I consulted one of my gurus (Dave Whyatt of Limephusion - a useful contact if you are having PC problems) and he suggested I download the beta version of Office 2010. So I did.
Apart from a little hair-tearing as I trekked up the learning curve, all went well.
Then, a couple of weeks ago I received another Microsoft missive telling me my time was up and I would have to part with some money (£250 or thereabouts) within 72 hours or cease using their software. Making a mental note to comply, I went about my business. And forgot all about it.
About three days later, I opened up Outlook to find myself barred from entry; my emails drifting in and masked from view by Microsoft's bloody big notice.
Of course I was barred from all other parts of the package also. All was not lost however as I managed to pick up a copy of Office 2010 (brand new, shrink wrapped) for a mere £99 over at eBay.
After a bit more hair-tearing and guru assistance, I managed to install said package and get on with my stuff.
Now here is the interesting bit.
Along with all my other newly-accessible emails was one from Microsoft offering a 'click here to buy now' button for acquiring Office 2010 ( at their, price of course - see earlier).
But I had not received this email because Microsoft had locked me out of Outlook! Had they been a bit brighter, I would almost certainly have 'clicked here' just to save myself hassle.
Okay, my extra £100 or so will not make that much difference to profits - but how many other absent-minded beta users also bought elsewhere, so that other vendors copped a share of Microsoft's money?
Maybe if I contact Microsoft and point this out, they will buck their ideas up and give me a slice of the extra revenue? Probably not, so sod 'em.
