That was almost like my experience.
I've never bought software, I'm always using good freeware alternatives.
When I wanted to make an app, I've visited several different programming language sites. Various freewares, and many sharewares. I never even installed, but absorbed everything said on the official sites about each one.
Finally found PureBasic site, and really liked what I read. In-fact so much that I didn't continue looking for more options to compare with. My first download attempt of a programming language and trial. I knew that PB was a real catch so I bought it. That was my very first purchase of software goods.
Several years later, and now, and PureBasic is still my only purchase of a software goods. Look... I don't care who knows it, I'm poor. What I do is if I find a product I really like, I offer services exchanged for licenses. However, I usually do find good freeware alternatives anyways.
I also found it funny that Frederic is the name of another software developer that I've been aiding for many years.
... by the way, I never regret having paid money for PureBasic.
