JPPAGLIARO  Yes, but EmailCM handles multiple file selection, and is so much easier than typing a full file path. Although my utility "FlePathCM" can help out there:

http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities/FilePathCM.dmg

And note that both EmailCM and FilePathCM are part of my "Utility Bundle" where a donation of your choice activates all utilities listed here:

http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities.html

Okay, it's not free, but the minimum donation requested is only ten bucks. Updates are always free, and new products, like EmailCM, are always included.

And, as usual, many more features will be coming to EmailCM over tim. Suggestions very very welcome!

Ciao

Joe  
(Version 1.0)

JPPAGLIARO  Although it may be true that the same functionality is provided by the method you noted (which I have not verified, and often user feedback like yours is a bit misleading) please note that ImgCvrt is part of a bundle of software. Please visit my utilities page for all the details:

http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities.html

Ciao

Joe  
(Version 1.0.8)

JPPAGLIARO  Thank you MacUpdate Admin!  
(Version 1.1.7)

JPPAGLIARO  You seem to be full of hot air since you vent a lot of it over my product lately.

Seatubes is part of a large collection of programs that comprise my "Utilities Bundle" which you can visit here:

http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities.html

I only know how many people register the utilities, and not Seatubes specifically. Judging by indirect means, such as email correspondence, it's doing just fine.

Suffice it to say I have enough happy customers that I am pleased to be able to continue developing for the Mac community, which I wish you would join one day.

This is the last reply to anything you write here. It's like replying to a bag of air.  
(Version 1.1.7)

JPPAGLIARO  Thanks for your opinion, but I'll decide if the product is worth developing based on the user's who do use and support the product.

I can assure you I am not trying to rip anyone off, and a significant amount of time has been invested in Seatubes, which offers a novel approach to the basic task of collecting videos.

This last update, version 1.1.6, was in fact due to user requests, i.e. people who have registered and do in fact make use of the product on a regular basis. (I always try to implement user suggestions for all my products, not just Seatubes.)

I hope that you take a closer look at all the alternative forms that you refer to. You'll find they all have their own unique characteristics, advantages, faults and limitations. It is really a matter of preference and requirements.

Also, Seatubes is part of a large collection of programs that comprise my "Utilities Bundle." When you register Seatubes you are in effect registering to use all the utility programs at

http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities.html

I promote each utility independently because that helps to advertise and clarify the features of each. And many of them work well in tandem.  
(Version 1.1.6)

JPPAGLIARO  Thanks for the feedback. Both issues will be addressed in a soon to be released update, maybe version 1.0.8.

The suggestion made concerning username-password is actually already implemented in the application version of the program. The contextual menu presently uses the URL method simply for simplicity - although this user didn't seem to find it simple :-) As noted elsewhere the general format is:

ftp://:@/

The issue with the blocking of the Finder during an upload is of a technical nature which is being resolved. In the meantime please note that the present version has better support for console logging which can at least alleviate the uncertainty of progress during large uploads.

Although I appreciate the feedback, I don't of course appreciate the star rating of 2 out of 5, which I personally think is undeserved. But I guess I am biased being the developer :-)

Ciao.

Joe  
(Version 1.0.7)

JPPAGLIARO  Hello,

A products support for Windows should not be considered an asset for Mac users.

The Mac offers unique technology I choose to adapt and support because I love the Mac for its unmatched technology.

I only develop for the Mac, and have done so for the past ten plus years. And, I wouldn't dream of supporting dual platforms because that necessarily implies compromises which hurt the Mac user.

Joe  
(Version 1.9.30)

JPPAGLIARO  I think your ideas, from a programmatic viewpoint, are great, I really do. You seem to be a developer yourself. But, not everyone is, nor do they want to be or have time to be.

Automator is a wonder tool. But it, like AppleScript, is out of reach of some people who use a Mac because they don't have the time to construct Automator actions or workflows out of custom AppleScripts. It's not practical for them to do so.

Just like it isn't practical for me to starting farming and raising cattle because I want a "free" hamburger and salad with fries every now and then. :)  
(Version 1.0)

JPPAGLIARO  The AppleScript method is an alternative approach, I'll grant you that, and I am already familiar with that approach because I was using AppleScript myself.

However: it is much much much slower. In my tests the AppleScript approach takes from 2 to 4 times as long as my C program. This is significant when you are working with large collections of files. Why would you want to suffer people with the suggestion? (Not to mention the mechanics of getting it up and running!)

Second, I don't want the script menu enabled, and even if I did I don't necessarily want to move my mouse across my screen (which can be large) to get to it. I like contextual menus for the behavioral, as well as functional properties.

Also, this program is part of a large collection of programs I call the "Utilities Bundle" which are all activated when you make a variable amount payment. You can view these programs at the following location:

http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities.html

And finally, you'll notice I didn't give it an obvious name like HideShowExtensionCM. That's because I have other plans for it. It's only version 1, but it's still a good utility as is.  
(Version 1.0)

JPPAGLIARO  It does similar things, but these programs are are not identical.

For example, MoveCM has a "Put In Its Place" feature, which is unique.

Also, although this product is not free it is part of a large collection of programs called my "Utility Bundle." When you register you will receive a password that activates all programs here:

http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities.html

Upgrades to all is always free, and new products are always included.  
(Version 1.0.4)

JPPAGLIARO  LSDate has the option of displaying the value that will be copied to the clipboard, but your selected alternative does not (and also does not use the clipboard.) But I like the idea of adding such functionality to the services menu, as an alternative to using the clipboard as LSDate does. So I will consider adding that feature to LSDate.

Now, LSDate. although not freeware, is part of the Limit Point Software utilities bundle. That means when you make a donation you receive a key that activates all the utility software:

http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities.html

So you get much more than just LSDate. Upgrades to all is always free, and new products added to the bundle are always included!

