CS3 purchase question - please help!

[Meeko202]

hi ya'll.....I've been lurking here for awhile and thought I'd finally sign in. So I want to start off by saying HI.

Ok, on to my first question....I am not new to photography. I've ran a small business for years now. But, I am new to CS3. Right now I've only been using Elements but I think it's finally time to make the upgrade.

I was looking on Craigslist and ran across someone that is selling their cd. I know people do this all the time on Ebay (I've also been looking there). I'd asked the seller if this was a copy. I'd love for someone to read her LONG response to me and tell me if this sounds like a deal or kooky and I should stay away. Thanks for all the info you can give me on this, and for taking the time to read this!

-Meeko

And now for the looooooong email:

Here's all the details... My Dad still has a couple corporate copies of Creative Suite 3 Master Collection. This version is an “enterprise edition”. It’s the same programs as the retail version, but was sold in bulk to a large corporation…

The CS3 disc will install, and will usually allow you register it online, so you get the automatic online updates, but it doesn't have a license, so you won’t be eligible for a discount upgrade when they come out with CS4. My dad purchased a bunch of different software from a bankruptcy sale last year, and everything has installed, registered and is still running beautifully, even without Adobe’s blessing.

Now, without the license, you will not eligible for Adobe Tech Support either. You can’t call Adobe up and chat about some problem you’re having. (THAT requires the huge license fee, but you can talk to me for free!, and I will certainly try to help and make sure you get it up and running ) I checked on the Adobe store online yesterday, and they are still asking $2499 for the CS3 master collection…If your system is adequate, you won’t have any install issues. (You will need at least 1 (one) gig ram, and DVD capacity, not just CD rom. If your system is a couple years old, let me know and I can send you an Adobe “Read Me” page link that gives the specific requirements, and help you figure out what equipment you have. The CS3 requires a large amount of available space or it will not install correctly.

The very first thing that happens when you start to install, is that your computer will automatically connect to Adobe to verify that the serial key number is valid . If it isn’t, the install will not continue and you will get a prompt that says something like “key is invalid” and to contact your supplier… So, the fact that it verifies, installs and usually lets you register it online…. convinces me that it it’s semi legit…. I will give you 3 or 4 serial keys so that you can install this on 2 or 3 computers, and still have a back-up key, incase you ever have to reformat. Each key only works for one install, again because it's enterprise and not a retail version.

It wasn’t ever packaged to sell in a store, so it didn't come in a box with printed manuals…. But I also have a CS3 Training DVD which teaches Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, and Flash.
I also have Photoshop Toolkits 1 & 2. This is a popular assortment of upgraded fonts, gradients, plug-ins and includes “Elements” and “Lightroom”. There is also a Web Templates DVD that makes it easy for anybody to create professional looking, business or personal website.

My Dad felt very lucky when he came across all these discs last summer, and he had big plans to expand his graphic arts business. The only reason he is selling now is because serious health issues have caused him to close down business.

No matter how talented you are, it’s hard to compete without the latest software… If these discs would help you, and are something you would consider, let me know... I know there are lots of scammers out there…. people selling discs without serial keys, or with used serial keys. I don't really want to be driving around, meeting strangers in parking lots, and it does take at least two hours to install the CS3 disc... So, if you will tell me a little about you and what you do….. I’ll consider shipping the discs to you first. It’s the only way I can think of to prove that the discs will work like I promise. But you have to PROMISE to send the payment to my mom and dad's Paypal account after you get it installed and up and running. That’s as fair as I can be… Hope to hear from you soon.

P.S. If the economy is hitting you particularly hard, and even the $225 for all 5 dvds is out of the budget, I can send just the CS3 and one of the other 3 discs below… the Training DVD, the Web Templates OR the Photoshop Toolkit DVDs for $150…. Or even just the CS3 alone for $125.

If there is something else you need as far as training dvd's, or even Office 2007, maybe, let me know and I'll go back through his stuff and see what else is available.

Below is a detailed list of the software, and what’s included in each…..
Adobe Creative Suite 3
Acrobat Distiller
Acrobat Professional
Adobe After Effects CS3
Adobe Bridge CS3
Adobe Contribute CS3
Adobe Device Central
Adobe Dreamweaver CS3
Adobe Encore CS3
Adobe ExtendScript Toolkit 2 CS3
Adobe Extension Manager
Adobe Fireworks CS3
Adobe Flash Professional CS3
Adobe Flash Video Encoder CS3
Adobe Illustrator CS3
Adobe InDesign CS3
Adobe LiveCycle Designer 8.0
Adobe Premiere Pro Cs3
Adobe Soundbooth CS3
Adobe Stock Photos CS3
Web Templates – Clip Art 4.10 GB
24 Corporate Full Identity Kits with Flash Website
8 Banner Packs
[B 15 Box Designs
9 Static Web Sites

Photoshop Toolkit I 3.23 GB
116 Plug Ins w/serials
300+ Custom Shapes
225 Brushes
200 + Actions
1,690+ Filters
221 Gradient
100+ Styles
Classroom in a Book - Online Training
5280 Fonts
Adobe Elements 6.0 w/serials
Adobe Lightroom 1.3 w/serials

CS3 Video Training 3.46 GB
Dreamweaver Video Training
Flash Video Training
Illustrator Video Training
InDesign Video Training


These are used Retail and Enterprise Edition copies, with working serials. Not Education or Trial versions, but full Retail or ‘Enterprise Edition' versions. No scratches or damage. Will install, run and activate with the working serial key or activation code provided. The training discs are used and do not require an install key or activation number. No user license is inferred, implied nor included for any program, application or training disc.

