Hello fellow writers. If I can be so bold as to distract you from your busy procrastination schedule to ask you for some feedback. I am getting 30,000 hits per month which makes me intensely happy. But I was curious and wanted to inquire why people are choosing the online version over the desktop edition. I’m intending to revise and update the look and feel of the online and desktop edition and I wanted to check with you to see how I could make both better.
Please take a second to respond to the poll and if there’s anything you’d like to add, please comment below.
Thanks!
Loading ...
I really want the desktop version but I haven’t gotten around to getting it :) Part of it is I have to ask my parents to use their paypal account. But I intend to get it sooner or later.
I don’t feel like spending $10 on something that, realistically, will only be used one month out of the year. Even as I’m writing this, I sound supremely lame and frugal, but I’m fine without the extra functionality.
Doing this online forces me to finish what I start and flips the “accountability” switch in my head, as if Big Brother is watching me. Also, I’m really, really, really poor.
I’m actually going to buy the desktop version, I just haven’t gotten around to it yet. I’m usually freakin broke, but today’s my birthday and people are opposed to giving me anything but cash (not complaining). As soon as I can get a hold of my dad, I’m forking over a 10 for him to put in the bank and do whatever you have to do to get the desktop version. Haha, I’ll be happy to support a mad scientist!
I own the desktop edition but still prefer the online version and only use the desktop edition when I am unable to get internet access. I simply prefer the functionality, the copy/paste and font don’t get all wacky in MS Word, etc. I guess I just got used to the web edition and prefer the way it operates, and the features are definitely different. I mostly only purchased the desktop app to support you, the developer. :-) I am looking forward to the ipad app as well if/when that comes available. Thanks so much. I am a novelist who works sometimes with tight deadlines and this has increased my output significantly and gets me past the “blank” page syndrome that can stunt an author’s productivity. It’s a wonderful took and I am grateful that you have provided it.
Exactly this. I bought the desktop edition after several days of using the online version but I far prefer the online version.
Both are great and I love writing on them, they’ve increased my productivity enormously. But the online version has a better feel.
I AM planning on getting the Desktop edition, I just have to get around to it. I don’t have my own Paypal account, so that is an extra restriction, but I WILL get it!
I just found out about Write or Die. I’m trying it out for now, and if I find that it is a useful instrument, I might buy the desktop edition.
Money is unfortunately just THAT tight. But I have always wanted it and can’t currently afford it.
3 part answer for you. 1 Online works for me, I don’t need anything more. 2 $10 is a bit much to pay for the limited function I use of this app. 3. I get nervous about downloading stuff that ultimately ends up clogging my computer needlessly.
I use both. I use the desktop edition for when I’m not on the net and the internet version gives me an extra feeling of pressure to finish what I start. I love both of them.
I will (most likely) buy the desktop addition, but am holding off because my software is currently out-of-date and I’m pretty sure anything I download won’t be compatible. I’d hate to waste the $10, then have to come back & repurchase once I buy my new laptop later this month.
Just checked out the system requirements (thank you so much for making the system Mac compatible, ’cause I really do *LOVE* Write or Die) and yes, I will be purchasing the desktop edition as soon as I have my new computer.
I agree with Bassoon, I don’t want to pay $10 for something I use one month of the year, and I don’t need the extra features. If there was, say, a version that didn’t have all the extra functionality (acts just like the site) for maybe $5, I would consider it.
I had write or die on my last computer and loved it. As soon as I can get the free money will be buying it again. Ten dollars isn’t too much to as for it by any means.
I’d love the desktop version. As well as NaNo there are thousands of things I could use it for; I’ve just recently had the genius idea of using it for first drafts of essays… but I already owe my parents enough money and I’d have to get them to use their PayPal account. Maybe I’ll ask for it for Christmas.
Haha I’ve just churned out a 3000 word essay for uni by using Write or Die, so it definitely works lol! =P
I use the desktop and love it.
I haven’t made up my mind that I need the desktop edition, although I’ve used write or die every day for the past two weeks.
I bought the Desktop version but after a format of my computer the download link that I saved in my email doesn’t work anymore. Repeated attempts to contact WriteOrDie have been met with complete silence.
I really hate wasting money.
I bought the desktop version the minute you released it I think and I love it. But I do use both. I don’t use the online version often anymore, but every once in awhile, I find I actually have a lunch hour so I can do 20 minutes and email it to myself.
I said I didnt want it….but then right away I bought it…..and I am happy I did :D
YOU’VE PROVED ME WRONG :D lol
I use the desktop version. I like that I’m able to use it without going online. I love it!
I use the desktop version most often (and it’s been a huge help during NaNoWriMos). I use the online version when I’m away from my home computer (i.e., at work).
I have the desktop on my home comp (happily paid for, thanks), and I was using the online client, except the formatting changed on the website, the browser no longer loads it correctly. Because works clings to IE6 (it discourages work surfing), I can’t use WorD at work anymore.
I use the online one because I don’t need any extra features, can get to it from anywhere, and since it’s there for free with all I need I don’t want to pay for exactly the same thing. (Sorry, since I know you put a lot of work into the desktop edition and deserve recompense). I use Write Or Die sporadically, sometimes going weeks without coming on the site, so it didn’t serve my needs to pay to download a desktop version if I wasn’t going to use it regularly. :)
I have both, but mainly use the online version because I use several computers. The online version is good enough, and I like it because it’s simpler. The main reason I got the desktop version was to give my support!
I bought the Desktop edition, was loving it, and a week later I got a new laptop. I’ve never figured out how to transfer the software and don’t feel like paying $10 again… I tried contacting Write or Die for a fix to this, and I never got a response.
I am migrating everything I can to be web based so if there is an option of online or desktop I choose the online version.
P.S. Thank you for providing this for us!
I have found that cutting and pasting from the desktop edition to be difficult. I can select and paste the text from the website and there is no problem at all. I was a bit disappointed in the desktop version. Any plans to fix that?
Multiple reasons: $10 is on the edge of too expensive (although if you made it pay-as-you-wish I’d toss at fiver your way), AND I can access the online version from anywhere (library, etc), AND I don’t have a currently open PayPal account, AND I’d rather not add more software to my Linux-based lightweight little writing netbook, AND since reading the comments I get the feeling I won’t be able to transfer the desktop version between my computers. And that last one, dear Mad Scientist, is a total turn-off. I’m cheap and I’m a casual Linux user. I’m used to vague software licensing and the freedom to drop a purchased bit of code onto any machine I want as many times as I want as long as it’s for noncommercial use. I only paid to register mIRC (a program I was using daily for years) because I was reassured that I could re-install my licensed copy without a problem. And mIRC is free to download/trial and only nags on startup, so I knew what I was getting when I paid to register – the same program, without the 30-second nag screen and with an easy way to reinstall.
I love WriteorDie’s online functionality and definitely still want to support it/you in other ways like referring people to the site and giving helpful suggestions. I’m just not titillated by the desktop option. ;)
Or you can carry on using mIRC for free like I do and just do something else while you wait for the annoying nagging screen on startup to disappear (because I’m a cheap b*****d, haha xD)
Ok, corrected on that last point. Apparently the downloading-again thing is not an actual issue. Jump the gun? Me? :P
I will consider the desktop edition if/when I can afford it and can open my paypal account. This could take a while, though. A long while.
Why do I use the online edition ?
My “own” computer is a laptop, which I find difficult to use for typing for extended periods and then make many mistakes.
I do have access to a desktop computer, but it is old, temperamental and doesn’t react well to any new software being installed on it….. and if anything goes wrong with it, my husband has to re-install absolutely everything, so it’s safer just to stick to the online version…..at least till we buy a new desktop :-)
And the online edition is brilliant – thanks so much for letting us have it !
I actually just started using the online version, after losing motivation on my Camp NaNoWriMo story. This definitely is a motivator!
I’d easily spend the $10 for the desktop version, but I don’t have Paypal and can’t use it. *woe is me*
I actually prefer the desktop version (I like the fact that I can put it always on top and fullscreen so I can’t even try to look away XD ) but I’m not always on my own computer, and in those cases I, of course, have to use the online version.