I invite you to take a look.  
(Version 1.0.1)

JPPAGLIARO  I just saw your apology for accusing me of giving myself stars. Thanks; I never do that. (But actually I wasn't sure that you were accusing me of that, so I didn't even go there in my other comments.)

What I would prefer to do is solve your problem, or at least looking into it, and then you retracting your star rating, or at least being a bit more reasonable with a star rating.   
(Version 1.0.5)

JPPAGLIARO  One last thought: hanging is not the same as crashing, not necessarily. I've seen many users who lack patience for a computer doing heavy computing, and they just need to wait a bit longer, and find it works. In this case it may be more of a problem with optimizing the code. But once again, in this case I really can't say because we didn't have the opportunity to discuss the problem in more detail.  
(Version 1.0.5)

JPPAGLIARO  I certainly don't expect you to be my QA department, but having worked in software development (on my own, and at other companies) for as long as I have, I am well aware that for most products a decent number of bugs, usually commensurate with the size of the program of course, are always found by the end user and not QA. There are even bugs in Mac OS X that are not found until it goes public. Why do you think 10.5.1 was probably released so soon after 10.5?

However, it isn't feasible for me to test all possible data sources for a program like nView, so its always possible some data will throw it off balance. Maybe you found a genuine bug that I need to fix. But I don't know, you didn't send me a crash log, which is something I usually request in a technical support email session. So I have no idea what caused a crash, and I don't think you do either. You didn't give me a chance. Other people do use the program with success. I'm quite confident that had you shared your data with me I could have identified the problem and solved it.

All I am saying is that just slapping a 1 star review on it and sarcastically saying you'll donate $1 in sympathy is in fact rude. It would make more sense if you asked me to look at the situation, if you had any real interest in the program working for you.  
(Version 1.0.5)

JPPAGLIARO  If you would contact me by email I could probably offer some suggestions to help you. One thing that comes to mind is trying UTF-16. I don't see why you have to be so rude and give the program 1 star, that's pretty silly considering you didn't even contact me for technical support. I can't spend each day monitoring the feedback provided on MacUpdate for all my products. I generally only do that when I do updates, but even then it isn't the preferred way to conduct technical support for a product. The preferred way is via email, which I usually respond to promptly.

My email address is joe@limit-point.com, if you want to give it a try. Thanks.  
(Version 1.0.5)

JPPAGLIARO  Send me your email address and I will send you a password which extends the demo.

Joe  
(Version 1.0.7)

JPPAGLIARO  The iPhoto issue is being looked into. You might want to try this update which offers two different approaches to rotation, and one may work better than the other for iPhoto.  
(Version 1.0.7)

JPPAGLIARO  Thank you! Your suggestions will be added to the production notes for possible inclusion in an update.

Joe  
(Version 1.3)

JPPAGLIARO  Why are you giving me a definition of the word "buy" ? Because you want me to replace the word "donation" with it? I've covered this ground earlier on another response to you, i.e. my use of the term. It's fine that you don't agree with me on the usage. This world is full of people who don't agree with one another, right? However, I reiterate that I did actually agree with you on my usage of the term. Anyway, does it really matter? I think you are annoyed for some other reason. End of discussion.  
(Version 1.1.8)

JPPAGLIARO  Hello ZangieF,

You said: I'm sure there are quite a few people (such as myself) that can't pay for anything online because they're not 17 years of age or older.

My answer: Quite a few of my customers fall into this category. So upon request I accept payments by check or money order, or any other method they may offer. I try to be as flexible as possible.

You said: I don't want to engage in a flamewar, but consider: there are still more people in this world who are 17 years of age or older, but don't have $10 to spend on a piece of software. They barely have enough money for food, let alone something like this.

My answer: In the past I have made special arrangements to people who can provide a good reason I should consider a discount for them, or even donate a piece of software for free (such as to not for profit or teachers) due to financial hardship.

However, I ask you to consider this: I have a family and I have to support them as well as myself. This is my full time job. If I don't charge for the software I don't make money. Sorry, but I need money like everyone else.

Unfortunately we live in such a world where money is required to live and sustain a business. And that means to do so the products of that business must yield a net income. Most people are very pleased with my work, and in fact have told me that my porducts help them to be much more productive.

My utility suite of software has been designed to offer a collection of software with specific functionality and lacking "fearture bloat" at a very reasonable price. The remainder of my products are offered as part of numerous other types of bundles, usually bundling two items at a reduced cost. Overall I think my software is priced well, with a sufficient number of incentives ->

One major incentive: I don't charge for upgrades,ever. How many developers do that?

Another incentive: I am always very willing to provide implementations of feature requests, I do it all the time.

Final incentive: I provide technical support, within reasonable bounds, to anyone who has a problem with my software. My success rate of solving customer problems is almost 100% !

That's about all I have to say in this matter, and my policies are staying in place for the forseeable future.

Joe  
(Version 1.1.8)

JPPAGLIARO  Hi Sergius,

Sorry, I guess you were not the one who gave the 2 start rating. But hoepfully that person sees the request.

By the way, the primary purpose of a reference movie is to save space because a copy of the movie data is not stored in the combined movie. This can be quite relevent when the components are very large.

The secodary purpose is that a reference movie is created much more quickly and can be used to test the resultant movie.

I realize the problem this creates, however, and I have on occasion created such movies only to find them broken at some future time because I deleted the originals :-)

The best things I suppose would be to write a short "Getting Started" guide. But, it has also been my experience, based on other software I have authored, that that doesn't always work either. But I'll try it when I get a chance to update the product again.

Hope this helps.

Joe  
(Version 1.3.8)

JPPAGLIARO  Hi Sergius.

I appreciate you sharing your opinion on reference movies. The interesting thing is that the feature was added, in the form it is, in response to user feedback.

It's truly hard to decide on such issues without adequate user testing and then basing the decision on statistical evidence. This type of testing, unfortuantely, is presently beyond the scope of my abilities and I have to rely on user feedback such as yours.