Please note our standard disclaimer thingy. “We do not advocate using or running unlicensed software. You may use the software application and training programs for an unlimited evaluation period, but you should purchase a license from Adobe, Microsoft and/or the respective training company, if you want to use them permanently.” In other words… If you use this software to create something fabulous, and start making a million dollars…. you should probably send Adobe their user/license fee :)

[Anke]

I'm sorry but even if it was legitimate, which I don't think it is, you wouldn't be allowed to install it on your machine as her dad as already bought it and installed it. She even says "even without Adobe’s blessing".
Run a mile.

[Headcase650]

This may or may not be legit. I work in printing and we buy our licenses in bulk. Get one disk and 100 licenses. One of our vendors is about to upgrade all his units to vista and they didnt use all their 1000 licenses they had for xp pro so Im trying to talk him out of a copy and a license key.

[Sports_Dude]

Didn't read your entire post since it was a bit long, but if you're interested, you can upgrade from elements to CS3 for $299 through Adobe.

[mattograph]

Its theft. They don't belong to him to sell, licenses are not to be resold. Call me a prude, but as much as I hate to do it sometimes, I try to play by the rules.

[Irreverent]

I'm 99% certain this is very fishy and totally illegitimate.

I was still in doubt while reading the frst portion of the email, but when it got to this section:

"I also have Photoshop Toolkits 1 & 2. This is a popular assortment of upgraded fonts, gradients, plug-ins and includes “Elements” and “Lightroom”. There is also a Web Templates DVD that makes it easy for anybody to create professional looking, business or personal website."


I became convinced this was dodgy. What Adobe product ships as a Photoshop Toolkit and includes Elements and Lightroom? Looks to me like someone has cobbled together a bunch of dodgy downloads from the internet and is now trying to sell them on.

[Anke]

This may or may not be legit. I work in printing and we buy our licenses in bulk. Get one disk and 100 licenses. One of our vendors is about to upgrade all his units to vista and they didnt use all their 1000 licenses they had for xp pro so Im trying to talk him out of a copy and a license key.

Hmm, not sure of the small print for bulk licensing but I'm sure they all have to be for the same company so you can't just flog them off to whoever you please? I'm only guessing so I hope someone can put me right here.

[Peano]

I'd love for someone to read her LONG response to me and tell me if this sounds like a deal or kooky and I should stay away.Stay away.

[Irreverent]

" I don't really want to be driving around, meeting strangers in parking lots, and it does take at least two hours to install the CS3 disc... So, if you will tell me a little about you and what you do….. I’ll consider shipping the discs to you first. It’s the only way I can think of to prove that the discs will work like I promise. But you have to PROMISE to send the payment to my mom and dad's Paypal account after you get it installed and up and running. That’s as fair as I can be… Hope to hear from you soon."

Lol. Am I the only person that thinks this sounds like a 15 year old trying desperately to make some holiday money?

"consider" shipping the discs to you first. Like it was ever their plan to actually meet you face to face.

[Meeko202]

yeah, I thought the shipping part was weird too, BUT then again I thought hey, there's a person who even wants me to try it before I pay. Not many people do that. But I'm also a person that forgets there's people out there lying! LOL

[Anke]

[quote=Irreverent;5978679]...But you have to PROMISE to send the payment to my mom and dad's Paypal account after you get it installed and up and running. That’s as fair as I can be… Hope to hear from you soon."....[quote]

That bit is hilarious!! :D

Its the old adage, if it sounds too good to be true, then it is. Run away!! :)

[Irreverent]

welcome to the forums, by the way :)

[Meeko202]

thank you! so glad to be among so many talented people! =)

[Headcase650]

Hmm, not sure of the small print for bulk licensing but I'm sure they all have to be for the same company so you can't just flog them off to whoever you please? I'm only guessing so I hope someone can put me right here.

It may against the fine print but I don't think its unethical. You pay upfront for the licenses, so the software company got its money. A new version comes out and your left with unused licenses. So what if you give a few away.

[mattograph]

It may against the fine print but I don't think its unethical. You pay upfront for the licenses, so the software company got its money. A new version comes out and your left with unused licenses. So what if you give a few away.

No offense, but it is totally unethical. The agreements for bulk licenses expressly state you CANNOT resell them -- they must be used by the customer for the stated purpose.

