maybe less often, but they too could show up in the comments. I only wished that this BitsDuJour offer had looked as good as what the software appears to be.

From the view of the developer, BitsDuJour brings an already experienced software buying community. The developer gets more sales with less investment, and it is an opportunity to make lasting customer relationships. Most developers are willing to make extraordinary offers to BitsDuJour buyers just to reap in the sales.

We have seen offers with a 70% discount, 50% or more on upgrades (even lifetime), and few limitations on the Fine Print. But occasionally we see offers that sound good on the surface for the initial software purchase, but future ownership of that software license may make it one of the most expensive software packages you could make.

I look at the history of the software development (Changelog) to see how it progressed. We often we see offers that allow updates to the next full version number. This is a very common details clause. Some software developers will do constant development with many updates before the next major version number change, and that major release have something significant, further justifying their major version bump. Others will jump to the next full version almost immediately, and as a result, the buyer's free updates have come to an end. If there are no discounts for the upgrades, now they have to pay full price for an upgrade, so it is important how often that upgrade is likely to occur.

We end up taking a gamble on every purchase to some degree. In many cases, we have no idea what the developer will do down the road. It is only through knowing the ones that have had a great track record, appearing often enough with a great deal, great Fine Print, and a friendly interactions that we can feel any comfort that our money is being well spent.

There are all sorts of little hidden tricks that developers can take advantage of that most buyers will not notice.

Some developers think that if the 1st minor version number is a 9, then the next release must jump to the next major version number. There is no justification for this because the next number after 9 is 10, so a version of 2.10.1 is perfectly fine. Without a significant feature added, those that jump to 3.0.1 are attempting to end the free updates to force customers into paying for an upgrade. Users get no new major features but have to pay anyway, often with no significant noticeable improvements. Adding another foreign language is not a significant feature addition, but very often, this will be the only change from the previous version, yet it caused a major version number jump, and I have seen it happen on software that had free updates until the next major number, but no free upgrades. I see that far too often to think it was an oversight. Granted, if there is a significant feature added at the same time, jumping to the next major number is justified.

When I take the time to look over all of the variables, I can find that some software packages that looked great for the initial purchase are likely to be expensive as the user tries to keep using it down the road. If you ever make recommendations on software to others, that can a very important consideration. Your own reputation becomes at risk if you recommend something based on initial offer alone.

When I see companies offer products on BitsDuJour, I like to think they are here to make lasting business relationships. If their Fine Print starts to look restrictive, it can start to look like their interest was financial only, and their concern for the customer is low. At this point and time, when a company cannot even support Windows 7, and has no explanation, I really have to question their concern for the customer base.

I do look at the software and its value, but I also look beyond the software to see what the trees are hiding.

Keep up the good work (comments).

Sep 15 2018 at 7:30pm Copy Link

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Felix User Installed Trial version.
Click on StoryO 3 Shortcut => Error message:
"The code execution cannot proceed because
VCRUNTIME140.DLL was not found.
Reinstalling the program may fix this problem." (3 times)
Reinstalled but the same problem!

Sep 16 2018 at 7:58am Copy Link

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Felix User RESOLVED
Got VCRUNTIME140.DLL from https://www.dllme.com.
Copied to \StoryO 3.0.2\ and c:\windows\syswow64\

Sep 16 2018 at 8:59am Copy Link

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