In this case I agree with you that a self contained movie (or "flattened" movie) may be more appropriate in most curcumstances and I will consider changing the default in the next version.

I hope you consider removing your uniform 2 star rating of the product. Thanks.

Joe  
(Version 1.3.8)

JPPAGLIARO  The primary purpose would be to have a "copy" of a folder on another volume, which is either remote or removable. The idea is that this "copy" has virtually no memory footprint, yet retains much of the file information of the original, in particular its structure and Finder file information, including Spotlight comments, file types, names, modification dates, etc.

However, use it for whetever purpose you like :-)  
(Version 1.1.8)

JPPAGLIARO  One more thing, I'd like to clarify the term "donation" as I use it. When I began the utilities they were unlocked via a password I provided when a user made a "donation" in the usual sense of the word. However, I was obtaining donations in ridiculous amounts such as 1 cent, or even 1 dollar.

I can't affford to maintain all the utilities without receiving adequate compensation. Therefore what I decided was I would continue to offer the utilities as a bundle, but provide a key to unlock them as long as a payment was made in a choice in the following amounts (as of this date): $10, $15, $20 and $25.

Since the amount is variable I continued to call it a donation, despite it being enforced. I realize that the usage of the word is not conventional, but in my opinion that's a moot issue. If you like the software and find it useful I think it is only fair that you pay something. If you don't then don't :-)

And finally there are plenty of people who seem to agree with me bacause they ARE in fact making donations in the amounts available. And I am very grateful for that, and because of that the utilities bundle is growing in size, and constantly maintained with updates and new features.

Joe  
(Version 1.1.8)

JPPAGLIARO  Sorry for the confusion you have, but here's the situation:

A) I don't maintain Softpedia's database, they do (unlock MacUpdate or VersionTracker where I actively maintain my listings.) They reviewed the product a long time ago when it was free. So you should file your complaint with them about that matter.

B) My products consist of standalone applications, and others which are part of a Utilities bundle. The Utilities bundle is clearly defined here:

http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities.html

The utilities only include products on this page, and does not include Touvaly. All utilities are unlocked and registered via a single donation in the amount described above.

C) Since Touvaly is NOT a utility it has a separate price of its own, and is not registered via a donation.

D) ALL Limit Point Software products, whether standalone or utility come with a fully functional trial period that lasts at least 10 days.

I hope this clarifies the situation, and hopefully you see that I am clearly well defining how Touvaly is categorized.

Thanks.  
(Version 1.1.8)

JPPAGLIARO  So the feature difference = Free ? Is that what your saying?

First, Seatubes is part of a bundle of software I offer:

http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities.html

So you get more than just Seatubes when you pay for registering it. A lot more!

Second, although the other product is free, they ask for donations, and you should make one if you like it so much. So you really shouldn't consider it free. They worked as hard on that as I did on this, and I don't see what's wrong with expecting some compensation.

Finally, these products have the same goals, but their architecture is different, and their features set is not identical.  
(Version 1.1.4)

JPPAGLIARO  DropImageURL is a "Staff Pick" at Apple.

See:

http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/index_sp.html  
(Version 1.0.5)

JPPAGLIARO  Thanks for the nice review!  
(Version 1.0.2)

JPPAGLIARO  Hello,

I am very sorry for your problems with the program, but mail servers are trying to combat spamming, and I believe that this is frequenty the problem with getting a mailing to work sometimes.

In this case I made numerous attempts via email to help you. I suppose you became disgruntled when my responses were not spontaneous enough :-) But more often than not users are quite satisifed with my reponse time.

Finally I'd like to point out that the program is certainly ready for prime time, having many satisfied users, and has been in existence for 3 years.

Your attempt to drive people away from using it by writing this review is unfortunate, because a lot of work went into Mailings in that 3 year period, and more is yet to come.

Joe  
(Version 1.9.26)

JPPAGLIARO  Hi,

Thanks so much for the feedback. I am working on this problem. I use Blue Crab myself, so I know how annoying it can be to need to start a download from scratch under certain circumstances.

However, that said, please note that Blue Crab can save its settings in configuration files, and that one setting in particular can help here. It is called "check file modification dates" on the "Grabber" pane of a configuration. If you sleect that option Blue Crab will only download resources like PDFs, images, movies, etc. if they have changed since the prior downoload. This does not affect the downloading of HTML or relinking, so there is still an overhead to re-starting a download.

I hope this helps.  
(Version 4.9.3)

JPPAGLIARO  Why don't you share one?  
(Version 1.0.6)

JPPAGLIARO  Please email me with specific options you'd like to see.

Mt email address is: joe@limit-point.com

Thanks!  
(Version 1.0.6)

JPPAGLIARO  Hi Tice,

As version 1.01 exhibits I have plans for MoveCM that aren't included in that other program. I hope that these programs can compliment one another, and I don't want to reproduce its feature set. If you have any suggestions for features please let me know at:

joe@limit-point.com

Thanks!  
(Version 1.0.1)

JPPAGLIARO  Hell JAMACAL,

Thank you! I have several ideas for future updates. If you want to share any of your own, please contact me at:

joe@limit-point.com

And this offer, of course, is being made to all others as well. Thanks.  
(Version 1.0.1)

JPPAGLIARO  As I explained previously the way the "move" operation works is via an AppleScript that says "tell Finder move file xxx to file yyy"

Therefore if this is really a copy on your system there seems to be a bug in AppleScript :-)

If you would contact me via email perhaps we can get this resolved. It's hard to resolve the issue via this feedback channel on MacUpdate.

Finally, no one else has reported this problem to me, and it certainly isn't occurring on any of my machines, running various OSes. But I do believe you. So please contact me at:

joe@limit-point.com

if you want to help solve the problem. Maybe I can implement another mechanism for the move. Thanks!  
(Version 1.0.1)

JPPAGLIARO  Yes, you should certainly report your problems to me, the developer. That's because in this case there is a simple solution to your problem, and the two star rating is undeserved. Moreover, I am highly responsive to emails from users. Let me explain:

QuickTime movies can be created as "reference" movies or "self contained" movies. A reference movie does not store the data of all the joined movies in the resultant movie. You typically create reference movies because they save space.