It never ceases to amaze me how a photographer, who lives in a world where you make a living off of your intellectual property, can justify the theft of someone elses. The folks at Adobe feel the same way about your train of thought that you would feel if I stole one of your images to use " just a few times".

[Headcase650]

No offense, but it is totally unethical. The agreements for bulk licenses expressly state you CANNOT resell them -- they must be used by the customer for the stated purpose.

It never ceases to amaze me how a photographer, who lives in a world where you make a living off of your intellectual property, can justify the theft of someone elses. The folks at Adobe feel the same way about your train of thought that you would feel if I stole one of your images to use " just a few times".

Its like telling a client. Your paying for 100 pictures and Im giving you a good deal but you can only hang them in your house and if you ever get new pictures to hang on the wall when you take my image down you cant give it to your mom. LOL

Theft is wrong. but once you buy something and the company gets it money its no longer theft if you give unused material away when you dont need them due to forced obsolescence. What if they sold off their old machines because they werent vista compatable and left XP loaded on the machine would you cry theft then.

Lets say 4 years ago you start your own company, buy 200 computers and call microsoft for XP pro licenses. The salesman says were having a special on 500 licenses and if you plan on growing your company its the best deal available and you agree. 4 years later you now have 400 computers and are still growing but you need to upgrade to vista but your machines wont run it. Now you have to order new machines and new Vista licenses. Your screwed on your machines, having to sell them off, your screwed on you 100 XP licenses you didnt use. I say so what If you give an unused license away microsoft got its money.

[Headcase650]

More than likely the OP is being scammed. If you want photoshop and you have a kid in school between kindergarten and collage log on to http://www.academicsuperstore.com/ and buy a copy for $300.

[Headcase650]

If you don't have a kid in school take a $30 yoga class at your local community collage, get a student IS and go get what ever software you want at the collage book store.

[mattograph]

Its like telling a client. Your paying for 100 pictures and Im giving you a good deal but you can only hang them in your house and if you ever get new pictures to hang on the wall when you take my image down you cant give it to your mom. LOL

Theft is wrong. but once you buy something and the company gets it money its no longer theft if you give unused material away when you dont need them due to forced obsolescence. What if they sold off their old machines because they werent vista compatable and left XP loaded on the machine would you cry theft then.

Lets say 4 years ago you start your own company, buy 200 computers and call microsoft for XP pro licenses. The salesman says were having a special on 500 licenses and if you plan on growing your company its the best deal available and you agree. 4 years later you now have 400 computers and are still growing but you need to upgrade to vista but your machines wont run it. Now you have to order new machines and new Vista licenses. Your screwed on your machines, having to sell them off, your screwed on you 100 XP licenses you didnt use. I say so what If you give an unused license away microsoft got its money.

I probably seem EXTREMELY simplistic, but a 4 year old poor business decision doesn't give someone the right to cheat someone else. Just don't do it. The logic of no one gets hurt usually is more accurately expressed as "no one you know gets hurt."

[René Damkot]

Didn't read your entire post since it was a bit long, but if you're interested, you can upgrade from elements to CS3 for $299 through Adobe.
This is the best advise.

Its like telling a client. Your paying for 100 pictures and Im giving you a good deal but you can only hang them in your house and if you ever get new pictures to hang on the wall when you take my image down you cant give it to your mom. LOL

Ever hear of licensing the use of an image: For instance it can be used for Point of Sale, but not for billboards? :rolleyes:

[Peano]

Theft is wrong. but once you buy something and the company gets it money its no longer theft if you give unused material away

When you buy Photoshop, you aren't buying the software. You're buying a license to use the software. Adobe owns the software. You are licensed to use it under conditions spelled out in the license agreement that you accept when you buy it. Do you see not what's wrong with entering into a contract and then unilaterally violating its terms?

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/7455/licensezh8.jpg

[-Douglas-]

I've ran a small business for years now.

put yourself in Adobe's shoes.

But, I am new to CS3. Right now I've only been using Elements but I think it's finally time to make the upgrade.

Another thing to consider: Adobe will more than likely be releasing CS4 soon or at least the beta (probably this fall)

[Headcase650]

I stand legally corrected. I guess next time I buy a used computer Ill have to format the hard drive and order all new software because I didn't legally buy any licenses myself. I cant believe eBay has been allowing used computers to be sold with software on them. The first time I used Photoshop was 6 yeas ago on a used computer I bought that had PS7 already on it I guess Ill have to send Abobe a check for another $600. Damn!

[mattograph]

I can't believe people actually sell computers WITHOUT reformatting the hard drive.

[René Damkot]

I can't believe people actually sell computers WITHOUT reformatting the hard drive.

+1.

[Peano]

I guess next time I buy a used computer Ill have to format the hard drive and order all new software because I didn't legally buy any licenses myself.


Instead of guessing, why not read the license agreements? So far you're 0 for 2 with guessing.