Comments on: Comments on 16991

Post number 16991

dobbs — Wed, 08 May 2002 16:04:08 -0800

Last week, Iambic registered the domain names Datebk5.com and Datebook5.com. However, Iambic does not make a product called Datebk. Pimlico Software, Iambic's closest competitor, does. (more inside)

By: dobbs

dobbs — Wed, 08 May 2002 16:07:22 -0800

With the recent discussions on MeFi of domain hijacking, I'm wondering what other members think of this business practice. As a registered user of one of Iambic's packages, I'm apalled. I've now deleted their software from my Visor, and will be purchasing my future date book software from Pimlico.

By: nprigoda

nprigoda — Wed, 08 May 2002 16:10:46 -0800

Maybe they are planning to acquire Pimlico? Which stock should I buy?

By: Su

Su — Wed, 08 May 2002 16:44:07 -0800

This isn't hijacking, first of all. It's laziness on Pimlico's part. On the other hand, Pimlico, should they want to, probably wouldn't have too much trouble taking this to court, and likely winning, especially considering a direct competitor is involved. If Iambic isn't taking them over, it's pretty obvious what's going on, but it's their own damn fault for not buying the domains when they had the chance, which would be a minimum of two years ago(they won an award in 2000 for Datebk). Now it'll cost them court fees and whatnot, instead of thirty or so bucks. As for you removing the Iambic software from your Visor, etc: Uh...WHY? Is the Pimlico software actually better? I don't think I've ever come across something like this. What do we call it, reverse brand loyalty? Business is cutthroat; here's your example. Another would be Adobe vs. Macromedia. I don't see all the people riled about their little fight deciding that they're going to drop Photoshop and switch to Fireworks. Your only real concern is which software package does what you want the way you want it to, after the companies are done ripping each others' throats out.

By: dobbs

dobbs — Wed, 08 May 2002 17:04:31 -0800

Su, Both packages work very well. My reason for switching is that I don't want to support a company who does things like this. To me, this is a shadey business practice and not one I want to encourage with my $. (I should note that up until a few days ago, the two domains redirected to Iambic's Action Names Datebook software, whereas now they are blank pages.) Sure, Pimlico could have registered the domains, and probably should have, but I don't believe that justifies Iambic's action. Your only real concern is which software package does what you want the way you want it to I do not agree. I think that a company's business practices should be taken into account when considering purchasing something they manufacture. Whether the company is Microsoft, Nike, McDonald's, or Iambic is irrelevant. If they're doing things with my $ that I don't agree with, how else can I voice my disaproval, other than switching to the competition?

By: quonsar

quonsar — Wed, 08 May 2002 17:41:27 -0800

right on dobbs. gates and ballmer have set the tone for business in the 21st century. ken lay and enron are just the tip of the iceberg. thieving, lying con men should go to jail, not on the cover of forbes.

By: kindall

kindall — Wed, 08 May 2002 17:47:57 -0800

But Iambic already has your money. Switching to the Datebk5 software won't say anything to Iambic. Datebk4 has been out a long time. If Pimlico wanted "Datebk4.com" to point to their site, they had ample time to make that happen, and it would have cost them all of $10. Presumably they also knew a lot longer than Iambic that there would eventually be a Datebk5 and could have registered that domain at any time, as well. That they didn't register either domain tells me that they either don't care, or else are not very good at marketing. Too bad they have competition, but that's what business is about. Of course, you are perfectly free to buy whichever software you choose for whatever reason you choose, but I don't know if I'd pick the company that seems to be a little slow on the takeup...

By: mecran01

mecran01 — Thu, 09 May 2002 06:57:00 -0800

Pimlico gives money to the gorillas!

By: mister e

mister e — Thu, 09 May 2002 07:07:00 -0800

Yeah Pimlico was slow and doesn't really have much to complain about. However, that fact that all profit Pimlico makes goes to charity makes Iambic's actions rather shady. BTW dobbs, simply by purchasing a Visor helps Pimlico because the builtin Datebook+ is really just a stripped down version of Datebk3.

By: dobbs

dobbs — Thu, 09 May 2002 12:31:41 -0800

hmm. you've all raised interesting points. however, maybe my motivations are not clear. Yeah Pimlico was slow and doesn't really have much to complain about. it is not pimlico that is complaining about what iambic did. it is me that is complaining. iambic's customer. saying business is cut throat is, to me, tantamount to people saying "life isn't fair." is that an excuse to lower ones personal (or business) standards and act on a level that is clearly underhanded? not in my book. But Iambic already has your money. Switching to the Datebk5 software won't say anything to Iambic. Iambic has my money for the previous release of Action Names. will they ever see another dime of my cash for an upgrade or any other product? no. instead, that upgrade money will go to pimlico. if you don't think that everyone who thought this a low move on iambic's part did the same wouldn't affect iambic's bottom line....

By: kindall

kindall — Thu, 09 May 2002 13:30:03 -0800

if you don't think that everyone who thought this a low move on iambic's part did the same wouldn't affect iambic's bottom line.... I doubt very much it will have any long-term effect at all on Iambic.