Marine Aquarium 2.6 is here. - Page 2

Schnaaps · 02-22-2006, 01:26 PM

Hello All,

Just to clarify some to the people who purchased the products separately. ( jleslie would be an example in theory ) we will upgrade you at no cost. We have a script that auto-generates our keycodes for us and due to the number of permutations it is no practical to post everything here.

The basic rule of thumb is that if you have the funationality of MA 2 and MAT 2 you will get a free upgrade. In the past, Jim Sachs and Prolific have always been very generous with our upgrades, especially with our fans and beta testers. (Has there ever been a beta tester on any product that has not received keycodes?)

So, the plan is...
We are going to send out an email with keycodes during the next few days for people who we can verify via our database get an upgrade. Once this is done, I would say that 99% of the upgrade questions will be answered.

jleslie · 02-22-2006, 01:39 PM

Cool, thanks

feldon34 · 02-22-2006, 01:41 PM

Realize that what J'O and JR are talking about is owners of Marine Aquarium 2 and Marine Aquarium Time 2 wanting to upgrade to the combined Marine Aquarium 2.6 which contains both products.

I'm trying to find out if there will be any consolation for Marine Aquarium 2 owners who just want the 2 additional fish and not any of the business/office/branding features (I consider MAT to be an office/business product).

jleslie · 02-22-2006, 01:53 PM

Provided the 3D background is still provided for free I'm not too unhappy, there was no guarantee of free additional fish. However if the fish were intended as a "gee you've waited years, here's a little something for your patience" I do think they should have been free to existing users. (Or if not free there should have been 5+ fish and perhaps some more behaviours.) I get bundling MAT makes it more complicated (concept-wise, it actually simplifies Prolific's product range).

Here's hoping when the 3D arrives it'll blow us away so much we'll forget about anything else...

(Yes, I do get Prolific have been good to their customers, which is nice, in return I like to think we've been good to them too... in support, evangelism and patience.)

loub516 · 02-22-2006, 02:27 PM

My sincerest apologies to prolific. Upon checking my e-mail later in the day I was sent a key code. My bad.

jwdd · 02-22-2006, 02:51 PM

I received my keycode also. Thanks.

mvpatrick · 02-22-2006, 04:16 PM

So how does one find out whether they are entitled to a free upgrade? I have already paid for both MA2 and MAT2. Yet I have not received any keycodes for v2.6. I refuse to pay $9.95 for 2 new fish. Why must customers who purchase software continue to re-purchase it over and over again? Just wondering?

Jav400 · 02-22-2006, 04:37 PM

Prolific has a huge database of everyone who has purchased the products. It will take probably a few days to get all the emails sent, but if you are listed in them as a registered user, you should get one.

Socrates · 02-22-2006, 05:07 PM

Originally posted by feldon29:

I have to tell you, I am a bit disappointed that there is no upgrade path for people who have Marine Aquarium 2 and want the 2 new fish but not the clock. $9.95 is steep for 2 new fish.

This will be very interesting. Indeed, the 3D version is supposed to be free to existing users of Marine Aquarium .99D -> 2.0.

Going back to beta, I thought we were promissed many moons ago that we would get everything all the way to the 3d background as free updates. I wasn't expecting to pay anything more until the "creature packs" started.

Schnaaps · 02-22-2006, 05:36 PM

Lite tech stuff:
Due to the size of our dbase, and the computations we run when we issue keycodes, it takes a several hours to run all the updates on a server with no traffic and issue the codes. Our server is already loaded pretty hard during any update from version tracker traffic, the forum, etc... and is just takes time. We purposely balance our load to be sure that all the traffic coming in doesn't shut us down.

For those you were here when we went to version 1.0. it took over 28 hours of straight database connections to issue all the codes. Our server is much faster now, but we have more load and more customers...

Bottom line:
So, please be patient while our scripts run, and send out all the email. I will let you know when we are done.

jleslie in response to you statement...
we are very appreciative of our fans and you all are very good to us.

Wesjack2 · 02-22-2006, 05:51 PM

Originally posted by Jav400:

Prolific has a huge database of everyone who has purchased the products. It will take probably a few days to get all the emails sent, but if you are listed in them as a registered user, you should get one.

Nice to know. Thanks!

Personally, I don't think it's a big deal, if I get the fish I get them.
If not, I'm not going to do anything rash like delete the screensaver from my computer.

I'm perfectly happy with MA and over the years I've got my moneys worth and then some.

Vish · 02-22-2006, 06:27 PM

Can someone who already has this version post screenshot of JUST the two new fishes for our eye delight?

Thanks in advance.

Waiting patiently for the script to finish her/his/its job !!

JimO'Connor · 02-22-2006, 06:37 PM

They are both in the page header picture.

