I know there are much bigger problems that I could be facing in life but the last few days of wrestling with a software program, Flash Design, has thrown up one brick wall after the other leaving me wanting to punch something! It took me two weeks to research and test software before picking this one and to have it end up a fiasco is super frustrating. I finally decided the program probably isn't working correctly on my 64 bit system because the last straw was that it wouldn't save an animated gif file that took me a whole day and night to build and rebuild due to unexpected and undocumented program limitations. This is in spite of the fact that their documentation says it will work on my system. But how can I know for sure when my last resort was to re-download the program making sure it went into the 86X folder just to enter my registration key and have it tell me it isn't valid. (What? It worked the first time!)
I called Tiger Direct, where I bought the software download just two days ago, to get the run around and a number to the software company which I called to hear a monotone "Leave Your Number" message. So I did! Twice! Then I called Tiger Direct back and was told they could send it to their tech people who will get back to me within 48 hours. (48 HOURS??????) Instead of prolonging my misery, I decided to ask what their order cancellation policies were on software downloads because I really feel it is about the system and in that case, re-issuing me a new key won't solve the save file issue that I tested again in the demo mode that the 2nd download allowed me to install. I got the same 48 hour promise so I went with that and I'm not holding my breath until I get the email saying I am issued a refund.
By then I'm saying screw it, I'm calling my credit card company to remove the charge and there I got a "Sorry we are closed please call back during normal operating hours." without being given the normal operating hours that I can call back during! ARG!!!!!!!!!
So absolutely yes there are times when (K) Keep trying no matter how hard it seems doesn't apply, and then it is time to (C) consider things from every angle to figure out what is needed to be done to (M) Make it happen! I have flash files to make - I have to buy a different program and hope for a better result! That is my only choice, while waiting to see if I get a refund in 48 hours or what my credit card company will say.
LESSONS LEARNED:
1.- I won't buy a download from Tiger Direct again and probably not from any other source that sells downloads they don't represent. From here forward even if it costs more I'm going through the Software company for downloads. That will eliminate half of any potential customer service dilemma that might arise.
2.-If something doesn't work in a trial and I don't see documentation to say it is restricted in the demo version, I will assume that it won't work with the registered version either. Many software companies restrict functions but most that are serious about customer satisfaction mention it in their download area or install pop ups when a user attempts a function that is restricted in trial. But many don't bother. The save file issue is one I've ran into before on tests so it didn't seem like a probable concern during my first testing phase before purchasing. In this case I was wrong to assume that. So if it doesn't work in a try out and there are no warnings about it, then either it isn't going to work on a purchased copy or they don't care about customer satisfaction and either way the consumer will suffer for it.
3.- Documentation and Support of any software program is an integral part of what is being purchased. I am going to call software support or use their email system to test responsiveness before I buy any complex program in the future. No matter how much I may like the features of a program, without support it may turn into a nightmare.
4.- Customer Service has become somewhat of a joke in general anymore. It is so rare to find responsiveness that is satisfactory anywhere. I hope I never become the kind of person who would allow my customer service of any business I might engage in to ever fall to the depths that we have come to think of as business as usual. What has happened to pride in service or the desire to have happy customers? It seems to be a thing of the past.
Now I just have to find something to punch without hurting myself until I re-start the whole process of finding a Flash & Gif animator that I like and that will work! Maybe a pillow? Grrr! The one thing I know for sure is that by the end of this day I'll be refocused on (Z) Zero in on your target and go for it!
Good luck!! I hope you find something soon. And I hope you get your money back!