I use both actually. The desktop version for my netbook computer and the online version when I’m on another computer like at work. It is nice to not have to download the software when I’m at work on breaks. Just pop online and crank out a drabble or what have you :)
1) I prefer to run trial versions of any software to know whether I’ll actually use it before buying it. I have no idea how useful the desktop edition would be compared to the online edition…
2) I’ve tried the online version once or twice, didn’t think it was useful to me, I know it’s there if I want it, and I’m waiting on the edge of my seat for wordwars because I’d like to try that!
3) Unfortunately I’m a geeky purist. I dislike software running in any runtime environment (Java, Air). It really bothers me. So while I have tweetdeck installed and I like it, it’s the #1 reason I don’t use it. I’m afraid the same would happen with writeordie — that I’ll get frustrated running an app in Air, and simply not use it. I think it’s great that you used a platform that’s portable, but I personally don’t like the way such apps “feel” on the computer and I feel — right or wrong — that these apps are memory hogs due to the runtime environment they run under. (At the same time, if running both tweetdeck & writeordie at the same time, it might justify Air — but so far I haven’t found a need for the online app.)
4) One thing that keeps me from using the online app is the fear that I’ll accidentally close the browser window or quit the program. This is a constant danger of using a Dvorak-layout keyboard because Command-Q are adjacent keys and a little slip of the finger can quit a program (Safari helps, though, with a warn-before-quit).
5) I have an iPad and I’m very interested in the app on the iPad! I have a bluetooth keyboard and sometimes use my iPad to write.
All that said, if I found all your software useful I might donate up to $10 to your project without buying your software. Others mentioned computer clutter and I’m an app collector because I try and recommend software to people — that can get messy, so unless I wanted the software, I’d rather just donate to the project/developer (understanding it’s not tax-deductable — call it a gift if you’d like) than pay for the software if that makes any sense.
Looking through all the features, I just saw that the desktop app has wordwars built-in. I’d still rather try a wordwar online before making a purchase, but this does change things a little for me. We’ll see. It has to be good enough to make me want to suffer through Air.
(My prejudice against Air & Java should not reflect upon their actual performance. I have no proof that these platforms currently impact computer performance, it’s truly just my own stinking snobby “been-using-computers-since-1980s” prejudices.)
Though I use both versions, I bought the desktop edition because my old laptop wouldn’t connect to unsecured wireless networks, so I couldn’t use the internet at write-ins at the bar. To be safe, I emailed myself the install file that I downloaded, and so I was able to easily put it on my new laptop. Even though I no longer participate in NaNo, I still use both, depending on where I am, to write my responses for school, as both let me know when I reached my word count and stop me from overthinking my responses.
Well I just got the desktop version today and I love it. Personally when I am online I tend to have ten tabs open at once and it really opens me to distraction. Second I always tend to forget about the online version because I don’t usually go online to write. I go online to be distracted.
Having said that , I think that the online version is a little more convenient for most people and it’s free. If you don’t want to change font colors and see stats its not really worth (in my opinion) spending ten dollars. The basic functionality of the online version is so great that I don’t think people who are used to going online to write and are comfortable doing so, really would consider buying the desktop version for a few extra perks.
Was going to buy the desktop edition, but can’t afford it right now. I don’t think $10 is a lot, but every penny counts at the moment. Will buy it later this year with birthday or Christmas money or something, if only to support what you’re doing. LOVE the online edition.
I’ve only used WoD once or twice. It wasn’t right for me at that stage of my writing. I’m giving it another go to see if it is at this time. Should I find it useful, I’ll end up buying to support.
Too broke, once I get a good job I plan on getting Write Or Die for desktop along with a few other decent apps.
Right now $10 is more then I can afford because I’m saving up for a new laptop. After I get my laptop I’ll be glad to buy the Desktop edition though.
I have both but for formatting purposes, when it comes to importing into Word, I prefer the online edition.
I have the desktop version, and I like that it’s available wherever I am, and that I don’t need the internet, but I find the screwy cut and paste problems to be increasingly a problem with the desktop version. Please fix that.
Tiggersong
… two reasons for me.
1 – I actually bought the Desktop Edition and ran it on my primary machine (a “vintage” G4 Mac Mini). I’m only supposed to be able to run up to OS X 10.4 but the Mini doesn’t like that very much. Currently it runs 10.5 (even though…) and I got rid of my beloved Logitech Wireless Laser Mouse. That’s because Flash, the mouse drivers, and my screen saver scragged the OS one time too many. I’m not sure Air added to the problem but I’m not risking it
2 – I despise Paypal.
Like others, I’d probably prefer a trial version to see how it’s different and how I like it before I pay ten bucks for it. Being a desktop version is no longer a real advantage over a browser version, unless you’re in a tough Internet situation.
I purchased the desktop app and wrote my master’s thesis with it, but now that I’m working on my dissertation, I write more on-the-go with my iPad and external keyboard than I do at home. Looking forward to that promised iPad app!
Just have to chime in here again about the desktop vs internet thing… I personally would *love* a desktop version *because* it’s not on the internet. I get distracted waaayyyy too easily, and often have trouble concentrating on writing when I have other websites open around me. If I had the desktop version, I could use it on my laptop that I rarely hook up to the internet, so I wouldn’t be tempted to even go online. Which means way more writing!
I currently live in a country where paypal does not work.
I enjoy both. When I need access to the internet because I’m either multi-tasking or tired of my playlist and listening to Pandora – I use the online version. It keeps me from having to open and close and minimize. If I’m completely focusing on writing, without any distractions, I turn of the WiFi use the desktop. There are exceptions to both, but that’s the basic idea.
I would TOTALLY buy the desktop edition, if I would use it. As it is I use WoD online occasionally, but most of my writing happens on my Alphasmart Neo, which of course won’t support the app.
If/when I stop using my Alphasmart or use my computer for writing more, I think it’s a great investment, certainly not too expensive an option for me, and I plan on buying it.
I don’t have a desktop edition right now (comp died and I’m requesting a new download link), but I use both. Usually I already have my browser up, so it’s convenient to simply go to the website, but when internet isn’t available, I like the desktop (i.e. travelling).
I absolutely love the desktop edition – pretty colours, statistics (I looove stats) and the bars at the top that show time passed/progress towards my goal wordcount are awesome for showing me how I’m going. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it again for $20 if I had to :P Also, as others have said, it’s much less distracting than the online one xD (Ah, Internet, my friend and my foe…)
The online one is definitely useful when at computers other than my own though, and the copy/paste issues in the desktop edition are annoying (but I’ve become accustomed to hitting the enter key extra times now :P). I still prefer the desktop though!
I BOUGHT the desktop version, unfortunately I use linux a LOT and stupid adobe won’t work very well on linux x86_64. Still glad I paid you for it. :)
I actually wasn’t sure I could justify buying the desktop version, but then I started writing again on a regular basis.
… and now I’m too used to the online version. I don’t know, perhaps in the future I’ll buy it, but… right now the online version works well enough for my needs.
I do own the desktop version but somehow the online version gives me greater accountability and accessibility. I don’t know what’s different but the online version doesn’t let me cheat the system.
also, even if there was a sudden shutdown, on rebooting all the written content comes back intact when reloading the webpage (at least for me), but doesnt happen with the desktop version. It’s autosave function works quite sporadically. and yes, the font and cut/paste does get wacky in MSWord. I like that the warning sounds (and timing) are automated when online. but that being said, I don’t think that $10 is too expensive. but somehow it doesn’t make me use it as often as I had thought I would.
and yes, even when saving, there’s a bug. If I hit the save button intermittently to keep from losing the file, but continue typing, sometimes the recent additions do not get updated to the saved file. which can get quite annoying.
I don’t like giving my information over the internet. Just a personal preference. Plus, no paypal account. If I could buy it from a store, I so would do that.
I have the desktop edition (and love it!), but do use the online edition when I can’t connect to the internet.
I own the desktop version but can’t install it on my Android tablet, which is what I write on when I’m on the go (most of the time).
I tend to use the “done” button as a pause function. Whereas the online version gives me that nifty box that says, “Lol you can’t do that more than once, that defeats the purpose, moron,” the desktop version lets me just pause it, walk away and I never get anywhere.
