Koloroo products go “care-ware” i.e free
iPod and Mobile software developer Koloroo has decided to make its products free, or in their own words “careware”. Its products include Color Schemer (for Windows, iPod, and Mobile Phones) and Tip Calculator (for iPod).
What, exactly, is careware?
Careware is free Koloroo software … with one tiny catch — before you download it, you must agree to do something nice for someone. And it doesn’t matter how big or small your act of kindness is. ~ Koloroo
People are already reporting acts of kindness that they have done or plan to do on this page. It’s great that Koloroo came up with this kind of innovative way to give its products for free which promotes social responsibility. (i should have ended the post here)
Constructive Criticism of Koloroo
Koloroo has robust software development and user interface design skills. However, I think they are wasting their skills and efforts on the wrong products that do not make sense (i.e not really useful). For example, their color schemer software for iPod. How you are going to use it? It doesn’t make sense to have a color selection tool on your iPod. It’s not practical at all, and its application in real life would be like zero!
Few weeks ago they have developed a PC version of their color schemer. My question is “Why didn’t they start with the PC version from the beginning?!” Because at least PC version would have been useful to graphic designers.
I am pretty sure that Koloroo’s recent decision to make its products free was because they were not selling well, there was no demand for them. So, probably they thought “why sit on the products that do not make money, let’s give it away for free better!”.
Koloroo’s case is the opposite of FSCapture case. FSCapture started as a freeware in the beginning, but once it became popular the author suddenly wanted to make money on it. But then again that’s life… most of the thing revolves around money in this life.
Lesson: Anything you do (i.e projects) do it with long-term vision in mind. And of course, do your homework (i.e feasibility study) before you launch any product to the market.
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By PS3 on May 5, 2008
Careware sounds like a nice concept in theory but if you add the “it doesn’t matter how small”, then in reality people may abuse it.
I hope that isn’t the case of course.
By shawal on May 5, 2008
You have to be creative to known in nowadays internet world….
Creative thinking comes with creative income…
By Rice Blogger on May 5, 2008
i don’t find their software important….but it is a nice concept…wonder how they track if you have done something good
By Television on May 6, 2008
Looks like a pretty nice software.
By SEOrious Results on May 6, 2008
Glad you didn’t terminate the post when you “should’ve” as the points you raised are extremely valid.
If you can’t sell it, give it away for free and create a buzz around that. Thanks for pointing out this marketing ploy.
By David Marx on May 6, 2008
Cool example of damage control and turning something that has little value into a feel-good marketing ploy.
By hafreze on May 6, 2008
I found that it’s very useful for window’s platform. since I’m always having problem to find the suitable color scheme for my client, and this software is a good start for me to get the overall ideas of color. yet, as u said, I’m not sure the purpose of developing the tool for ipod, but who knows, someday it might be useful.
By Forumistan on May 6, 2008
Yep, it is a cool example of damage control.
By Nicole Price on May 6, 2008
I guess this careware idea is just a way to gain some brownie points and links over products that weren’t selling at all. A little benefit derived form a failing venture makes good business sense.
By Dining Tables on May 7, 2008
Could not agree more. The world is full of such inventions that are of no use to anyone, even when given away free!