A self contained movie, on the other hand does store all the movie data of each movie inside the generated movie. This will of course result in a larger movie file, but it will be independent of the files that were used to create it, i.e. if you delete them the joined movie still plays.

By default AddMovie creates reference movies to save space. But you can change that easily. Just open the Preferences window, by selecting "Preferences..." in the AddMovie menu and select the option to create a self contained movie. That should solve your problem.

I hope you consider retracting your rating should you find that this is the solution to your problem, as you most likely will.  
(Version 1.3.3)

JPPAGLIARO  Hi,

Yes, QuickAccess does perform the same move operation. The current differences, from the MoveCM side is, so far as I can see is:

a) A system preference pane is used to specify options, as opposed to an application (which is accessible from the MoveCM menu)

b) There is an option to display the path to the folder, and not use its name in the menu. (Menu item names will be editable eventually)

c) One less menu level to navigate to perform the move. The whole menu is simpler, with just a "move" operation.

I often write software because I want it, and I like using what I write as opposed to someone else's. I figured it would make a nice addition to my Utilities suite at:

http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities.html

So that's why I posted it. MoveCM is only at version 1.0, and there is more to come. Thanks for the feedback.  
(Version 1.0)

JPPAGLIARO  Wonderful idea! I'll put that in the next update. Thank you for sharing your idea!

Joe  
(Version 1.0.2)

JPPAGLIARO  I agree, but the functionality is provided as a contextual menu, and therefore lacks a user interface. Thus, no alerts are possible.

I am considering replacing that with a "move to trash" operation instead, maybe as an option. Problem is that specifying options for a CM again requires a UI, and hence the need to create a preference pane for it.

Joe  
(Version 1.0.2)

JPPAGLIARO  Okay, so I just updated DropImageURL so that it can output into various graphic file formats: TIFF, BMP, JPEG, PNG, PICT, Photoshop, QuickTime, MacPaint and JPEG2000.

I also added a preferences window for configuring various other options:

1) You can specify a scale factor as a percentage.

2) You can specify an output directory

3) You can opt to have the comment set to the URL being imaged

4) You can have the program automatically open the generated file, or select it in the Finder.

I also added some items to the Dock menu for

1) accessing preferences

2) imaging the frontmost window of your web browser.

I have numerous other features on the queue, but I am open to suggestions!

:->  
(Version 1.0)

JPPAGLIARO  ore features coming, especially other image formats.

Upgrades always free.

Registration unlocks ALL Limit Point Software utilities.  
(Version 1.0)

JPPAGLIARO  It's not free. But IPSentinelStatus is part of the Limit Point Software Utilties bundle. One registration key unlocks all the utilities, including IPSentinelStatus. Visit:

http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities.html

for more details, and to see the other utilities presently available.

Also, all upgrades are always free!  
(Version 1.0.7)

JPPAGLIARO  This ability to see the external IP has been added to version 1.0.7. In that version the external IP address appears in the menu itself (as an option.)  
(Version 1.0.7)

JPPAGLIARO  Picture Switcher is not free, the developer is asking $30 for it.  
(Version 1.1)

JPPAGLIARO  Lets' see, according to wikipedia:

"Apples and oranges" refers to the idiom "comparing apples and oranges" or "apples to oranges", which is used to indicate that two items or groups of items have not been validly compared. The idiom evokes the apparent differences between items which are popularly thought to be incomparable or incommensurable, such as apples and oranges. The idiom may also be used to indicate that a false analogy has been made between two items, such as where an "apple" is faulted for not being a good "orange." Conversely, where the comparison or analogy is valid, the idiom will usually take the form "comparing apples with apples".

I used it because in my opinion a comparision is being made between this program and "rolling your own" or using some time consuming method like searching for URLs in a browser activity log.

One could also solve partial differential equations by hand, but why not use a numerical package or a sophisticated program like Mathematica instead. What's the point you are trying to make?

What also amuses me is how people like you find the time to write caustic "reviews" or comments like this. Don't you have anything better to do?  
(Version 1.0.9)

JPPAGLIARO  Seatubes is just one program in the Limit Point Software Utilities Bundle.

See: http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities.html for a complete listing of the included software.

When you donate you receive a password which unlocks ALL the software indefinitely (not just Seatubes,) including free upgrades to all.  
(Version 1.0.6)

JPPAGLIARO  Likewise, it never ceases to amaze this developer how people like you compare apples and oranges.

Programs like Seatubes are meant to facilitate the manual operation you describe, especially when you want to perform a batch download.

Programs that simply a workflow are usually worth a small price to pay.  
(Version 1.0.6)

JPPAGLIARO  That's a nice idea. Thanks.

(The program currently uses your default web browser.)  
(Version 1.0.1)

JPPAGLIARO  Yes, CheckOff is a nice application. But its functionality and goal is different from MenuMinder, and it is not a competing product.

The objective of MenuMinder is to alert you at specifc times when you should do something using an alert and optionally an email notice.   
(Version 1.0)

JPPAGLIARO  That is on the way, as well as other features, of course. This is version 1.0.  
(Version 1.0)

JPPAGLIARO  Some users were complaining of sluggish text field's in the Configuration editor. The cause was:

The current browser URL is displayed in certain menu items of the "Grab" menu. As it turns out keyboard processing is related to menu updating, unfortunately, and that caused an overhead when the program was checking for the current URL in the your browser as characters were being typed into certain text fields of the program.

This has been fixed by adding an option in Preferences to display full menu items in the "Grab" menu. This option is off by default. To edit the option select "Preferences..." from the Blue Crab menu, and then select the "Behavior" pane.