Also it loses my linebreaks and I can’t just highlight, copy and paste it into word which is something it only started doing recently. Still haven’t worked out why that’s happened…
I bought the desktop edition, but I still come to the website. I don’t like Adobe Air; it slows my computer down and I don’t feel like the desktop version of WoD is as responsive as the web edition. I can type “too fast” for the desktop edition and it loses letters or whole words; I’ve never typed so fast that the web interface can’t keep up.
I selected “other.” I have the desktop version, which I use when I am working from home on my laptop. But when I am out and about, I use the wweb version because my netbook has a linux operating system and doesn’t support the desktop version. But my next netbook will be a Windows machine, and then I’ll use the desktop version so I don’t have to worry about whether or not I have an internet connection. (And honestly, I’m more productive when I’m not online.)
I use both the desktop and online. I don’t buy anythinng along the line of online programs, so I really thought this was worth it. I think $10 is a perfectly reasonable price (knowing how long it takes me to program anything I think it’s right where it should be for any quasi-professional developer). I do find the fonts and sizes a little buggy when pasting into other programs.
I prefer the desktop because my comuter is incredibly slow loading web content anymore, and it’s nust too easy to go elsewhere on the web instead of wtiting.
I run a cloud-based computer with very little desktop memory. It runs slowly enough as it is. I’m always online, so it’s easy to click my toolbar button to go straight to you. $10 is more than reasonable, and when I can afford to splurge again, I’ll donate. :)
At the moment the main reason I haven’t bought it is that the computer I would love to have WoD on is a 2001 model, and can barely access any connection, let alone a download screen.
If there was a trial version I would certainly check it out. Even just trying it for a day would help. I have a feeling I would like it and end up buying it, but I’m not totally certain. Ten dollars isn’t much to pay for a good program that I know helps me churn out words, but it’s way too much to pay for a program that might end up hindering me. What if it’s no better than the online version? What if it doesn’t run right on my computer? What if the added features only serve as distractions?
I literally don’t have the space on my computer: I always write using my netbook. I have a desktop, but I don’t write on it and it isn’t web-enabled for the actual download.
Plus, I’m not creating an entire PayPal account that I will never use except for this one purchase.
Your program is useful but mainly a novelty.
As a separate program it is worth $5 like the little widget apps for you your phone or an independent novel for your Kindle.
I do not use your online app enough to make it worth $10
I might be willing to pay $6 or $7 if you found a way to make a add on version of it for open office and libre office my primary writing platform, but not 10.
I am having my composition students try it.
I also dislike Adobe Air.
I do own the desktop edition, and I recommend WorD to all my friends.
I am a geek with a reeeally old laptop limping along until I can afford to upgrade; the desktop version is slow and klugy on my ancient machine.
You might want to make this poll multi-choice. I don’t like Paypal, I can access the online version anywhere, I have no idea what extras the desktop version offers and I already gave all my money to a mad scientist.
Otherwise, great help! Keep the good work up!
I used the Desktop Edition when I had access to it (emailing you about that now.) I liked its automatic backup functionality and the fact that you could choose your own time limits – yes, sometimes I really did only have five minutes to write, and the smallest increment offered online is ten minutes.
One thing that annoyed me about it at the time, though, was that it tended to count an extra word that wasn’t really there when I double-spaced between paragraphs. I had to retrain myself to single-space everything, or else be disappointed when I copied and pasted it into an actual word counter. I can handle adding a few extra words when I C+P; losing them is just too discouraging for me. And that just added extra work that I had to deal with later, which was mildly irritating.
Has that issue been fixed? It would be awesome if it has! (It was a Known Issue last time I looked, which was a while ago, and I stopped checking when I lost access to the program….)
Wally, I doubt you’ll ever see this, but just in case, you can set the web app to as many or as few minutes as you want to, be it 3 minutes or 11 minutes. Here’s how:
Here’s a copy and paste of a typical WOD URL string:
http://writeordie.com/box.html?words=0&time=15&mode=kamikaze&grace=17
The number after “time=” is how many minutes the app is set to run for. You want three minutes? Select any number of minutes from the pull-down menu, then find that string on your address bar after you hit “Write!” and change it to whatever you really want. (Then hit enter to reload the window with the new settings.)
I was promised a free desktop edition by a very Wicked man. Incidentally, I’d still love to have it.
I love the online version because my browser has spell check and that helps me a lot with some of my last minute writing. (I’ve written Essays during my lunch breaks…)
I have the desktop version installed, and I use that when I can’t get online, but I prefer the online version because it keeps in the line breaks. It takes up a lot of my time to have to go back through what I just wrote and keep hitting Enter, especially if I’ve written a long passage. Adding this to the desktop edition would make me very happy.
I bought the desktop version 3 times for three different computers. When my work switched my computer and I lost the desktop version of the program I’d installed there, I started using the online version again and discovered that unlike the desktop version, it kept all my formatting.
I use an old netbook for writing. A whooping 4 gb hard drive! WOOT! Its linux, but that shouldn’t stop me from getting the desktop version.
Nope, adobe air doesn’t like my netbook. I have tried other air programs and they don’t play nice. I COULD put it on my desktop, but I rarely use it.
When I get a bigger netbook. I will buy.
The air extension doesn’t work for me. Too bad it can’t be asimple exe ap. Will continue with the online ver.
I really like what you have her , and I am not a cheapskate per se. Truthfully I just like to keep as few programs on my p.c as possible.
I hit ‘other’. My laptop is ancient and has stopped allowing me to download things like Write or Die, Scrivener, or Skype.
If there was another way to pay for the desktop version, I would absolutely do so. However, since it needs to go through paypal, I’ll just be using the online version because I absolutely cannot stand paypal.
I’m 15, and well, my mom doesn’t wanna buy it. Plus i dont get allowance, money is tight. Wish i could have it, but can’t :(
#Foreverlovingwriteordie!
I just found your website and gave the online version a go, I liked it a lot. However, I now use my IPad 90% of the time, for surfing the internet, writing, and other other stuff. My desk top only gets used 10% of the time. I think a $4.99 would be a perfect price for an IPad app. Until then the online version will work for me. Thanks.
I love Write or Die to no end, and I think that ten dollars is way more than reasonable of a price, but I don’t have a PayPal, and every time I bring up using my mom’s to her, she’s always just sort of like, “I’ll take care of it later…” (Here meaning: never.) *sigh* So I WOULD get the Desktop Version, if I had a PayPal or my mom would actually let me use hers. But, I don’t and she won’t, so, for now, I’m sticking with the online version.
It’s not that I think $10 is an unfair price for you to charge– I think for all of the work you’ve done, you deserve more than that. But $10 is more than I can afford right now for anything that I can live without.
I’d love to have the desktop version, and more than once I’ve started setting money aside with the intention of buying it, but the way things currently are $10 is just too expensive.
Other: with Class/Work going on right now, both where and how often i can sit down and write is very sporadic; for now, the online version is just more convenient.
I am afraid my computer is too slow and it will lock up while using the program and I will lose everything I have typed.
Maybe some kind of auto save while your working would be good.
I chose other because I went and BOUGHT the desktop edition. XD I just came back to show my friend this site because I enjoyed using it so much, it was so helpful to me personally. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Dr Wicked was working again and Word War was up and working! I can’t wait to find someone to use it with. :) Thanks for developing such a great program, and honestly, $10 is pretty cheap, I can hardly buy a Subway sandwich meal for that and I get much more usefulness and enjoyment out of this program. :D Thanks again.
Pingback: free trojan remover
I’ve just bought the desktop edition having loved the online version (great tool by the way – thanks for creating it!) and although I definitely don’t regret buying it (I would have bought it even if I’d never planned on using it, just because I think it’s important to support the developer), I have to confess I’m a little bit disappointed that when I copy and paste into word, it doesn’t keep the original formatting. Is there any chance you’re planning to tweak this in future updates? Cheers.
(Or am I possibly just missing something vital that someone could point out to me?)
I’ve been meaning to buy the desktop edition, but haven’t had a spare ten dollars (I’m disabled and on a pension).
Thank you so much for leaving the web version free for those of us scraping together cash to keep using until we can get the ‘real thing’.
