6:44
Microsoft revokes Office 2019 perpetual licenses, then edits their website to gaslight customers.
Louis Rossmann
Overview
This video discusses Microsoft's decision to revoke perpetual licenses for Office 2019, specifically impacting its functionality for Mac users. The core issue highlighted is Microsoft's alleged alteration of its website to remove promises of continued functionality after support ended, a move the speaker characterizes as 'gaslighting.' The video contrasts this with how smaller companies might deceive customers, arguing that large corporations like Microsoft should employ more transparent, albeit still potentially deceptive, methods. It emphasizes the importance of archival websites like archive.org in holding companies accountable for changing terms after a sale and suggests that such actions could morally justify software piracy.
How was this?
Save this permanently with flashcards, quizzes, and AI chat
Chapters
- Microsoft initially sold Office 2019 as a perpetual license, implying long-term use.
- Support for Office 2019 has ended.
- Microsoft has now made Office 2019 applications non-functional for editing and saving.
- This change impacts users who paid for a perpetual license, rendering their software unusable for its core purpose.
This chapter explains the fundamental change in Microsoft's product lifecycle management that directly affects the value and usability of a previously purchased perpetual software license.
Users who paid for Office 2019 can no longer edit or save documents, effectively turning their purchased software into a read-only tool.
- A claim was made that Microsoft promised Office 2019 apps would continue to function after support ended.
- Investigation revealed that the current website text on Microsoft's support page does not contain this promise.
- Archival records from archive.org show the original text did indeed promise continued functionality.
- Microsoft appears to have updated the existing webpage without indicating an update, effectively erasing the prior promise.
This section details the alleged deceptive practice of altering online information to retroactively change the perceived terms of a sale, which erodes customer trust.
Microsoft's support page for Office 2019, when checked via archive.org, previously stated 'Rest assured that all of your Office 2019 apps will continue to function,' but this sentence is now absent from the live page.
- The expiration of a digital certificate is cited as a technical reason for Office 2019's reduced functionality.
- The speaker argues that renewing the certificate was a choice Microsoft made not to pursue.
- A distinction is drawn between the 'underhanded' but direct deception of small businesses and the more 'buttoned-up' or indirect deception expected from large corporations.
- Microsoft's actions are compared to a small company like DCS, which allegedly altered warranty terms without updating publication dates.
This chapter explores the methods companies use to mislead customers, differentiating between overt and subtle forms of deception and questioning the ethical standards of large tech firms.
Comparing Microsoft's website edit to DCS Batteries changing its warranty policy from requiring 80% capacity to 70% to deny claims, while keeping the original 'last updated' date.
- The speaker believes Microsoft's actions are unprofessional and justify piracy.
- Archive.org is praised for its role in preserving evidence of corporate changes and holding companies accountable.
- Consumers are encouraged to contribute to consumer rights wikis to create documented records of such incidents.
- The existence of a written record is valuable for sharing information and correcting potential inaccuracies.
This section highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and collective action in protecting consumer rights against corporate malfeasance.
The use of archive.org to prove that Microsoft changed its website text regarding Office 2019's continued functionality after the support end date.
Key takeaways
- Perpetual software licenses do not guarantee indefinite functionality, especially as support ends.
- Companies may alter website content to retroactively change the perceived terms of past sales.
- Archival websites are crucial tools for verifying historical claims and holding companies accountable.
- Deceptive practices by large corporations can manifest in subtle, 'dressed-up' ways, distinct from overt small-business scams.
- Eroding customer trust through perceived dishonesty can have significant repercussions on brand loyalty and public perception.
- Consumers have a role in documenting and sharing instances of corporate misconduct to foster collective awareness and action.
- The ethical implications of revoking functionality for paid-for perpetual licenses are a significant concern for consumers.
Key terms
Perpetual licenseOffice 2019Support end dateGaslightingWebsite alterationArchive.orgDigital certificateConsumer rightsCorporate accountabilityRead-only mode
Test your understanding
- What specific change did Microsoft make regarding Office 2019 perpetual licenses that caused user dissatisfaction?
- How did Microsoft allegedly alter its website, and why is this considered 'gaslighting'?
- What role does archive.org play in verifying claims about past company statements?
- How does the speaker differentiate between the deceptive tactics of large corporations and small businesses?
- What actions does the speaker suggest consumers take when encountering similar corporate practices?