Ethical Question

[Piero]

I had bought the previous version of "app X", but it is not working on my new OS.
I needed it to make tests, and I would have bought an upgrade without problems.
It was discontinued, so there was no f*kin way to buy it!
The (unpaid) new version had recurring nag dialogs every x minutes, with the app stopping for x seconds, but I needed it to "stay alive" for my tests.
I "cracked" it making it fully functional in like 20 minutes…
Is that wrong in your opinion?

PS: It's a very long time I don't use a pirated app, but the ones I used and found well done, I ALWAYS bought (the others always went to the trash )

[jacdelad]

If it's discontinued, no can buy it anyway. So, who could be harmed?

[Kurzer]

Wait a minute, you're saying there's a new version of “app X”? The old version doesn't run on your new OS, but this old version has been discontinued and can't be upgraded. Is that correct?

So who is producing the (unpaid) new version of “app X”? It must be another company that is continuing to develop the product or the old company has launched a new version as a completely new product.

If you have “freed” this new version from the nag screens, then in my opinion this step should be carefully reconsidered, because it seems to be a new product in any case.

[Piero]

It was recently discontinued, and I saw that some ppl are begging for a valid license for the new version, like me…
I hope the creator will "make it freeware"…

[Piero]

So who is producing the (unpaid) new version of “app X”?

You can still download it (the new version) but it was recently discontinued (you cannot buy it).
So many ppl (like me) thought: "oooh, I would need app X for this", and needed the newest version, but it was discontinued.

[Axolotl]

I understand that the software will no longer be available for purchase but will continue to be offered as “free software with annoying interruptions”, or something like that.

So, from my point of view, it is not decisive whether you pay for a program or can download it for free. In legal terms, it depends on the license provided. This specifies what you are and are not allowed to do. Even with open source software, changes must (as a rule) be made in accordance with the license provided.
On the (completely) other hand, it is of course a reality that if you only use the modified version for yourself and don't tell anyone else......
Who would be interested in that?
Yes, maybe you, because you're having pangs of conscience now?

[Piero]

you're having pangs of conscience now?

I'm a nice, altruist guy (except when I see a pineapple pizza) and because of it I would be tempted to share the crack, but I will not…
If the author will make it free, I will tell you more…

[SPH]

I had bought the previous version of "app X", but it is not working on my new OS.
I needed it to make tests, and I would have bought an upgrade without problems.
It was discontinued, so there was no f*kin way to buy it!
The (unpaid) new version had recurring nag dialogs every x minutes, with the app stopping for x seconds, but I needed it to "stay alive" for my tests.
I "cracked" it making it fully functional in like 20 minutes…
Is that wrong in your opinion?

PS: It's a very long time I don't use a pirated app, but the ones I used and found well done, I ALWAYS bought (the others always went to the trash )

What does your "application X" software do?
There may be a freeware equivalent!

[BarryG]

I "cracked" it making it fully functional in like 20 minutes

Nothing ethically wrong with modifying what you paid for. Just don't share it, or tell others how to crack it. It's your own journey.

[Piero]

Good news! I found the author email, and got a "free upgrade"

What does your "application X" software do?
There may be a freeware equivalent!

After saying I "made it fully functional", I prefer not to tell what it is… but let's say it helps a LOT with a certain communication protocol…
It would have taken too much work/time to make something even just similar using "free tools" (it's so versatile…) and I needed the new version to make tests on my newest Mac…

…End of the short CrHacking tale