How can this be?
While browsing yesterday I came across a link for Adobe software at closeout prices, including Photoshop CS. I followed the link to www.markedownsoftware.com.
It offers a full version Photoshop CS for $95.99 as a download only, and slightly more if a CD is desired. I purchased the download version. A serial # was not provided in the download. I e-mailed today asking for the serial # and via return e-mail was given a link to a web page containing the serial # along with special instructions, including a 'fix' program. The web page also had serial #'s for a bunch of other products I did not purchase.
It essentially said 'Install the software as normal with the serial # from the web page and when the activation portion of the install comes up, cancel out of it. Then run the provided little 'fix' program that was provided with the serial #'.
Well everything worked as described. When I received the serial # (prior to reading all the instructions) I did an install and tried to activate, which sends serial #, etc., to Adobe. Activation was denied. I susbsequently uninstalled and reinstalled following all the instructions regarding the 'fix'. The software works like it should.
I halfway suspect I've bought a bootleg version, except that I can't imagine someone blatantly advertising this on the web and not being afraid of the 'Software Police'.
Any idea how this can be legitimate? How can numerous purchasers all be given the same serial #? Can someone possibly purchase a group license and then legally resell it indvidually? How can an indidvidual or small company sell it at this price when Adobe itself sells it for $649?
If it's not legit, I'm not going to have gigantic qualms of conscience as I'm the legitimate owner of versions 3, 4, and 6, but I'm sort of suspicious...
Tom C.