Turn the option on by selecting the "Show full titles in "Grab current web page" menu items.  
(Version 4.9)

JPPAGLIARO  Update: The problem with the sluggish text fields that some users were witnessing has been resolved in version 4.9.1.  
(Version 4.9)

JPPAGLIARO  I did a bit of reviewing on MacUpdate of the product you say does the "same thing" as Seatubes. The reviews for that product indicate that either it doesn't work well, or it doesn't simplify the task of downloading the movies - namely because it doesn't determine the URL for you - which is the more difficult part. You apparently need to use Safari to find the URL.  
(Version 1.0.5)

JPPAGLIARO  Thanks for recommending Icon2Image, another update is coming shortly.

As for the continuing debate regarding Picture Switcher and PictureSwitch... (the similarity of names is peculiar. But if you look at the version history on VersionTracker you'll see PictureSwitch came out first.)

First, I am not going to knock the other product because I don't believe in downgrading the hard work of people, especially to promote my stuff. But, they aren't the same. Personally I think he/she should charge money for the product. And, I think the whole debate here boils down to the idea of free software, which I rarely believe in.

PictureSwitch hasn't been updated for a while because I am not the one who wrote it and the author has been busy at school. But the author of it has resumed development of the product and with my help and suggestions I suspect that the product will reveal some tempting features in the future. And as I said upgrades are always free, so anyone who likes the current features better, such as the display of the image in the menu, will receive them without needing to dole out more money.

Finally, the product is bundled with some other software. Interested users just need to visit the PictureSwtich home page to see what they are.   
(Version 1.1)

JPPAGLIARO  I have tested PictureSwitch on several machines, PPC and Intel, going back to Mac OS X 10.3.9 and have not witnessed the problem with the desktop picture not changing.

The program has been in use by many other people,none of which seem to have this problem, and it was just reveiwed on Softonic which gave it 4 out of 5 stars. Over at VersionTracker that latest version received a 5/5 star rating.

Technical issues are best handled by personal email, so email us and maybe we can help you resolve this issue.  
(Version 1.1)

JPPAGLIARO  With no intention to detract from a comparable program, a noticeable, and major difference between the two is that PictureSwitch displays the image inside the menu, but the alternative program requires you to view the images in a separate window to preview them, i.e. as does the System Preference pane.  
(Version 1.1)

JPPAGLIARO  Sorry you feel that way.

Now, if you go to the order page at Kagi you'll see that if you bundle PictureSwitch with some other programs you'll receive a discount.

For example, if you buy Blue Crab and PictureSwitch you'll receive a discount of about $5.00.

Also, upgrades to ALL programs at Limit Point Software are always free.  
(Version 1.1)

JPPAGLIARO  Thank you, thank you! At last :-)

Version 1.0.5 was a nice update, with a scheduling feature I had planned from the start.  
(Version 1.0.5)

JPPAGLIARO  Oh, how's that?  
(Version 1.0.4)

JPPAGLIARO  The fee for the program actually provides access to ALL of my utility programs listed at:

http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities.html

not just QuitsApps. In other words, it's part of the "Utilities Bundle." Maybe the demo alert screen doesn't make that clear, but I think the Utilities page does. Maybe there's something else there you'd find useful?

Surely you can't be insulted that I cahrge a one time fee that unlocks so much software, especially when I don't even charge for upgrades to any of my software, even the software which isn't part of the Utilities package.  
(Version 1.0.4)

JPPAGLIARO  Well, if it's needless to provide any rationale for your statements because they're so obvious, then why would it be necessary for you to make any comments in the first place? I'd think that would be equally obvious to the so called "impartial observer," which your obviously not, implying no rationale for making them at all. You're just annoyed with this program and have to vent your emotions publicly. But why? I mean, why do you care to do that? What motivates you to do that? It just amazes me.  
(Version 1.0.4)

JPPAGLIARO  Hi John,

What's the point of a "review" when you don't substantiate it with any legitimate viewpoints on the specific features you call crap?

What's pointless to you may well be worthwhile to someone else.

Joe  
(Version 1.0.4)

JPPAGLIARO  Well, I don't consider your review "real" for a few reasons, which boil down to a sense of unfairness I have about it. I'll point out some of them:

First of all your star rating is highly suspcious. For example, you give stability a 1 star rating yet didn't provide any examples of how the program is unstable. The other ratings also seem a bit harsh. I think that people who give 1 star overall ratings are likely being unfair.

Then you list your problems with the program, the first of which was the startup window. Restricting demo programs in such ways is common practice, and I don't think it warrants mention in a "review." When real reviewers want to use the program I usually provide a free password so that the window isn't a usiance and they can conduct their experiements without the window displaying.

You also don't point out what specific sites you had trouble with, at least in a personal email to me. If you had then I could at least determine if there is indeed a problem that needs to be addressed or not. I'm just curious about why you won't send me the URL of the websites that are causing you problems. Perhaps I can offer a suggestion on how to get it to work better on those sites, or resolve a possible bug in the program, if one exists. The web is a big place, and I know there are sites that don't work as well as others. But I find it hard to believe that Blue Crab doesn't do as well as others on your sites. And until you can prove me wrong I can't change my opinion on that. But if you can then I will openly admit I was wrong ;-)

As for the sluggish text field, I do know that there was once an issue of that nature, fixed a long time ago. I'd like to know what version of Blue Crab you are using to be sure you have that fix, because I am not receiving problem reports from others of that nature.

Finally, and most importantly, most real reviews provide the pros and cons of each program, not just the one they are seemingly trying to knock. It seems to me that your "review" is more of a means to another end.  
(Version 4.8.9)

JPPAGLIARO  Correct, I am not witnessing the text field problem you are describing, nor have I received reports from other users of the problem. I test Blue Crab personally on several computers, ranging from PPC to Intel, but I'll look into it anyway.

As for the countdown window that displays when the program is in demo mode: it's to remind you that the program is in fully functional demo mode, and to advise you how many days are left in the demo, when it will expire by date, as well as information on how to register the product.