I love the Write or Die online edition; it saved my life during Camp NaNoWriMo this year. I used it for word wars, word sprints, and such.
Sadly, I do not have a Paypal account. I do want the Desktop edition, but I simply have no way of buying it. :(
I am really not interested in PayPal–I never use it. If I could pay you any other way, I’d try the app. Although after reading the comments, I’m not sure–I don’t like stuff that runs in a runtime environment either, because it’s just more prone to crashing. My open office stuff never crashes, and neither does my browser.
I voted ‘other’. With how I write, I only need Write or Die 3-4 times per year, when I have a particular sort of scene that I’ve been working on in my head and need the extra pressure to kick it out. For those times, the functionality of the online version is sufficient.
I don’t think $10 is necessarily TOO much. Just don’t have anything to spend on anything other than the true necessities at the moment. Maybe someday…
$10 is a perfectly acceptable amount in my opinion, and as a fellow software person I think it’s only right you should get paid fairly for your work. If I had the money, I’d buy it. I just…don’t have the money. Thank you for leaving up the web version for poor students like me, by the way. :)
I primarily use my iPad and I don’t think you have an app for that :-)
It’s not that $10 is too expensive and I do think you deserve fair compensation for your work. That said, I voted I didn’t need the extra functions. I mean, they would be nice, but not $10 worth of nice vs. free, know what I mean? The problem is that the online edition is too awesome and flexible. If you had one setting for warning type and level, that might push me onto the paid version. I think the problem is that the free version is too functional and flexible.
Realistically I don’t think that $10 is too much. That being said, I am a starving college student and sadly cannot afford to buy the full edition. Maybe one of these days I will, but until then I guess I’m stuck with the online version (not that that’s entirely a bad thing)
I own the desktop edition and I still use the online version instead. I prefer the online version. Maybe I’m doing something wrong in the desktop edition but it’s not as user friendly as the online edition is for me. I mainly bought the desktop version to use away from home when I may not have internet and therefore won’t have access to the online version.
I’ve already replied but thought I’d give it another shot.
I disagree with a previous comment that said $10 was too much. $10 is only too much if the desktop features aren’t significantly more useful.
In order to determine whether the desktop features are useful, I think a preview version would be really nice.
You might want to try a more aggressive marketing strategy. I don’t mean spamming anyone, I mean analyzing the market, seeing what kind of person would use an offline desktop version, and what features would appeal to them.
For example, you must be doing market analysis for your iPad version, which I can’t imagine has been cheap to develop (in time if not money). Who are you marketing to? How many copies do you think you can sell (n marketing, you’re allowed to guess once you’ve gained all the information that you can! Sell yourself on it. That sort of thing).
I’m writing letters for the ‘real world’ using your tool and not for some ultimately frivolous writing contest. I’m always afraid I’ll lose my work. Does the desktop version stop this from happening? Have you made it a key selling point? How about privacy? People writing confidential documents in a ‘write or die’ style (ME!) might find it a minor selling point.
Anyways, I think your survey is a great first step in your journey into marketing land. Keep up the great work. I hope you make a lot of money off of Write or Die, it’s a service that was needed for a long time!
One more thing! I’ve used Paypal once in my life, and that’s for a web forum I’ve read for 10 years. A lot of people don’t like Paypal, it’s a lot of steps to create an account for just one purchase.
I understand a merchant account may be too expensive, and so you may be stuck with Paypal, so that’s just food for thought.
I put Other. I use it because I wanted to have some fun.
I would use this ALL the time if I had the desktop version. Unfortunately I’m a presently poor college student struggling to make ends meet, so for now I’m using the online version with future intent to buy the desktop version.
I use the desktop and the online, but I sometimes prefer the online as my linebreaks don’t disappear / come out doubled as they do on the desktop.
It isn’t that $10 is too expensive, it’s that groceries get the money first.
I’m an unpublished writer at the moment and due to having been born with an uncrontrollable sleep cycle, that no is not narcolepsy, I’m fairly much unemployable and jobs that pay well. While I do manage to make some money doing odd jobs its almost never enough. So the moment I get published, it may be soon, I’m talking with a publisher right now, and end up reciving some sort of money from that book or any of my short stories, I will gladly pay you for your fantastic program. I’d also like to thank you for helping me to write my first book, and silently being there behind the code, keeping my words flowing out of my head, you helped more than you’ll ever know. Thanks to you and write or die I’m also working on my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th novel. So please keep doing what it is you need to do. Its greatly appreaciated by so many of us, even if many of the others don’t ever tell you, you’ve helped me considerably while pursuing my dreams.
I was up in the air about the 10 being too much, but I don’t think that it is. I think 10 is very reasonable. You’ve put a lot of work into this program and make the bulk of it free. 10 is not too much to ask for this, I just don’t have it.
I bought the desktop edition, but I figured out how to cheat. The online version won’t let me switch away from the screen and check my email/twitter/facebook/etc. I am my own worst writing enemy. I need help defeating Resistance.
I own the desktop addition (and it is yay) but right now I’m on a school computer so will be using the online edition.
I plan on buying it. After I check out the online version for a little while.
Also, I’m broke most of the time, but $10 sounds like a good price for this. I mean, Microsoft Word is usually over $100.
I’m not buying anything until I try it but I can’t seem to find the free online version everyone is talking about!?!?!
I bought the desktop version, then changed computers and asked for another download link, but then it expired before I got to use it and I am a bit embarrassed to ask again…
I think $10 is very reasonable. The only reason I haven’t bought the Desktop version yet is because I am bouncing between three different computers at the moment. :)
I used to be an online version user, but I started using it for everything, from papers to my novel, and when I started with my novel, I became intensely afraid that I would lose my work if the internet cut out, so I bought the desktop version, and I use it constantly. I am in fact about to use it.
I was just lazy and cheap. I just bought the desktop version because I realized that just as Allen M Jenkins says, I’m using for EVERYTHING. So it’s high time that I purchased such awesomeness and gave back to the developer. :) In fact, my website is almost live, and I plan on adding writeordie as one of my important links for writers…
I’m just waiting for 10 extra bucks. May ask for the desktop edition for Christmas or something.
I just did buy the desktop edition, but it was a royal pain in the rear end because PayPal are a giant bag of- uh, tools. I nearly gave up, but having something like Google checkout might give someone less patient than me another option.
I had the pleasure of testing the desktop edition at a friend’s house and liked the additional functionality but I use too may computers that I can’t or shouldn’t install things on so buying the program to only use occasionally seems silly. I would be willing to pay small monthly or yearly fee to have the desktop edition functions in an online version.
The online version is better than the desktop. I’ve lost my work TWICE because Adobe Air decided to wait until i had 700 words down to run an update. The second time is because there’s a glitch when using ‘Save as Replace’. The copy and paste from desktop is just weird. I should have saved myself the 10 bucks.
I’ve used the online version many times. I’ve just been so broke that I haven’t been able to afford the download; not to mention that my only options to download are on the library’s wireless network where it’s possible that some hacker could get my info, OR on our slower-than-snails dial-up internet connection at home… that is currently broken…
However, with NaNoWriMo coming up, I will definitely make the most of the opportunity to use Write or Die!!
Having now looked at the features of the desktop version, my answer would be that primarily I don’t need the extra features. The online version works well for me. That said, I wouldn’t mind chipping in a buck or two in the PayPal jar just to show my appreciation. Do you have that enabled, or only purchases? If you enabled donations from $1 up, that might help you (if you haven’t done that already).
I use the online edition on my Chrome laptop because the OS doesn’t support Adobe AIR yet, but I do have and use the desktop version when I’m at home.
I use it so rarely (only when I’m having a hard time getting myself motivated to write) that the online version is enough for me. Although, my internal guilt meter registers a little more every time I use your wonderful tool, so I probably will eventually purchase it.
Right now my “other” for using the web version is I’m waiting for my pending payment on the desktop! lol
I only let myself get it though as a treat for winning both 2010 NaNo and 2011 Screnzy :)
And this will be SO helpful come NaNO time since our internet doesn’t work if it’s raining and I’m in Thailand in the rainy season…see how useful desktop is? lol
I own the desktop version, but use the online version because the desktop version loses line breaks when pasted into Word. This is very frustrating!