Jav400 · 02-22-2006, 07:31 PM

They are already on the web pages Morgan and I maintain located https://www.feldoncentral.com/Sachs/...ask=view&id=13

enigma63941 · 02-22-2006, 07:45 PM

I tend to lean towards the others on their concerns on the pricing for two fish. Maybe with a 3d background I might bite right away. I was about to upgrade, but I'll wait.

Falz · 02-22-2006, 08:01 PM

Um, Jim said updates would always be free. Including the 3D background.

Now I have to pay what I originally paid over again for 2 new fish?

I'll pass, thanks.

Falz · 02-22-2006, 08:05 PM

It's good that they are combining all the MA versions into one now, but to split them off in the first place was a bit of a greedy grab for money. Now to get the "combined" version, you have to pay AGAIN even if you bought all the previous versions! LOL... shrewed Jim, very shrewed. But I'll save my money this time.

enigma63941 · 02-22-2006, 08:09 PM

I think that's why the upgrade is so high. You have to buy the crystal version. It would have been nice to offer the upgrade at a lower price for those who don't care for the crystal version.

Jim Sachs · 02-22-2006, 08:39 PM

Falz - Hey, leave me out of it. I just make the aquarium. I have nothing to do with upgrades, pricing, splitting, combining, or any other business or marketing decisions.

jwdd · 02-22-2006, 08:52 PM

Originally posted by Falz:

It's good that they are combining all the MA versions into one now, but to split them off in the first place was a bit of a greedy grab for money. Now to get the "combined" version, you have to pay AGAIN even if you bought all the previous versions! LOL... shrewed Jim, very shrewed. But I'll save my money this time.

If you bought the previous versions of MA and MA Time you should be getting the upgrade for free. I got my keycode earlier today.

02-22-2006, 01:26 PM	#21
Schnaaps prolificus penguinus Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Prolific Posts: 204	Hello All, Just to clarify some to the people who purchased the products separately. ( jleslie would be an example in theory ) we will upgrade you at no cost. We have a script that auto-generates our keycodes for us and due to the number of permutations it is no practical to post everything here. The basic rule of thumb is that if you have the funationality of MA 2 and MAT 2 you will get a free upgrade. In the past, Jim Sachs and Prolific have always been very generous with our upgrades, especially with our fans and beta testers. (Has there ever been a beta tester on any product that has not received keycodes?) So, the plan is... We are going to send out an email with keycodes during the next few days for people who we can verify via our database get an upgrade. Once this is done, I would say that 99% of the upgrade questions will be answered. "Jim, no not THAT Jim but another of the same name" JamesRathbun.com

02-22-2006, 01:41 PM	#23
feldon34 Forum Administrator Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Rock Hill, SC Posts: 10,939	Realize that what J'O and JR are talking about is owners of Marine Aquarium 2 and Marine Aquarium Time 2 wanting to upgrade to the combined Marine Aquarium 2.6 which contains both products. I'm trying to find out if there will be any consolation for Marine Aquarium 2 owners who just want the 2 additional fish and not any of the business/office/branding features (I consider MAT to be an office/business product). "Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed. Everything else is public relations." - George Orwell "If voting changed anything, they'd make it illegal." - Emma Goldman

02-22-2006, 02:27 PM	#25
loub516 Registered Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Savannah, Ga. Posts: 421	My sincerest apologies to prolific. Upon checking my e-mail later in the day I was sent a key code. My bad. LB

02-22-2006, 04:37 PM	#28
Jav400 Administrator Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Tennessee Posts: 9,725	Prolific has a huge database of everyone who has purchased the products. It will take probably a few days to get all the emails sent, but if you are listed in them as a registered user, you should get one. Michael Administrator of Inside:SereneScreen Aquarium Forum, Chatroom, Fan Site & *Gallery* DVD Collection

02-22-2006, 05:07 PM	#29
Socrates Sage Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: West Hills, CA Posts: 1,529	Originally posted by feldon29: I have to tell you, I am a bit disappointed that there is no upgrade path for people who have Marine Aquarium 2 and want the 2 new fish but not the clock. $9.95 is steep for 2 new fish. This will be very interesting. Indeed, the 3D version is supposed to be free to existing users of Marine Aquarium .99D -> 2.0. Going back to beta, I thought we were promissed many moons ago that we would get everything all the way to the 3d background as free updates. I wasn't expecting to pay anything more until the "creature packs" started. Bat rays? We don't need no stinking bat rays!

