Beware of violating software user agreements

[Mary Jo Cochran]

I have been using DigitalCat student for three years, learning and building my speed.  All this time I was doing substitute teaching.

 

I was offered work on Wednesday (in the afternoon).  I called Stenovations to update to professional.  Apparently i called Thursday.  I said in an email that I called them Wednesday.  They said I violated their user agreement by using their software in a professional work.  The phone call didn't go well and he thinks I am intentionally lying and intentionally violating their user agreement.  They won't want me as a customer. 

[Tami]

I agree with Janiece.

[Kerry F]

Mary Jo,

All I can say is this company's professionalism and staff have a lot to learn and I would never do business with them again.

I used to have a Lightspeed.  Had more than enough unpleasant dealings with them.  And I don't think it would do you

any good even if you could talk to the owner. 

From what you described, I see nothing wrong with how you used their software.  You paid for it.

[Tami]

So at least three of us with the same bad experience.  Might be cheaper for them to get family out of the front office.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

I didn't pay for it.  It was free!!!!  I called them, asked for it, and they gave it to me.  There was a time it was $20.00.  Then they started giving it for free.  The purpose was you would try it and then when you were ready you would pay for their professional.  I didn't deceive them.

 

I am also thinking about the Stenocat for $600 a year.  I could be working another ten years (I am 54 now), and it's unlikely any old software or laptop will last another ten years. 

 

DigitalCat would be a good deal - but their business professionalism sucks.  Too bad Globalcat isn't available.  It was $1,300.00.

[Kerry F]

Well, then if it was free, you really didn't loose the investment.  I'd look into making the investment for

Eclipse or Case Catalyst if you're going to be reporting for ten years yet.

It's not THAT hard to learn a new system. I went from Xscribe to Maestro to Catalyst long ago.  I just don't think the learning curve is that hard.

[Deborah M.]

I agree.  Sometimes you need to spend money to make money.  I would get Eclipse or Case Catalyst.  You can get a good laptop for $600 and buy the Eclipse (my choice) or CC from someone used or get it new.  I have switched software no fewer than six times.  The first month is a bear, but then you forget the old one after that.  Invest in your future!  No point in buying something without support, or that won't last you.

[Tami]

Amen, Deborah!

[Reyes Hunter]

Commenting on this discussion a little late. But I used Xscribe for years.  I learned a lot about unhelpful tech suppport and making something work by myself with Xscribe. I took a break from reporting, and have now returned. I bought Case Catalyst and a Diamante when I returned. It is an investment. I'm nearly 50.  So I think I know what you mean about not having a whole career ahead of you.  I believe I've invested in whatever future lies ahead.  I want to put out the best possible product, and have the easiest and most enjoyable time doing it. I would switch to either Case Catalyst or Eclipse. Both companies have lots of happy customers.  And you can get help from lots of reporters too, when you're in a pinch.  Why not get a program with great customer service, that will last for the career length that you choose. If you're not going to report for 40 years, why fool around with something that you aren't really happy with?

[Mary Jo Cochran]

I keep thinking if I get junk (old Stenocat 32) I am going to feel disconnected and worthless.

[Amanda Leigh]

Then just go with Case or Eclipse--it's not that much money, and you want this to be exciting, right?  Sure.  Why not.  Cool, new, state-of-the-art software is worth it.  The first system I bought, back in 1990, was a demo 386 computer, an HP printer, Smartwriter, and OmniCAT.  Cost me over $23,000 (or was it $26,000?), more than my new Chevy truck.  I still have that Chevy, but Stenograph stopped selling OmniCAT a few months after I purchased (I at least got the update with the spell-checker that listed double Qs and As, so I could quit going through every single job checking Q, A, Q, A, Q, A).  This was back when Stenograph would buy competing software companies and ax 'em. 

Stenograph doesn't have the support that Eclipse has, but I would buy from them again--I wouldn't let that stop me.  I only went with Eclipse back in 1993 because, like OmniCAT, I could choose to set it to single-spacing on the computer screen (can't handle double-spacing!!).  Wonder if I can do that now with Case (not a feature in high demand, I would imagine).  I have been very happy with Eclipse, though--no horror stories with them, nothing "unfair."  I wish they'd ditch the keys, though--just too easy to lose one of those small USB keys.  If you go with any company that you have to have a software key, GET THE INSURANCE.

[Mary Ann Payonk]

Hi, Amanda.  Interesting why we go with or change to other software.  I left StenoCAT and went to Eclipse because I was doing realtime, and to make any edits at all required switching windows in StenoCAT.  What a waste of time!  Aggravating! Eclipse was then and is now always in one window, and that's a dream.  There's a nice Line Height adjustment where you can just increase the spacing depending on the editing font you like to use.  It's not limited to single, double, triple spacing, whatever.  Nice!  Interestingly, I just wrote them a note last night telling them that we've been promised and waiting for keyless for 2-3 years now and it's time to lose that freakin' key.

M.A.

[Amanda Leigh]

Yes, I remember that about StenoCAT--I looked at their software, too.  It was so not going to happen with changing from one window to another.  OmniCAT you could work in one window--and I mean "in" (think Stenograph's Premier Power, or was it Cim, made you make corrections in a popup or something at the bottom of the screen.  I didn't want to do that, either, after being able to have my cursor right on for my entire career--and, of course, the single-spacing was a sticking point).

I have never thought of using the line height adjustment, but I can see how it would come in handy.  I always go with a monospaced font so that it's WYSIWYG all the time--like Lucinda Console.  I have played around with different fonts, but haven't found one that's not monospaced I like.

Good--we have to keep on them about that.  It's just the coming thing--and it's here, really, now that Case is keyless.  If I were buying new again, it would definitely weigh against Advantage in my decision on which program to purchase--no key to lose/damage would be a biggie.