As for price, all upgrades are always free, as is technical support. (Also, Blue Crab provides features the MANY other the programs you referenced don't have.)

I'd like to take a look at the website you say Blue Crab could not download. Please send me the URL so I can take alook. In most cases users find that Blue Crab is one of the most complete downloaders, often finding pages the others don't. Moreover, it's relinking mechanism on dynamic websites, such as those using PHP, for offline navigation, is much better: you'll find far fewer missing links.

On top of that Blue Crab offers many features that your "initial impression" probably missed. Features all the other programs lack. I should send you some "real" reviews of Blue Crab, in published magazines, that do true side by side comparisons, and Blue Crab always comes out on top in features.

As for the user interface and behavior. I agree that the user interface is in ways non-intuitive. It's an old program whose interface will be getting an overhaul in due time. But that issue becomes moot as you use the program, and learn the correct way to use it.

Finally, I suggest that you take a look at the Blue Crab Tour on my website to help you get started. It's linked in the Help menu of the program. It provides information on using configurations, and other tips. (By the way, the "Version History" is a good way to see the features which have been added over the past year ort so.  
(Version 4.8.9)

JPPAGLIARO  I have a strong suspicion that you didn't set up the program properly, and that's why you had such bad results. In effect you broke it, probably by creating a configuration that led to no download.

Most users find the exact opposite, that Blue Crab is far more accurate when downloading websites than any of the other programs you mentioned.  
(Version 4.8.9)

JPPAGLIARO  Version 3.0 was not released publicly on May 23, 2007. A preliminary version was briefly posted to the website and someone seemed to have inadvertantly grabbed it.

However, Version 3.0 is being prepared for release, and it is hoped that when it is available it will resolve all of the issues that some users have mentioned here, which we are concerned about.

Sorry for any inconvenience.  
(Version 3.0)

JPPAGLIARO  I'm sure the alternative tools you are referring to are well suited to similar tasks. But even if those alternatives require as little as twice the amount of time or effort it's worth considering a more convenient option like Icon2Image.

For example, you mention that you need to trim off the icon name using one of your tools. This is not necessary with Icon2Image. And what if you wanted to process mulitple icons at once? With Icon2Image you can select multiple items in the Finder and process them all together, i.e. batch process them.

With your free tools, can you rely on technical support and continual updates? Often times you can't (and you did seem surprised I came back with a response so soon, indicative of my constant attention to what I am doing.)

I consider Icon2Image one of my best programs, and if you browse my website, http://www.limit-point.com, you'll see I've written quite a few programs. So there's no doubt I will continue to provide updates to it. I use it all the time.

But, if you review the history of comments here on MacUpdate you'll notice, and it's quite funny, that almost every update I post ellicits a comment or review like yours, i.e. sort of acknowledging or hinting the product is good, but you want it for free, and the pricing is the most outrageous thing you've seen. So you'll write a comment pointing out supposed alternatives, which usually turn out to be a vatsly different entities than what is described, or unsupported tools that haven't been updated for 5 years or so. It's crazy.

Please note, however, I always offer updates for free, for all my software.  
(Version 1.1.9)

JPPAGLIARO  Thanks for the 3/5 stars, but...

It's just your opinion that this software is 100% useless. Didn't you read the review which preceeds yours? That person, along with many others, don't seem to agree with that. It makes me wonder if you really tried the program or not.

You're comparing software programs which are of different types. The primary advantage of Icon2Image is that it is a contextual menu, not an application. This can simpify your workflow dramatically.

For example. Suppose you want to get a 128x128 image of an application icon. With your method, you probably first have to change the Finder option to view the window with icons sizes set at 128x128. Then you need to launch an application to take a screenshot.Now come some of the problems:

a) Does the screen shot you just took preserve the transparency that resides inside the icns file?

b) Is the screenshot exactly 128x128, or do you have to open it in an image editor to trim it?

c) How easy is it to change the selected output format of the image?

Icon2Image makes this process much easier since it is a contextual menu in the Finder. All you need to do is control-click on the application and make a menu selection - and the image of the icon is generated in whetever format you like, with transparency for image types that support it.

Selecting the image size with Icon2Image is trivial. It's pretty much just another menu selection from the contextual menu.

On top of all this, Icon2Image does more than just generate images from icons. For example, it can add custom icons to image and movie files (using the movies poster frame.) It also works in the opposite direction, i.e. it makes icons from image data.

Finally, if you read the current description of the product on MacUpdate you'll have noticed that IU am offering the program at half-price for a limited time.  
(Version 1.1.9)

JPPAGLIARO  Oh, by the way. You seem to think I don't put serious work into my utilities, so why don't you go look at the reviews for my other utility, AddMovie, over here:

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/22667/addmovie

Seems some people disagree with you. Then maybe you can jump off the QuitsApps heckler bandwagon :-)  
(Version 1.0.3)

JPPAGLIARO  I have done that. I also wrote Mailings and Blue Crab, among other apps, which you can find on the same website all these utilities exist on . Those are full-featured applications, which the utilities are not meant to be.

Why are you so annoyed that someone is trying to make money? Don't you?

Once you register one utility you have access to ALL of them. And I charge no upgrade fee for ANY of my programs. I even let you pick your price.

Rather than publicize the trvial fault of the program like deactivated menu items, why not send me a constructve email to notify me? That's what many other people do, and then I fix the faults. You know why. In fact, had you sent me an email, judging by the date of this review of yours, I could have had that fixed for version 1.0.3. Next one.  
(Version 1.0.3)

JPPAGLIARO  Version 1.1.7 provides the option to not "flatten" movies, so that the joined movies may be referenced or self-contained.  
(Version 1.1.6)

JPPAGLIARO  Look closer, and you'll see that a "donation" of a minimal amount unlocks all (currently 25) applications available on the page you visited.

Applications like "AddMovie," "TransformMovie," "Miana," "WordDump" and many more.