I voted other. I am perpetually broke, but will probably get the desktop version eventually.
I bought the desktop version, and love it, but only use it on my EEEPc, which is for travel. For everything else at university I use the online version and google docs.
I really need to figure out how to jack the pop-up version into some electrodes, though.
I want the desktop version (especially whenever internet isn’t available), but have a major case of procrastinitis. NaNoWriMo is coming up though, so that may be changing very shortly.
Other: I want to try it before I buy it.
I want to use the online version for a while first, to see that I will really utilize it. Then I would buy the desktop version.
i voted other, i bought it a long while back, a few times i think. I have to say, your product is one of my favorites. I have changed computers several times and it has been one of the first i’ve installed. Thank you.
Mainly, I like the fact that I can access the online version from anywhere. :) But I do want to get the desktop version eventually, if not now then in a month or two (or whenever I get a job, erk!).
I find it SO much more useful than just for NaNo/CampNaNo! I get rough drafts of essays out in a heartbeat with it, so the $10 would probably be paid back in a semester or two if I combine how much I use the online version for the both of them.
Plus, with the desktop version I would be able to actually turn off the internet while I was writing to REALLY minimize distractions.
Why I don’t use the desktop version? Because Adobe Air slows my computer to a crawl. I would love to be able to use Tweetdeck, too. So much for that. Meanwhile, I love the online version, and I can use it anywhere.
I probably will get the desktop version at some point but am too poor/lazy at this precise moment in time.
I am using it because you haven’t sent me my download link yet! :)
I just heard about it, and want to try it two or three times to see if it is useful for me before I commit to it.
The $10 price is a great price, I just like having the online version wherever I want. I was pretty surprised to see all the votes for “$10 is too much”
Love this program. Perhaps you are getting so many hits because all of us who love it are telling everyone they know about it. ;-)
You rock, for we procrastinator types. I also have the Om for Mac but I just can’t work without the threat of annihilation. Putting you on a couple more blogs today – so enjoy any traffic…
And the $10 is NOT TOO MUCH. Sheesh.
DA
I’m new here – I’ve only just found the website – if it works well then I will certainly consider buying the desktop version.
I have considered getting the desktop version, but my main writing computer is an Acer Aspire One with Linpus linux, where installing any further software is a real pain in the behind. So I’m not sure if I could make the whole thing work properly.
I have the desktop edition now, but I still use the one online when I know I’m going to be slow- I don’t want to ruin my stats!
I use the online one because it stops me using the internet, which is my main distraction.
The reason I haven’t bought the Desktop Edition is because my “writing computer”, where I am most likely to be found writing like a hermit, is not connected to the internet. (no internet = no distraction)
No internet = cannot download.
I use the family computer to do my usual online Write or Die sessions.
Only reason I picked “$10 is too expensive” is because I am so broke it hurts right now. So I have to use the online versions and word processors instead.
Ten dollars is EXTREMELY reasonable, so I don’t know why “too expensive” is the leading reason. I mean, these days ten bucks will get you about half a sandwich.
Having said that, I still haven’t laid my money down because every time I think of it, it’s when I need to get some writing done, and I might as well use the online version since I can access it immediately. My computer is a Walmart special, so not only am I a bit trepidatious about downloading anything onto it, it takes for-goddamn-ever. I love your program though, and I’m thinking about buying it just out of loyalty.
Further comment. You may want to consider allowing saving your writing on a desktop edition to .rtf
then people can open it in word or open office. Then they won’t be complaining about formatting.
I only just found out about it and I wanna test it out a good few times before I commit.
Also if I go ahead I’d need to pay in Sterling so would wanna be sure whatever system I use doesn’t rip me off on the exchange rate.
I teach Junior English and find that Write or Die is often a great motivator for my students who tend to procrastinate. I often send my kiddos to the website because it is free to use and functional in my classroom. It is also great for my UIL Journalism students who compete with a time limit. It gives them the ability to practice writing under duress.
I use ‘em both!
For whatever reason, when I cut and paste from the desktop version to my original document, it switches the font and size. It’s extremely annoying. When I use the online version, whatever I cut and paste tends to match font and size of the word processing document.
The web app works better with Dragon Naturally Speaking. This is likely a resource issue, as Dragon is certainly a resource hog. I was hoping to use Write Or Die to train myself to work more quickly with voice dictation, but the delay between my speaking and Dragon’s transcription into the desktop app is too long, causing Write Or Die to punish me even when I have been dictating fluently. In the web app, however, this is not a problem. (Dragon waits for me to pause before it attempts a transcription into the web app, but when I do pause the transcription begins immediately.)
I’m a poor college student and right now I can’t afford $10. Also, I like the online version a lot and would love it if I could see what the desktop version is like before I buy it! A trial version would be very nice. Other than that…. :)
I really don’t have any money, we’re really very poor here, I only have about 2$ in my bank account, I am not kidding.
So, really, I WOULD get it, if I could.
It’s not like $10 is a lot of money or anything, but as an impoverished student, if I can get something for free rather than paying for it, I’m going to go with the former :) Thank you so much for providing the free service, because it is amazing <3
I’m actually thinking about getting the desktop version…I’ll probably cave soon. LOL! I guess what would help me to take the jump is if there were a list of folks you could contact on this site to have wordwars with…instead of dealing with Twitter.
I haven’t even tried out the web app and I had no problem shelling out the ten bucks for the desktop version. I don’t use web apps if I have a choice in the matter. Would much rather do my writing and storing on my laptop as web access on satellite can be pretty iffy at best when clouds are heavy, rain is pouring down or it is snowing. Ten dollars for writing software is pretty darn cheap, if’n you ask me.
Totally broke first timer. If it works for me I’ll probably be quite happy to shell out $10 for it later – when/if ever I have money again…
I’d LOVE the desktop edition!!! But since I am unemployed and my significant other is in grad school, our budget won’t allow right now. I don’t think $10 is too expensive, I just have to watch my pennies for a little longer!
I bought the desktop edition because I don’t have internet at home, but the copy/paste formatting issues are incredibly annoying. Whenever I have internet, I use the online version.
I work on a couple of different computers and like to some writing at work (in my breaks, of course!). So a desktop version wouldn’t really work for me. We’re not allowed to install anything on work computers. Also, paypal hates me because I have a UK bank account and a Swiss address which it can’t deal with at all.
I use both the online and desktop editions. I used the online edition for a couple years and I love how it basically forces me to write. So, several months ago, I had a few extra dollars in my account and I purchased the desktop edition, which now gives me the freedom to use Write or Die when I do not have access to the internet. Of course, like others have mentioned, I do like the copy/paste formatting that comes with the online edition much better than the desktop editions.
3 reasons
1) I’m cheap
2) The online version gives me everything I need
3) I only ever really use it for NaNoWriMo
I purchased it years ago, whenever it first came out but the computer I had it on died. So since then I use the web version.
I won’t get the desktop version because I only use it for NaNoWriMo and $10 for an app that I only use for one month every year is too expensive.
Honestly? I’m lazy. True reason. It’s just easier to go to the online version than dealing with the desktop edition. Maybe some day I’ll buy it, but, as I say, I’m lazy, so it might be a while.
Other: I think $10 is a bargain for WoD, but sadly I don’t have any money at the moment :( Maybe I can convince someone instead of sponsoring me to just buy me WoD ;)
I am hoping for a new link as my install died along with my old laptop, until then the web version will do. :)
Seriously people think 10 is too much? I think it’s fine I just haven’t gotten around to it and I do prefer the online version just fine. Also I only use it really for Nano so I haven’t really a need to buy it otherwise.
I don’t think $10 is too much for this program– it’s just that, right now, it’s literally *too much* for me to pay. :(
I purchased the desktop edition, and I adore it. (Anyone who is on the fence about getting it…just do it. You won’t be sorry.)
But I do use the online version too, because I can access it anywhere, and I have to agree with a previous poster who mentioned some annoying format changes when you copy and paste from the desktop version.
I have the desktop edition, and love it. Right now, however, I am at work.
