I used to use cracked software. I was involved in the music industry and had received NFR copies of software at tradeshows, and I felt entitled to free software.  I regret this, and think about the loss of income for the people who worked so hard to create the software.

I now refuse to use any cracked software. The best way to keep people from using cracks is to turn them into happy customers. Group buys are a great way to do this, as are some of the crazy deals that have appeared in the past year – Fabfilter bundle for $99, Fabfilter 1 for $5, PSP Nitro for $10, AAS Ultra Analog for $15.  Not surprisingly, I jumped on all of those deals.

Once someone is a customer, they should receive excellent customer support – after which a good person is not likely to use a crack as that would harm a company they have good feelings about. Customers should also receive added value – I like it when companies provide in-depth tutorials, free add-ons (like preset banks) and most of all, discounts on future purchases.

In reality, when I used cracks I had so many that I never really learned what I had. Now I am limited and learning synthesis on Fabfilter Twin & Ultra Analogy. This in-depth usage of what I own also makes cracks much less appealing – not only do I not have time for 50 different softsynths, but I appreciate what I have much more as I learn what it can do.  Plus I've got a shopping list of synths to buy.

Ideally, companies should strive to acquire customers and treat them very well. No one is likely to screw over a company that they feel really, really good about.

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