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. 

[Amanda Leigh]

So you did not use their software at depo.  You used a Stenoram III (lost over a 300-page depo one time when I borrowed a friend's--forgot I couldn't turn the damned thing off, pffft!!) -- anyway, you wrote the job to your SRIII and when you got home, you contacted them to upgrade because there is no sense in buying until you have a dep (gotcha).  Everything seemed to be as it should be: you contacted (although your timing may have been off a bit if you downloaded 20 pages to your DigitalCAT student version--dunno), you were asked to call X, you called X, you got what you thought was the professional version activation code but it was the student code instead (basically a code like you already had--maybe there was miscommunication there), you called them back, they said to go to website and type code there.  What was their response when you asked them if they needed your credit card number?  Sounds like you may have downloaded the 20 pages before you contacted them--did you download it to some place other than your student version?

I understand wanting to get the student version to build dictionary and to just work with a CAT system when a student--makes sense and generous program (I am an Eclipse user, BTW).  I would think there would be some limitations to the student software, however, as to how many pages until it stopped translating (like 15 or so).  If it has the same capabilities as the professional version, seems like they would want to address that, IMO.

[Tami]

Mary Jo, I switched to Eclipse after a few decades on Procat.  My only regret was not doing it sooner.  I love Eclipse software. 

[Mary Jo Cochran]

They said they didn't need a credit card number, I would get the 90 day trial, and when I was close to my time to call them.

[Amanda Leigh]

Another nice feature: the 90-day trial.

So I take it you downloaded the 20 into the program after you got the professional code over the phone, but it was still the student version and you gave 'em another ringy-dingy and found out you had to go to their website to complete the process (where did you first type in the activation code?).  Anyway, if they can simply look at your activity to see if you have been using the student version in an inappropriate manner, other than this 20 pages from Wednesday that was inadvertently downloaded to student, then no need for jumping to conclusions--there's conclusive evidence.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

We all know how young cocky kids are.  My guess is the young cocky kid working in the office jumped to conclusions.

But that phone call yesterday was attacking and ugly.

[Amanda Leigh]

And that is odd, to be hostile if they have a way to verify misconduct.

Hopefully this gets worked out, although I must say that I have never had any complaint with Eclipse's customer service.  I'm sure a lot of people feel the same about Case--and a lot of people feel the same about DigitalCAT. ;)

[Tami]

I remember it vividly.  Ugly!

[Janiece Young]

I would ask to speak to his supervisor.  If you did nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear and they probably should give you a discount if you decide to purchase their software.

[Mary Ann Payonk]

Interesting developments.  I'll only chime in to say I don't think it's easy at all to switch CAT softwares.  I tried it and gave it a fair shot, then came back to my original software for a number of reasons.  Hope you can work it out with the guy, truly.

M.A.

[Tami]

The switch hasn't been easy on me, but since you're just starting out your career, Mary Jo Cochran, I suggest you do it now.   I actually had two of those ugly calls from that same guy, and after your description I'm 99% sure we are talking about the same person, VP (owner's son).  No customer deserves to be talked like that -- ever.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

Last Saturday I sent them a two page letter outlining when I became a reporter, there was no realtime, came back four years ago and learned realtime through their software - and outlining his behavior.  I emailed it and mailed it.  I have not heard from them.

 

I contacted JM Steno, and he told me to be sure whatever software I got to make sure it works with the Stenoram II first.  I called Acculaw, spoke a good few minutes.  They told me they can set me up with Stenocat32, with a laptop (an old laptop) for $1,200.00.  There is another reporter I am working with who has a Stenoram II and is using Premier Power.  I am going to wait until I get an ID badge (and am sure I am staying) before I spend the money. 

 

I can't imagine any company saying "I don't deal with people like you.  I don't want your business.  I don't want to even speak to you." 

 

I also qualify for Georgia certification.  My old RPR qualified me.  I am not going to contact DigitalCat.  If I don't hear from them then I will get Acculaw's help.

[Janiece Young]

Mary Jo,

I would advise you to get something current.  You mention you know someone using Premier Power.  I would not invest any money in anything that old b/c you can't get support.  It won't work on current computers.  

There are lots of good software companies out there.

Good luck to you Mary Jo.  

Janiece