This is just version 1.0 of QuitsApps. I have a lot planned for it, including functionality that goes beyond the scope implied by the name.

And, all upgrades to everything is FREE.

So, semantics here are silly.  
(Version 1.0)

JPPAGLIARO  All registered users feel the way you do, judging by the email I receive. So thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on MacUpdate!  
(Version 1.1.8)

JPPAGLIARO  First of all, you have to be careful when you use the term "same." McDonald's and Burger King can be consdiered the same because the both primarily deal with hamburgers, but they are hardly the same :-)

Second, there are many other programs that do this, such as TubeSock, numerous websites, even ways to find direct links using Safari. If you're going to point out alternatives, why don't you endeavor to be a bit more thorough, and point out all of them? This way it's fair.

Thanks,

Joe  
(Version 1.0.2)

JPPAGLIARO  I addressed most of your issues in version 1.1.4. In this version I:

• Added a side drawer window for viewing items in the file list.

• Added a "Browse" button to the file list window to display a file navigation window for selecting files to add to the list. This is provided as an alternative to drag and drop.

• Added a "Browse" menu item to the File meu to display a file navigation window for selecting files to add to the list. This is provided as an alternative to drag and drop.

• When a collection of files is added to the file list at once it is sorted as the Finder does. (To sort the complete list as the Finder does click the "Sort" button.)

As for why successive use of the program did not work for you I'd have to discuss that with you offline. Playback issues could be caused by the movie viewer your using.  
(Version 1.1.3)

JPPAGLIARO  I will be adding the ability to add movies to the file list using the a file menu command.

The issue with the name of the "Add" button has been considered before - I'll take your suggestions into consideration.

The feature for previewing movies has also been added to the wish list in the past, haven't yet had time to get to that for other tasks, etc.

Also, the sort issue has come up previously and I will again consider it, especially the suggestion you provided.

Finally, if the program crashed on you (which may be different from hanging) please send the crash log

Thanks for the feedback, but not for the 2-star rating :)  
(Version 1.1.3)

JPPAGLIARO  Hi,

Yes, these issues will be resolved in the next update.

Joe  
(Version 1.0.1)

JPPAGLIARO  In version 1.0.1 you can now name the files either using the video ID or the title. Also, you can specify the save location. Use Preferences to do that.

Joe  
(Version 1.0.1)

JPPAGLIARO  This is no longer the case in version 1.0.1.   
(Version 1.0.1)

JPPAGLIARO  Hi,

Thanks for the star rating and feedback - remember, it's only version 1 :-)  
(Version 1.0)

JPPAGLIARO  Hello,

I added a progress bar, with cancel button, for length operations to version 1.0.7.

Joe  
(Version 1.0.6)

JPPAGLIARO  From what I understand, reading a review on that program, it requires launching the full-blown CD application, as well as the Dashboard - which can be a large overhead for many people.

The FTPortal contextual menu sends the file internally, launching no other application and goes away as soon as you let go of your mouse.

The FTPortal application versions are nice because they can exist as icons on your desktop, or dock, each named appropriately to distinguish it by server and directory.  
(Version 1.0.3)

JPPAGLIARO  Thanks for clarifying.

But of course I, as the sole author of the program, the one who knows the work involved in the creation of it, and the one who supports it, still stand by my opinion that the price is right for most.

Some, like yourself, want to pay less, yet there are others who would even pay more.

Anyway, I have a lot of work to do so I can't keep debating this. Have a good holiday!

Joe  
(Version 1.1.5)

JPPAGLIARO  It doesn't seem to me that either program you mention can perform the same operations as Touvaly, based on their descriptions on MacUpdate.

Are you saying that either of these program can re-create a file hierarchy as a collection of files with identical hierarchy but having no content?

The idea here is that the collection of files Touvaly creates is identical to the original collection except that each file has no data in the data fork, in order to reduce the memory footprint of the collection. (There is an option to preserve the resource fork, which may be desirable under various circumstances.) The result is a collection you can still search, say with Spotlight, and then find and open the original easily - which may reside elsewhere of course.

Sorry, but I am doubtful that you understand what Touvaly does, and that concerns me only because you are comparing it with other programs to judge the pricing.  
(Version 1.1.5)

JPPAGLIARO  Please consider that there are no upgrade fees for any of my products. Once you register all upgrades to the program are free. So, for example, users who have registered in the past now get a much speedier program for free with the current update.

Other things to note:

• Educational discounts are available

• Quantity discounts are available through Kagi

• Bundles are available

Finally, the program is regularly maintained and improved, a lot of time has been invested in it. Also, technical support is free too! All in all I think $25 is a pretty good deal :-)

Joe  
(Version 1.1.5)

JPPAGLIARO  Hi,

Doing a "man at" in Terminl on Mac OS X to find information on this command gives:

"at, batch, atq, atrm are all disabled by default on Mac OS X. Each of these commands depend on the execution of atrun(8) which has been dis-abled due to power management concerns. Those who would like to use these commands, must first (as root) re-enable atrun by running:

launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.atrun.plist"

which seems to imply a possible implication when the computer is sleeping. Do you know if these commands work when the system is asleep? This is the issue this update to LaunchOnTime addressed.

Anyway, more enhancments to the program are planned and constructive feedback is welcome! Thanks, Joe.  
(Version 1.0.2)

JPPAGLIARO  I wasn't being testy, I was joking with you.

It seemed funny to me that someone would suggest that my adding a price tag to something I've worked hard on is uncalled for.

I don't charge upgrade fees on any of my products, so it's a one time fee only.

Finally, Touvaly is in active development, and I have several great things planned for it!  
(Version 1.1.2)

JPPAGLIARO  The popularity of the program demands that I spend more time on maintaining and improving it - that costs money.

By the way, do you work for free?

Joe  
(Version 1.1.1)

JPPAGLIARO  Version 1.0.1 supports multiple FTP servers (say for more than one website as you needed.)