The only reason I am using the on line version right now. Is I just found out about it yesterday, inbetween pay days. So when I get paid I will be wanting the desk top version. Thanks again it is an awesome program and I look forward to using the full version. When i am able to pay for it.
$10 is too expensive for me. Note that it’s not too expensive for this software; I think $10 is worth it considering the time and effort you probably put into coding it. I’m just a starving artist/college student, and all my money is currently going towards gas for my pick-up, art supplies, midnight fast food runs, you know. XD
Right now I don’t have the $10. It’s not too expensive, I think $10 is well worth it considering you put time and effort into coding the program. I do plan on getting it some day, I just have to wait until I have the extra cash.
I’ve tried buying the desktop edition once, and it didn’t work. Then, Mom bought it twice for a Christmas present, and neither time worked. So I’m not going to try buying it again for a while.
10 dollars is a good price for a program like that, but not if the link never works. We asked for help several times, but it never came.
I don’t have paypal. I tried setting up an account multiple times but it refuses to work. Otherwise, I’d long have gotten the desktop version
Other reason: I nearly always have my browser open already. ‘Desktop edition’ sounds like another piece of software I’d have to start up separately and run and that seems more difficult than just using the piece of software I’m already using anyway, especially since I don’t think I’d use the additional features of the desktop version much.
I don’t have the money to use on something I barely use. Even during NaNoWriMo when it is at its’ most useful, I mostly use Scrivener, so I use the web edition. I don’t think $10 is too much, especially when there is also a free version. Perhaps you could give desktop a few more features that the web edition doesn’t have access to to make it more sought after. :)
I have no money. I would buy it, ten dollars isn’t too expensive, I just don’t have ten dollars to spare lol
I love Write or Die!! I honestly would probably still just be dreaming of writing books instead of actually writing them without it. I would LOVE to get the desktop edition. However, I’m only 16 and I don’t have access to paypal. Even if my parents would consider buying it for me, I don’t have my own computer, and would have to leave it behind soon anyway. I’m content enough to use the online version until I can get the downloadable.
I love WoD! I don’t think that $10 is too much, considering the time it must have taken to develop the web version and the desktop version, but I have no use for the desktop version. I use multiple computers to get stuff done so I much prefer the online version because 99% of the time I have internet access anyway. I have considered buying the desktop edition (and I still might), but I’m just not sure what it would have that I need (that I can’t get from the online edition).
I have the desktop edition and use it often but sometimes i dont have my laptop on me and i get more done using your program, so i use it online.
also, i mostly bought it to support you. I love it when people come up with amazing peices of tech and if its good and i use it, i want to make sure they keep working and improving. Thank you for this app.
A combination of I don’t have $10 and I can access the online edition anywhere. I’d really, really, really love the desktop edition for my writing computer, though. I just can’t afford it. :(
Oh, but in addition to my last comment, I don’t think $10 is too expensive. I’m also going to buy Scrivener, but it’s going to have to wait a long, long time, because it costs more.
I just… don’t have $10. But if I did, I wouldn’t mind paying it. <3
Will buy the desktop version. I freakin’ HATE paypal and have to update my stupid account. It seems like I only use them for online auctions at christmas time. But $10 is a steal!
I just learned about your site. I tried it once and LIKED it! Just one little wrinkle which I sent you an e-mail about.
I need a new computer, I promise myself I am ordering it soon, and will buy the desktop version as soon as the new computer arrives and I figure out how to set it up. I’m procrastinating on buying the new computer because I have limited computer literacy and know it will be a royal pain to set it up! But, I will do it!
I would love to fork up for the desktop version, cause I would probably use it all year to write papers and things, but being a piss poor college student even ten dollars is pricey until I can manage a decent job.
Hopefully I can afford it next semester.
It’s a few more months before I can make a paypal.
But when I get it I’ll get the desktop version, though I might also use the online version. (So much help by the way in NaNo, thank you!)
I actually have the Desktop Edition and use it more than the Online one, but I love it for it’s uses outside of my PC.
Seriously, if anyone was waffling on getting the Desktop version, let me just say that its the first thing I turn on in the morning. If I can just get my first 1000 words out for the morning, I have motavation to fiddle with them the rest of the day. Those 1000 words get put into a file and either I keep 10 or it grows to 1500…but its a good way to jump start the brain in the morning. Its fabulous and I hope that it gets improvements just like the iPad version. :D
I’m a broke college student, so I hate to say it, but yes…ten dollars is a bit too much for me. I need the money for food and rent =P
I responded “other”. I guess technically I could have responded with “$10 is too expensive”, but I’ve used Write or Die for some time, and find it very useful. I don’t feel that $10 is too much for a desktop version of this awesome tool (access to the internet for any purpose while I’m trying to write is very dangerous for me); if I had $10 lying around, I would gladly spend it on the desktop version. But I don’t. So $10 isn’t too expensive, yet it is all at the same time.
For me it’s because I don’t have 10$ to spend online. I don’t think it’s too expensive, it’s just I have to wait a little while before I can buy it. I will buy it though. It’s a great tool. Anytime I write I want to use it. It’s good for writing exercises.
Ok. I have a gripe. I used the online version of Write or Die for two days trying to see if I could do the NaMoWriN challenge. Loved it. Day three (yesterday) when I logged on there was a different screen. I couldn’t find how to get to the online version so I called up my darling daughter and asked her to buy the desk top version for me. She did, but it went through her email and I couldn’t get it downloaded without inturrupting her at work so I came back and found the online version – which I don’t really remember how I got there from here – but I got my 3,000 words written for the third day.
Dd came home and she helped me download the desktop Write or Die version and this morning I decided to use that rather than the online version. First problem: once it was up and running there is no pause option that I can see. Ok, I’ll listen to awful violin screeching when I have to run to the bathroom, but I’d rather not. Second problem, the music cd I was litening to finished and Write or Die filled my screen and left me with no option on how to restart my music cd. Annoying, but ok, I will keep writing sans music. I didn’t like it, but I was writing.
Third problem – and the one I am REALLY ANNOYED ABOUT – after an hour of work I tried to save my work by using the method I’ve been using with the online version – copying and pasting to the document where I am saving all my work together. I thought I had copied my work and shut down Write or Die to paste to the other document and it hadn’t copied, so it didn’t paste, and A WHOLE HOUR’S WORK IS GONE, GONE, GONE!
Now, I felt like I got pressured into buy a download that isn’t going to work for me – and I really, really, really want that hour’s work BACK!
Are these problems because I’m almost a luddite? Possibly. But if I hadn’t be led to believe that the desk top version is oh, so much better than the online I wouldn’t now be bawling my eyes out for the lost work.
Just thought I would let you know.
I bought the desktop version, but as others have noted, I like the online one better. I haven’t noticed any formatting glitches yet, but that’s probably because whenever I paste, I paste as unformatted text. I don’t try to match WOD’s typeface to my own; I just use whatever the default is. However, I like that on the online version, which I have set to Kamikaze, I can specify the exact number of seconds to give me as a grace period by typing it into the URL, instead of using a slider I find imprecise and hard to calibrate. More importantly, I like how the web app turns my screen pink before it starts chewing up my words. The desktop app does it once in a great while, but inconsistently and usually not at all. Without that feature, I’m afraid of having words deleted and not noticing they’re gone. I have found that this is a pretty real risk for me.
My main reasons for buying the desktop app were:
1) For when I have no internet, since I often write out of the house.
2) To support you/show my appreciation, so I’d happily pay for it even if I never used the desktop version once.
I found the comment thread pretty eye opening, so I read it all, which is something I usually don’t do with long comment threads. I’m stunned by the folks who just say that $10 is too much to spend (without any added caveat about being broke or poor). $10 is an extremely reasonable price. Similarly I’m a bit surprised by all the people wishing for a trial period. Hello, you have a trial: the free web app! That tells you basically what you’re getting. And if you use the free app and feel no desire to kick in a few bucks in appreciation for the service you’ve already received, then don’t kid yourself, it’s not about wanting a trial, you’re just not inclined to pay for things when you have a choice. Finally, all the people who say they just use it for one month a year . . . really? You do nanowrimo and then go back to not being a writer for eleven months? Then why do nanowrimo at all? I guess those folks must find it rewarding, but I don’t get it.