02-22-2006, 01:39 PM	#22
jleslie Engineer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,279	Cool, thanks

02-22-2006, 01:53 PM	#24
jleslie Engineer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,279	Provided the 3D background is still provided for free I'm not too unhappy, there was no guarantee of free additional fish. However if the fish were intended as a "gee you've waited years, here's a little something for your patience" I do think they should have been free to existing users. (Or if not free there should have been 5+ fish and perhaps some more behaviours.) I get bundling MAT makes it more complicated (concept-wise, it actually simplifies Prolific's product range). Here's hoping when the 3D arrives it'll blow us away so much we'll forget about anything else... (Yes, I do get Prolific have been good to their customers, which is nice, in return I like to think we've been good to them too... in support, evangelism and patience.)

02-22-2006, 02:51 PM	#26
jwdd Registered Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 133	I received my keycode also. Thanks.

02-22-2006, 04:16 PM	#27
mvpatrick Registered Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 2	So how does one find out whether they are entitled to a free upgrade? I have already paid for both MA2 and MAT2. Yet I have not received any keycodes for v2.6. I refuse to pay $9.95 for 2 new fish. Why must customers who purchase software continue to re-purchase it over and over again? Just wondering?

02-22-2006, 05:36 PM	#30
Schnaaps prolificus penguinus Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Prolific Posts: 204	Lite tech stuff: Due to the size of our dbase, and the computations we run when we issue keycodes, it takes a several hours to run all the updates on a server with no traffic and issue the codes. Our server is already loaded pretty hard during any update from version tracker traffic, the forum, etc... and is just takes time. We purposely balance our load to be sure that all the traffic coming in doesn't shut us down. For those you were here when we went to version 1.0. it took over 28 hours of straight database connections to issue all the codes. Our server is much faster now, but we have more load and more customers... Bottom line: So, please be patient while our scripts run, and send out all the email. I will let you know when we are done. jleslie in response to you statement... we are very appreciative of our fans and you all are very good to us. "Jim, no not THAT Jim but another of the same name" JamesRathbun.com

02-22-2006, 05:51 PM	#31
Wesjack2 Registered Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Port Chester , New York Posts: 15	Originally posted by Jav400: Prolific has a huge database of everyone who has purchased the products. It will take probably a few days to get all the emails sent, but if you are listed in them as a registered user, you should get one. Nice to know. Thanks! Personally, I don't think it's a big deal, if I get the fish I get them. If not, I'm not going to do anything rash like delete the screensaver from my computer. I'm perfectly happy with MA and over the years I've got my moneys worth and then some. -- Jack Long periods of drought are always followed by rain !!

02-22-2006, 06:27 PM	#32
Vish Registered Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: California Posts: 103	Can someone who already has this version post screenshot of JUST the two new fishes for our eye delight? Thanks in advance. Waiting patiently for the script to finish her/his/its job !! --Vish

02-22-2006, 06:37 PM	#33
JimO'Connor Mac Development Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Kenai, Alaska Posts: 678	They are both in the page header picture. Jim O'Connor Order N Development

02-22-2006, 07:31 PM	#34
Jav400 Administrator Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Tennessee Posts: 9,725	They are already on the web pages Morgan and I maintain located https://www.feldoncentral.com/Sachs/...ask=view&id=13 Michael Administrator of Inside:SereneScreen Aquarium Forum, Chatroom, Fan Site & *Gallery* DVD Collection

02-22-2006, 07:45 PM	#35
enigma63941 Registered Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 247	I tend to lean towards the others on their concerns on the pricing for two fish. Maybe with a 3d background I might bite right away. I was about to upgrade, but I'll wait.

02-22-2006, 08:01 PM	#36
Falz Registered Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 118	Um, Jim said updates would always be free. Including the 3D background. Now I have to pay what I originally paid over again for 2 new fish? I'll pass, thanks.

02-22-2006, 08:05 PM	#37
Falz Registered Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 118	It's good that they are combining all the MA versions into one now, but to split them off in the first place was a bit of a greedy grab for money. Now to get the "combined" version, you have to pay AGAIN even if you bought all the previous versions! LOL... shrewed Jim, very shrewed. But I'll save my money this time.

02-22-2006, 08:09 PM	#38
enigma63941 Registered Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 247	I think that's why the upgrade is so high. You have to buy the crystal version. It would have been nice to offer the upgrade at a lower price for those who don't care for the crystal version.

02-22-2006, 08:39 PM	#39
Jim Sachs Developer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 9,787	Falz - Hey, leave me out of it. I just make the aquarium. I have nothing to do with upgrades, pricing, splitting, combining, or any other business or marketing decisions. Jim Sachs Creator of SereneScreen Aquarium

02-22-2006, 08:52 PM	#40
jwdd Registered Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 133	Originally posted by Falz: It's good that they are combining all the MA versions into one now, but to split them off in the first place was a bit of a greedy grab for money. Now to get the "combined" version, you have to pay AGAIN even if you bought all the previous versions! LOL... shrewed Jim, very shrewed. But I'll save my money this time. If you bought the previous versions of MA and MA Time you should be getting the upgrade for free. I got my keycode earlier today.