I would pay $25 not to have activation. I've had 3 problems with Stardock programs, the last time I just stopped using that program, the first two times I sent a email to Stardock and got them resolved but I didn't bother the next time as I seldom used that particular program. Makes one reluctant to update despite having a subscription. Photoshop CS2 will insist on reactivation over the slightest change (on my system anyway). And I agree with the comment about what if the company disappears or is bought out. It has happened. Regardless of whether it works seamlessly or not, it just irks me. If WB had activation when I first looked at it, I probably wouldn't have bought it. But now I am so used to it and hate using a machine without it, I guess I'll just have to put up with it.

Software activation don't seem a lot different to electonic banking to me....you stick your (digitally signed to you) card in the slot to get money out, but still you've got to key in your pin number to activate the card before it will let you proceed.....

Motor vehicles began with crank handles which were wound up to start them....they then progressed to starter buttons and eventually to ignition keys specific to each vehicle. So, in this day and age of rampant theft, we have to not only unlock our cars to get in, we have to put a key in the ignition to start it as well (a greater inconvenience than when cars first emerged) but I don't hear anyone complaining about having to mess with two locks to drive away their car/truck....that its harder to steal than the old T Model.

It's the natural progression of things to improve security features, and given that theft and piracy are of a great cost to the community (manufacturers and consumers alike), it's seen as in the common good to implement more sophisticated anti theft/piracy measures. There's no point in blaming the companies, they're trying to protect the businesses that ultimately serve you, the buying public. Alternatively, look to the thieves and pirates, but instead of just complaining, turning a blind eye and saying nothing, do something!!!!!

I had a neighbour who invited me in to see his computer setup, and when he bragged about having several cracked copies of various programs, including some from Stardock, I hit the roof and informed the authorities. Don't know exactly what they did to him, but he no longer has the programs or the internet....is back to running Windows 95 because even his copy of XP was pirated. If more people made it their business to report crimes such as these, then perhaps we'll see companies easing back on activation measures, etc.