Honestly, this thread was a trove of food for thought.
I’m also hoping to get a new download link. :)
This response, I believe, should really be amongst your available options, however, I just found out about WoD. I am trying out the online version for now, if I like it I will purchase the application. If it were not for the online application however, I never would have considered it. :P
On a secondary note, I would like to say that your website design awesome. Clean and simple, the way it should be. :)
I bought the desktop version but i only have it on my desktop because i havent gotten around to putting it on my laptop, the online version is just easier to access.
Since I use W/D only for NaNoWriMo AND I’m a minor AND my parents don’t have a paypal account AND I’m the unfortunate nonpossessor of $10 AND i don’t want a mad scientist ripping a hole in what’s there of my pocket, it makes sense to go with the online version
That said, I must say this is an awesome idea. And I like mad scientists. They can be bizarre =)
i actually bought the desktop version but still use the online version most of the time. unless i’m doing a lot of focused writing (like actually doing nano) i just find it’s easier to come to the site.
I may ask for the desktop edition for Christmas, but I am notoriously cheap and can’t justify spending ten dollars on an application I can use the basic version of for free and still get good results from.
I do like the added features of the desktop version. I just wouldn’t spend ten dollars on it, personally. Not when the web app suits my purposes just fine and costs nothing.
I chose ‘other’. I don’t see a point in buying it, since the online version works perfectly well for my needs. Also, I only use it in November for NaNoWriMo. I think it’s awesome, though, and I’ve recommended it to a bunch of people.
Actually I don’t work. I’m a full time college student, and all my bills are payed by my parents, and they are unsure about buying anything online. Sorry, but these are my parents politics, and while I’m in the college, living in their house, I can’t complain.
$10 is very reasonable but beyond our current finances when food, mortgage and kids clothes/shoes need to come first.
I just found out about Write or Die, but for now I’ll stick with the free web app. I think your price is extremely reasonable, but being an unemployed recent college graduate means I honestly don’t have ten bucks. I’m borrowing vending machine change from the parents.
I clicked other because:
1: The online version feels special. I like being able to use it only when I am online and totally feels like I doing something productive online instead of checking my facebook account for the 100th time.
2. As an international, I won’t pay $10 for an app. Its just too much hassle.
I bought the desktop version. But adobe don’t support 64 bit linux machines.
i have the desktop version but switched back to the online version because it’s not copy/pasting correctly anymore and i’d rather not spend ten minutes redoing all of my paragraph breaks. i do like the desktop version’s progress bar.
I know absolutely nothing about computers (Linx? Mac?), so I’m ultimately not sure if Write or Die will work on mine – I like to be absolutely sure that it will before I download anything.
When you start up your computer, you should see a symbol.
Penguin=Linx
Apple=Mac
and colorful flaggy thingy=windows.
So basically if I have a Windows laptop (Vista/7 – depending on the laptop) then it won’t work?
I commented before, but I have another reason now – the online version has a minimum amount of time of 5 minutes, and it’s default is 15 – I like having to have that time set.
I own the desktop version. I just have old computers that either whine and complain with using it or even just flat out don’t support the software (no ability to add xp service pack 2 without crashing computer) :) Online is just easier to use for me.
I need a new link and I haven’t heard back from you yet!
I’ve considered buying the app for the iPad, but I just can’t justify spending ten dollars on something that I know I’m only going to use one month out of the year (November, of course). I recommend it to every one I can, but I’ll just stick to the online version.
I’ll probably buy it in the future. I just found out about it today and want to try it for a few days first.
I love the online version; I would get the desktop version except that I don’t need the extra features, and it’s 10 bucks. I know that sounds lame. But I’m a teen who has no money -_- and I can’t see my parents ever buying it for me, lol.
Although I’d gladly pay for it if I had the money. Because I just realized, Oh. My. Gosh. Then i could do it without internet! Duh. *facepalm*
When I save up enough, I’ll ask Dad to order through PayPal – you need to be a certain age to have PayPal, and many NaNoWriMoers are young…
I don’t think $10 is too expensive for what it is, I mean, you’ve put time and work into it so other people can benefit from using it – thanks, by the way! I have major procrastination issues so I think I’d end up using it a lot. I intend to buy it as soon as I can afford to.
Mine is a mix of things. 10$ does seem slightly to expensive for a reasonably small software package. However if it helps me consistently write it will be worth it. I am currently thinking that I will keep using the on-line during NaNoWriMo, but if afterwards I still find the programme consistently useful I will probably be tempted to buy the desktop version then.
I did buy the desktop version a year or two ago during Nano. Mostly I wanted to support the author since it has really helped me to crank out more words. The idea is brilliant and I can’t think of anything else like it. However, I find that I use the web version much more since I can access it from anywhere. Simple as that.
I bought the desktop version. I love that I can leave it in front so that I can’t be distracted by the internet in the background. (I am easily distracted.) Also I can use it when I don’t have internet access.
$10 is not much to pay for this valuable app.
Idea: Have a “Donation” link so that people can voluntarily pay you a few bucks for using the online version if they so desire.
My thinking here is ‘why buy the milk when you can get the cow for free.” (yes, I mean it that way)
Though the desktop version has nifty features, what I really want from this is to play a loud, annoying sound when I slack off- and that’s all I want. I don’t need the extra features, and the copy/pasting works just fine for me.
I have a few reasons. 1. I only just started using WoR and I am testing it out. 2. I do not have a spare $10 at the moment. 3. I can not install anymore programs on my computer at the moment and 4. I would need to get my dad to get a paypal account to buy it. But if all of those go away I would be happy to get it!
I’m actually just too lazy to get the offline version… xD
I want to buy it, I do. But I am a poor, starving college student.
I mean that in both the exaggerated stereotypical way and a literal sense – I really don’t have any money, every thing I buy that isn’t food makes that one more upcoming meal I can’t eat. I already spent all my freshman and sophomore year saying “I LIKE ramen, okay!?” and at this point, it isn’t even close to true and I’ll probably just die if I have to be reduced to eating only ramen again.
tl;dr I’m a college kid with no money.
I do also think $10 might be a little expensive but…a lot of things are expensive to me. Like, say, food that isn’t ramen.
If I wasn’t trying to connive someone into getting Scrivener for me (and with my NaNo prowess, it isn’t that expensive for them to do so) then I’d probably be trying to get this instead.
I picked ‘Other’ because $10 is a great price, that I happen not to have… Period, never mind have to spend on something not strictly necessary. I do plan on getting the desktop version eventually though.
Well, I think $10 is quite reasonable. It’s cheap and is a wonderful tool. I’m not gutsy enough to try kamikaze mode yet, but the normal mode for the online version is working out well for me. And having a baby, being able to pause is a nice feature… however, I would like to see that customizable as well. I would love to be able to allow myself maybe 2 pauses rather than just one. It gets hard to type with a 14 month old climbing on me wanting a snack or a drink or whatever. LOL
But honestly, I haven’t bought the desktop version yet just because I haven’t had the chance to put more money into my Paypal account. Pathetic, I know, but it’s an honest reason. I really do plan to purchase the desktop version for PC soon. I’m interested in trying out the word wars.
And, I’d like to thank you for such a wonderful program. I found out about it from a fellow Wrimo and was hesitant to try it at first, but have come to rely on it for little spurts of writing for this year. I’m quite behind and it’s been helping me get caught up, so thank you and keep up the good work!
I purchased the desktop version a couple of years ago but have since replaced the computer I used it on. The web app works fine for me, though, so I haven’t bothered to download it again.
Thanks for a great motivator!
Well I don’t really feel like paying 10 dollars for something I can use online and I also like that I can access this anywhere. The only reason why I would buy the desktop version is so I can use write or die if I’m in a place without internet, like on a plane or car trip (I tend to get extremely bored and unmotivated during these). I just think 10 bucks is a bit too expensive, also I doubt my parents will bother to let me use their paypal account to buy it. Maybe if it was 5? I don’t know. the online version works just fine for me, I don’t need all the bells and whistles that come with the desktop version.
