Need some advice guys...

Awhile ago I developed a program that would be benefiticial to the millions of people that send each other images over the internet and were afraid that they would get in the wrong hands (regardless of if they were scandelous pictures of them or just laying by the beach).

A quick description of the software:
"Want to send pictures to people online? Want ONLY the person you send it to actually be the ONLY person who sees it? Worried that your pictures and images are going to be uploaded online or given out to people who you didnt want to see them?

NetPix Trader is the full package for sending and receiving locked images. "

Now heres the problem...
I do not want to sell the product as I do not want to be responsible for any cracks made, stability problems, technical support, etc. as I have enough on my plate as it is.

So the question is, should I offer it as freeware and simply require the user to enter a valid email before they download? Atleast build a email collection from the software.
Put ads in the software?

Recommendations appreciated here.

Thanks.

Alex

Originally posted by Sirrus
So the question is, should I offer it as freeware and simply require the user to enter a valid email before they download? Atleast build a email collection from the software.
Put ads in the software?

Recommendations appreciated here.

Alex

The problem with giving away the software and collecting these email addresses is that the users of this software may not be the same as your target market for games. So you may want to ask yourself if it's worth promting your company/games with possibly little or no return? Of course I may be wrong and the majority of potential downloaders are your target market, but instinct tells me they arent.

One other thing you may want to consider is the effect this product could have on you and your comanies reputation/image. For example, someone may use the product to send NASTY pictures and for some other reason the police arrest the individual. The police forensically analyse there computer and in court your software is mentioned as the facilitator for distributing NASTY images...not good. Maybe it's not a realistic scenario, but a paranoid and pessimistic view. However, you ought to consider the bigger picture and possible ramifications.


Hope this helps in some way.

Alfie

Right this is a concern as well....

Any other thoughts for pros?

Alex