Error logging is displayed by selecting "Console Log" from the file menu. Did you try that? If it's still a problem contact me and I'll try to enhance error handling further.

Thanks for the feedback!

Joe  
(Version 1.0)

JPPAGLIARO  You requested:

"Would love to see more preferences to structure and name the output files in the future."

I am open to suggestions on how to rename files. One option I am considering is to append date and time.

I am not sure what you mean by "structure." Do you mean a method for specifying where to put them?

You can contact me directly by email : joe@limit-point.com if you prefer.

Thanks for your comments.

Joe  
(Version 1.0)

JPPAGLIARO  Thanks for your ideas! I'll get these features in an update.

Joe  
(Version 1.0.3)

JPPAGLIARO  Yes, I agree with you. A toolbar would be nice for all the items! I'll add that in a future update. Thanks for your feedback.

Joe  
(Version 1.0.1)

JPPAGLIARO  Hi,

Mailings does indeed support the sending of plain text and html using multi-part mime.

The feature is called a "Plain text alternative" which can be added to any HTML based email using the "Open message editor..." button at the top of a Mailer window.

After you click that pop-up select "Plain text alternative" and type your plain text message into the text field.

The message you enter will be included in the email message as a new mime part.

Joe  
(Version 1.6.3)

JPPAGLIARO  The demo is free, it's unrestricted and time limited to ten days.

If you like the features of the program you can register it for $5.  
(Version 1.1)

JPPAGLIARO  The problem with TextEdit, and your other programs which exhibit the same behavior, does not occur with all programs.

If you launch TextEdit as root from Chalaut and then open Activity Monitor you will see that the program is running as root. I suspect that TextEdit is performing its own check using the current logged in user.

For example, the problem does not occur with Safari.  
(Version 1.0.1)

JPPAGLIARO  The software archive now includes a contextual menu plugin which can also be used to launch apps as root.  
(Version 1.0)

JPPAGLIARO  A future version of Chalaut will have a contextual menu. Thanks for the feedback!  
(Version 1.0)

JOE PAGLIARO  Icon2Image is a contexual menu in the Finder, not a standalone application.

This simplifies workflow since it's conveniently available and conversions between icons and images is performed usually in just one step or two. Then it's out of your way.

I've been checking out the alternative (yes, free) products, and most of them don't seem to be contextual menus. I think these tasks are perfect for a contextual menu - and that's why I work on it.

Did you try it before you wrote your anonymous comment?   
(Version 1.0.9)

JOE PAGLIARO  Iconverter provides many similar features, yet Icon2Image is not an application but rather a contextual menu which makes it much more convenient and readily accessible o some people.You access its functions from a menu in the Finder, and then it goes away.  
(Version 1.0.9)

JOE PAGLIARO  You don't back up your comment with any specific information so it is not too useful. Can you please provide more information on how the features of Icon2Image can be reproduced by Graphic Converter? Thanks!

Even if the feature set is identical, Icon2Image is different because it provides all its functionality conveniently from a lightweight contextual menu in the Finder, and not as an application.  
(Version 1.0.9)

JOE PAGLIARO  Filename collisions will be handled in an update soon.

I'm thinking of appending something to a duplicate name (before any extension) to make it unique, so that the two files may reside in the same place.

Thanks for your feedback!  
(Version 1.0)

JOE PAGLIARO  Touvaly 1.0.3 introduces the ability to copy Finder comments on files (a future version will address directories, which for certain reasons was not as easy to come by.)  
(Version 1.0.3)

JOE PAGLIARO  No, adding comments can certainly be done, but with the expense of more time to process. I'll try to get it in as an option in the next update. It's a good idea, and thanks for posting the feedback.  
(Version 1.0.2)

JOE PAGLIARO  I don't think the app is crashing. It quits by default. You can change that using preferences.  
(Version 1.0.4)

JOE PAGLIARO  The program, by default, quits after it processes the folder. You can change that using preferences.

If you don't want to set the date to the current date, then launch it first, set the date using the preferences, and then drop a folder on it.  
(Version 1.0.3)

JOE PAGLIARO  1. Does this also copy meta data used by Spotlight?

Meta data is stored inside a file, and a pseudo copy has no contents at all, so the meta data is lost.

2. WHat happens if you burn these psudo files to a CD & then copy them back to another computer or store them on a network? Is all info retained? I would guess most of it would be but I'm not an expert on meta data.

All the file attributes (such as type, creator, dates) should be retained. Pseudo files are real files - they just don't have any data in them.  
(Version 1.0.2)

JOE PAGLIARO  Nice idea! I'll get it in a future release. 1.0.2 is almost ready. If it's not in 1.0.2, then probably 1.0.3.  
(Version 1.0.1)

JOE PAGLIARO  Hi arvid: I just posted version 1.0.1 - it fixes the problem you're having with incomplete scanning.

(Thanks for your comments on Touvaly.)  
(Version 1.0)

JOE PAGLIARO  The crash bug has been fixed, and you can now drop files and folders on the application window as well as on the application (which does not need to be running first).

Thanks again for the info.  
(Version 1.0.2)

JOE PAGLIARO  Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try to get them in the next update.  
(Version 1.0.1)

JOE PAGLIARO  A similar product is "Blue Crab": http://www.limit-point.com/BlueCrab/BlueCrab.dmg  
(Version 2.3)

JOE PAGLIARO  If possible could you please send me a crash log? That often helps locate the problem. Crash logs are located at

Home > Library > Logs > CrashReporter > Fluggel.crash.log

Please send it to me at: joe@limit-point.com

Thanks.  
(Version 1.0)

JOE PAGLIARO  Thanks for the comment. The ability to specify your own date will be implemented, along with other similar utilities.  
(Version 1.0)

JOE PAGLIARO  I realize that this could be a tool for spammers, but that is not its intention. As a developer I intend to use it to notify registered users of important software updates.  
(Version 1.2.4)