I use the online version when I find that I’m abusing the ‘Done’ button on the desktop edition… the one-pause-only rule has saved my behind a couple of times already this November! But I do love the desktop edition too.
You forgot “Too lazy….”. But, like most other people here, I do intend on getting the desktop version. However, I’m 16 and have to pay for car, gas, insurance…at least right at this moment, I’m not going to pay $10 of my $25 in extra spending money.
I would, but I am flat broke and can’t purchase anything right now. I would much rather have the desktop edition so I can use it anywhere any time since I have a lap top that goes with me even when internet is not available.
I do not know if it will work on a Mac
It does. It is compatible with Mac, PC, and Linux.
I am a cheap, broke student who is quite reluctant to pay $10 for an app. Also, I like that when I pause the online version, I am discouraged from getting distracted because the pop-up box won’t let me open facebook or other sites.
Though I am a poor college student, I’d be willing to fork over $10 for such an awesome program if I could – but I don’t have PayPal or any means of setting one up anytime soon. :( Once I get one, however, the Desktop version shall be mine! As a year-round writer, it would do me (and my stupid dial-up internet) a lot of good. :)
I intend to get the the desktop version once I get my new laptop. Right now, though, it’s just easier to use the online version. Thanks so much for this, by the way. Fantastic idea! You’re pretty much my hero right now. :)
I plan to buy the off-line edition as soon as I get the money — right now I’m a little short.
I own the desktop edition, but prefer the online version because of the “Pause” feature. I tend to drink coffee/tea while writing, and if I am writing for more than an hour, the need for a bathroom break is inevitable.
Agreed! I MUST have the pause feature.
I use both! Sometimes I’m in the mood for the online version – different features and vibe – sometimes the desktop. Both I love both! :-)
I’d love to buy the desktop version, but there are a couple of things that keep me from doing it: 1) the functionality of the web version is good enough for me; 2) I only use it one or two months out of the year; 3) the web version I can use on my personal, work, and library computers; and 4) I’m a grad student and really have no disposable income to speak of. While I’m making this comment I just wanted to add that I love Write or Die and really appreciate that you make it available for free online.
I plead poverty, too, but I also know myself. I am trying it for a month (starting yesterday) to see if I will really actually use it. Then, I guess I’ll figure out a way to buy it. I really thank you for your trust in human nature that we’ll all pay for your hard work.
$10 is a really fair price and I feel very guilty I can’t afford it today!!
The app doesn’t work for me – I’ve tried a few times but get frustrated and return to the online version.
Ten dollars is extremely reasonable. I will get it as soon as I get a paypal account.
Question: What is the “Electric Shock Mode” on the web version, and why can I not click on it? :)
I have no problem with the ten dollar price. However, the only money I have at the moment is cash and I haven’t gotten enough to upload on PayPal yet. Doing NaNo and interning and school kind of got in the way of all that.
I will definitely buy the Desktop version, however, as soon as I can. I just use the Online, at the moment, because it’s the only way I can use this.
Love this – it works so well! Those noises are… annoying, haha.
This is my first year using the App, and even the online version was put off until the end of the month when I saw the $10 price tag. It feels a bit high, when compared to prices for some other desktop downloads. If there was a Lite version, for $3 – $5 that had the option to upgrade for the extra $5 – $7…
Or… For all the NaNo people, set up a payment plan of $1 a month, by next NaNo it will be paid for, and ready to download. I would even pay the extra dollar or two for the convenience of monthly payments.
Desktop! FTW!
I love WoD! Thanks for a terrific product.
PLEASE make an iPhone app? Yes, it’s hard to type on an iPhone. But let’s admit it. We writers type everywhere, and on anything. And since our phones are less crazy than, say, the restaurant napkin… it would be nice to have a great program to write on. :)
Other: I was just trying it out. It looks pretty cool, and I’ll probably buy it if I ever need to write something, but at the moment this is not the case.
I have a feeling that a lot of people spend at least $10.00 per week on expensive coffee drinks at Starbucks or whatever…..
Smoke cigarettes? Waaaayy more than $10.00
Buy one lousy drink at “the club”……yeah, probably a good chuck of change there too.
So, a $10.00 ONE TIME fee for a desktop version is not exactly expensive.
However, there are a lot of people that just prefer the online version.
I would put a Donate button. I’m sure that there are people that will gladly donate a little something for using the online version.
I don’t understand why it is offered on iPad but not on the app store? If it were in the app store, I could download it onto my com and easily get any possible updates. I have a gift card for the Mac app store whee I would happily pay 10$ for your program :)
Other: haven’t gotten around to it yet (yeah, I’m a lazy git). I really do want to buy the desktop edition, as I love this program so much – it’s helped me out heaps – and I really want to support the creator. Just have to get hold of Paypal and all that :D
Meanwhile: thanks for the online version!
Right now due to a cut in Social Security payments it is just a bit high even for me:(. I hate forced retirement due to disability.
My parents wouldn’t let me buy things off the internet because it is supposedly EVIL.
Habit. I don’t deal at all well with change. I’m still getting used to the new look website. ;)
Your website shows that “Write or Die” is available for iPad or PC. I have a Mac. So I’m using the on-line version of “Write or Die” for the time being.
I will happily buy it if you would make one for the Blackberry Playbook. They now have the developer kit to take apps made for the Android environment and adapt them for the Blackberry Playbook. I prefer to write on the Playbook. It’s just the right size for me: not too big and not too small.
I voted $10 is too expensive, but I wanted to leave a little caveat. The web app of Write or Die is awesome and a great help to me, I’m sure the desktop edition is wonderful and worth the money, but I’m just at a place where I can’t justify spending $10 on something when there’s a free alternative that will do the job.
When my ship comes in, I plan on buying the desktop edition.
I just discovered WoD + want to try out a few times be4 buying.
So far so good!
I have already purchased the Desktop edition, but because Adobe have stopped support for Linux I can’t use it any longer. So I now either use the Online version, or I have an EMACS mode which does the same thing.
I’m actually considering writing one myself in C# or Java because of Adobe.
:(
I haven’t purchased the desktop edition because I have not had the income to do so. I’m unemployed. And now that I’ve found a way to get more funds thanks to this program I’m planning on purchasing the desktop version so I can have the extra features and maybe even just donate to the site too because it’s a VERY helpful tool for me. $10 is not too expensive for it in my opinion, I just have a lack of ability to pay for it.
I bought the desktop to support you and your wonderful software, as writeordie basically makes me write my books. :-)
That said, I use the web app because I want to be able to tweet my results. I need the accountability/gloating. Sad, but true.
I prefer (and love, need, adore) the desktop version as I can use it when Im not online – and being online really hinders my writing.
But I am very glad with the web app as well, as I can use it from other pcs, when travelling.
And 10$ is really NOT expensive for such a great tool!!
Thanks for this really great app.
Program is genius! I’m too poor to purchase the desktop version…although I totally want to! Extra features would come in handy!
I would adore the desktop version, as it would be great to shut down my Internet and turn off distractions, but I really hate paying for things online, even through PayPal. Also, I am a deathly poor college student, and as nice as the desktop version would be, it’s not worth the $10 to me- I pay for my food and shelter by professional pet sitting, which is not the most lucrative business.
I love the online version, though. It’s helped me write everything from novels to term papers. I’d be dead without it! (Side note: for the love of all that is holy, please never ever charge for the online one. I would die. Do you want that on your conscience?)
Have you considered developing a Chrome app? I use the online version because I’ve gone to solely cloud-based computing. Chromebooks have no desktop. I would definitely pay for a Chrome app that has offline functionality.
You will multiply your profit if you introduce alternative payment options such as credit cards with no paypal in between, moneybookers or some other service. I’d love to buy the desktop version but there’s no paypal in my country of residence, and it’s in Europe…so many potential customers out there.
I would use the desktop edition on my mac if I was able to purchase it through the App Store.
It’s the expense thing for me, although I ticked “other” not “$10 is too expensive” because I actually do think $10 is a fair enough price. I don’t especially want the extra functionality, though, and the online version works really well for me. It’s more the case that I’m surprised at just how good the free service is, you know?
I happen to think $10 is pretty reasonable for the product, however, I’m a broke housewife/mother/college student. The online version works just fine for me :)